John Bolton Proposes Controversial ‘Three-State Solution’ for Palestine
John Bolton has proposed a controversial “three-state solution” for Palestine, advocating for Gaza’s return to Egyptian sovereignty and a division of the West Bank between Israel and Jordan. He argues this shift is necessary for Israel’s security and Palestinian economic improvement. Bolton criticizes the lack of a strategic plan in U.S. approaches and calls for reform in managing Palestinian refugee status, diverging from the traditional two-state narrative supported by the U.S.
John Bolton has ignited debate by advocating for a “three-state solution” to the Palestinian issue, suggesting a departure from the traditional two-state approach. This strategy involves transferring the Gaza Strip to Egyptian control and splitting the West Bank between Israel and Jordan. In his article in The Telegraph, Bolton contends that the U.S. needs a coherent strategy for Gaza that addresses both security for Israel and economic prospects for Palestinians.
The controversy intensified when Bolton referenced comments from former President Donald Trump regarding U.S. military involvement in Gaza. Trump had hinted at possibly using military force during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, though the White House distanced itself from these claims. Bolton asserts that Trump’s remarks indicate a serious idea of U.S. governance in Gaza, albeit not necessarily involving military action.
Bolton criticized the notion of U.S. control over Gaza, asserting that it lacks a strategic and political foundation. He likened it to a prior suggestion for North Korea’s beaches, stating, “If that idea seemed absurd in North Korea, it becomes even more dangerous in Gaza due to the deteriorating security situation there.” He warned that ongoing ceasefires and prisoner exchanges could allow Hamas to regain strength, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Israeli military operations.
Furthermore, Bolton regards Gaza as a “historical accident” from the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1948, suggesting it lacks the necessary economic viability for independence. He argues for dismantling the UNRWA, proposing the transfer of responsibility for Palestinian refugees to the UNHCR, which would manage their status according to global norms. Bolton believes this could potentially improve future resolutions for refugees.
Bolton concludes that despite the contentious nature of Trump’s statements, they may prompt critical discussions about Gaza’s future. He emphasizes the need to move past outdated frameworks, asserting that maintaining the current situation is unbeneficial for all parties involved. However, both Egypt and Jordan reject responsibilities for Gaza or the West Bank, illustrating the complexities of regional dynamics. Moreover, Bolton’s views diverge from the official U.S. position, which professes a commitment to the two-state solution as the main avenue for resolving the conflict.
John Bolton’s proposal for a three-state solution highlights a significant shift in the discourse surrounding Gaza and the West Bank. By suggesting Egyptian control over Gaza and a divided West Bank, Bolton raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current U.S. strategies and the role of international agencies in addressing Palestinian issues. However, both Jordan and Egypt firmly oppose such proposals, reinforcing the challenges that remain in finding viable solutions to the longstanding conflict.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
