Trump Declares Two-State Solution Dead: A Seismic Shift in Middle East Diplomacy

In a significant re-evaluation of one of the most enduring proposals for peace in the Middle East, former President Donald Trump has publicly stated that the long-sought two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is no longer viable. Speaking on a conservative podcast, Trump declared that the pathway to peace through two separate states is simply “not going to work,” marking a pronounced departure from his administration’s previous, albeit ambiguous, stance.

During his time in the White House, Trump often touted the possibility of a “deal of the century” but notably refrained from explicitly endorsing the traditional two-state framework.

His recent comments indicate an even stronger conviction that the complexities of the conflict, particularly in the wake of the October 7th attacks, have rendered this diplomatic solution obsolete. “You have two sides that are truly ingrained. They hate each other so badly. They’re never going to get together,” Trump asserted, painting a stark picture of intractable animosity.

This hardened position aligns with the views of figures close to Trump, such as his former Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman.

Friedman, a staunch supporter of Israel, has publicly argued that the October 7th events fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape, demonstrating that Israel’s security necessitates “ultimate security control” over the West Bank. This perspective fundamentally challenges the notion of Palestinian self-determination within a contiguous state.

Trump’s remarks stand in sharp contrast to the Biden administration, which continues to advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace.

President Biden and his top diplomats have consistently reiterated their commitment to this framework, emphasizing the need for a sovereign Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. This divergence highlights a potential chasm in U.S. foreign policy regarding one of the world’s most volatile regions, should Trump return to office.

The former president’s evolving stance reflects a growing sentiment among some conservatives and within certain segments of the pro-Israel community that the two-state solution is an outdated or unachievable ideal.

He characterized the path forward as “too complex,” underscoring the deep-seated historical grievances and security concerns that have plagued the region for decades. The challenge remains immense: how to foster peace and stability when core proposals are increasingly dismissed as impractical or impossible by key international actors.