Portrait of Isaac Herzog
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Isaac Herzog on Two State Solution

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TL;DR

Isaac Herzog now believes the two-state solution is not viable under current circumstances following the October 7th attack.

Key Points

  • He explicitly stated in January 2025 that progressing the two-state solution is currently impossible due to the security situation following the October 7 attack.

  • As opposition leader, he previously proposed a security-focused plan that included completing the West Bank security barrier and discussing future status after a period of quiet.

  • He believes that discussions focusing on regional normalization with Arab nations, which include the Palestinian issue, make more sense to him currently than immediate statehood talks.

Summary

Isaac Herzog, the Israeli President, has expressed that his prior support for the two-state solution has been shaken by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. While he had previously supported the concept as the only viable resolution, he stated in January 2025 that under the current realities and Israeli public sentiment, progress on the two-state solution is impossible. He emphasized that Israelis need to see tangible security guarantees and a rejection of terror before any movement toward establishing a Palestinian state could be considered realistic.

Previously, when serving as opposition leader, he outlined a plan involving the completion of the security barrier around settlement blocs and transferring civilian control to the Palestinian Authority, while the Israeli Defense Forces would retain overall security control in the West Bank. He suggested that after a period of quiet, further discussions could occur, indicating a pragmatic, security-first approach that suggested the borders were already partly drawn. His current focus shifts toward regional normalization with Arab nations, with the Palestinian issue as a focal point within those broader discussions.

Key Quotes

At this time there is no way we can progress even one iota

The two-state solution is not viable under the current circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions

Isaac Herzog currently states that the two-state solution is not viable under the current circumstances, citing the national trauma from the October 7 attack. He feels that Israelis must first see significant progress on security before such a solution can be realistically pursued. His stance has visibly shifted from past support following the recent major security event.

No, Isaac Herzog has not always held his current reservations. He was on record supporting the two-state solution for many years, having previously headed the left-wing Labor party. However, he described the October 7 attack as a definitive 'wake-up call' that changed his view of its immediate feasibility.

When expressing doubt about the immediate viability, he suggested that a more sensible path forward involves engaging in dialogue with neighboring Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, with the Palestinian issue as a focal point. Previously, he had a security-centered plan involving completing the security barrier and transferring civil control to Palestinians while maintaining Israeli security oversight.