The future Israeli-Palestinian relationship

In this concept paper, the Joint Working Group on Israeli-Palestinian Relat ions - a group of influential Palestinians and Israelis that has been meeti ng periodically since 1994 to discuss final-status issues in the Israeli-Pa lestinian negotiations - explores the future relationship between the two s ocieties after the signing of a peace agreement. The paper considers a rela tionship based on total separation between the two societies and states as neither realistic nor desirable. Instead, it envisages a future relationshi p based on mutually beneficial cooperation in many spheres, conducive to st able peace, sustainable development, and ultimate reconciliation. The basis for such a relationship must be laid in the process and outcome of the fin al-status negotiations and in the patterns of cooperation established on th e ground. Efforts at cooperation and reconciliation cannot be pursued apart from thei r political context. The paper argues that the only feasible political arra ngement on which a cooperative relationship can be built is a two-state sol ution, establishing a genuinely independent Palestinian state alongside of Israel. The resolution of final-status issues must be consistent with the s overeignty, viability, and security of both states. The paper then proceeds to describe several models for the relationship bet ween the two states and societies. It advocates a model of close cooperatio n, but proposes that this relationship be built in stages. The scope and sp eed of expanding and institutionalizing cooperative activities must be dete rmined by experience - by the extent to which such activities meet the need s of both parties, enhance mutual trust, and reduce inequalities between th e parties. Finally, the paper discusses three avenues for promoting a cooperative rela tionship based on equality, reciprocal benefit, and mutual trust and respec t: the development of functional ties and civil-society institutions across national borders; programs directed toward attitude change and stereotype reduction; and efforts to close the economic and political gap between the two societies.