Kerry: If There’s Only One State, Israel ‘Can Either Be Jewish, or Democratic,’ Both Sides Reinforce Stereotypes

During a speech on Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry stated that “if the choice is one state, Israel can either be Jewish, or democratic. It cannot be both, and it won’t ever really be at peace.”

Kerry said that “There are a similar number of Jews and Palestinians living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. They have a choice. They can choose to live together in one state, or they can separate into two states. But here is a fundamental reality, if the choice is one state, Israel can either be Jewish, or democratic. It cannot be both, and it won’t ever really be at peace. Moreover, the Palestinians will never fully realize their vast potential, in a homeland of their own, with a one-state solution. Now, most on both sides understand this basic choice.”

Kerry continued that polls show strong support for a two-state solution “in theory. They just don’t believe that it can happen. After decades of conflict, many no longer see the other side as people, only as threats and enemies. Both sides continue to push a narrative that plays to peoples’ fears, and reinforces the worst stereotypes, rather than working to change perceptions, and build up belief in the possibility of peace.”

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