Clinton Pitches ‘Two-State Solution’ at AIPAC

“I have laid out a plan to take the fight to ISIS from the air, on the ground with local forces, and online, where they recruit and inspire. Our goal cannot be to contain ISIS, we must defeat ISIS. (Applause) And here is a third choice; will we keep working toward a negotiated peace or lose forever the goal of two states for two peoples? Despite many setbacks, I remain convinced that peace with security is possible, and that it is the only way to guarantee Israel’s long-term survival as a strong Jewish and Democratic state. (Applause) 

It may be difficult to imagine progress in this current climate when many Israelis doubt that a willing and capable partner for peace even exists. But inaction cannot be an option. Israelis deserve a security homeland for the Jewish people. Palestinians should be able to govern themselves in their own state, in peace and dignity. And only a negotiated two-state agreement can provide those outcomes. (Applause) 

If we look at the broader regional context, converging interests between Israel and key Arab states, could make it possible to promote progress on the Israeli/Palestinian issue. Israelis and Palestinians could contribute toward greater cooperation between Israel and Arabs. I know how hard all of this is. I remember what it took just to convene Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas for the three sessions of direct face-to-face peace talks in 2010 that I presided over. But Israelis and Palestinians cannot give up on the hope of peace, that will only make it harder later. 

All of us need to look for opportunities to create the conditions for progress, including by taking positive actions that can rebuild trust. Like the recent constructive meetings between the Israeli and Palestinian finance ministers aiming to help bolster the Palestinian economy, or the daily on the ground security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian authority.”