After decades of failed negotiations and a rapidly shifting reality on the ground, is it time to rethink the framework for peace?

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Yossi Mekelberg (Chatham House, University of Roehampton) to explore the idea of an Israeli–Palestinian confederation — a model that seeks to reconcile the increasingly entrenched one-state reality with the enduring need for two states.

Drawing on decades of research and policy engagement, Yossi examines why past peace efforts have stalled, what has changed since Oslo, and whether a new political structure could offer a more realistic path forward.

In this episode, we explore:

Why the traditional two-state model is becoming harder to implement
The “one-state reality” on the ground — and what it means in practice
What an Israeli–Palestinian confederation could look like
How shared governance, open borders and joint institutions might function
The role of settlements, refugees, and Jerusalem in any future agreement
Why trust, reconciliation and public buy-in are essential to any solution
Whether political leadership — on either side — is capable of delivering change

Key takeaways

The status quo is unsustainable: The current trajectory is worsening conditions on the ground and making traditional solutions harder to achieve.
A confederation bridges realities: It attempts to combine two-state principles with the lived reality of deep territorial and demographic entanglement.
Reciprocity is key: Any viable solution must balance rights — including for settlers and refugees — in a way both sides can accept.
Peace is not just technical: Political agreements alone are not enough — rebuilding trust and humanising the “other” is essential.
Leadership matters — but so do people: Change may depend as much on public pressure and shifting narratives as on formal negotiations.

📣 About the speaker

Professor Yossi Mekelberg is an associate fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House and a guest professor at the University of Roehampton. His expertise spans Middle East politics, Israeli politics, and the peace process.

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