Recent Israeli proposals for a “non-sovereign” and divided Palestinian state across 50% of all Palestinian territories is a willful neglect of the legitimacy of Palestinian rights and an ill-timed attempt that undermines any possible chances for a genuine and lasting peace in the region. Moreover, the proposals compliment Israel’s obscene formula of 50-40-10, which calls for full Palestinian control over 50% of the occupied territories, 40% to be further negotiated, and a 10% annexation by Israel, including Jerusalem.

The proposal, which Israeli officials brought forward during the latest round of talks with the Palestinians, aims to sever the potential Palestinian state across the Northern and Southern parts of the West Bank, in addition to the Gaza Strip. This “scenario” aims to maintain Israeli sovereignty over Israeli settlements in the West Bank, an element altogether detrimental to the sustainability of any final status peace agreement.

Israel must realize that there is no way out, no alternative to the implementation of a “full” withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories, thus, no choice but to fulfill the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 242.

Attempts by Israel to minimize and distort the territorial rights of the Palestinians are a reflection of its shortsightedness and irresponsibility in its conduct of the peace process. Time is running short, deadlines for a final peace deal are looming, and a firm commitment by Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territories is essential. Israel’s indecent proposals will find no takers among the Palestinians.