In the recent, post-Oslo Accord years, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been primarily discussed in terms of two solutions: the Two-State Solution or the One-State Solution. However, Israeli professor Dr. Mordechai Kedar proposes a unique alternative known as the Eight-State Solution or United Palestinian Emirates.

Dr. Kedar, drawing on his expertise in Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, challenges the notion that the size of a state determines its success. He highlights the tribal nature of the Palestinians and suggests dividing Judea and Samaria into eight separate "Emirates" governed by influential Palestinian families already present in those areas. These cities, including Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarem, Qalqilya, Jericho, and Bethlehem, would become independent City-States, while Gaza would remain a separate independent state due to its demographic differences.

Former #IDF colonel Prof. Mordechai Kedar talks #ISIS, #Iran and ‘Palestinian emirates’ https://t.co/D3KW8zCBdT pic.twitter.com/lYLsYpf57i

— Canadian Jewish News (@TheCJN) February 17, 2016

Dr. Kedar's manifesto goes beyond ideology and presents practical reasons for Israel's reluctance to establish a unified Palestinian State by ceding Judea and Samaria. He emphasizes security concerns, including the potential escalation of threats from Iran and Iraq. He also points out the importance of underground water reserves in Judea and Samaria, which significantly contribute to Israel's water supply. Furthermore, Dr. Kedar highlights the failures of Pan-Arabism in the region, drawing parallels between the approach of the Palestinian Authority and the downfall of other Pan-Arab governments such as Syria, Iraq, and Libya.

According to Dr. Kedar, the success of a state depends on socioeconomic freedom and prosperity. He believes that his emirates plan offers this potential if there is cooperation among the emirates, neighboring City-States, and the Israeli government. Dr. Kedar argues that if these entities persist in waging war against Israel, their economies and social structures will crumble due to a lack of trade and partnerships with neighboring states. He also suggests that the United Arab Emirates' experience in managing successful emirates under a joint leadership board could provide valuable insights for the long-term success of his plan.

ד"ר מרדכי קידר.אומות ערב ושלום?!
כאשר אמירויות ביקשו שלום,מיד הצטרפנו! pic.twitter.com/u3jHWN43HI

— אסתר שובל (@Ety_Sho) December 29, 2021

Dr. Kedar's proposal includes the legitimate annexation of the rural areas of Judea and Samaria by Israel. This would allow the current residents under the Palestinian Authority to choose between Israeli citizenship, permanent residency, or relocation to one of the nearby emirates, enabling them to enjoy the benefits associated with their choice.

The solution presented by Dr. Kedar, rooted in Arab traditional governance, has the potential to be applied to other regions in the Middle East, rectifying the arbitrary borders drawn by the British and French after World War I. These borders imposed Western concepts of nationalism on diverse Arab clans and ethnic groups to serve the interests of colonial powers.

"לחסל את אוסלו ולהקים אמירויות ביו"ש": מרדכי קידר מגיב ל'עסקת המאה' של טראמפ
לראיון המלא >> https://t.co/iyWMxS0dAc pic.twitter.com/GK5AU6XPnR

— עכשיו 14 (@Now14Israel) February 26, 2019

It may be time for the Palestinian cause to shift away from Pan-Arabism and recognize the reality and diversity within the "Palestinian Territories." Dr. Kedar's solution not only addresses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also offers a practical approach to "decolonize" the failed states within the region from Western influence, allowing individual Arab tribes to thrive and if they wish to cooperate with a broader confederation of Arab States.

Editor' Note: The Judean seeks to provide a platform for Dr. Kedar and other experts to further educate the public about practical and logical ideas that can contribute to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.