Fayyad’s Resignation Sign of Urgent Need for Diplomatic Progress

J Street regrets the resignation this weekend of Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad, who made such significant contributions to the cause of peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. His commitment to non-violence, building the institutions of Palestinian statehood, good governance and rooting out corruption will be sorely missed.

His achievements were ultimately not enough to bring about the Palestinian state that he envisioned. His departure should send a clear message to American and Israeli policymakers about the limits of institution building and economic development without parallel progress toward freedom and independence through a political process.

Fayyad’s departure is also a sign of the urgency of making diplomatic progress now toward achieving a two-state solution. Precious little time remains to work with pragmatic Palestinian leaders who still believe in a two-state solution and in achieving independence through non-violence and negotiations.