Cyclical Violence Is Laying the Groundwork for an Israeli-Palestinian Unity State

Israelis and Palestinians are embroiled in yet another cycle of violence. This latest round, however, is more part of a long-term trend that is seeing Israel unintentionally build its own path toward a unity state that integrates at least some of the Palestinian territories. Though many steps still need to be taken before this scenario plays out, the formation of such a state -- which the international community, led by the United States and Europe, could very well impose -- is becoming increasingly likely amid Israel's continued settlement expansions in the West Bank, along with Israeli and Palestinian disinterest in a peace process....