7-Year Middle East Peace Plan

As a presidential candidate, I would prioritize a comprehensive 7-year peace plan for the Middle East, focusing on a sustainable and equitable solution. The plan would be developed in consultation with regional stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Key Components:

1. Foundational Principles:
   • Recognize the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and sovereignty.
   • Emphasize the importance of mutual respect, trust-building, and cooperation.
   • Acknowledge the historical injustices and ongoing challenges faced by both sides.
2. Political Framework:
   • Establish a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel.
   • Define borders, Jerusalem’s status, and security arrangements through negotiations.
   • Ensure the Palestinian state has territorial contiguity, economic viability, and effective governance.
3. Economic Development:
   • Launch a comprehensive economic development program, focusing on:
     • Infrastructure development (transportation, energy, water).
     • Private sector investment and job creation.
     • Social welfare and poverty reduction initiatives.
   • Establish a regional economic zone, promoting trade and cooperation between Israel, Palestine, and neighboring countries.
4. Security and Confidence-Building Measures:
   • Implement a phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces from occupied territories.
   • Establish a robust security regime, including:
     • International monitoring and verification mechanisms.
     • Joint Israeli-Palestinian security committees.
     • Training and capacity-building programs for Palestinian security forces.
5. Humanitarian and Reconstruction Efforts:
   • Provide humanitarian assistance to affected populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons.
   • Support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Gaza and the West Bank.
   • Encourage international donor support and coordination.
6. International Engagement and Verification:
   • Engage with the international community, including the United Nations, European Union, and Arab League, to secure diplomatic support and verification mechanisms.
   • Establish a high-level international advisory board to monitor progress and provide guidance.

Vatican Sign-Off

To demonstrate the plan’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation, I would engage with the Vatican to secure their endorsement and participation. This would involve:

1. Dialogue and Consultation: Regular consultations with Vatican officials, including the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Holy See’s diplomatic corps.
2. Joint Statements and Declarations: Issuance of joint statements and declarations emphasizing the importance of peace, coexistence, and religious tolerance in the Middle East.
3. Vatican Representation: Invitation of Vatican representatives to participate in key peace negotiations and conferences, serving as observers and mediators.

By pursuing a 7-year peace plan for the Middle East, with the Vatican’s endorsement and participation, I believe we can create a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful region, benefiting both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the international community at large.