The Complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in Crimea and the West Bank

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This chapter explores the historical background of Crimea's transfer to Ukraine and Russia's annexation, drawing parallels with Israel's claim to the West Bank. It delves into the complexities of Israel's borders, occupation of the West Bank, self-governing arrangements for Palestinians, security concerns, settler violence, and challenges faced by both Israelis and Palestinians. The conversation highlights the nuances of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, addressing issues of self-determination, security, humanitarian concerns, and responses to terrorist activities.

To international law expert Eugene Kontorovich of George Mason University, all the arguments that make Israel out to be an occupying force collapse under the weight of a single, simple fact: A country cannot occupy territory to which it has a legal claim. Listen as Kontorovich speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the legal issues surrounding occupation as well as the moral issues of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians. They also discuss the crazy-quilt legal environment of jurisdiction in the West Bank in the aftermath of the Oslo Accords of 1993. Finally, they explore the likely outcomes of current proposals for a Palestinian state in the West Bank.