The two-state solution is a "strategic and security threat to Israel," former head of Shin Bet Yoram Cohen said at the Makor Rishon conference in Sderot on Tuesday.
"On the one hand, we witnessed the monstrous infrastructure that developed in the years after Israel's departure from the Gaza Strip and its brutality.
"On the other hand, over the years, we became aware of the chronic weakness of the Palestinian Authority, and especially the lack of governance in the cities and Palestinian refugee camps and the lack of willingness and ability to effectively fight terrorism," he stated.
The "one country" idea "is equally dangerous, for the national interests of the State of Israel," he continued.
"In my understanding, we are required to take calculated steps for maximum separation from the Gaza Strip and gradual functional separation from the Palestinians in Judea and Samaria while defining a maximum future goal in the form of 'autonomy plus.'"
President calls for an administration authority for Israel's North
President Isaac Herzog also spoke at the conference, calling "for an administration authority to be established in the North, exactly like what we have in the South."
"As soon as it is possible, we must allow a gradual return of residents to the communities in the North."
Minister-without-portfolio Benny Gantz also attended the conference and spoke on the post-war plan for the Gaza Strip. "Establishing a regional international administration for Gaza is an operational necessity now and a future political solution," he noted.
"Establishing a front that will suppress Iran is an integral part of victory," he added.