On this special podcast episode we are sharing the opening statements from the Munk Debate on the Two-State Solution which took place on December 3rd in front of an audience of 3,000 people at Toronto’s Meridian Hall.

The debate resolution was Be it resolved, it is in Israel’s interest to support a two-state solution

Arguing in favour of the resolution was former Israeli prime minister, finance minister, and mayor of Jerusalem, Ehud Olmert. His debate partner was Tzipi Livni, who served as Israel's justice and foreign minister and the country's chief peace negotiator in 2008 and 2014. Arguing against the resolution was the celebrated historian, former Israeli ambassador to the United States and deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Michael Oren. His debate partner was Ayelet Shaked, who most recently served as Israel's justice minister and minister of the interior.

As with all our live Munk Debates, the audience voted on this resolution prior to hearing the debate. Initially, 67% of attendees voted in favour of the debate motion, and 33% voted against.

We did another poll after the debate to find out how many people had changed their minds once they listened to arguments from both sides.

If you would like to watch or listen to the full debate go to www.munkdebates.com