"Unfortunately, judging by my own experience… I do not see the possibility of reaching a durable peace in my lifetime and I intend to live a bit longer," Yaalon, 64, said at a strategic conference in the Israeli city of Herzliya.
The minister reiterated that instead of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel should create an environment for peaceful coexistence of both nations in the occupied West Bank.
"Maybe we need to find a realistic modus vivendi instead of aiming for unrealistic goals, which would only undermine the stability…,” the minister said, adding that if there were no Israeli troops in the West Bank, the territory would be seized by jihadist groups.
Palestinians seek the diplomatic recognition of their independent state on territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, currently partially occupied by Israel, and the Gaza Strip. Israel, however, continues to illegally erect buildings in the occupied territories.
Attempts to settle the conflict have repeatedly failed, with the most recent 2014 round of peace talks between Israel and Palestine bringing no tangible results.
