A negotiated peace is the only possible conclusion to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Lewis '48 told an audience of about 100 in a speech at Hillel last night.

While admitting that he is normally somewhat optimistic, the New York Times columnist said Israel "could and should find resolution with Palestine and all its Arab neighbors."

Describing recent Israeli-Palestinian developments as astonishing, Lewis condemned backlashes against the Middle East peace process.

"There is no decent alternative to negotiations and compromise," Lewis said.

Lewis said much of the conflict in Israel's 48-year history stems from unrealistic refusals to compromise, initially by the Palestinians and more recently by the Israelis.

In the last few years, however, both groups have begun to take what Lewis called a "position of realism," understanding that compromise is essential.

"Just as Israel is here to stay, so is Palestine here to stay," Lewis said.

"Realism," he said, "is the beginning of wisdom."

Referring to the recent assassination of Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin, Lewis denounced fundamentalists on both sides. He warned of the "bloody consequences" which often result when sacred texts are taken too literally.

After his remarks, Lewis fielded questions from the audience. Asked if he thinks Republican presidential candidate Patrick J. Buchanan is anti-Semitic, Lewis said he agreed with conservative columnist William F. Buckley Jr., who wrote that the issue is difficult to determine.

Still, Lewis said that he "cannot clear Mr. Buchanan of the charge of anti-Semitism."

Audience reaction to Lewis' speech was generally positive.

"[Lewis'] talk was refreshing," said Stephanie P. Wexler '97, who is a Crimson editor. "He seemed very honest and upfront about what is ultimately going to happen."

Lewis' two Pulitzer Prizes came in 1955 and 1963. He won his first Pulitzer for national reporting at the Daily News, and claimed his second as the New York Times' Supreme Court correspondent. He currently writes two columns each week for the Times.

Last night's speech was sponsored by the Hillel Forum, which hosts various speakers throughout the year to "promote an intellectual environment at Hillel," said co-chair Guy Maytal '97