A group of Democratic congressmen are circulating a letter on Capitol Hill for signatures in support of the two-state solution, expressing support for the White Houses efforts and egged on President Barack Obama to continue seeking resolution to the decades-old conflict.
The effort is led by Reps. Bill Delahunt (D-MA), Ron Kind (D-WI), David Price (D-NC), and Vic Snyder (D-AR). The lawmakers cite comments from Gen. David Patraeus and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barack who call for a resolution to the conflict that is in Israel’s national security interests as well as the interests of the United States, including to stifle anti-American sentiments.
The lawmakers write:
“As legislators tasked with safeguarding America’s security – and as friends of Israel committed to our ally’s survival and prosperity – we share the views of these decorated military leaders and urge you to continue your strong efforts to bring U.S. leadership to bear in moving the parties toward a negotiated two-state solution. A just and sustainable end to this conflict will not only secure Israel’s future as a democratic, Jewish homeland – it will also enhance our ability to confront the threats posed by Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other actors in the Middle East, and advance critical U.S. security interests in the region more broadly.”
This letter mirrors one sent earlier this year by hundreds of Members of Congress, urging the Obama administration to support Israel. That letter was spearheaded by AIPAC and was a direct rebuttal to recent clashes between the White House and Israeli leaders, particularly over settlements and construction in East Jerusalem.
However, in recent weeks the tension has died down somewhat, with the White House issuing a very kind statement on Israeli independence day. Further, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a kind video message in commemoration of the independence and last night the State Department put out a joyful picture of Clinton and Barak, with both laughing. National Security Adviser Jim Jones also gave a very supportive speech of Israel earlier this month at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
What caused this recent flurry of support for Israel in the administration? It could be merely reaffirming long-standing views that the two countries are allies. It could be the administration is trying to stifle talks about a crisis in relations. It could be that recent tension was the outlier and not the recent expressions of support for Israel.
Or, it could be that the administration is preparing for a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities and is establishing a unified front with Israel so that there is no question that the U.S. will help defend Israel if Iran retaliates. By taking the pressure off Israel now, in anticipation of a military strike, the administration is easing relations. Then, after the White House backs Israel against Iran, the administration could ratchet up demands for a two-state solution and an end to settlements, asking for Israel to return the favor.
Or, it could be none of the above.
My honest guess is that the outlier was previous tension and not these unwavering exclamations of support for Israel. The U.S. government, including the Obama administration, has not withdrawn support for Israel or put Israel in danger. Even the White House’s pressure from earlier this year was shrouded in repeated exclamations of support for Israel and its security. Moreover, previous administrations have called for the two state solution, with President George W. Bush putting forth the Roadmap and President Bill Clinton spearheading peace negotiations in the Oslo-era.
So, the letter from the lawmakers reaffirms U.S. policy today, and U.S. policy in the past. Yes, the administration was particularly harsh on Israel earlier this year, but that rhetoric had very little on-the-ground implications.
