Senate Democrats have introduced a bill that, with two significant exceptions, is supported by every member of their conference in favor of the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Reiterating that the United States supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and “that such a solution must ensure the state of Israel’s survival as a secure, democratic, and Jewish state, and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own,” is the proposed amendment to a pending national security supplemental package.
The amendment’s sponsor, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, stated, “The U.S. government has long supported a two-state solution as a path to a just and lasting peace in the region, and our amendment reaffirms our continued commitment to that vision.”
“The horrors of the war on and since October 7th have underscored the fundamental reality that in order for both Israelis and Palestinians to live in safety and with dignity, they need to have distinct, inalienable, and mutually-recognized states that coexist side-by-side in peace,” he stated.
Republicans are aiming for a “detain and deport” border policy, according to GOP leader Thunen.
The US calls for a Palestinian state following the Israel-Hamas conflict were turned down by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompting the amendment. Although President Biden has urged Netanyahu to lessen the military assault in Gaza, the prime minister has maintained that the conflict won’t end until Hamas is destroyed and the 130 hostages that the terrorist organization still holds captive are released.
Netanyahu declared last week that an Israeli state would serve as a springboard for Palestinian attacks. He called for Israel to have “security control” over the West Bank and Gaza and cautioned the United States not to “coerce us to a reality that would endanger the state of Israel.”
