~June 8, 2007~

An important new resolution in support of robust U.S. diplomacy to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace has been introduced in the Senate. S. Res. 224 reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to a “true and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the establishment of 2 states, the State of Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, with recognized borders.”  The resolution is co-sponsored by Sens. Feinstein (D-CA), Lugar (R-IN), Dodd (D-CT), Hagel (R-NE), Baucus (D-MT), Byrd (D-WV), Sununu (R-NH), Voinovich (R-OH) and Whitehouse (D-RI).   

On the week of the 40^th anniversary of the 1967 war and resulting occupation, S. Res. 224, which sees the anniversary as an occasion for all parties “to redouble their efforts to achieve peace”, is a significant, positive Congressional initiative in support of Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking.  As Geneva Accord negotiator Daniel Levy wrote on June 6^th in his Washington blog, Prospects for Peace, the resolution “could demonstrate that senior US politicians are capable of advancing meaningful and constructive positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, something that has been in desperately short supply.” 

The resolution calls on President Bush to “pursue a robust diplomatic effort to engage the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, begin negotiations, and make a 2-state settlement a priority”.  It also “welcomes the Arab League Peace Initiative” and “calls on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to embrace efforts to achieve peace and refrain from taking any actions that would prejudice the outcome of final status negotiations.”  S. Res. 224 can be viewed in full here.   

In their press release Sen. Feinstein (D-CA) said, “A just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, and a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace agreement, is in the national interest of the United States and should be a top priority in the region.”  Sen. Lugar (D-IN) said, “This Resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians. On the 40^th anniversary of the Six Day War, it is time to redouble our efforts to support the majority of Israelis and Palestinians who desire peace.”