General Leave

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, as a co-sponsor of H. Res. 326 as introduced on April 25, 2019, I support Representative Lowenthal's determination to advance U.S. leadership in seeking a diplomatic resolution to achieve a ``two-state solution'' to end the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, amendments to the resolution mean I can no longer vote in favor of H. Res. 326 and I will be voting ``present.''

For years, I have heard colleagues say, ``It's only a resolution. It really doesn't mean anything.'' At a time when the Trump administration is actively taking policy actions to inflict pain on the Palestinian people while giving a green light to Israel's annexation of Palestinian lands, a statement by the House of Representatives to Israelis and Palestinians does mean something.

Is there any doubt Israel and the security of the Israeli people have the strong support of Congress? There is zero doubt. But millions of Palestinians working to build a peaceful future feel that they have been abandoned by Congress and attacked by the White House. The U.S. is no longer an honest broker in any diplomatic peace initiative between Israelis and Palestinians. The language added to H. Res. 326 stating an ``ironclad commitment'' to $38 billion in foreign military aid only highlights the contrast that there is no ironclad U.S. commitment to human rights or even providing the most basic life-saving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. This House vote today does not reflect the reality on the ground.

This is the time to unequivocally support both the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, justice, equality, and human rights as well as Israel's right to live in peace and security. U.S. aid must never be an ``ironclad'' blank check to any nation. I believe if U.S. military aid to Israel is being used to enable or support the military detention and torture of Palestinian children, the demolition of Palestinian homes, or the annexation of Palestinian lands there should be conditions on that aid--not cuts to aid, but conditions--as has been done to aid to the Palestinians.

Striving for an Israeli state and a Palestinian state living side-by- side in peace and security is worth the effort of every Member of Congress. But that means Congress will need to support the legitimate rights, needs, and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. In my opinion, H. Res. 326 maintains the status quo and fails to move us towards achieving peace. A peace that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve and need. [From Noa Landau, Lisbon, Dec. 5, 2019]

Netanyahu Says `Our Full Right' to Annex Jordan Valley, Despite ICC Prosecutor Report

AFP Lisbon--Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Haaretz Thursday that it's Israel's full right to annex the Jordan Valley if it chooses to do so.

PM says political deadlock hinders controversial move, adding: `Exactly because of that we should form a government now and do it'

Earlier Thursday, International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda expressed concern over Israeli proposals to annex this West Bank region.

Asked on the matter by reports in Lisbon, the premier said ``It's our full right to do so if we decide,'' despite the ICC prosecutor's report.

Asked about a timeline for the proposed annexation, Netanyahu said ``there are some questions about what can be done in a transition government. Exactly because of that we should form a government now and do it.''

When asked whether he would agree to renounce serving first as prime minister in a rotation agreement if Kahol Lavan agrees to annex the Jordan Valley and to a defense treaty with the United States, Netanyahu said ``those things will be achieved when I'm prime minister. I have thousands of hours on American prime-time TV and that has a certain influence on the United States, especially now. I won't be able [to influence] if I'm not prime minister.''

Netanyahu refused to tell the press whether he intends to seek immunity from the Knesset in his three pending corruption cases and cancel Likud's primary election, arguing he wouldn't address personal matters in the briefing.

``I intend to invest every effort, despite Kahol Lavan's objection, to reach an agreement and prevent this truly unnecessary election. Benny Gantz can [prevent it] if he manages to overcome Yair Lapid and if [Avigdor] Lieberman overcomes himself,'' Netanyahu said, referring to Kahal Lavan co-leader and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman, who said he has no intention to have his party join a narrow, right-wing government headed by Netanyahu.

``I hope that a minority government with the Joint List is not an option,'' the premier said, reiterating a claim that his political rivals are backed by Arab lawmakers.

When asked why he refuses to resign, the prime minister said that ``the public has chosen me. Let the public decide.''

Responding on the option of holding a direct election for the prime minister between him and Gantz, Netanyahu said: ``First, let's try to avoid another election, but this that's an option that's becoming interesting.''

Earlier today, Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after his phone call conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, when they also discussed the annexation of the Jordan Valley, which Netanyahu told voters in September he would achieve.

Before taking off from Tel Aviv, Netanyahu told reporters his meeting with Pompeo would be focused on ``Iran, first of all,'' a mutual defense treaty and a ``future'' American recognition of Israel's annexation of the Jordan Valley.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source