Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - Continued Support for the Two-State Solution

Letter

Dear Mr. President:

As staunch supporters of Israel, we are firmly committed to ensuring that it remains a secure and democratic homeland for the Jewish people. That is why we are writing to express to you our deep concern over recent comments made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissing the possibility of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and to express our appreciation of your strong reiteration of US support for this long-standing policy.

In the run-up to the Israeli election on March 17, Prime Minister Netanyahu, when interviewed by the press, appeared to drop his support of a two-state solution--claiming that no Palestinian state would be established while he is prime minister. This is particularly troubling given that support for a two-state solution has been part of U.S. policy over four administrations, including your own. Moreover, it is widely accepted as the only way of maintaining Israel's long-term security and of ensuring that Israel remains both a Jewish and a democratic state.

This is why we urge you to persevere in reaffirming that the two-state solution is still achievable and that it, and the joint U.S.-Israel commitment to shared democratic values and to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, remains fundamental to U.S. policy. We expect the U.S. and Israeli governments always to pursue a policy aimed at ensuring the maintenance of democratic values and the pursuit of peace.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to continuing to work with you and your administration on all important issues regarding our dear ally, Israel.

Sincerely,