In the midst of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the Israel-Hamas war has prompted Senate Democrats to propose a measure endorsing the creation of a Palestinian state, with support from nearly every member of their conference. The proposed amendment, included in a pending national security supplemental package, reaffirms the United States’ support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the state of Israel’s survival as a secure, democratic, and Jewish state, while fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.
“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,” stated Senator Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, the sponsor of the amendment. He further highlighted the need for distinct, inalienable, and mutually-recognized states for Israelis and Palestinians to live in safety and dignity.
This amendment comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected U.S. calls for a Palestinian state following the Israel-Hamas war. President Biden has urged Netanyahu to scale back the military offensive in Gaza, but the prime minister remains steadfast in his insistence that the war will not end until Hamas is destroyed and the remaining hostages held captive by the terrorist group are freed. Netanyahu expressed concerns that a Palestinian state would become a launching pad for attacks on Israel, emphasizing the need for Israel to maintain “security control” over Gaza and the West Bank.
While the Schatz amendment has gained support from 49 senators across the ideological spectrum of the Senate Democratic conference, including Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, two notable exceptions have not signed on. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a centrist, has expressed the need for a Palestinian government to recognize Israel’s right to exist before he can support a resolution calling on Israel to recognize a Palestinian state. Similarly, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a vocal supporter of Israel, is seeking language in the amendment that stipulates the destruction of Hamas as a precondition for peace.
Senator Schatz aims to attach his amendment to a forthcoming $110 billion national security supplemental package, which includes military aid for Israel and Ukraine, as well as funds for border security. However, negotiations between Republicans and Democrats have hit a roadblock, with border security policies being a major point of contention.
It is important to note that this article reflects the ongoing debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the differing views within the U.S. political landscape. The proposal for a Palestinian statehood amendment highlights the complexities of achieving peace in the region and the varying opinions among U.S. politicians on how to approach the situation.
