Middle East Peace Hangs by a Thread

While health care and China dominate the headlines and the debate in Congress, prospects for Middle East peace are foundering. If the peace process falls apart, it will affect not only Israel and Palestine but also undermine political gains in Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan.

President Obama took office pledging support for a two-state solution that would protect Israel and ensure an independent state for the Palestinian people. FCNL welcomed the appointment of former senator George Mitchell as a special Middle East envoy, and we've been lobbying to support efforts that will bring all sides of the conflict to the negotiating table.

The Middle East peace process hangs by a thread. In the last few weeks, opponents of peace in Israel have refused to halt settlements on the West Bank and have approved new housing units in Jerusalem - effectively rebuffing two core components of President Obama's diplomatic efforts. Some within the administration are ready to give up and say that nothing can be done to bring peace to the Middle East in the next year.

Your voice in support of a negotiated, two-state solution is needed now more than ever. Ask your representative to support George Mitchell's crucial work to press both the Israelis and the Palestinian leadership to restart the peace process. Congressional support will help strengthen those in the U.S. government committed to continuing the hard but necessary work of continuing to work for peace in the Middle East.


Take Action

Ask your representative to cosponsor H.Res. 130, a bipartisan resolution endorsing the presidents' call for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and supporting the mission of Middle East envoy George Mitchell. If your representative has already supported this resolution, urge her or him to speak out publicly in support of a two-state solution and encourage other representatives to cosponsor this resolution.