WASHINGTON (JTA) – Seventy-nine Democratic members of Congress told President Barack Obama that he should “persevere” in his efforts for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a letter sent to Obama on Tuesday, the lawmakers wrote that they were concerned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pre-election comments “dismissing the possibility of a two-state solution” and appreciated Obama’s “strong reiteration of U.S. support for this long-standing policy.”
Seven Jewish congressmen — including Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, who coordinated the letter — were among the signers. The ranking members of 10 congressional committees also signed.
“As staunch supporters of Israel, we are firmly committed to ensuring that it remains a secure and democratic homeland for the Jewish people,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter, which was “welcomed” by the liberal Jewish Middle East advocacy group J Street, urged Obama “to persevere in reaffirming that the two-state solution is still achievable.”
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