Yarmuth Initiates Letter Calling for Two-State Solution

In a letter to President Obama supported by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky., a group of congressmen are urging the White House to pursue a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.The letter is being circulated among members of Congress and is backed by the liberal lobbying group J Street, which is holding its annual conference in Washington this week. The letter highlights U.S. support for Israel, adding the two countries have been international partners.But it criticizes opposition to the two-state solution and the U.S. for not having a policy to resolve the conflict in the Middle East between Israelis and Palestinians.From Yarmuth's office: "In our view, support for a two-state resolution is inseparable from such support for Israel, its special relationship with the United States, and its very survival as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people. As Israeli President Shimon Peres said a few weeks ago, “The principle of the two-state solution is a paramount Israeli interest.” Our government, under Democratic and Republican administrations alike, has sought the emergence of a Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security as an essential element of the United States’ unbreakable commitment to our ally. Unfortunately, broad American political support for the two-state resolution is under serious attack in the increasingly polarized political environment. In recent months, some on the national political stage have argued that the United States should not play a lead role in the peace process, even denying the existence of the Palestinian people. Far from undermining Israel’s enemies, such rhetoric empowers them, and threatens Israel’s long-term security and survival.Yarmuth initiated the letter along with Congressmen Steve Cohen, D-Tn., and Gerry Connolly, D-Va., who have participated in congressional delegations to the region.