Encouraging the Expansion and Strengthening of the Abraham Accords to Urge Other Nations to Normalize Relations with Israel and Ensure That Existing Agreements Reap Tangible Security and Economic Benefits for the Citizens of Those Countries and All Peoples in the Region

Floor Speech

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Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, while I will vote in favor of this resolution and support the advancement of the Abraham Accords and normalization of relations with Israel, I am disappointed that the resolution does not mention the longstanding U.S. policy of supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as past U.S.- Israel relationship anniversary resolutions have. I continue to strongly support a sustainable two-state solution, with a democratic, Jewish state of Israel and a demilitarized, democratic Palestinian state living peacefully side-by-side. This resolution's omission of this policy is concerning given the current far-right Israeli governing coalition under Prime Minister Netanyahu, which has seriously undermined the prospects for a two-state solution.

Further, as hundreds of thousands of Israelis have been protesting in opposition of an anti-democratic judicial overhaul, it's important for U.S. policymakers to recognize that a negotiated two-state solution requires a robust democracy in Israel. America must insist that Israel not only remains committed to the two-state solution but committed to democracy in Israel.

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