Jewish Dems Oppose Annexation of the West Bank

WASHINGTON–The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) strongly supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and has deep concern about Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stated pledge to annex parts of the West Bank. JDCA Chairman Ron Klein said the following:

“The Jewish Democratic Council of America strongly supports Israel’s democracy and respects the decision of Israel’s electorate in its recent election. As Prime Minister Netanyahu forms his government, we strongly urge him to reconsider his pledge to annex the West Bank. Annexation, in whole or in part, of the West Bank would represent unilateral action – as opposed to a negotiated resolution between the two parties – that would impede prospects for a two-state solution. It would also give fodder to those who seek to delegitimize Israel’s existence, including supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which we strongly oppose.

“Last week, four champions of the U.S.-Israel relationship in Congress – Reps. Engel, Lowey, Deutch, and Schneider – expressed concern that annexation of the West Bank could push the parties further from a final negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We agree with this position. We also agree with their assertion that ‘Israel’s ability to defend itself from threats is non-negotiable.’ We strongly support the mutually beneficial military and security relationship between the U.S. and Israel, as well as the continuation of full military aid, per the ten-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), as agreed to by the Obama administration.

“We strongly support the U.S.-Israel relationship and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has been a pillar of U.S. foreign policy in Republican and Democratic administrations. It is incumbent on the Trump administration to continue to exert U.S. leadership in the region and support a two-state solution. We unequivocally reject ongoing efforts by Republicans, led by President Trump, to politicize the U.S.-Israel relationship or use Israel as a political wedge issue in the 2020 election.”