Statement by Jewish Democrats on the recent developments in Israel

Tuesday, the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) released the following statement on the recent developments in Israel:

“We recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and support moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem at the right time. Yesterday, however, was not such a time because of the Trump administration’s failure to acknowledge broader U.S. strategic objectives in the region, including preserving prospects for a two-state solution, security and peace.

As we articulated in December 2017, final-status issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be determined through direct negotiations between the parties. President Donald Trump’s decision to move the U.S. Embassy was made in a vacuum, without consideration of the vital national and regional security interests of both the U.S. and Israel.

“Israelis and Palestinians are unquestionably further today from reaching a negotiated two-state solution than before the president took office. The reckless decision-making of this administration has caused a loss of U.S. credibility among our regional partners, and provoked increased tension on Israel’s borders.

“We condemn the loss of life in recent days and urge calm and restraint, while supporting Israel’s right to self-defense against terrorism and threats to its borders. President Trump’s failure to consider broader strategic security interests will have lasting implications on the U.S. and our ability to support our closest allies such as Israel. ”