A Democratic congressman, pushing for a two-state solution and calling for an end to the “occupation,” ignores not only historical truth, but also the Palestinian Authority’s policy to encourage and support terror attacks against the Jewish State.
By United with Israel Staff
Congressman Andy Levin (D-Mich) is set to introduce a bill Thursday that would make the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict official US policy, Politico reported.
The Democratic congressman, pushing for a two-state solution with its capital in “East Jerusalem” and calling for an end to the “occupation,” makes no reference to the Palestinian Authority’s pay-for-slay policy; the fact the the “West Bank” — Judea and Samaria — is the biblical homeland of the Jewish People; that a two-state solution was declared in 1947 but the Arab countries attacked the fledgling Jewish State; and that never in history was there a Palestinian state.
According to Politico, if Congress passes and President Joe Biden signs the “Two-State Solution Act,” American policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will formally state:
— “[that] only the outcome of a two-state solution can both ensure the state of Israel’s survival as a democratic state and a national home for the Jewish people and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.”
— “that the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], including East Jerusalem, and Gaza are occupied territories and should be referred to as such consistently in official United States policies, communications, and documents.”
— “that the establishment of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories is inconsistent with international law.”
— “that settlement expansion, demolitions of Palestinian homes, revocations of residency permits, and forced evictions of Palestinian civilians by Israel impede the establishment of a Palestinian state and violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.”
“To move us towards a better future for Israelis and Palestinians, the United States needs to change our policies in a way that accelerates progress and discourages steps that hinder it. We must work collectively to end the occupation and inspire a peaceful, democratic solution,” Levin tweeted Tuesday evening.
To move us towards a better future for Israelis and Palestinians, the United States needs to change our policies in a way that accelerates progress and discourages steps that hinder it. We must work collectively to end the occupation and inspire a peaceful, democratic solution. https://t.co/e72BdcKFKe
— Rep. Andy Levin (@RepAndyLevin) September 22, 2021
Politico listed some of Levin’s key proposals:
— Products made in the Palestinian territories should be marked as made in “West Bank/Gaza,” “West Bank/Gaza Strip,” or “West Bank and Gaza” — not “Israel,” “Made in Israel,” or “Occupied Territories-Israel.”
— No funds, defense articles or defense services the United States sends to Israel may be used to annex more Palestinian territory or violate “internationally recognized” human rights.
— The secretary of State and U.S. Agency for International Development administrator may authorize grants to private, nonprofit and other organizations to support human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the Palestinian territories.
— The United States should reopen its consulate in Jerusalem to engage with Palestinians and allow the reopening of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s mission in Washington, D.C.
— The United States should encourage the Palestinians to reform their so-called “pay to slay” practice of providing financial benefits to imprisoned or dead breadwinners, which leaders say is their welfare program.
“The need to achieve a two-state solution is more urgent than ever. As we enter this new year in the Jewish calendar, we must also enter a new chapter — one in which Israel’s future as a democratic state and homeland for the Jewish people is secure and Palestinians’ aspirations for a state of their own can be fulfilled,” Levin, who is Jewish, told NatSec Daily, Politico reported.
“We can no longer claim credibly to support a two-state solution without taking steps to bring one about. This bill reestablishes America’s role in helping the parties move down the path of peace and coexistence,” Levin said.
In his address to the UN on Tuesday, Biden reiterated his support for the two-state solution.
“I continue to believe that a two-state solution is the best way to ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish democratic state, living in peace alongside a viable, sovereign and democratic Palestinian state,” Biden said.