Zoe Lofgren: “While I will vote in favor of this resolution and support the advancement of the Abraham Accords and normalization of…”

“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. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I will be voting to support H. Res. 311 today. We all support our ally Israel and recognize our long-standing alliance on Israel's 75th Anniversary. I cast my vote, however, with some misgivings. There is nothing particularly problematic about this resolution, but there is a problem with what it does not say.…”