David Price: “The House's consideration of H. Con. Res. 165 is given special relevance by the presidential transition now underway.…”

“The House's consideration of H. Con. Res. 165 is given special relevance by the presidential transition now underway. The resolution sends an important message to the incoming Administration: that the United States Congress reaffirms our nation's commitment to supporting negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians in pursuit of a just and lasting two-state solution, and that the United States Congress reaffirms a supportive and constructive role, for our country in facilitating resolution of the conflict. Unfortunately, the resolution also contains overly broad and negative language concerning third-party efforts to facilitate an agreement. Still, it does not preclude the United States from putting forward ideas for bridging differences between the parties, for articulating suggestions that fill in gaps, for offering a nonbinding comprehensive framework to help bring the Israelis and Palestinians to the negotiating table--just as Republican and Democrat Administrations have done in the past.…”