A resolution affirming the United States commitment to the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and noting that Israeli annexation of territory in the West Bank would undermine peace and Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state.

III 116TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 234 Affirming the United States commitment to the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and noting that Israeli annexation of territory in the West Bank would undermine peace and Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES JUNE 5, 2019 Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. SANDERS, Ms. WARREN, Mr. DURBIN, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Ms. BALDWIN, and Mr. UDALL) sub- mitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Affirming the United States commitment to the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and noting that Israeli annexation of territory in the West Bank would undermine peace and Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state. Whereas longstanding United States policy has recognized that a two-state solution to achieve peace between the Israelis and Palestinians would serve as the best hope for peace and security in the region; Whereas roadmaps for peace outlined by President Bill Clin- ton, President George W. Bush, and President Barack Obama reflected the bipartisan United States policy pro- VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:49 Jun 06, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR234.IS SR234 pamtmann on DSKBFK8HB2PROD with BILLS 2 •SRES 234 IS moting a negotiated two-state solution that supports the self-determination of both Israelis and Palestinians; Whereas successive United States administrations of different political parties identified settlement expansion as an im- pediment to peace; Whereas Israel’s status as a Jewish and democratic state has been indispensable to its national identity throughout its history; Whereas Israel has built and maintained relationships with its Arab neighbors; Whereas ongoing security coordination between Israelis and Palestinians promotes stability; Whereas deep United States-Israel cooperation provides sig- nificant mutual benefit to the security and prosperity of both countries and strengthens the unbreakable bond be- tween the people of each country; and Whereas any resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must guarantee Israel’s security: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That is the sense of the Senate that— 1 (1) the policy of the United States should be to 2 preserve conditions conducive to a negotiated two- 3 state solution; 4 (2) United States efforts to promote peace be- 5 tween the Israelis and Palestinians should explicitly 6 endorse a two-state solution as the goal of any proc- 7 ess to resolve the conflict’s core issues; 8 (3) unilateral annexation of portions of the 9 West Bank would jeopardize prospects for a two- 10 VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:49 Jun 06, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR234.IS SR234 pamtmann on DSKBFK8HB2PROD with BILLS 3 •SRES 234 IS state solution, harm Israel’s relationship with its 1 Arab neighbors, threaten Israel’s Jewish and demo- 2 cratic identity, and undermine Israel’s security; and 3 (4) a two-state solution is the best hope to pre- 4 serve Israel’s Jewish and democratic nature while 5 fulfilling the Palestinians’ right to self-determina- 6 tion, creating a foundation for just and durable 7 peace and prosperity. 8 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:49 Jun 06, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR234.IS SR234 pamtmann on DSKBFK8HB2PROD with BILLS