Washington, DC – Following the vote today on the amendment offered by Representative Massie to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:
“Today’s vote marks a turning point in the Democratic Party’s approach to U.S. policy toward Israel.
J Street opposed the Massie amendment, as it was an overly broad and poorly drafted political stunt designed to divide Democrats rather than advance a responsible strategy for reshaping American policy and ending the conflict.
Yet, the outcome of today’s vote sends a strong message. Through statements and votes, the majority of House Democrats demonstrated that there is now broad agreement within the Democratic caucus that it is time for a fundamentally different American approach to the U.S.-Israel relationship and the region.
That sentiment was echoed by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who voted no when he said, ‘American policy in the Middle East must change.’ And it was picked up by Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, who voted yes and said, ‘We must change course.’
Today’s vote reflects the emerging consensus in the Party – the debate will no longer be about whether U.S. policy should change, but rather how it must change.
That new policy must reaffirm America’s enduring commitment to Israel and its security while equally advancing the rights, freedom and self-determination of the Palestinian people. It must end the blank check support for Israeli policies that have long been the hallmark of U.S. strategy and instead be willing to use American leverage and incentives to drive changes in behavior that advance the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians.
This is a moment that signifies an end to the era of paying lip service to the need to change the reality in the region. We welcome House Democratic leadership taking a stronger stance on using U.S. leverage to pressure the Israeli government to change course. Such an approach is the best way to achieve both a sovereign Palestinian state and a secure Israel at peace, integrated with all of its Arab neighbors – the 23-state solution.
The old Washington consensus has come to an end. The work of building a new one has begun.”