J Street statement on Palestinian unity government

February 27, 2009

J Street Executive Director Jeremy Ben-Ami released the following statement upon reports of Palestinian unity government negotiations:

We are pleased to hear that Palestinian officials are making progress in their effort to form a unity government by the end of March. While there is a long way to go before such an agreement is final, steps toward Palestinian reconciliation are steps in the right direction as there will be no meaningful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict until the Palestinian people speak with a unified voice.

We believe that the United States, Israel and the international community should work with and support a unified Palestinian government that is able to conduct political negotiations for peace with Israel. Also, a unity government would be better equipped to oversee the distribution of international aid and the urgently needed reconstruction of Gaza. This is in the strategic and security interests of Israel and the United States.