J Street Statement on the Foreign Policy Presidential Debate

In tonight’s debate, both President Obama and Governor Romney repeatedly stressed their commitment to Israel’s security, a commitment we welcome.

However, we are disappointed that neither candidate mentioned the most pressing challenge to Israel’s survival as a Jewish and democratic homeland: the lack of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Both candidates spoke at length about Israel, about leadership and about peace, but neither seemed to connect the dots in outlining a strategy for helping Israel to forge peace with the Palestinians and secure its long-term interests.

The pursuit of a two-state solution is a fundamental US interest, and it demands our attention, not just in presidential debates but as a fundamental element of our foreign policy.