(Thehill).A group of 71 senators that includes senior leaders from both parties sent a letter to President Barack Obama on Monday to press Arab states to recommit to peace with Israel.
The effort, led by Sens. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), is being promoted and circulated by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ,Including signatures by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), the letter essentially states that Israel’s efforts toward peace are not being met with equal efforts by Arab states.
The letter essentially suggests that Obama’s remarks in Cairo, along with recent statements by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, are not being heeded by Arab nations.
“We applaud these comments and agree with you and Secretary Clinton that Arab states must do more to end their isolation of Israel,” the senators wrote Obama.
The Bayh-Risch letter also defends Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the leader has endorsed the idea of a so-called “two-state solution” and wants to resume peace talks, and that Israeli officials have been working to improve life in Palestinian territories.
“These actions have demonstrated that Israel is willing to back up its words with concrete actions, even in the face of continuing threats to its security,We encourage Arab leaders to take similar tangible steps to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process.”
Specifically, the senators ask Obama to encourage the Arab League to end its boycott of Israel and establish normal trade, tourism and athletic relations with the country, as well as hold diplomatic talks with Israeli officials. The letter also asks the Arab League to end its boycott of Israel and to cease propaganda campaigns that “demonize” the country.
“Such gestures would send a powerful signal that Arab nations are committed to the peace process and could help usher in a new era of peace and security in the Middle East,” the letter reads.
The effort, led by Sens. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), is being promoted and circulated by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ,Including signatures by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), the letter essentially states that Israel’s efforts toward peace are not being met with equal efforts by Arab states.
The letter essentially suggests that Obama’s remarks in Cairo, along with recent statements by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, are not being heeded by Arab nations.
“We applaud these comments and agree with you and Secretary Clinton that Arab states must do more to end their isolation of Israel,” the senators wrote Obama.
The Bayh-Risch letter also defends Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the leader has endorsed the idea of a so-called “two-state solution” and wants to resume peace talks, and that Israeli officials have been working to improve life in Palestinian territories.
“These actions have demonstrated that Israel is willing to back up its words with concrete actions, even in the face of continuing threats to its security,We encourage Arab leaders to take similar tangible steps to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process.”
Specifically, the senators ask Obama to encourage the Arab League to end its boycott of Israel and establish normal trade, tourism and athletic relations with the country, as well as hold diplomatic talks with Israeli officials. The letter also asks the Arab League to end its boycott of Israel and to cease propaganda campaigns that “demonize” the country.
“Such gestures would send a powerful signal that Arab nations are committed to the peace process and could help usher in a new era of peace and security in the Middle East,” the letter reads.