Washington, D.C. — Today, as Secretary of State John Kerry announced the resumption of talks between Israelis and Palestinians, Matthew Duss, a national security and international policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement:
Today’s announcement by Secretary of State Kerry of the restart of direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians marks an important step toward the achievement of a long-held U.S. policy goal—two states for two peoples, Palestine as a Palestinian state and Israel as a Jewish state. Secretary Kerry’s efforts demonstrate the best traditions of American diplomacy and show the continued importance of American leadership in the region and the world.
As stated by multiple U.S. presidents and military leaders, finding a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the national security interests of the United States. The American people are understandably wary of the costs of continued engagement in the Middle East. The transitions now occurring in the region will continue to challenge policymakers in ways we can’t anticipate. While pessimism over the prospects for a two-state agreement is in fashion in Washington, Secretary Kerry’s diligent efforts over the past months have borne fruit and should be supported by those with an interest in a strong and secure United States, Israel, and Palestine.
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