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Edited by: TJVNews.com
A delegation of 24 Democrats from the House of Representatives is set to visit Israel this week. Led by top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries and Representative Steny Hoyer, the group aims to discuss various critical issues, including prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israel’s ongoing judicial reforms, as was reported by Reuters.
Among the topics on the agenda for the delegation are discussions about extremism and Iran’s nuclear capabilities, reflecting the shared concerns of the US and Israel on regional security matters. President Joe Biden’s support for a two-state solution aligns with the goals of the delegation as they engage in high-level meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Reuters also noted that the group also plans to meet with activists and stakeholders and visit areas of significance for the region’s security.
“With this trip, House Democrats reaffirm our commitment to the special relationship between the United States and Israel, one anchored in our shared democratic values and mutual geopolitical interests,” said Leader Jeffries. “We will learn ways Congress can continue strengthening this alliance and enable peace and stability between Israel and its neighbors. As we listen and learn, we reiterate our ironclad commitment to the safety and security of Israel and to the existence of Israel as a prosperous and Jewish democratic state.”
“I am pleased to participate in a Congressional delegation to Israel with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other House Democrats. On my twentieth trip to Israel, I look forward to continuing my work to strengthen our U.S.-Israel relationship and to protect the shared principles of democracy, freedom, and justice that bind our nations together,” said Rep. Hoyer. “Congress has a responsibility to foster further cooperation between America and Israel so that we can overcome grave challenges to international peace and stability. I’ve been proud to play a leading role in the effort to support Jews in Israel and around the world and to ensure Israel stands as a beacon of democracy for all. That work will continue on this delegation and upon my return.”
The West Bank remains a focal point for Palestinians seeking statehood, but progress on U.S.-mediated negotiations with Israel towards this end has been stalled for nearly a decade. As was reported by Reuters, this impasse has only emboldened hardliners on both sides and contributed to a worsening of violence in the region. Palestinian street attacks on Israelis and Israeli raids in the West Bank have escalated in the past year, prompting concern from the international community.
The timing of the Democratic delegation’s visit is significant given the surging violence and frustrations expressed by the United States under Israel’s hard-right government. As the delegation engages with leaders and activists, they will undoubtedly address the pressing issue of violence and the need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Another critical focus of the delegation’s discussions will be Israel’s ongoing judicial reform debate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition have been working on a judicial overhaul that could potentially curtail the powers of the Supreme Court, the Reuters report noted. This move has triggered nationwide protests and drawn criticism from the international community. Proponents argue that the reforms will restore balance to the branches of government, while opponents fear that it may remove crucial checks on government powers.
As Democrats in the House and the majority in the US Senate, the delegation’s visit carries weight.
