Washington, D.C. – As Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visits Washington this week, Foreign Policy for America (FP4A) calls on members of Congress to press him to provide a clear and realistic plan to resolve the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of the hostages, address the ongoing humanitarian disaster, and prevent further destabilization of the region. Now, more than ever, Netanyahu must avoid divisive political rhetoric and appeal to the large majority in Congress who seek peace, security, and dignity for all Israelis and Palestinians.
The Biden-Harris Administration has demonstrated unwavering support for Israel’s defense. That includes President Biden’s personal visit to Israel in the wake of the horrific October 7 attacks, the Administration’s immediate steps to increase the U.S. military presence in the region, and its coordination of an unprecedented multi-nation effort to strike down more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran against Israel in April. President Biden has delivered unprecedented levels of assistance to Israel, and he sought and obtained from Congress over $14 billion in emergency aid, while at the same time working to reduce the risk of regional escalation and surge humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians in Gaza.
In his remarks, Netanyahu should thank President Biden for his lifelong commitment to the State of Israel and his extraordinary support since Hamas’ horrific October 7th attack. He should address good faith questions about whether his approach is achieving the results sought by the Israeli people: the swift release of all hostages and preventing Hamas from ever carrying out such a heinous attack again. Members of Congress also need to hear Netanyahu articulate specific, concrete steps he will take to enable aid to reach the people of Gaza, who are facing famine conditions, and to pave a path for its future. Finally, Netanyahu should acknowledge that expressions of alarm over the rising civilian death toll in Gaza and increasing violence in the West Bank are not rejections of Israel’s right to defend itself, but rather are rooted in sincere concern for Israel’s future as a peaceful, democratic state and a close ally of the United States.
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