“Both the United States and Israel have pledged to support a negotiated settlement that guarantees the security of the State of Israel and establishes a peaceful Palestinian state – commonly known as the ‘two-state solution.’ Any final status agreement will depend on direct bilateral negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. With many of my colleagues, I am deeply concerned that United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 will only create a distraction and interfere with those negotiations. I remain unequivocally committed to defending Israel’s right to exist as a full member of the community of nations and to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. For this reason, I have supported H.Res.11, which reiterates our continuing commitment to a two-state solution.

“But I disagree with some parts of H.Res.11. First, this resolution creates the mistaken impression that previous presidential administrations have always vetoed UN Security Council resolutions that were critical of Israel. Second, President Obama has allowed fewer UN Security Council resolutions critical of Israel to pass than any administration in at least the last forty years. President Obama also signed a ten-year Memorandum of Understanding with Prime Minister Netanyahu for $38 billion in foreign assistance – the largest pledge of military assistance in our history. He has visited Israel on many occasions and has proven himself a true friend. Attempts to cast this vote as unprecedented or otherwise blemish President Obama’s record are therefore misleading.

“Throughout my time in Congress I have supported the cause of two states. I remain convinced that it is the best way to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of Israelis and Palestinians alike. I look forward to hearing from all sides in this debate and continuing to advocate for the State of Israel and a two-state solution in the 115th Congress.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, the Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Small Business in the House of Representatives, proudly represents Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, Park Slope, Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.