85 Lawmakers Press Rubio on West Bank Settlement Halt
Washington, D.C. – Representatives Mark Pocan and Jan Schakowsky are leading a bipartisan group of 85 members of Congress urging Senator Marco Rubio to exert pressure on the Israeli government to cease settlement construction in the E-1 area of the West Bank. The letter, sent this week, expresses concern over the expansion of settlements and its impact on the prospects for a two-state solution.
The E-1 area, located between Jerusalem and the West Bank, has been a point of contention for years. Israeli settlement construction there is viewed by many international observers and Palestinian leaders as a significant obstacle to peace negotiations. Critics argue that expanding settlements in this area effectively fragments the West Bank, hindering the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state.
The letter to Senator Rubio specifically highlights the potential consequences of continued construction, citing international law and resolutions from the United Nations Security Council. It requests that Rubio utilize his influence within the Senate and in discussions with Israeli officials to advocate for a halt to the project. The members emphasize the importance of the United States maintaining its commitment to a just and lasting peace in the region.
Representatives Pocan and Schakowsky have been vocal advocates for Palestinian rights and a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This latest action underscores their commitment to addressing what they see as a critical impediment to achieving a viable two-state solution. The full list of signatories is expected to be released shortly.
