Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Our Issues

For decades, the United States has led international efforts to advance a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live safely and securely with freedom, dignity, justice, and prosperity.

Until there is lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, we will see continued cycles of violence that threaten U.S. interests, put American lives at risk, and undermine U.S. standing and credibility at a time of rising global competition. In the wake of Hamas’ horrific attack on October

7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military operation and resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Uniteda

States will need to take proactive steps to secure the release of hostages, peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and a path to two states living in dignity and security. While affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, Washington must reject any attempts to forcibly displace populations or use the withholding of humanitarian assistance as a tool of war, which are violations of international law, or to change the territorial status quo in Gaza or the West Bank. The U.S. should also join with our allies in insisting that Israelis and Palestinians alike enjoy equal rights under the law. We ask members of Congress to support diplomatic steps to end the war in Gaza and to reject the forced displacement of populations, withholding of humanitarian assistance, and unilateral territorial changes in Gaza or the West Bank.

“It would compound this year of tragedy if all that awaited Israelis and Palestinians was more insecurity, bitterness, and despair ahead. Like every U.S. administration since the Six-Day War of 1967, we believe that Israelis and Palestinians must find a way to share the land that they both call home. That means working to find a path toward two states, living side by side in mutual security, as part of a broader, brighter future of Arab-Israeli normalization that includes Israel’s integration into the region.”
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Hear this quote in context

What You Can Do

The United States must remain committed to advancing a just and lasting peace. Call your members of Congress and tell them to take proactive steps to maintain the viability of the two-state solution aligned with international law and to reject actions that undermine that possibility.

Learn More

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Council on Foreign Relations

America Needs a New Strategy to Avert Even Greater Catastrophe in the Middle East Foreign Affairs

Statement from Jake Sullivan on Action to Promote Peace, Security, and Stability in the West Bank The White House

Israel-Palestinian conflict: What is the Two-State Solution and What are the Obstacles? Reuters