A liberal Jewish U.S. legislator is set to introduce a bill Thursday that would make the two-state solution the official policy of the United States regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Andy Levin, a Democratic representative from Michigan, is set to unveil the legislation on Capitol Hill during a debate about the U.S. approach to the Jewish state that has divided Democrats between the moderate and progressive wings of the party.
That divide was clear this week when progressive Democrats in the House of Representatives blocked $1 billion in funding to replenish Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system that was depleted during May's 11-day conflict with the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Levin already has 18 Democratic co-sponsors and the support of left-leaning pro-Israel groups, including J Street.
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Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercept rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon
(Photo: Reuters)
Still, the bill faces an uphill battle in Congress with expected universal opposition from pro-Israel Republicans and skepticism from moderate pro-Israel Democrats in the House and Senate.
The bill will also face opposition from the current Israeli government headed by nationalist Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
The "Two-State Solution Act" formally states “that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza are occupied territories and should be referred to as such consistently in official United States policies, communications, and documents.”
It is unclear why Gaza is mentioned since Israel unilaterally withdrew from the coastal enclave in 2005.
The bill also states "that the establishment of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories is inconsistent with international law."
The harsh stance on the disputed territories and Jewish communities there is likely to face pushback from certain pro-Israel groups.
Levin also wants to reopen the U.S. consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem, a move that the new Israeli government opposes.
Article republished with permission from i24NEWS