J Street believes that reaching a sustainable two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is both a fundamental American interest and essential to the survival and security of Israel as a democracy and a national home for the Jewish people.

Unfortunately, time and political will in the region are in short supply, and it appears to many observers that the window of opportunity for achieving a two-state solution is rapidly closing. It is J Street’s position that the parties themselves have proven incapable of reaching a resolution to the conflict through direct, unmediated negotiations. This has been the lesson of the past two decades and of the efforts of even the best intentioned of national leaders.

Strong and active American leadership in the diplomatic process to help bridge gaps and forge compromises is therefore essential, as is placing the negotiations within a regional framework that attempts to reach a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel, all of its neighbors, and the broader Arab and Muslim worlds.

We support President Obama’s engagement on this issue, beginning on the first full day of his administration with his appointment of Senator George Mitchell as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and continuing with his strong efforts to bring about the current proximity talks between the parties.

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Additional Resources

"J Street Welcomes Launch of Proximity Talks," May 3, 2010.
"Letter to the Editor: A Moment to Seize in the Middle East," by Jeremy Ben-Ami. The Washington Post, April 13, 2010.
"Putting American Ideas on the Table," April 9, 2010.
"J Street Joins VP Biden in Condemning New East Jerusalem Construction," March 9, 2010.
"Statement on announcement of proximity talks," March 8, 2010.