Eight years of Bush administration neglect and ineffective diplomatic gestures have helped lead Israel and the Palestinians to the tragic situation that exists today. Indeed, Bush’s failed Middle East policy bears a tremendous deal of responsibility for the escalation we see today and the deteriorating prospects of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which hang in the balance, and with them, the prospects for Israel’s long-term survival as a Jewish, democratic state.

J Street is calling for immediate, strong diplomatic intervention by the United States, the Quartet and allies in the region to negotiate a resumption of the ceasefire which dramatically reduced violence and preserved quiet. The United States should encourage allies with diplomatic channels to Hamas, like Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and some European governments, to negotiate an immediate ceasefire.

The United States, the Quartet, and the world community must not wait – as they did in the Israel-Lebanon crisis of 2006 – for weeks to pass and hundreds or thousands more to die before intervening. There needs to be an urgent end to the new hostilities that brings a complete cessation to the rocket fire out of Gaza and that allows food, fuel and other civilian necessities into Gaza.

The need for diplomatic engagement goes beyond a short-term ceasefire. When the June 19, 2008 6-month Hamas-Israel ceasefire expired, no one, including the United States, stepped in to ensure its extension. We cannot make the same mistake twice.

We urge President Bush and Secretary Rice to enlist the help of our allies abroad, particularly in the Arab world, in brokering a new cease-fire. We also urge the incoming Obama administration to lead an early and serious effort to achieve a comprehensive diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian and Arab-Israeli conflicts. 

This is a fundamental American interest as we too stand to suffer. As the situation spirals, rage in the region is directed at the United States and our regional allies are further undermined. Our goals must be a Middle East that moves beyond bloody conflicts, an Israel that is secure and accepted in the region and an America secured by reducing extremism and enhancing stability. None of these goals are achieved by further escalation.

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