beyondzerosum

On Monday, Secretary John Kerry gave the most significant foreign policy speech of his short tenure as the head of the State Department.  When listened to in conjunction with the speech that President Obama made in Jerusalem in March, it becomes clear that this administration has put the Israeli-Palestinian issue at the very top of its foreign policy agenda despite all of the other pressing matters in the world.

I believe that anyone interested in the Israeli-Palestinian issue should take a half-hour and listen to this speech because it clearly lays out this administration’s beliefs about what needs to be done – and done soon.  You can access it here:   Sec of State Kerry’s Remarks to AJC 6/3/2013

Kerry’s points were straightforward:

• Israel’s security is top priority.  However, “best way to truly ensure Israel’s security today and for future generations is by ending once and for all the conflict with the Palestinians…by reaching a negotiated resolution that results in two states for two peoples…A realistic one-state solution simply does not exist for either side”
• This is the time to move forward
• A negotiated solution (which would include a demilitarized Palestine) is needed
• We must recognize the “Palestinians’ fundamental aspirations” for a state of their own
• Time is running out for a two state solution
• The status quo is not sustainable
• The Palestinian Authority has shown its commitment to non-violence and nation building
• What will happen if there is not a negotiated solution?  Any or all of the following:
  • Widespread civil disobedience, possibly leading to a third intifada
  • Going back to the UN for more recognition
  • Going to the International Criminal Court
• Peace pays in economic benefits to all
• The Arab League has re-emphasized its Peace Initiative – with the addition of allowing for land swaps
• The American Jewish community must use its voice in pushing American leaders to take bold steps for peace

These are almost verbatim the talking points that J Street has been using since its inception in 2008.  One of J Street’s primary missions has been to support the American administration to put this issue on the front burner – and it is obvious that President Obama and Secretary Kerry have done that.  It is now time for the rest of the American Jewish community to join in.

Related articles

• When Kerry says ‘both sides,’ AIPAC says the Palestinians (jta.org)
• Kerry warns Israel that status quo cannot hold (washingtonpost.com)