Begin forwarded message:

From: "Senator Rob Portman" <no_reply@PROTECTED>

Subject: Responding to your message

Date: May 18, 2018 at 2:26:48 PM EDT

To: anneabowd@PROTECTED

Dear Anne,

Thank you for contacting me regarding recent events in Israel and the Palestinian territories. It is good to hear from you.

I share your concerns regarding the ongoing violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.  It is important for the United States to continue its work in support of peace and stability in the Middle East.  In a region engulfed by terrorism, oppression, and war, Israel stands on the frontline as the only democracy in the Mideast. Like you, I share the goal of bringing peace in this troubled region. The loss of innocent life on all sides is a tragedy that must be stopped. The United States and our international partners must help facilitate a process to end terrorism and violence and bring all parties to the negotiating table.

As you may know, I support a two-state solution, and I believe the Israelis and the Palestinians should engage in direct talks. Both Israelis and Palestinians stand to benefit greatly from a peace agreement and the United States should help maintain a dialogue on both sides. However, in order for there to be a two-state solution, the Palestinian people must reject terrorism and violence, something I believe many of them want to do. I fully support efforts to help the Palestinian people realize the economic and political benefits that come from rejecting extremism and embracing the rule of law and democratic institutions. 

Rest assured, as Congress considers proposals that shape the U.S.’s policy toward Israel and the Palestinian territories, I will consider them with your thoughts in mind. Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact my office. For more information, please visit my website at www.portman.senate.gov. Please keep in touch.

 

Sincerely,

Rob Portman
U.S. Senator