WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after representatives from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain signed an agreement to normalize relations.
“The agreement signed today is an encouraging development that underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation between Israel and its neighbors in the region. However, while this diplomatic breakthrough represents a positive step that will bolster regional stability, real and lasting peace in the Middle East will only be attainable if Israeli-Palestinian negotiations restart in earnest, so as to preserve a two-state solution.
“As these three countries work towards full, normalized diplomatic relations, I remain hopeful that all sides may continue to take concrete steps towards a durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, starting with Israel abandoning unilateral annexation and Palestinian leadership returning to the negotiating table.”
“The agreement signed today is an encouraging development that underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation between Israel and its neighbors in the region. However, while this diplomatic breakthrough represents a positive step that will bolster regional stability, real and lasting peace in the Middle East will only be attainable if Israeli-Palestinian negotiations restart in earnest, so as to preserve a two-state solution.
“As these three countries work towards full, normalized diplomatic relations, I remain hopeful that all sides may continue to take concrete steps towards a durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, starting with Israel abandoning unilateral annexation and Palestinian leadership returning to the negotiating table.”
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