71 Senators Ask Obama To Push Arab States

71 United States Senators from both parties joined together in a letter asking President Obama to look at the Arab states for a reason the peace process is not working. The letter points out that Israeli peace efforts are not being matched by the Arab states, and that the United States should not focus on Israel as the cause for the current situation.

The Senators supported Obama and Clinton statements that pressed the Arab nations for peace with Israel, and should continue the effort further. The letter also praised Prime Minister Netanyahu for shifting his stance to allow for a Palestinian state. They specifically pointed out his offers for negotiations with no preconditions, something that even the “moderate” Fatah party will not agree to.

“These actions have demonstrated that Israel is willing to back up its words with concrete actions, even in the face of continuing threats to its security… We encourage Arab leaders to take similar tangible steps to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process.”