Rep. Huffman Votes Against House Resolution 11; Cosponsors Resolution Supporting a Two-State Israeli-Palestinian Solution

January 06, 2017

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) voted against H. Res. 11, disapproving the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334. Congressman Huffman instead cosponsored and voted to support an alternative House resolution supporting a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while giving a balanced and non-polarized explanation of the recent U.S. abstention on the vote at the U.N. Security Council.

“I voted against House Resolution 11 because it signifies a step backward for the long-term security interests of Israel, for peace, and for a two-state solution,” said Rep. Huffman. “A two-state solution has been the foundation of both US and Israeli policy on Middle East peace for decades, which is why I am so concerned by the increasingly brash support for settlement expansion which threatens the viability of a two-state solution.

“The United States will, and should, continue to veto any UN resolutions that threaten Israel’s security or attempt to impose terms and conditions that threaten Israel’s sovereignty or security. However, this recent UN Security Council resolution did not do that. While calling on both parties to resume negotiations and end provocations and incitement of violence, the UN resolution made clear that accelerating settlement expansion in the West Bank represents an existential threat to the viability of a two-state solution. In my view, the UN resolution was anti-settlement, not anti-Israel. This was not a perfect resolution, and it is true that the UN has a terrible track record of unfair treatment toward Israel.  However, the United States’ abstention from that vote was consistent with longstanding United States policy and prior abstentions at the UN by both Democratic and Republican administrations. 

“Our alternative resolution makes clear our continued unshakeable support for Israel, outlines our steadfast opposition to boycotts and divestment campaigns, and outlines our unwavering commitment to help Israel face its challenges including terrorism and incitement of violence, while at the same time giving a clear explanation of the recent US abstention at the UN Security Council. I will continue to push for policies that support Israel and build towards peace.”

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