Tell Obama to Up the Pressure for Peace for Israel
President Obama understands that Middle East peace is important for American national security interests, but there has been little progress toward peace. It is time for Obama to step up the pressure on all sides.
Peace talks will never succeed without genuine, sustained American leadership. The Obama administration must be willing to confront Israel, the Palestinians and other Arab states when they fail to take steps toward peace. Obama's response to Israel's expansion of settlements is important -- but it is not enough.
Despite what opponents say, there are few political costs. By taking a strong, consistent stance and putting real pressure on all parties, Obama can defend his policies against right-wing attacks and make real steps toward peace without sacrificing Israel's security.
Take action -- it's time for Obama to fight for Israel and fight for peace.
Dear President Obama,
We all support your statement that Middle East peace is important to American national security interests and we applaud your response to Israel's plans to build more settlements in East Jerusalem. Now it is time for you to step up the pressure -- on all sides -- to make real progress on peace for Israel.
Israelis and the Palestinians are never going to be able to overcome the status-quo forces absent American pressure for them to do so.
Stepping up the pressure doesn't mean taking actions that threaten Israel's security. You have many forms of leverage to bring to bear, including the ability to impose real costs on the parties without cutting US assistance.
Stepping up your efforts on peace will not cost you politically, as some argue. Right-wingers will criticize you on Israel regardless of what you do. By sticking to a consistent, principled approach -- and backing it up with real pressure -- you will be better positioned to defend your policy and even to point to real achievements.
Do not allow the parties to stonewall peace talks. Be prepared to lay down some clear principles on the key final status issues. Be prepared to confront Israel and the Palestinians when they fail to support peace. Those of us who truly care about Israel and about peace want peace negotiations to succeed. We stand ready to support you in this effort.
