Dem Rep. Jerry Nadler: Deal to End Gaza War and Release Hostages Is Impossible Unless Israel Commits to the Two-State Solution

EXCERPT:

NADLER: “We face great difficulties in ending this war, because ending the war will only come about under conditions that lead -- that people are convinced -- that Arab states and others in the region believe are conducive to a two-state solution. The Abraham Accords were fine, but they couldn't go any further, and they can't go any further without a commitment to a two-state solution. I believe that Hamas attacked Israel at the time it did in order to preclude the addition of Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords. The -- the progress of the war is such that I don't believe it can end unless there is a commitment -- a believable commitment -- to a two-state solution, and unfortunately, I do not believe the current Israeli government is committed either to ending the war, to implementing phases two and three, or to a two-state solution. In fact, if they were -- if the government were to do that, it would fall because of the two right-wing parties that would lead it. While peace is definitely far afield now, I cannot help but reflect on the words of Hatikvah Od Lo Avdah Tikvatenu, our hope is not yet lost. We have a lot of work to do in Israel and the United States, but if we want to see the peace, we have to push for a two-state solution, and that means push for it in the context of these -- of the ceasefire, because I don't believe that phases two and three, with the release of the hostages beyond the first 33, can occur unless people believe that a two-state solution is feasible -- well, it's clearly feasible, but it's completely feasible politically and under whoever's in power in Israel.”