Dear Recipient's Title and Name:

I am writing to urge you to oppose H.Res.686, a resolution regarding Israeli security and a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Although this bill contains many positive statements regarding Israeli security, it also urges the Administration to unilaterally propose “what a comprehensive final status agreement” between Israel and the Palestinians should include.  However, it has long been U.S. policy that any progress toward an agreement in the region must be based on direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. 

H.Res.686 correctly acknowledges that over the last year, Israel’s soldiers and citizens have faced a wave of terrorist attacks.  I appreciate that the proposed resolution condemns these acts of terrorism and supports continuing American efforts to ensure the long-term security of Israel through robust military and intelligence cooperation and assistance.

Unfortunately, the final provision of H.Res.686 calls upon the Obama Administration to propose “a comprehensive final status agreement.”  Such a unilateral move by the Administration contravenes longstanding U.S. policy and will prove counterproductive.  Details of an agreement must be forged through direct negotiations, which Prime Minister Netanyahu has said he is prepared to engage in while President Abbas has balked. 

H.Res.686 has been referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  Please oppose any efforts to bring this legislation to the full Foreign Affairs Committee and please decline to cosponsor H.Res.686. 

Sincerely,
Your Full Name

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