PDA Policy Guidelines on Israel/Palestine

Progressive Democrats of America

The Israel/Palestine Conflict – Policy Guidelines

(February 13, 2006 Draft)

1. PDA supports a negotiated, just, and peaceful solution between Israel and the Palestinian people, as represented by their lawfully elected governments. That solution will require the establishment of two states as a precondition for achieving a lasting peace. Claims of the Palestinian people over land, refugees, final borders and settlements and Israeli concerns over security and water rights must be addressed. PDA supports the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for security and selfdetermination, an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, an end to all violence in Israel and Palestine, most especially against civilians, and a resolution of the Palestinian refugee problem consistent with international law and equity.

2. PDA recognizes that U.S. policy, under both Democratic and Republican
administrations, has been to support successive Israeli governments and actions in a one-sided – and counterproductive – manner. PDA endeavors to modify this one-sided, counterproductive approach by supporting efforts to view and respond to the situation in a far more just and balanced manner, and by promoting a U.S. foreign policy based on democracy, human rights, and respect for international law. PDA calls for U.S. military aid to countries in the Middle East to be based on rigorous enforcement of the Arms Export Control and Foreign Assistance Acts.

3. PDA believes that truly progressive Democrats must be heard on this issue. PDA believes the voices of the pro-occupation, Christian right wing, and military industry lobbies have had undue influence and dominated national discourse.

4. PDA stands with our allies, and with all progressive organizations willing to take a stand on the Israel/Palestine conflict in a principled manner, driven by the pursuit of true and equal justice and peace. PDA's allies in this struggle include leading national organizations representing the peace community, American Jews, Arab Americans, and the faith community, including the Arab American Institute, Americans
for Peace Now, Tikkun Community, the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the National Council of Churches. PDA's overall goal is to promote peace among all of the peoples in the Middle East.

Conclusion: This document reflects PDA's best current thinking on the pressing and seemingly endlessly urgent situation in Israel/Palestine. At all times PDA welcomes comments regarding the Israel/Palestine conflict. Correspondence on this issue may can be directed to: peace@pdamerica.org