Issues

Resolving the Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Israel-Palestine conflict requires urgent solutions. An immediate ceasefire, conditioning U.S. aid on Israel’s withdrawal from occupied lands, and bold new diplomatic efforts are essential for securing lasting peace, justice, and dignity for both peoples.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has caused immense human suffering, instability, and geopolitical tension far beyond the region. Historical disputes over borders, territory, and governance have made meaningful progress elusive, despite repeated calls for peace from the international community, including the United States.

This decades-long conflict is not just a regional issue—it’s a human rights crisis. Innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, and a ceasefire is long overdue. However, stopping the violence alone won’t bring lasting peace. U.S. economic support—particularly the billions in aid to Israel—must be conditioned on genuine efforts to end the conflict and withdraw from internationally recognized occupied lands.

@bentleyhensel The War in #Gaza is a hot mess and it is time to find an amicable solution. Our leaders have ignored this for far too long. Human beings matter. #palestine🇵🇸 #israel #middleeast #va08 #swiftcongress #henselforcongress #election #congress ♬ original sound - Bentley Hensel

The Case for Change

America’s Role: The U.S. has long been Israel’s most prominent international supporter, providing approximately $17.9 billion annually in military aid since the war in Gaza began. This has been delivered with almost no strings attached despite Israel’s continued settlement expansions and actions that violate international law. America's unconditional support has allowed Israel to act with impunity, undermining the peace process and fueling ongoing violence.

Occupation and Human Rights: Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, is widely condemned by the international community. UN Security Council Resolution 2334 reaffirms that these settlements are a “flagrant violation” of international law and have “no legal validity.” These actions are a significant roadblock to peace and must be addressed.

My Proposal

I propose a multi-pronged approach to not only stop the current violence but also lay the groundwork for lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. This requires bold steps and clear accountability.

Immediate Ceasefire and Return to Borders
The first and most urgent step is to stop the bloodshed. I would call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, followed by a return to the internationally recognized borders. This is a basic humanitarian necessity, as both sides continue to escalate the violence at the cost of innocent lives.
Condition U.S. Aid on Withdrawal from Occupied Lands
I support conditioning U.S. aid to Israel on its withdrawal from occupied Palestinian lands, as defined by the international community. If Israel fails to comply, it’s time for the U.S. to treat Israel as we do any other country that violates international law—whether that’s Russia, North Korea, or Cuba. This includes economic sanctions and restrictions on business and commerce until both sides are fully committed to negotiating a peace deal.
Contingent Economic Activity with the U.S.
Beyond just aid, I propose that all economic activity between the U.S. and Israel be tied to peace efforts. Any trade or commerce with Israel is contingent on both parties actively working, in good faith, toward a peace agreement. If Israel (or Palestine) refuses to engage in good faith negotiations, they should face economic consequences that incentivize progress, not stalemate. Once Israeli publically traded companies get de-listed from NASDAQ, I think a solution will happen quickly.

Why This Will Work

The U.S. has leverage. America’s financial and military support has helped sustain Israel’s current posture, and it’s time we use this influence for good. By conditioning aid and economic ties on serious peace negotiations, we send a clear message: no more blank checks for endless war.

Whether you agree with it or not, the fact is that the United States of America is the world's police. As such, it is time for us to step up and start solving the humanitarian issues we face as a species. Human beings matter.

According to the Congressional Research Service, U.S. aid to Israel accounts for about 20% of Israel’s defense budget. Leveraging this aid can and will bring Israel to the table. Additionally, many in Palestine have expressed a willingness to negotiate, but Israel’s numerous “red lines” continue to be a stumbling block. Conditioning aid is a proven method of influencing state behavior, as seen in other conflict zones worldwide. (See Red Lines Below)

A Lasting Peace, Not Just a Ceasefire

While stopping the violence is critical, it won’t fix the underlying tensions. After achieving a ceasefire, I would push for serious, good faith peace talks. These talks must result in a solution where both sides can live securely and independently.

A Fair Deal: 80% Solutions

No side will get everything they want, and that’s okay. In most negotiations, a compromise means each side walks away with around 80% of their ideal outcome. If both parties enter the process knowing they won’t achieve 100% of their goals, we can move forward with realistic expectations.

It’s time for American leadership to acknowledge that unconditional support for Israel has helped fuel this conflict. Israel’s actions, including its settlement expansions and military aggression, have been met with little to no consequences from the U.S. We need to change that. War crimes—whether committed by Israel or Hamas—are unacceptable, and U.S. policy should reflect that reality.

Moving Forward

I believe the region can find peace, but it will take international cooperation, economic pressure, and unwavering commitment to human rights. If Israel refuses to negotiate in good faith, they should be treated like any other state that refuses peace—isolated economically and politically. The same goes for Palestine.

It’s time for the U.S. to lead by example and push for a real solution—one that doesn’t just pause the fighting but addresses the root causes of this decades-long conflict. Without meaningful action now, we’ll find ourselves back in this same situation in a matter of months or years.

Additional Resources

Red Lines

Join the Movement: If you believe in a balanced, just, and humane solution to this conflict, contact us to get involved in advocating for a peace-driven foreign policy. Together, we can push for a future where both Israelis and Palestinians live in peace and security.