National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week” that it is the Biden administration’s belief that long-term peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through a two-state solution. Ta.
STEPHANOPOULOS: What’s the end game here? Prime Minister Netanyahu, there doesn’t seem to be any prospect of some kind of long-term deal that leads to a Palestinian state — which Prime Minister Netanyahu seems to deny.
SULLIVAN: Well, the U.S. position on this is very simple. The only long-term solution for peace in the region, and for Israel’s security in the region, is a two-state solution with guaranteed Israeli security. A Palestinian state whose security is guaranteed by Israel. That is what we will continue to strive for.
I used to do that before October 7th. Since October 7th, I think the need to address it has become more and more important. We want to take time to derive the results that have deceived governments of both parties for decades. We believe it is in the best interests of everyone in our region and around the world. A wider world.
STEPHANOPOULOS: Would that require a new Israeli government?
SULLIVAN: Well, I don’t want to get involved in Israeli politics. America can only advance our vision on what we think makes sense. And President Biden has been very clear about that. He has been clear about the two-state solution in public and in private conversations with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we must let Israelis speak for themselves.
STEPHANOPOULOS: During that time, the president has been pushing hard for more aid to Israel, more aid to Ukraine. He also links it to negotiations in the Senate over a potential border deal. But last night we heard from Speaker Mike Johnson that he simply plans to bring a provision on aid to Israel to the floor this week. What’s your reaction?
Sullivan: Well, the timing is interesting. Senators have been working in a bipartisan manner for weeks, if not months, on a comprehensive package that includes Israel, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and the border. They are close to achieving it. And at that moment, the House introduces an Israel-only bill. We think this is not really trying to address Israeli security, but rather US politics.
And from our perspective, Israel’s security should be sacred. It shouldn’t be a political game. So everyone needs to support a bipartisan Senate, a comprehensive package like the one a bipartisan group of senators is negotiating.
STEPHANOPOULOS: There’s no indication that the House will do that. So, if the bill passes and reaches the Senate, will the president veto it once it reaches his desk?
SULLIVAN: The president is going to support a comprehensive package. He doesn’t think it makes sense to do these things piecemeal, and we think the Senate will have an opportunity to move the package forward. And the real questions about how to move forward with that bipartisan agreement should be posed to the House, not the president. If that contract came to his desk, he would definitely sign it without hesitation.
