Israel

For more than 72 years, Israel has been one of the United States’ most important diplomatic, economic and trade partners. The nation serves as a shining example of democracy and governance, and has been our unwavering ally in the Middle East. Its capital, Jerusalem, is considered a holy site by many Americans — Christians, Jews and Muslims alike.   

Finding Common Ground supports policies and laws that keep Israel a strong force for peace and prosperity in the Middle East, and allows the nation to protect its position as a force for good in the world. Here are some of the ideas we endorse:

We support the decision in 2017 to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The move, which officially took place in 2018, recognizes Jerusalem as the nation’s rightful capital — a declaration signed into law in 1995, but waived by Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

We support Israel’s right to defend itself. Since its establishment as a sovereign nation, Israel has been subject to attacks by nations and organizations in the region who oppose the Jewish State. As a sovereign nation, Israel has a right to use its strong defense force to protect citizens from violence and warfare.

We support continued efforts by American diplomats to bring peace and stability to the region. Despite many attempts to negotiate treaties and agreements over the years, long-lasting peace in the region has remained elusive. That doesn’t mean we should abandon hope of achieving it in the future, however. We urge our State Department to maintain a strong diplomatic presence in the Middle East and to continue to bring other Middle Eastern leaders together to forge better relationships and build partnerships that are sustainable.

Finding Common Ground

Since Israel became an independent nation on May 14, 1948 — a distinction recognized by U.S. President Harry Truman the same day — our relationship has been a source of tension both in our country and throughout the Middle East. We urge Americans to recognize the value of our close partnership with Israel and support its efforts to bring peace and stability to one of the most volatile areas of the world.

The United States provides security assistance to Israel because it advances American interests and regional objectives. Given growing security threats to Israel, it is essential that America maintains its commitment to the Jewish state. U.S. assistance helps ensure that Israel has the means necessary to defend itself—by itself—against growing threats. For decades, both Republican and Democratic administrations have provided security assistance to Israel without linking our aid to specific Israeli policies. Such conditioning would undermine U.S. national security interests.

Finding Common Ground supports:

•    $3.3 billion in security assistance and $500 million for lifesaving missile defense programs such as Iron Dome, in Fiscal Year 2021.
•    A robust overall foreign aid budget for Israel.
•    Oppose any new conditions on assistance to Israel.