According to the following press release from his office, Sen. Tim Kaine has “joined a group of colleagues in calling on President Donald Trump to recognize a Palestinian state,” specifically “a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, in accordance with international law and the principles of a two-state solution.” Of course, there’s basically zero chance this resolution will achieve its desired outcomes, for a bunch of reasons, starting with the fact that this resolution won’t pass the Republican-controlled US Senate (only a handful of Democratic Senators signed on to this resolution – and no Republicans) or Republican-controlled US House, let alone be signed into law by Trump. Plus, of course the Israeli hard-right government opposes a two-state solution, and there’s really no sign that the Trump administration supports a one at this point either. So…not sure what the path forward is, but it’s not looking great for Middle East peace anytime soon.
P.S. Also, there’s not much hope that Hamas – a terrorist group committed to the destruction of Israel, and which kicked off this horrific cycle of violence with its vicious attack against Israel on 10/7/23, will “end its campaign of terrorism, lay down its arms, and provide for the unconditional release of all hostages,” as the resolution states. But no question, “the current trajectory of settlement expansion, annexation, rejection of Palestinian statehood, and ongoing violence and acts of terrorism is incompatible with peace and must end.” Except that it probably won’t end, unfortunately…ugh.
KAINE, COLLEAGUES LEAD HISTORIC CALL FOR U.S. RECOGNITION OF PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined a group of colleagues in calling on President Donald Trump to recognize a Palestinian state. The resolution—the first of its kind in the United States Senate—calls for U.S. recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, in accordance with international law and the principles of a two-state solution. It underscores how urgent U.S. action would preserve the best chance for a durable peace, helping give both Palestinians and Israelis a future grounded in freedom, security, and prosperity.
“The U.S. supported a historic United Nations resolution in 1947 to establish two states—Israel and Palestine. After nearly 80 years, the world has only kept one of those two promises, and the lack of progress toward Palestinian autonomy has been a source of continuing tension in the region. Since July 2024, when the Israeli Knesset voted to deny a path to Palestinian statehood and made clear that Israel would not accept Palestinian autonomy, I have believed the U.S. should no longer condition recognition on Israeli assent but rather on Palestinian willingness to live in peace with its neighbors. We must redouble our efforts to work toward a future where Israelis and Palestinians alike can live in peace, security, and dignity,” said Kaine.
In addition to Kaine, the resolution is led by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).
“Senator Merkley’s resolution is a vital step toward long-overdue U.S. recognition of a Palestinian state, and we urge every Senator to support it. Recognition sends a clear message that extremists on both sides—those seeking permanent occupation and annexation, or those seeking the destruction of Israel—cannot dictate the future,” said Jeremy Ben-Ami, J Street’s President. “A real path to Palestinian statehood offers hope, rights, and self-determination for Palestinians, while strengthening the security and future of Israel.”
Kaine has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. He strongly supports Israel’s right to defend itself and condemned Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack. He has also pushed for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian aid in Gaza, called for an end to violence against innocent civilians, and has been a leading voice in Congress in urging that U.S. weapons transfers to Israel be comprised primarily of defensive weapons.
Full text of the resolution is available here.
