Delaware Senator Chris Coons accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being an “exceptionally difficult partner” to work with as the Biden administration continues to push for a 2-state solution in Israel, The Hill reported.
While appearing on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on December 17, Coons conceded that President Joe Biden did the right thing in standing with Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks and sending a “firm message to Iran to stay out of this conflict.”
However, Coons said the larger challenge has been the gap between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Democrats in the White House and Congress who support a 2-state solution and believe that it is “the only way forward.”
Coons argued that by opposing a 2-state solution, Netanyahu has been doing “everything he can to undermine a positive vision for peace in Israel.”
When asked by “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan if he would support an aid package to Israel that would “force adherence” to international or US laws, Coons said those provisions already exist.
He explained that the law already requires that any military assistance sent to a foreign country, whether it is Israel or Ukraine, requires that they “abide by international law.”
In recent weeks, the Biden administration has increased its criticism of Israel, particularly after polling showed that the president was losing support among younger Democrat voters over his support for the US ally.
During a campaign reception on December 13, President Biden suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government would have to change or it would start losing the support of its allies.
The president criticized Netanyahu for opposing a 2-state solution, saying the prime minister had to change his position but the current Israeli government “is making it very difficult for him.”
While appearing on “Face the Nation” the previous week, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the president continues to believe in the “promise” of the 2-state solution.
