Members of Knesset & OneVoice Movement Inaugurate Two-State Solution Caucus in Israeli Knesset

JERUSALEM, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty-Seven Knesset members, including current ministers in the Israeli government, along with the OneVoice Movement and representatives of Israeli civil society organizations, will inaugurate the Two-State Solution and the Resolution of the Israeli-Arab Conflict Caucus – in the Knesset's Jerusalem Hall Monday, May 20, at 10:30 a.m.

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The Two-State Solution Caucus will constitute the largest caucus in the 19th Knesset, and reflects a major political transition away from Knesset support for the Caucus for Greater Israel, which supports continued Israeli control of the West Bank and was the largest caucus in last year's Knesset.

Two-State Solution Caucus member Dr. Ronen Hoffman (Yesh Atid) explained, "Ending the Israeli-Arab conflict is a clear Israeli interest. Resolving the conflict requires answering its many components: borders and political arrangements, as well as addressing the narrative, stereotypes, and beliefs on both sides."

The inauguration of the Two-State Solution Caucus coincides with a reinvigorated effort by Arab nations and the Obama Administration to re-launch direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority against the backdrop of renewed declarations by the Arab League to promote the Arab Peace Initiative (API) and diplomatic efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Kerry to convince the parties to return to the negotiating table.

Representatives of the Arab League recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to reiterate support for the API. The Arab League's declaration received major international attention and support, including positive statements made by Israeli ministers Tzipi Livni (Hatnua), Yaakov Perry (Yesh Atid), and Silvan Shalom (Likud). All will attend the launch along with their peers to highlight the renewed interest in resolving the conflict.

The Two-State Solution Caucus was created by MK Hilik Bar, Secretary General of the Labor Party, in cooperation with OneVoice, a grassroots movement working in Israel and Palestine to enlist support for a two-state solution. Joining OneVoice in this major initiative to organize support for the Caucus was the "Israeli Peace Initiative," an organization working to advance a regional peace agreement.

To date, the Caucus consists of 37 Knesset members from various Israeli coalition and opposition factions, who will use their power in the Knesset and across all spectrums of Israeli society to promote a two-state solution and a regional peace agreement between Israel and its neighbors. The Caucus will advance its cause through public events, tours, and meetings with PLO and other Arab officials and by presenting legislative bills and utilizing all available parliamentary tools to enhance the peace process.

"I'm delighted to join OneVoice and the caucus for two states," said MK Zehava Galon, leader of Meretz. "This group is more of an authentic coalition than our current government: as everyone here is committed to two states for two peoples and an end to occupation, violence, and insecurity."

About OneVoice:
OneVoice is an international grassroots movement that aims to amplify the voice of Israeli and Palestinian moderates, empowering them to demand a two-state solution. The movement educates and trains Israeli and Palestinian youth in leadership skills, non-violent activism, and democratic principles.