Merkley Leads Historic Call for U.S. Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

First-ever resolution in the U.S. Senate to formally recognize a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel

Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a historic resolution calling on the President 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 peace, helping give both Palestinians and Israelis a future grounded in freedom, security, and prosperity.

"Recognition of a Palestinian state is not only a practical step the United States can take to help build a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in freedom, dignity, and security, but it is the right thing to do. America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now," said Senator Merkley, the first Senator in Congress to call for a lasting ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Merkley continued, "This resolution calls for a different course. First, an immediate ceasefire, return of all hostages, and influx of aid. But then, a foundation for peace and prosperity for the future-and the only viable path for that is two states for two peoples. The goal of a Palestinian state can't be put off any longer if we want the next generation to avoid suffering from the same insecurity and affliction."

The resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

"The most viable way to create some light at the end of the very dark tunnel in the Middle East, and assure security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike, is a two state solution. Given that the Netanyahu government has obstructed that goal and the Trump Administration has abandoned it, the Congress must make its position clear. Saudi Arabia and others in the region have stated that the establishment of a Palestinian state would result in normalization of relations with Israel and provide for long term peace and stability. For all these reasons, it is time for the United States to recognize a Palestinian state," said Senator Van Hollen.

"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 Senator Kaine.

"For nearly two years, Prime Minister Netanyahu has undertaken a deliberate and brutal pursuit to make it as difficult as possible for a viable, independent State of Palestine to emerge. Recognizing a two-state solution is long overdue and the only way forward-something Republican and Democratic Administrations have agreed on for decades," said Senator Welch. "This resolution signals Congress' continued commitment for an enduring two-state solution for peace for the people of Israel and Palestine."

The resolution is endorsed by J Street.

"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."

Merkley's resolution comes as world leaders meet at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, where a number of U.S. allies are preparing to recognize a Palestinian state, joining more than 140 of the 193 UN member states who already do so-a reflection of the global consensus that Palestinian statehood must be part of any lasting peace.

As a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Merkley has long advocated for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine to support peace and stability across the Middle East. He introduced this new resolution following his recent trip with Senator Van Hollen to the Gaza Border, Israel, West Bank, Jordan, and Egypt in August. A full report detailing their findings on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza is available by clicking here.

Full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

###