Cortez Masto, 45 Senate Democrats Urge Donald Trump to Reinforce Opposition to West Bank Annexation

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto joined 45 Senate Democrats, led by Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif), to urge President Donald Trump to reinforce his stated opposition to the State of Israel's annexation of territory in the West Bank amidst ongoing focus on implementing and sustaining the much-needed ceasefire in Gaza.

President Trump has previously expressed his opposition to annexations, saying that he would "not allow Israel to annex the West Bank." However, the recent ceasefire plan for Gaza omits any mention of the West Bank.

"In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," the senators wrote.

"As longstanding supporters of Israel's security and Palestinian aspirations for statehood, we are unified in our opposition to unilateral measures by either party that undermine the prospect of lasting peace through negotiations to achieve a two-state solution," the senators continued. "That includes any steps by Israel to annex territory or expand settlements that prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state."

The senators also reiterated their relief at the long-sought release of Israeli hostages from Gaza and the imperative need for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, for the remains of all deceased hostages to be returned to their families, and for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to be sustained.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported Israel's right to defend itself and has strongly advocated for a two-state solution. Following Hamas's terrorist attack on October 7^th, 2023, she called on President Biden to do everything in his power to bring home the hostages and deliver vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. She has also worked to crack down on the financing of international terrorist organizations, including Iran's state sponsorship of terrorism. Cortez Masto has called for the humane treatment of innocent Palestinian civilians.

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