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.

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