2022 Policy Agenda

FIRM FOUNDATION 

With a turnover in administrations in the U.S. and Israel following a period of policy upheaval and unprecedented Israeli political instability, a basic reset of policy was required in order to stabilize U.S.-Israel relations, U.S.-Palestinian relations, and American policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Now that a new baseline has been set, the U.S. should pivot to creating a firm and more targeted foundation for moving forward in four core policy areas. With a set of normalized and predictable policy preferences, the U.S. can work with regional partners to advance tangible policy goals designed to set the region on a path to long-term stability and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on a path to eventual resolution.

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U.S.-Israel Relations

  • Continue to support missile defense and security assistance funds
  • Institutionalize U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group beyond Iran issues
  • Continue to emphasize a “no surprises” approach, particularly on annexation

U.S.-Palestinian Relations

  • Restore $75 million funding level for PASF while emphasizing security sector reforms
  • Continue full funding of ESF and emphasize ongoing Taylor Force Act compliance
  • Actively work with Palestinians on transforming martyr and prisoner payments while securing Israeli buy-in for overall approach and specific elements
  • Develop plan for Palestinian diplomatic engagement with U.S.

Regional Normalization

  • Establish State Department reporting on if and how normalization is benefiting Israeli-Palestinian progress
  • Encourage more active Egyptian and Jordanian roles in Israeli-Palestinian issues
  • Actively seek to broker deals with current and future normalizers that incorporate Palestinians in specific trade, tourism, energy, environmental agreements

Securing a Two-State Future

  • Develop comprehensive approach on future Israeli settlement construction and dealing with illegal outposts, moving beyond most sensitive settlement hot spots 
  • State Department reporting on settlement activity and settler violence
  • Secure clear commitment to a negotiated approach from both sides
  • Strengthen the PA through governance and economic reforms
  • Encourage trial program of shifting security responsibilities in Area B
  • Elevate diplomatic representation to signal more engaged U.S. commitment