Washington D.C. –Congressman Reid Ribble (WI-08) released the following statement on the Palestinian Authority’s request to the United Nations to be accepted as a member state. 

“In defiance of the United States and Israel, Palestinian President Abbas asked the United Nations (U.N.) to recognize a Palestinian State, jeopardizing the chance for peace in the region.  By going to the U.N., Palestine is sending a clear message that they are more interested in perpetuating the conflict and grabbing headlines than pursuing lasting peace. There is no doubt that they are seeking statehood for one reason; to give Palestine another tool to undermine Israel.

“The only way to attain peace in the region is for the two sides to sit down and have direct negotiations, a concept Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized in his speech before the U.N. today.   Sadly, Palestine has refused to negotiate with Israel since last September, despite Netanyahu’s long stated willingness to vigorously pursue peace negotiations.

“Israel is one of the United State’s closest allies and I am committed to ensuring that it remains a strong and free democracy in the Middle East. With the shared ideologies of individual rights and a democratic society, the United States and Israel have a deeply held bond that has been used to combat the threat of terrorism. My hope remains that the Palestine’s bid for statehood is denied and direct negotiations with the goal of peace becomes the preferred path for both parties.”

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