New York, NY, July 7, 2011 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) commended the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage tonight of a resolution urging the United States to lead opposition to the Palestinian quest to bypass negotiations with Israel and unilaterally seek statehood. 

The resolution also opposes the Palestinian Authority's ill-fated reconciliation with Hamas, a terrorist, anti-Semitic organization sworn to Israel's destruction.

Introduced by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and overwhelmingly approved by a vote of 407-6, House Resolution 268 reaffirms the U.S. commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct negotiations.

"We commend members of Congress for mobilizing a resounding message that the Palestinians cannot reject direct negotiations with Israel and embrace Hamas," said Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

"Instead of reconciling with Israel, the Palestinian Authority has reconciled with Hamas, a terrorist, anti-Semitic organization sworn to Israel's destruction," added Mr. Sugarman and Mr. Foxman.  "The Palestinians need to take seriously the President's warning that, 'Symbolic actions to isolate Israel at the United Nations in September won't create an independent state.'"

The Senate passed a similar resolution last week.

More information on Palestinian efforts to declare an independent state at the United Nations in September is available in the League's online backgrounder, Palestinian Unilateralism: An Obstacle to Peace.