Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 13: US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Thursday called for “dramatic changes” across the Middle East, including in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as in US defence cooperation with Israel. However, he stopped short of explicitly supporting a proposal to remove Israel-related provisions from the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Speaking at a news conference, Jeffries was asked whether he supported Senator Chris Van Hollen’s proposal to remove provisions from the annual defence bill that would deepen US defence and intelligence cooperation with Israel.

Jeffries said he had not discussed the proposal with Van Hollen but stressed that significant changes were needed in the region.

On the West Bank, he expressed support for the West Bank Violence Protection Act and called for changes in Gaza and in the memorandum of understanding between the US and Israel as it approaches its conclusion.

Describing the current situation as unacceptable, Jeffries said his vision was for Israel to live in safety and security alongside an independent Palestinian state, ensuring dignity and self-determination for the Palestinian people.

He added that Democrats would work together as a caucus to advance what he described as a “just and lasting peace” for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Jeffries’ remarks came after Van Hollen and 11 other senators urged congressional leadership to remove provisions from the upcoming NDAA that would mandate deeper defence and intelligence cooperation with Israel.