FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 20, 2009
CONTACT:  Ori Nir - (202) 728-1893

Washington, D.C -- Americans for Peace Now today sent letters to congressional leaders praising them for making clear to visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States expects Israel to follow through on its commitments to stop settlements.

Mr. Netanyahu held a round of meetings on Capitol Hill yesterday, following his meeting with President Barack Obama on Monday. During the joint press conference, Mr. Obama noted that "settlements have to be stopped in order for us to move forward."  Media reports indicate that congressional leaders echoed Obama's call in their sessions with Mr. Netanyahu.

"It's hugely significant that Netanyahu heard the same message from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue: Settlements must stop," said Debra DeLee, President and CEO of Americans for Peace Now. "Settlements undermine the two-state solution, which is the best hope for peace for Israel. It is also a clear U.S. national security interest," she added.

According to one media report, the only Member of Congress not to speak out against West Bank settlements during his meeting with Mr. Netanyahu was Rep. Eric Cantor. "I sincerely hope that this report is wrong, and I urge Rep. Cantor to act as a true friend of Israel and speak out clearly against West Bank settlements," said DeLee.

APN's letter to Rep. Cantor expressed concerns about this account.

Americans for Peace Now (APN) is the leading Jewish American organization dedicated to enhancing Israel's security through peace and to supporting the Israeli Peace Now movement. Together, Peace Now and APN serve as the most thorough and comprehensive resource for information and analysis on West Bank settlements.