Rep. Jayapal Urges US-Israel-Arab Coalition Against Hamas, Stresses Long-Term Political Solution for Middle East Stability

In a recent interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) emphasized the importance of a coalition involving the United States, Israel, and Arab countries to address the threat posed by Hamas and to establish long-term stability in the region.

Jayapal reiterated her call for a cease-fire while dismissing the idea that it would perpetuate the existence of the “brutal terrorist regime in place in Gaza.” She asserted that Hamas, being a terrorist organization, needs to be dealt with, and the key lies in forming a durable coalition within the Middle East. According to Jayapal, terrorism experts advocate for this approach, emphasizing collaboration with the United States and Israel to foster a lasting political solution and provide an alternative leadership for Gaza, ultimately leading to the creation of a Palestinian state.

Addressing the ongoing conflict, Jayapal condemned both Hamas and Israel, attributing the lack of progress toward a long-term solution to Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza. She underscored the need for accountability, stating, “We have to condemn what Hamas did on October 7. We cannot allow for 15,000 Palestinians to date to have been killed, three-quarters of whom are women and children, and say that that is going to help us in the long term.”

Jayapal highlighted the moral and strategic imperative for Israel to pursue a political solution that includes the establishment of both a Palestinian and Israeli state. She expressed concern that a lasting coalition, essential for ending the war, would not materialize if Israel continued its current military actions, asserting, “The United States cannot be backers of this kind of indiscriminate bombing.”

The representative’s call for a coalition coincides with Israel’s resumption of its offensive in Gaza, following a seven-day temporary cease-fire. This pause in hostilities resulted in the release of dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for three times that number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.

To encapsulate Jayapal’s position, she advocates for a comprehensive coalition approach involving the United States, Israel, and Arab nations to counter Hamas, condemning both indiscriminate actions and calling for a political solution that addresses the needs of both Palestinians and Israelis for long-term stability in the region.