Before being elected to Congress, Congressman Connolly spent a decade working on Middle East issues for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Since coming to Congress, he’s been a leader on these issues, attempting to build a consensus towards a long-term diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Congressman Connolly is a strong supporter of a two-state solution. He’s been a vocal critic of  the far-right Netanyahu government, which opposes a two-state solution. He  has condemned the illegal annexation and demolition of property by settlers and he supports the recent sanctions by the Biden administration.

The immediate conflict between Israel and Hamas must come to an end, with a return of hostages by Hamas and a ceasefire between the two sides. Until that happens, the United States must make humanitarian assistance its top priority, and that’s why Congressman Connolly voted for more than $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza in April.

Until the two sides can reach a ceasefire, the United States must pressure both sides to exercise restraint and protect civilian lives. Sadly, the Netanyahu government has failed to do that, and has bombed indiscriminately and killed hostages, and thousands of women and children. Congressman Connolly has condemned the indiscriminate bombing and tragic loss of lives. The United States cannot continue to provide offensive weaponry to a government if it refuses to respect the laws of war. 

At the same time, Israel faces serious security threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran and we cannot abandon the only democracy in the region. 

Because of his ceaseless dedication to a permanent diplomatic solution, Congressman Connolly is honored to have received the endorsement of advocacy groups like the pro-Israel and pro-peace group J Street and the Muslim advocacy group Emgage.