Signatories include former ambassadors to Israel, national security directors, Obama-era presidential advisors and many others close to the issue LONDON: Dozens of former US national security officials have urged the Democratic Party to oppose Israel’s occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory, and to take a more balanced approach to the conflict. In a letter sent to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Monday, more than 30 former officials urged the party to explicitly support the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and freedom as part of its agenda in November’s presidential elections. “The 2020 platform should expressly state a commitment to a resolution of the conflict that ensures both Israel’s security and future as a Jewish and democratic state with equal rights for all its citizens, as well as Palestinian rights, including self-determination, security and freedom,” the letter reads. The Trump administration, it says, has made a “sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian state impossible.” This, the letter says, harms Palestinians and undermines the US-Israel special relationship. Signatories include former ambassadors to Israel, national security directors, Obama-era presidential advisors and many others close to the issue. A statement issued by J Street, a US-based Jewish organization, welcomed the letter’s “explicit commitment to Palestinian rights” and “opposition to Israeli occupation and potential unilateral annexation in the West Bank.” While Democratic support for Israel has previously been overwhelming, 2020 has seen growing criticism from within the party, and support for Palestine is becoming increasingly mainstream