By Shlomo Shamir

A Majority of 76 Senators urged President Barack Obama Tuesday to advance Middle East peace talks while minding the “risks” Israel faces in any future peace accord.

The Senators, from both sides of the aisle, wrote in a letter that while disagreement between the U.S. and Israel may exist on certain issues “the United State’s friendship with Israel requires that we work closely together as we recommit ourselves to our historic role of a trusted friend and active mediator.”

“As we work closely with our democratic ally, Israel, we must take into account the risks it will face in any peace agreement,” the letter stated, coming a day after President Obama’s White House meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The lawmakers also urged Obama to insist on the “absolute Palestinian commitment to ending terrorist violence and to building the institutions necessary for a viable Palestinian state.”

“The more capable and responsible Palestinian forces become, the more they demonstrate the ability to govern and to maintain security, the easier it will be for them to reach an accord with Israel,” the Senators said.

Concerning the Arab world’s involvement in talks between Israel and Palestininas, the Senators said that “Everyone in the region has a stake in the success of these negotiations and should contribute to a lasting and comprehensive resolution.”

Democratic Senators Christopher Dodd and Arlen Specter and Republican Senators Johnny Isakson and John Thune were identified as the ones behind the letter.