Lynn N. Rivers: “my vote today on H. Res. 392 is not a vote in favor of the Israelis or the Palestinians. Nor is it a vote against them.…”

“my vote today on H. Res. 392 is not a vote in favor of the Israelis or the Palestinians. Nor is it a vote against them. It is a vote for peace. I am convinced that an enduring settlement on the long-standing differences between Israel and Palestine cannot be achieved through military means--only through negotiations and compromise. The ongoing violence has caused pain and grief beyond measure for both peoples and there is blame and sympathy enough to go around. The United States can play an important--and irreplaceable--role as an honest broker and a friend to all. Israel has been a good friend and ally to the U.S. I support her right to exist and her right to defend herself. The United States has always had a special relationship with her and I remain committed to that relationship. However, I am also steadfast in my desire to see a two-state peace in the Middle East and I do not believe such a peace is possible without fair, thoughtful leadership by the United States.”