On the recordMay 25, 2011
Yesterday in this Chamber, we listened as Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined a viable plan for peace in the Middle East, a plan that includes a free Palestinian state and a secure Israel. Earlier, President Obama used the phrase, ``The United States believes,'' to articulate his beliefs that this peace should be based on the 1967 borders. This is not how the United States feels or has ever felt about Israel, an ally and a close friend; a friendship based on common democratic values, religious affinities, and security interests. As a friend, we cannot force Israel into indefensible borders ultimately leading to its destruction, because Israel is surrounded by people who want to see it wiped off the face of the Earth. Israel is our friend, and we, the United States of America, believe in standing with our friend. ____________________
