On the recordMarch 25, 2010
I rise after the recent public statements made by Vice President Biden and Secretary Clinton on the subject of new Israeli housing in east Jerusalem. While it is important for our country to play a mediating role in the Middle East peace process, it is also important that any disagreements be dealt with as friends would deal with disagreements, behind the scenes first and working them out in private before they are aired in public. The President and this administration clearly care deeply about peace in the Middle East and made it a priority for our country to play an active role in these negotiations, and I applaud the emphasis. However, using these tactics, which distance us from a long-time ally, doesn't serve the purpose of furthering these peace negotiations. When two allies with such a strategically close relationship as Israel and the United States air their disagreements in public, whatever those disagreements are, it puts all parties in an awkward position, including the Palestinian leaders who do want to engage in a peace process with Israel. I think airing these disagreements in public was a setback to the peace process. Instead, as we go forward, we should draw on the special relationship that endures between the United States and Israel to move forward.
