Lloyd Bentsen: “as a co-sponsor, I rise in strong support of this resolution, which commends the people of Israel for conducting a free…”

“as a co-sponsor, I rise in strong support of this resolution, which commends the people of Israel for conducting a free and fair election, and reaffirms the important bonds between the United States and Israel. On February 6, 2001, the people of Israel elected a new Prime Minister, Likud Party Leader Ariel Sharon. At this time of transition in Israel, I believe it is appropriate to commend the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Less than two years ago, Israelis elected Mr. Barak as their Prime Minister, after he aggressively campaigned to pursue lasting peace agreements with the Palestinians and their Arab neighbors. It's fair to say that Mr. Barak delivered on his promise to go the extra mile in the name of peace. During his tenure, Prime Minister Barak withdrew Israeli forces from Lebanon, expressed a willingness to negotiate the return of the Golan Heights to Syria, and offered the Palestinians statehood and control over sections of Jerusalem. Regrettably, after offering more in the name of peace than any of his predecessors, the Palestinian leadership left Mr. Barak's offers at Camp David's negotiating table, favoring instead a return to terror and violence, as witnessed over the past four months in the West Bank and Gaza.”