Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-17) today issued the following statement regarding U.S.-Israel relations in response to President Obama’s speech on the Middle East, his address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress:
“Israel is and always has been a staunch friend and ally of the United States. In turn, we must continue standing by Israel through thick and thin. Our bond with Israel is unbreakable, rooted not only in shared history and culture but, most importantly, in shared values.
“For over six decades, Israel has faced existential threats to its security and relentless violence against its citizens. Given this hostility, Israel has an undeniable right to self-defense. We must first and foremost grasp this basic reality.
“I look forward to the day when Israelis and Palestinians achieve comprehensive peace. To achieve that goal, however, the Palestinians must first meet basic preconditions, including Hamas renouncing violence, honoring previously-signed agreements, and recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. The final point requires Palestinians to accept that the refugee issue must be solved outside of Israel’s borders. Furthermore, it is unacceptable for the Palestinians to push for a unilateral declaration of statehood at the United Nations this fall.
“The Israelis deserve a credible partner for peace – not terrorism perpetrated by Hamas. Ultimately, the exact outlines of a peace deal must be determined by the two negotiating parties, but any settlement must recognize the realities on the ground and Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens.”
“I thank President Obama for reiterating our nation’s steadfast commitment to Israel in both word and deed.”
Yesterday night, Rep. Wilson joined over 10,000 pro-Israel supporters at the 2011 AIPAC Policy Conference to hear Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to the organization.
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Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term congresswoman representing the 17th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. She is a former state legislator and school principal and the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.