[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RENEWING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, our indefatigable negotiator with 
responsibility for mediating the outstanding, difficult issues between 
the Israeli Government and the Palestinian authorities is back at work 
in the Middle East. The peace process was derailed by the intemperate 
action by the government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, in supporting 
new Israeli settlements in Jerusalem. There appears little doubt that, 
regardless of the failings of Mr. Arafat to fully restrain Palestinian 
reactions to this action, the Israeli leader bears very heavy 
responsibility to undo the mischief which brought that elaborate tango 
of negotiations and actions called the peace process crashing down.
  Now we read of an unfolding, unprecedented scandal centered around 
that same Prime Minister. I have no judgment to make on that, but I 
hope that, as I have said before on this floor, Mr. Netanyahu will rise 
above the pressures on him, particularly from his right wing, and face 
history squarely. It is up to him to make the crucial moves that will 
halt the settlement construction, and take a courageous step. I call 
upon him, again, to do this, for the sake of the people of Israel and 
the Palestinians.
  It is important that the Clinton administration continue to take the 
position that the settlement construction must be halted. Ambassador 
Ross is reported today to be pressing the Prime Minister to do so. The 
United States has an important stake in this matter. As the strongest 
ally and the best friend that Israel ever had, or will have, it is 
surely not too much to expect some consideration of the U.S. position 
on this matter on the part of Mr. Netanyahu. He surely cannot expect to 
continue stonewalling the United States on this critical matter. I, for 
one, felt he should not have come to the United States to meet 
extensively with our President with nothing in mind to offer 
apparently. That is not what a good ally or a good friend does. He 
certainly cannot expect us to stand by while he gives an American 
President--our President--no more than a hello and goodbye on such a 
critical matter, and also then still expects the United States to 
provide our annual supplement of over $3 billion in American tax 
dollars to Israel without batting an eye--$3 billion. I wonder if the 
American people are aware of that, every year.
  This is a crucial period for the Likud government. I hope that it 
will see that support from the American people cannot continue to be in 
the form of a blank check no matter what that government does to stall 
or derail the process of making peace with the Palestinians. It does 
not do the Israeli people any good whatsoever for the message to go to 
them that whatever happens is essentially fine with the United States 
Government. We need to be consistent, both in Washington and in New 
York. The Clinton administration needs to take this into consideration, 
as well. We cannot take one position, against the settlements 
construction, here in Washington, and water it down by not endorsing 
the same policy embodied in Security Counsel resolutions. That is 
speaking out of both sides of our mouth. That is speaking with a forked 
tongue. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to speak in one voice with the 
administration, and I urge the administration to be completely 
consistent, not inconsistent, because inconsistency creates confusion. 
It sends the wrong message. Make it clear that we will continue to act 
in good faith as a mediator and as an ally of Israel, but we expect the 
Israeli Government to step up to the plate and make the kind of moves 
that will be necessary to breathe new vigor and new life into the 
process of peacemaking, which is so critical to the people of Israel, 
to the Palestinians, to the United States and to our allies.

  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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