[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PRESIDENT CLINTON'S ULTIMATUM TO ISRAEL

  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, President Clinton's ultimatum to Israel 
regarding proposals to withdrawal from the West Bank to secure the 
peace process is wrong and should be abandoned. What business is it of 
the United States to give an ultimatum to a democratically elected 
people regarding their own security interest? We should not publicly 
pressure an ally to violate their own security assessment. This is not 
a matter for Washington to decide, but rather for the Israeli people to 
decide.
  The deadline imposed on Israel by the Administration removes any 
incentive for Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to negotiate. The 
United States should encourage direct negotiation, not dictate the 
agenda. We need to exercise patience to reach a lasting peace, not risk 
Israeli security.
  Mr. President, the Middle East peace process is taking place in a 
complex environment; caution--not irresponsible bravado--is required. 
There is no question that everyone involved wants peace in the Middle 
East. Yet, we must ask if our current actions are leading Israel and 
the Palestinian people toward security and freedom, or further from it. 
Putting pressure upon the people of Israel, forcing them to violate 
their own security needs, works against peace.
  The Middle East continues to be defined by suspicion, hatred, and a 
continuing arms race. Terrorism's presence can be felt everywhere-- in 
the markets and in the streets and cafes. And while much of the Arab 
world enters modernity, liberalizing economies and governments, radical 
Islamic extremism also grows. Anti-Semitism and the anti-Israeli 
refrain has not yet ceased to be heard through the souks and bazaars of 
the Middle East. This hatred is unfortunately a very real, very 
frightening, part of daily existence for the Israeli people.
  Over the past several months of bipartisan discussions and personal 
dialogue with the administration, I've concluded two things. First, 
America can continue to play a vital role in the peace process, but our 
role must be limited to mediator and facilitator. Second, in spite of 
this administration's good intentions, the United States is currently 
trying to lead the talks toward a false goal--the Israelis understand 
this and resist. The President must understand that peace through 
ultimatum may get him an agreement, but an agreement which may provide 
a risky and false peace.
  A lasting and secure peace represents the only worthy goal. And if 
this means that we wait and demonstrate patience and not arrogance, 
then we should. The U.S. will eagerly take a share of the credit for a 
successful agreement, but we must remember--we do not pay the price of 
failure. The price of failure will be paid by the Palestinian and 
Israeli people, who will continue to live in fear of another bus 
bombing in the city center, of their children being targeted in buses 
and cafes.

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