[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 99 (Friday, July 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 DEPLORING MISUSE OF INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE BY UNITED NATIONS 
                 GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR POLITICAL PURPOSE

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                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my concerns regarding H. 
Res. 713.
  I strongly believe that Israel has the right to defend itself against 
terrorism. I certainly share the conviction of many of my colleagues 
who supported this resolution that Israel has the right to construct a 
security barrier. That right of protection should be unquestioned. In 
fact, I suggested the construction of a security barrier between Israel 
and the Palestinians in the West Bank years ago, long before the 
Israeli government proposed erecting such a security fence.
  While I support Israel's decision to build a security barrier, I 
recognize that the current path of the separation barrier has been 
questioned, notably by the Supreme Court of Israel, in large part 
because of the displacement of Palestinians. Fortunately, the orderly 
governmental process in Israel has resulted in a compromise that 
balances the security interests of Israel with rights of minorities. On 
June 30, the Supreme Court ordered the re-routing of a 20-mile section 
of the barrier inside the West Bank northwest of Jerusalem that was in 
the initial stages of construction because it was too burdensome on 
Palestinians. I applaud Israel's government for agreeing to comply with 
the Court's ruling.
  Despite these positive developments in the region, today we are 
considering in the House a resolution that is divisive and not 
constructive. Over the decades, the United States has been essential in 
facilitating negotiations along the road to peace. The U.S. should be 
first in support of Israel's right to build a fence if she believes it 
will protect her citizens. However, Congress should not formally 
endorse the wall in its existing form, nor should we oppose it. To do 
either compromises the U.S. and any peace process. The U.S. should not 
get involved in that issue except as a facilitator of negotiations 
between the parties to advance the cause of peace.
  I rarely vote present. However, the false choice presented by this 
resolution could justify neither a yea or nay vote. While the 
resolution expresses support for Israel's right to construct a security 
barrier, it is clear to me that this measure was a cynical attempt to 
divide people for political gain here in the United States.
  It is the responsibility of the pro-Israel community--of which I am a 
member--to support measures that advance the security of Israel. This 
legislation does not do that. This measure is a cynical attempt that 
purports to support Israel but uses inflammatory language directed at 
members of the international community. This resolution undermines the 
steps we have taken to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, 
compromises our ability to assist in the future, and makes Israel and 
the entire region less secure.
  The future security of the Middle East depends on negotiating a just, 
permanent, and peaceful settlement between Israelis and Palestinians 
that both guarantees Israel's security and establishes a Palestinian 
state. I cannot support resolutions, such as H. Res. 713, that are 
detrimental to this process.

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