[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 97 (Friday, July 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST THE STATE OF ISRAEL

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                               speech of

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2006

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I reluctantly rise in opposition to this 
one-sided resolution that condemns recent attacks against the State of 
Israel while failing to deplore Israeli violence against the people of 
Lebanon. Like the authors and supporters of this resolution, I support 
Israel's right to exist and denounce the tragic kidnapping of Israeli 
soldiers. I also appreciate the desire to marginalize Hezbollah. But 
Israel's disproportionate military response, which is decimating 
Lebanon's infrastructure and economy, and preventing the transport of 
necessary medicines into the country, is counterproductive.
  As we are all painfully aware, the Middle East is a fragile place. 
Unfortunately, America's unconditional support for Israel is now 
tipping the balance in Israel's favor, facilitating a cycle of violence 
that undermines hopes for long-term peace. The latest back-and-forth 
threatens a larger, longer, and more deadly war, and underscores the 
failure of this administration to bring stability to the region.
  Lebanon has a democratically elected government that is by no means 
safely ensconced. I fear that in an attempt to weaken Hezbollah, Israel 
will instead undermine a Lebanese government that is more autonomous 
and sovereign than at any time in the past two decades. Killing 
Lebanese soldiers, for example, will not help the Lebanese government 
limit Hezbollah's influence. President Bush and I rarely agree, but 
even he this week cautioned Israel to be ``mindful'' of allowing 
Lebanon's government to ``succeed and survive'' after the conflict
  I do not agree with the President's refusal, however, to join the 
international community in calling for a prompt cease-fire. Nor do I 
appreciate this resolution's tacit approval for a lack of American 
diplomacy. Rather than back any and all actions Israel takes, the 
United States should act as an honest broker and pressure both Israel 
and Lebanon to show restraint. Diplomacy, not more violence, is the 
path to peace in the Middle East.
  Additionally, I strongly encourage the United States to acknowledge 
the plight of Americans living in Lebanon. Yesterday morning, the 
Washington Post ran a letter to the editor by a constituent of mine, 
noting the administration's Katrina-like response to evacuation 
requests. The constituent's family would like to depart Lebanon, but 
has been unable to secure transport out of the country.
  Finally, I am concerned that particular language in this resolution 
that all but encourages Israel to take action against Iran's nuclear 
facilities. Section Eight in particular sanctions ``Israel's right to 
take appropriate action including to conduct operations in the 
territory of nations which pose a threat to it'' As with the current 
violence, I would urge Israel--and the United States--to pursue a 
diplomatic solution in Iran.
  I cannot vote for a resolution that condemns one tragedy while 
supporting another. I urge my colleagues to embrace the difficult and 
challenging path to peace rather than the reflexively simple march to 
war.

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