[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S194-S195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 ISRAEL

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam President, I also wish to discuss the security 
in

[[Page S195]]

the Middle East and to offer my support for Israel. Israel is an 
important foundation of stability and democracy in the Middle East. The 
resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is important not only to 
the peace and security of the Middle East but also to the rest of the 
world.
  The United States and Israel share common principles and a strong 
commitment to eradicate terrorism and to secure a better future for the 
world. Israel has been a steadfast ally of the United States and, I 
assure you, the United States will stand ready to assist our friends, 
the Israelis, to promote peace, defeat terrorism, and prevent hostile 
countries that sponsor terrorism from obtaining nuclear weapons.
  With hopes for peace and a two-state solution, Israel evacuated all 
of its citizens and soldiers from Gaza in 2005, including the uprooting 
of homes, schools, and places of worship. Unfortunately and 
regrettably, following these actions, the Palestinians failed to 
develop fully the Gaza Strip and voted into power Hamas, a terrorist 
organization supported by Iran and whose true objective is to eradicate 
the state of Israel.
  Following years where terror groups in Gaza launched rockets at 
Israel, targeting the Israeli civilian population, it became clear that 
it was time for action. After Hamas failed to renew its self-imposed 
cease-fire--one it, frankly, never enforced fully--Israel was forced to 
take appropriate action to protect her citizens. To that end, Israel 
has responded appropriately.
  The United States-Israel alliance remains more critical than ever as 
Israel defends her people and works to end the threat posed from 
terrorist groups on its borders. The United States and Israel face an 
unprecedented array of shared threats--from Iran developing a nuclear 
program with unclear intentions and a clear track record of deceit, to 
the expanding military capabilities of terrorist groups such as Hamas 
and Hezbollah, which are supported by Iran--and security and stability 
in the Middle East, especially for our ally Israel, has never been more 
precarious.
  I do hope this conflict will soon come to a peaceful conclusion. 
Nevertheless--and let me be clear--Israel has every right to defend its 
citizens while taking precautions, to the extent possible, to spare the 
civilian population in Gaza and reduce collateral damage.
  I urge the people of Gaza to reject Hamas and surrender the 
terrorists' rockets in the most expedient manner to facilitate ending 
this necessary action by Israel. Israel remains committed to peace 
talks with the Palestinian Authority, despite Hamas's constant 
bombardment of Israel and its ineffective control over the Gaza Strip.
  In order to improve the prospects for successful and lasting peace 
between the Israelis and the Palestinians, it is necessary for all 
Palestinians to work toward a solution. This cannot be done while Hamas 
is allowed to rain terror into southern Israel. I encourage the 
Palestinian Authority in the West Bank to form a legitimate and 
authoritative body which can speak for all of Palestine, effectuate 
change, and exercise control over terrorists who reside in their 
territory. I commend President Abbas for taking part in the 
international discussions about the situation in Gaza.
  I support the necessary requirements of any cease-fire which 
Secretary Rice discussed before the United Nations. Hamas must end the 
rocket, mortar, and other attacks on Israel, and Israel can then cease 
its military offensive and reopen Gaza's border crossings so that 
Palestinians can benefit from humanitarian goods and basic supplies. 
Most importantly, the smuggling of weapons into Gaza through hundreds 
of illegal tunnels must end. The Arab states in the region, especially 
Egypt, should be a part of this process, and I encourage the 
Palestinians to seek their guidance and support, and in return for them 
to offer guidance and political and financial support.
  Madam President, with that, I yield the floor and 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. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Finally, I ask unanimous consent to speak for 15 
minutes as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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