[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 55 (Monday, April 19, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      AMERICAN-ISRAELI PARTNERSHIP

  Mr. BAUCUS. Madam President, I rise to reflect on the current state 
of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the special role the 
United States must play in moving these talks forward.
  Peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians have been stalled 
for nearly a year. To restart these talks it is abundantly clear that 
it will require great courage amongst the negotiating parties to 
negotiate in good faith. Efforts to negotiate a lasting peace in the 
region have been interrupted by violent clashes and mistrust. When it 
comes to peace, no one should doubt the sincere yearning of the Israeli 
and Palestinian people. Their dream of peace will be best realized when 
our countries work together.
  Ever since Israel declared independence in 1948, the United States 
and Israel have enjoyed a close friendship. And our support for Israel 
remains unwavering. For over a half-century Israel has been a pillar of 
freedom and democracy in the Middle East. In the face of countless 
threats and challenges it is this commitment to freedom that has kept 
our relationship strong. In the past Israel played an integral role in 
combating Soviet expansionism in the Middle East during the Cold War. 
Today it stands with the U.S. in confronting Iran in its dangerous 
pursuit of a nuclear program.
  Israel is an important strategic partner of the United States. Our 
national interests are linked through our ongoing cooperation in trade, 
diplomacy, intelligence, weapons development and military exercises. 
Since 1985, the U.S. has provided nearly $3 billion in grants to Israel 
annually. I am confident that we in Congress will continue to provide 
the assistance that befits such long-standing strategic allies.
  While there are moments of disagreement between Israel and the U.S., 
they do not affect the mutual interests that we share in the Middle 
East. The cause of freedom unites our vision for a peaceful future. It 
is critical that we continue our longstanding relationship of trust and 
cooperation as we meet the common challenges we face today. During rare 
moments of disagreement, it is best for two allies to resolve them 
privately and amicably. We should not allow our occasional differences 
to be exploited by our adversaries.
  Restoration of the peace process is a shared goal because its 
benefits are shared. For Israel, a lasting peace agreement brings 
assured peace to a land where peace has for too long been fleeting. For 
the U.S., the pursuit of a mid-east peace deal illustrates America's 
commitment to working for peace and security. Comprehensive peace in 
the Middle East is, and should remain, one of the U.S. highest foreign 
policy priorities.

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