[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 25, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H3422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       STANDING WITH AMERICA'S MOST STEADFAST ALLY IN THE REGION

  (Mrs. HARTZLER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express disappointment 
with President Obama's proposal for Israel to return to its pre-1967 
borders.
  President Obama's call for Israel to make more sacrifices in the 
pursuit of peace in the Middle East is unacceptable. The borders that 
were established in 1967 followed three wars launched against Israel. 
For Israel, acceptance of the 1967 borders would mean that Israeli 
sacrifices were for nothing. The territory acquired by the Israelis 
after they were subjected to unprovoked attacks serves as a buffer 
between Israel and enemies intent on destroying her.
  We all want to see peace in the Middle East. But it is unrealistic 
and naive to think that peace will come as a result of Israel, the only 
democratic state in the region, making more concessions. Restoring the 
pre-1967 borders would be a victory for Hamas, a terrorist group 
committed to Israel's demise. This is not the path to peace, and the 
President should acknowledge this.
  President Obama must stand by our most steadfast ally in the region. 
He must acknowledge that peace cannot be achieved through Israel's 
weakening its ability to defend itself against terrorists. The 
President, and all of us, must stand with Israel.

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