[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15418]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          COMMITMENT TO ISRAEL

  Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, we have all learned in our personal lives 
that in times of difficulty and challenge, all the extraneous matters 
of life disappear and we wisely cling to those relationships and values 
we hold most dear. As we as a nation confront a dangerous set of 
circumstance in the Middle East, we would be wise to do the same thing.
  The United States made a solemn, unequivocal, irrevocable commitment 
to the State of Israel in 1948. We did so for two reasons. First, we 
were responding in moral revulsion to centuries of persecution of the 
Jewish people around the world and specifically in Nazi Germany. 
Second, we were affirming the formation of a democratic society in the 
Middle East because we believed, then and now, the democracy is, in 
Lincoln's words, ``the last best hope of Earth.''
  That commitment had absolutely nothing to do with politics, 
partisanship or the price of a gallon of gasoline. Today on this floor 
we renew that commitment to Israel, and by doing so, remain faithful to 
our own creeds and national moral identity.
  We as a nation are committed to democracy and the rule of law. We 
believe that governments derive their just powers from the consent of 
the governed. We know from our own history that many disagree with that 
commitment. We know that those values are not self-actualizing. 
Sometimes free nations have to fight violent people to preserve the 
circumstances under which they can live in peace and freedom. We stand 
with Israel today to support its right to defend itself against 
terrorists and those who support them.
  Israel is a small country, surrounded by many who are hostile to 
their existence. Over the last six decades, Israel has made risky 
territorial concessions to its neighbors in hopes that moderate Arab 
voices would prevail over extremists. Those extremists' view of peace 
in the Middle East are predicated on the destruction and removal of 
Israel.
  Despite the fact that southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip have been 
the launching point for violence against Israel in the recent past, 
Israel agreed to withdraw from them in the hope of peace. That hope has 
been dashed by Hamas and Hezbollah, both in the abduction of Israeli 
soldiers and the launching of rocket attacks.
  Some in the European community and even in the United States have 
said criticized Israel's response as ``disproportionate'' and urged 
Israel to negotiate. When their very survival is at stake, how do you 
measure proportionality? With whom do they suggest Israel negotiate?
  I am not saying there is not role for diplomacy or a diplomatic 
solution.
  But the foundation of such a solution must be No. 1, Israel has an 
absolute right to defend itself and No. 2, we must make absolutely 
certain that our actions do not embolden terrorists to continue their 
inexcusable tactics.
  No one supports armed conflict or the injury of civilians. A terrible 
price is always paid by those who bear the least guilt for the battles. 
But when Israel is faced with terrorists who work for its destruction, 
firm steps must be taken.
  I commend the President for his active work with the leaders in the 
region, the United Nations and Europe. This is a situation where public 
statements should be few and maximum influence exerted in private 
networks of diplomacy.
  I believe the President is honoring our Nation's commitment to Israel 
and forcefully pursuing our Nation's wider objectives in the War on 
Terror in this situation.
  I think the American people can be reassured and proud that the 
United States is acting as a great power, in pursuit of high moral 
principles. We hope that through our strength and advocacy, those who 
initiated this conflict in Lebanon and Gaza will cease their actions, 
that their ability to continue to inflict terror and destabilize the 
region is eliminated or at least severely curtailed, and those who work 
for peace can regain control.
  Israel is the only democracy in the region and they need our 
friendship and support right now. By demonstrating our resolve, we help 
ensure that our other friends in the region will work for a solution 
which is best for Israel and all the legitimate forces in the Middle 
East.

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