[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 18624]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL

  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, today, supporters of Israel are 
gathering in New York to show solidarity with our friend and ally, the 
State of Israel, and I am proud to join my voice with theirs in support 
of Israel. As world leaders gather in New York City for the General 
Assembly, the world must know that Americans and all people who value 
freedom and the rights and dignity of human beings around the world 
stand with Israel as it defends itself against unwarranted, unprovoked 
attacks from terrorists and their state sponsors.
  It is essential for those of us who care deeply about what is 
happening in Israel now to recognize that Israel's struggle is a 
struggle on behalf of a future where people will be able to live in 
peace and security. The kidnapping of Israeli soldiers that 
precipitated the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza have not yet been 
resolved, and it is essential that Israel's abducted soldiers are 
returned to Israel unconditionally. I have met with family members of 
one of the soldiers abducted in Israel near the Lebanese border who 
spoke eloquently and movingly about the importance of securing the safe 
return of the captured soldiers. Today I sent a letter to Jacob 
Kellenberger, president of the International Committee of the Red 
Cross, asking that he do whatever possible to determine the health and 
well-being of the three soldiers, to ensure that they have their full 
rights under the Geneva Conventions, and to do what he can to secure 
their release.
  Israel's right to exist, and exist in safety, must never be put in 
question, and we must continue to stand up to offensive rhetoric and 
terrorist violence that threatens Israel's existence. Iranian President 
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a repeated purveyor of offensive rhetoric, is 
currently visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly. It 
is my hope that world leaders will convey the message that through his 
statements calling for Israel's destruction and support for the 
terrorists who rain rockets on Israeli civilians and abduct its 
soldiers, President Ahmadinejad continues to lessen his standing as a 
credible world leader in the community of nations.

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