[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
[October 27, 1994]
[Pages 1889-1890]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on Arrival in Tel Aviv, Israel
October 27, 1994

    Thank you very much. Mr. President, Mrs. Weizman, Prime Minister 
Rabin, Mrs. Rabin, to all the people of Israel, it is wonderful for 
Hillary and for me to be back in Israel and

[[Page 1890]]

especially to come here in this capacity and at this momentous time.
    Yesterday was an historic day for the people of Israel and for the 
people of Jordan. It was also a wonderful day for the rest of the world, 
for we gained a glimpse yesterday of the future of a new Middle East.
    Like all Americans, I have been inspired by Israel's long struggle 
to survive and to flourish. Today, Israel is strong and growing 
stronger. You stand on the threshold of a new era of peace and security. 
America, as always, is proud to stand with you. We intend to remain by 
your side in the years ahead.
    Your new peace treaty points the way toward a goal we have all 
sought for a very long time: a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. 
This goal, as we all know, will require all Israelis to continue to 
demonstrate the awesome courage and vision and determination that have 
brought you this far. But we have seen the bright promise of the future.
    I would like to say, on a very personal level, how much I have 
enjoyed working with the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and all 
the others on the Israeli team; how much it has meant to the Secretary 
of State and to all of the rest of us to have the opportunity to be a 
part of a genuine commitment to lasting peace.
    I look forward to meeting with the Prime Minister, to speaking at 
the Knesset. I hope to have the chance to meet as many citizens of this 
magnificent country as possible. I thank you for making us feel very 
welcome.
    Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 4 p.m. at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International 
Airport. In his remarks, he referred to Israeli President Ezer Weizman 
and his wife, Ruma, and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and his wife, Lea.