Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an historic speech before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. Netanyahu laid out his plan for peace in the Middle East, which includes a two state solution with the Palestinians, but maintained that Israel can not sacrifice security in the process.
"Israel will not return to the indefensible boundaries of 1967. Israel will be generous on the size of the Palestinian state, but we'll be very firm on where we put the border with it.
"Peace must be anchored in security.
"As for Jerusalem, only a democratic Israel has protected freedom of worship for all faiths in the city. Jerusalem must never again be divided. Jerusalem must remain the united capital of Israel.
"Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by the Palestinian version of al Qaeda. So I say to President Abbas: Tear up your pact with Hamas! Sit down and negotiate! Make peace with the Jewish state!
"It is vital that Israel maintain a long-term military presence along the Jordan River," Mr. Netanyahu said. "Solid security arrangements on the ground are necessary not only to protect the peace, they are necessary to protect Israel in case the peace unravels," Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu received 25 standing ovations from Congress, which showed an unwavering support for the Israeli leader.
It's refreshing to hear straight talk without ambiguity, and being articulate enough to tell the facts as they are without any double-talk.
Benjamin Netanyahu should be applauded for his willingness to recognize the existence and legitimate rights of his neighbors.
Now if only his neighbors could pay the same respects and recognize the rights of Israel. If not, let the PLO take up their case with the U.N. I'm sure that bastion of double-dealing, low-brow political hacks will be as effective with this conflict as they have everywhere else in the world!
Netanyahu speaks of the greatness of his country, and it's mission on this earth. He defends it's people and history with vigor. He is open to negotiation but unwilling to put his country at risk. He speaks of defending his country at all costs. Israel has demonstrated that it will bend, but never break, and he clearly represents that view.
Our President goes on apology tours and blames the U.S., or some segment of it, for almost every world problem.
Whatever you may think of Israel or how/whether to resolve the problems of the Middle East, there is something in that contrast that is a "teachable moment"
Netanyahu was interrupted by hecklers in the gallery. How he and the members of Congress handled the situation is one for the ages and lead to one of the best lines by Netanyahu.
"I take it as a badge of honor, and so should you, that in our free societies you can have protests. You can’t have these protests in the farcical parliaments in Tehran or in Tripoli. This is real democracy," Netanyahu said."
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