Statement by Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Middle East Subcommittee, on today's address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
May 24, 2011
"Just a few short days after President Obama tried to force Israel into an unacceptable negotiating position with the Palestinians, I was pleased by the warm reception Congress gave to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his address to a rare joint session of Congress. Today’s speech was historic. It demonstrated Israel’s willingness to embrace a partnership with the Palestinian people. Israel is prepared to recognize a Palestinian state. However, Palestinians must also recognize the State of Israel with boundaries that are defensible. I stand with Prime Minister Netanyahu in calling on the Palestinians to break from the terrorist group Hamas which advocates the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people and which condemned the killing of Osama Bin Laden.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu eloquently reminded America of the important bond we share with the people of Israel – one based on democracy, human rights, shared interests and security. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Congress to assure Israel’s sovereignty and security. The United States must stand with Israel, now more than ever, to promote peace, security, and stability for all nations in the region."