Tim Scott (R-SC) made the following statement today in response to President Barak Obama's remarks calling for a return to the 1967 Israeli border lines:
"I disagree in the strongest terms with President Obama's call for Israel to return to the 1967 borders as a pre-condition for further Arab-Israeli peace talks. I am appalled that the President would pressure Israel to negotiate with a Palestinian Authority that is now comprised of Hamas - a terrorist group committed to Israel's destruction.
The United States must lead -- from the front - in the global struggle for freedom and democracy. If it does, Israel will be safer, the Middle East will be safer, and the world will be safer.
Despite our President's reticence, Republicans in Congress should use this moment to ensure that our country continues to lead the free world. With our influence over the budgetary discussions, foreign aid, and the Defense Department, we should look for new ways to foster democratic institutions, as opposed to pouring billions into military assistance and propping up regimes that do not support our values. That is good policy for America and for all democracies in the region."