Rep. Murphy Response to President Obama's Remarks on Israel

Statement

Following the President's speech on the Middle East and Israel today, Rep. Tim Murphy (PA-18) released the following statement:

"The President's comments leave the state of Israel exposed and threatened by Hamas and other terrorist groups that have been responsible for raining thousands of rockets and mortars onto Jewish families and children. Returning strategic and historic lands like the Golan Heights weakens Israel's ability to defend itself and leaves the Israeli people vulnerable and susceptible to the expansion of terrorism. Ceding these lands -- while consciously ignoring how to resolve the status of refugees and the future of Jerusalem --undermines Israel's negotiating position and its long-term security. The President should have taken this opportunity to announce a complete end of aid to the Hamas-Fatah government unless they commit to stopping all terrorism against Israel and acknowledge Israel's right to exist. Instead, the President has emboldened those seeking to harm Israel and backed America's firmest and most democratic Middle East ally into a corner. I will continue to support a negotiated two-state solution and support the Israelis and Palestinians who come to the table to talk, but the President's remarks have weakened the prospect for peace."

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