Standing With America's Most Steadfast Ally in the Region

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express disappointment with President Obama's proposal for Israel to return to its pre-1967 borders.

President Obama's call for Israel to make more sacrifices in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East is unacceptable. The borders that were established in 1967 followed three wars launched against Israel. For Israel, acceptance of the 1967 borders would mean that Israeli sacrifices were for nothing. The territory acquired by the Israelis after they were subjected to unprovoked attacks serves as a buffer between Israel and enemies intent on destroying her.

We all want to see peace in the Middle East. But it is unrealistic and naive to think that peace will come as a result of Israel, the only democratic state in the region, making more concessions. Restoring the pre-1967 borders would be a victory for Hamas, a terrorist group committed to Israel's demise. This is not the path to peace, and the President should acknowledge this.

President Obama must stand by our most steadfast ally in the region. He must acknowledge that peace cannot be achieved through Israel's weakening its ability to defend itself against terrorists. The President, and all of us, must stand with Israel.

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