Black Statement on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Address to Congress

Washington, D.C.--Today, U.S. Representative Diane Black (R-TN), released the following statement after an address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint session of Congress:

“As an ardent supporter of Israel, it was an honor to join my colleagues as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress,” said Black.  “In his speech, Mr. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s strong relationship with the United States, and based on the very warm reception he was given by members of Congress, I feel our historic alliance with Israel will continue.  It is crucial that the United States stand with Israel both today and in the future.  In a region of the world where basic human rights can be almost impossible to find, Israel is a beacon of freedom, hope and democracy in the Middle East. 

“Mr. Netanyahu’s words brought much-needed clarity on the way forward as Israel seeks a two-state solution with the Palestinians.  Israel must be able to able to defend itself, and the Obama Administration’s current push for the implementation of 1967 borders only  leaves the Israeli people exposed to greater attack.   As Mr. Netanyahu stated in his speech that the current conflict is less about borders, ‘because so far the Palestinians have been unwilling to accept a Palestinian state if it meant accepting a Jewish state alongside it.’ That is why the United States must continue to support our strongest ally in the region as the work towards peace.”

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