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Israelis and Palestinians Deserve to Be Free in a Land of Their Own

(White House) President Barack Obama - In a speech in Jerusalem on Thursday directed to the people of Israel, President Barack Obama said: While Jews achieved extraordinary success in many parts of the world, the dream of true freedom finally found its full expression in the Zionist idea - to be a free people in your homeland. That's why I believe that Israel is rooted not just in history and tradition, but also in a simple and profound idea - the idea that people deserve to be free in a land of their own. We've made it clear, time and again, that Israel cannot accept rocket attacks from Gaza, and we have stood up for Israel's right to defend itself. And that's why Israel has a right to expect Hamas to renounce violence and recognize Israel's right to exist. A people who have a living memory of the Holocaust [are] faced with the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iranian government that has called for Israel's destruction. It's no wonder Israelis view this as an existential threat. But this is not simply a challenge for Israel - it is a danger for the entire world, including the United States. Strong and principled diplomacy is the best way to ensure that the Iranian government forsakes nuclear weapons....But Iran must know this time is not unlimited....America will do what we must to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. I believe that peace is the only path to true security....Given the demographics west of the Jordan River, the only way for Israel to endure and thrive as a Jewish and democratic state is through the realization of an independent and viable Palestine....No single step is going to erase years of history and propaganda. But progress with the Palestinians is a powerful way to begin. The only path to peace is through negotiations - which is why, despite the criticism we've received, the United States will oppose unilateral efforts to bypass negotiations through the United Nations. It has to be done by the parties. But the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, their right to justice, must also be recognized....Just as Israelis built a state in their homeland, Palestinians have a right to be a free people in their own land. Israel is the most powerful country in this region. Israel has the unshakeable support of the most powerful country in the world. Israel is not going anywhere. Israel has the wisdom to see the world as it is, but - this is in your nature - Israel also has the courage to see the world as it should be.
2013-03-22 00:00:00
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