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Peace Is the Only Path to True Security for Israel and the Palestinians - U.S. President Barack Obama

(Ha'aretz) I've seen what security means to children in Sderot who just want to grow up without fear, to families who've lost their homes and everything they have to Hizballah's and Hamas's rockets. And as a father myself, I cannot imagine the pain endured by the parents of Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach, who were tragically kidnapped and murdered in June. I am also heartbroken by the senseless abduction and murder of Mohammed Hussein Abu Khdeir, whose life was stolen from him and his family. From Harry Truman through today, the United States has always been Israel's greatest friend. Budgets in Washington are tight, but our commitment to Israel's security remains ironclad. The United States is committed to providing more than $3 billion each year to help finance Israel's security through 2018. American investments in Israel's cutting-edge defense systems like the Arrow interceptor system and Iron Dome are saving lives. We are also working to ensure that Iran does not ever possess a nuclear weapon. Through tough international negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, we are attempting to peacefully address a major threat to global and regional security, including the security of Israel. We have always been clear-eyed that resolving the decades-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians would take enormous effort and require difficult decisions by the parties. Peace is necessary because it's the only way to ensure a secure and democratic future for the Jewish state of Israel. Peace is also, undeniably, just. Just as the Israeli people have the right to live in the historic homeland of the Jewish people, the Palestinian people deserve the right to self-determination. In President Abbas, Israel has a counterpart committed to a two-state solution and security cooperation with Israel. Finally, peace is possible. This is one of the most important things to remember during setbacks and moments of frustration. It will take political will to make the difficult choices that are necessary and support from the Israeli and Palestinian people and civil society. Both parties must be willing to take risks for peace.
2014-07-08 00:00:00
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