Israel's Netanyahu: "The Jewish people are not foreign occupiers"

"Israel is not what is wrong in the Middle East.  Israel is the only thing that is right in the Middle East."

That from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a powerful message of peace and determination delivered today in our nation's Capitol.

In a speech before Congress, Netanyahu correctly proclaimed that Israel always reserves the right to defend itself.  And, while he restated his commitment to work for a lasting peace, he was very clear that there can be no negotiations with a Palestinian government that includes terrorists.

"Hamas is not a partner for peace," Netanyahu said. "Hamas remains committed to Israel's destruction and terrorism. Their charter not only calls for the obliteration of Israel, it says kill the Jews everywhere you find them. Israel is prepared to sit-down today to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority, but will not negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by the Palestinian version of al-Qaeda."

In an appeal to the Palestinian leader, Netanyahu urged: "I say to President Abbas:  Tear up your pact with Hamas, sit down and negotiate.  Make peace with the Jewish state."

In a speech that was punctuated with 29 standing ovations from members of Congress, Netanyahu also clearly restated that Israel will not return to the borders of the past.

"Israel will not return to the indefensible boundaries of 1967," Netanyahu said. "Israel on the 1967 lines would be only 9 miles wide. So much for defensible borders."

President Obama should take note.  In what was billed as a major policy speech just days ago, President Obama called Israel's legitimate West Bank settlements an "occupation." He called for a return to the 1967 borders, which would create a divided Jerusalem.  And he continued to press Israel to negotiate with the PA and, subsequently, with the "unity government" the PA has formed with the terrorist group, Hamas.

President Obama's remarks have triggered an outcry across America. 

Thousands of Americans have signed on to our petition to stand in support of Israel.  If you haven't done so already, please add your name to our petition here. 

Send a message to President Obama: Israel is our friend, Israel is our ally.  We must protect Israel, not terrorists.