Senate Support for Israel

I can tell you first-hand about the importance of standing with Israel during these dangerous times.  I have been meeting with leaders during my trip to Israel and expressing to them that there is strong support for Israel.  I want to thank the thousands of you who have added your name to our Proclamation of Solidarity with Israel and if you haven't done so, please add your name now.

There's another important development to report - this one out of the U.S. Senate where a majority (76 Senators) have signed on to a letter of support for Israel - urging President Obama to mind the 'risks' to Israel in any Middle East peace effort.  The letter also states that "the United States friendship with Israel requires that we work closely together as we recommit ourselves to our historic role of a trusted friend and active mediator."

The letter comes in the wake of President Obama's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.  It's a bipartisan effort with lead authors of the letter - Democratic Senator Chris Dodd and for the Republicans, Senator John Thune.

The letter states:  "As we work closely with our democratic ally, Israel, we must take into account the risks it will face in any peace agreement."

"We must also continue to insist," the lawmakers wrote, "on the absolute Palestinian commitment to ending terrorist violence and to building the institutions necessary for a viable Palestinian state living side-by-side, in peace with the Jewish state of Israel."

You can read the letter here.  

There's a lot riding on the new push for peace in the Middle East.  And, I want you to know that our unwavering support for Israel is critical during this time.