Steve Womack the president should be calling on the Palestinian leadership to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state

Womack Responds to President’s Speech on Israel and the Middle East Congressman Steve Womack released the following statement in response to President Obama’s U.S. policy speech on the Middle East and North Africa: “It has long been the policy of this country to stand with those who seek freedom from tyranny with a purposeful pursuit of democracy. I appreciate the president for making this a point in his speech earlier today; however, words can only go as far as our actions take them. President Obama’s foreign policy message has been inconsistent with his administration’s proceedings.

“Instead of pressuring Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians, the president should be calling on the Palestinian leadership to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Furthermore, it should not be our policy to support the creation of a Palestinian state that would mirror the pre 1967 agreement which would only serve to weaken the Israeli state. It is my strong belief that we should stand with Israel—one of our country’s strongest and closest allies—without waver.

“The president further showed his disconnect with the people of America by promising to forgive Egypt’s $1 billion of debt. In our country’s fiscal state, we cannot afford to relieve debt from others when we currently face a deficit of more than $14 trillion.

“My hope is for President Obama, with both chambers of Congress, to construct the right kind of policy which will protect our country, her interests and our allies moving forward.

“Our policy in the Middle East must further encourage a well defined and extremely friendly relationship with Israel that is outlined in peace.” ###

Contact: J.R. Davis (202) 225 - 4301

TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Steve Womack 1508 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4301 tel (202) 225-5713 fax Hours: M-F, 9am-6pm EST

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Jeb Hensarling response to President Obama’s speech calling on our ally Israel to reinstate its 1967 borders is a deeply wrong-minded

WASHINGTON – House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) issued the following statement today in response to President Obama’s speech at the State Department on U.S. policy in the Middle East and North Africa.

“I’m pleased to hear the President articulate the United States’ longstanding support for the democratic rights of all people, especially those currently risking so much for democratic reform in the midst of the ongoing ’Arab Spring.’ However, calling on our ally Israel to reinstate its 1967 borders is a deeply wrong-minded approach that ignores the obvious reality beneath the problems that persist in that conflict—namely the Palestinian Authority’s dangerous alignment with Hamas.

“I'm particularly astounded that as the President implores Congress to raise the debt ceiling to its highest level in history, he offers $1 billion in debt relief to the Egyptians and a new infrastructure fund to benefit them without offering any way to pay for either. When it comes to spending money we don't have, the President is clearly out of touch with reality and the American people.” ###

For additional information, contact: House Republican Conference Press Office (conferencepress@mail.house.gov) (conferencepress@mail.house.gov)

TEXT CREDIT: The House Republican Conference Press Office at (202) 226-9000

IMAGE CREDIT: HouseConference