Allen West released this statement yesterday after an address from Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to a Joint Session of Congress

Congressman West Statement on Israel Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu Speech to Congress

(WASHINGTON) ---- Congressman Allen West (FL-22) released this statement yesterday after an address from Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to a Joint Session of Congress:

"Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu today provided a clear vision of his nation's role in the Middle East. The Prime Minister is clearly committed to peace for his people and for the entire Middle East.

As I sat on the House Floor, the Prime Minister portrayed leadership, integrity and strength when he spoke of his beloved country, its remarkable past and its optimistic future. I want to make myself clear when I say that America must stand, and will always stand, by Israel.

I support the Prime Minister when he says: 'Jerusalem must remain the Capital of Israel' and 'Israel will not return to the indefensible borders of 1967.' Asking to return to these borders would deny a half million Jewish people their rightful home.

Despite what President Barack Obama has said, Israel cannot have peace with a partner that continues on the path of violence and the ultimate destruction of Israel. The Palestinian Authority remains in a pact with the terrorist organization, Hamas, and until that bond is destroyed, Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority. It is incumbent upon Mahmoud Abbas to definitively disclose and support the right of existence of the modern day state of Israel.

As the Prime Minister spoke, I once again recommitted my unwavering determination that the United States must defend Israel from all of its enemies, the same enemies that also want to destroy the United States.

I commend Prime Minister Netanyahu for being a true, visionary leader of the Middle East. America must continue to build an even stronger, more united partnership with Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East." ###

TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Allen West 1708 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 ph: 202-225-3026 • fx: 202-225-8398

IMAGE CREDIT: By AllenWest All Rights Reserved.