Mike Johanns Responds to President Obama's Comments on Israel

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today released the following statement about President Barack Obama's speech on the Middle East: "The President's speech set off a firestorm within Israel. Perhaps the President didn't realize how his reference to the 1967 borders would be received. If that's the case, the White House should quickly clarify the message. Otherwise, our relationship with Israel is going to be damaged, along with our position in an unstable region."

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senator Mike Johanns for the State of Nebraska: Washington, D.C. Office: 404 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-4224 Fax: (202) 228-0436 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET

IMAGE CREDIT: All rights reserved by Senator Mike Johanns

Benjamin Netanyahu to President Obama a Palestinian state cannot come at the expense of the viability of the one and only Jewish state

Israel believes that for peace to endure between Israelis and Palestinians, the viability of a Palestinian state cannot come at the expense of the viability of the one and only Jewish state. (Communicated by the Prime Minister's Bureau) Israel appreciates President Obama's commitment to peace. Israel believes that for peace to endure between Israelis and Palestinians, the viability of a Palestinian state cannot come at the expense of the viability of the one and only Jewish state.

That is why Prime Minister Netanyahu expects to hear a reaffirmation from President Obama of U.S. commitments made to Israel in 2004, which were overwhelmingly supported by both Houses of Congress.

Among other things, those commitments relate to Israel not having to withdraw to the 1967 lines which are both indefensible and which would leave major Israeli population centers in Judea and Samaria beyond those lines.

Those commitments also ensure Israel's well-being as a Jewish state by making clear that Palestinian refugees will settle in a future Palestinian state rather than in Israel.

Without a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem outside the borders of Israel, no territorial concession will bring peace.

Equally, the Palestinians, and not just the United States, must recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, and any peace agreement with them must end all claims against Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu will make clear that the defense of Israel requires an Israeli military presence along the Jordan River.

Prime Minister Netanyahu will also express his disappointment over the Palestinian Authority's decision to embrace Hamas, a terror organization committed to Israel's destruction, as well as over Mahmoud Abbas's recently expressed views which grossly distort history and make clear that Abbas seeks a Palestinian state in order to continue the conflict with Israel rather than end.

TEXT CREDIT: Ministry of Foreign Affairs - The State of Israel.

IMAGE CREDIT: This image is a work of a United States Department of State employee, taken or made during the course of an employee's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain per 17 U.S.C. § 101 and § 105 and the Department Copyright Information.

RESOURCES: Remarks by US President Obama on the Middle East and North Africa