Clinton Forcefully Addresses the Threats Facing Israel

David Streeter — April 30, 2010 – 10:18 am | Foreign Policy | Iran | Israel | Terrorism Comments (0) Add a comment

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed the American Jewish Committee last night and delivered a strong message of support for Israel. Specifically, Clinton declared that the Obama Administration stands with Israel against Syria’s recent provocative actions and Iran’s endeavor to achieve nuclear weapons. Click here to view the video and read the remarks, or scroll down for highlights.

 

 

On Syria’s recent transfer of weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Clinton said:

 

“We have spoken out forcefully about the grave dangers of Syria’s transfer of weapons to Hezbollah. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms and have expressed our concerns directly to the Syrian Government. Transferring weapons to these terrorists - especially longer-range missiles - would pose a serious threat to the security of Israel. It would have a profoundly destabilizing effect on the region. And it would absolutely violate UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which bans the unauthorized importation of any weapons into Lebanon.

 

“We do not accept such provocative and destabilizing behavior - nor should the international community. President Assad is making decisions that could mean war or peace for the region. We know he’s hearing from Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. It is crucial that he also hear directly from us, so that the potential consequences of his actions are clear. That’s why we are sending an ambassador back to Syria. There should be no mistake, either in Damascus or anywhere else: The United States is not reengaging with Syria as a reward or a concession. Engagement is a tool that can give us added leverage and insight, and a greater ability to convey strong and unmistakably clear messages aimed at Syria’s leadership.”

On preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, Clinton said:

“Iran, with its anti-Semitic president and hostile nuclear ambitions, also continues to threaten Israel, but it also threatens the region and it sponsors terrorism against many. The United States has worked with the international community to present the leaders in Tehran with a clear choice: Uphold your international obligations and reap the benefits of normal relations, or face increased isolation and painful consequences. At every turn, Iran has met our outstretched hand with a clenched fist. But our engagement has helped build a growing global consensus on the need to pressure Iran’s leaders to change course. We are now working with our partners at the United Nations to craft tough new sanctions. The United States is committed to pursuing this diplomatic path. But we will not compromise our commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.”

 

Clinton also forcefully emphasized a series of steps that the Palestinians and Arab states must take in order to be full partners in achieving a negotiated peace with Israel.

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