Israeli PM Addresses Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress today, expressing support for the democratic aspirations of the greater Middle East, reaffirming the U.S.-Israeli relationship and detailing his parameters for a peace deal with the Palestinians. He called Israeli an “anchor of stability” in the region and an “unwavering ally” of the United States that does not require nation-building or the export of democracy. Praising the region’s youth who are risking their lives, demanding dignity and desiring liberty, he affirmed Israel as a partner in advancing democracy and peace and fighting terrorism. He added, “Peace with Egypt and Jordan has long served as an anchor of stability in the heart of the Middle East…This peace should be bolstered by economic and political support to all those who remain  committed to peace.” Regarding peace negotiations, he rejected turning over the Jordan Valley to a future Palestinian state and envisioned a two-state solution where the Palestinians are “neither Israel’s subjects nor its citizens.”