4.6.3: The Middle East
Other Information:
President Obama and the Democratic Party maintain an unshakable commitment to Israel's security. A strong and secure Israel
is vital to the United States not simply because we share strategic interests, but also because we share common values. For
this reason, despite budgetary constraints, the President has worked with Congress to increase security assistance to Israel
every single year since taking office, providing nearly $10 billion in the past three years. The administration has also worked
to ensure Israel's qualitative military edge in the region. And we have deepened defense cooperation—including funding the
Iron Dome system—to help Israel address its most pressing threats, including the growing danger posed by rockets and missiles
emanating from the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. The President's consistent support for Israel's right to defend itself
and his steadfast opposition to any attempt to delegitimize Israel on the world stage are further evidence of our enduring
commitment to Israel's security. It is precisely because of this commitment that President Obama and the Democratic Party
seek peace between Israelis and Palestinians. A just and lasting Israeli-Palestinian accord, producing two states for two
peoples, would contribute to regional stability and help sustain Israel's identity as a Jewish and democratic state. At the
same time, the President has made clear that there will be no lasting peace unless Israel's security concerns are met. President
Obama will continue to press Arab states to reach out to Israel. We will continue to support Israel's peace treaties with
Egypt and Jordan, which have been pillars of peace and stability in the region for many years. And even as the President and
the Democratic Party continue to encourage all parties to be resolute in the pursuit of peace, we will insist that any Palestinian
partner must recognize Israel's right to exist, reject violence, and adhere to existing agreements. Elsewhere in the region,
President Obama is committed to maintaining robust security cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council states and our other
partners aimed at deterring aggression, checking Iran's destabilizing activities, ensuring the free flow of commerce essential
to the global economy, and building a regional security architecture to counter terrorism, proliferation, ballistic missiles,
piracy, and other common threats. Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed that Jerusalem
is a matter for final status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.
Stakeholder(s):
Indicator(s):
|
