I support Israel’s 1998 "Memorandum of Understanding" which began a 10-year plan to phase out U.S. economic aid to Israel, but replacing this support with U.S. military aid. I also support the roughly $2.5 billion aid packages offered to Israel, which is the preference and reflects the needs of Israel.
It is vital that the U.S. continue to offer Israel loan guarantees. In 2004, we provided $9 billion in loan guarantees. At the same time, we need a "Marshall Plan" of economic development in Palestine and among Arab states, jointly conceived and implemented by the U.S., moderate Arab states, and Europe.
I support Israel’s 2004 Disengagement Plan, which outlines Israel’s withdrawal from settlements in the Gaza Strip and in the northwest part of the West Bank.
To facilitate the withdrawal, attention must be given to the thousands of displaced Jewish settlers. America can join Israel in providing relocation assistance as well as aid for Palestinians displaced by ongoing conflict.
Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist groups must be listed as such. Designating them for what they are and bringing pressure on Europe and other allies to seize financial assets of such groups and crack down on their international travel is necessary.
Israel has had the policy of not turning away any Jewish immigrant or refugee seeking to live in the Jewish state. This policy must be continued along with American direct refugee assistance in aiding Israel’s "absorption" program.
A leadership role by the U.S. in the Middle East peace process is essential and we must change gears from the Bush administration and reengage in the dialog. To do so we must bring moderate Arab states into the process along with our European allies.
Pressure from the international community must be brought on the Palestinian Authority (PA) to fight terrorism, deescalate the Intifadah and Islamic Jihad, and move forward in instituting needed political, legal, and security reforms.
A key aspect of promoting peace in the region involves a fundamental rethinking of U.S. – Muslim relations. The war in Iraq, any disagreements between the U.S. and states in the Muslim world, and U.S. Middle East policy must never be thought of as a clash of civilizations but a mutual struggle against hate, fanaticism, and ignorance.
The unique relationship between the U.S. and Israel has extended beyond similar voting in the United Nations and U.S. aid packages. We should continue this relationship by way of cultural exchanges, special trade status and support of the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement, open travel between the two nations, and a continuation of the important diplomatic and symbolic support the U.S. offers the Israeli people. A similar model might be attempted in Arab states.
