The creation of the state of Israel is a remarkable story of a great people who forged out of a barren desert a new and dynamic society, and created a unique and vital economic, political, cultural, and intellectual life despite the heavy costs of seven wars, unrelenting terrorism, frequent international ostracism, and economic boycotts. As a result, in a particularly volatile part of the world, today Israel stands alone as the only Nation in the entire Middle East with a vibrant and functioning pluralistic and democratic system that guarantees the freedoms of speech and of the press, free, fair, and open elections, and respect for the rule of law.
For well over 50 years, based on our mutually-shared democratic values, common strategic interests, and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect, the United States and Israel have created and maintained a special relationship. The State of Israel has been an unwavering friend and ally of the United States. And most recently, Israel has stood in complete solidarity with the United States in the Global War on Terror.
Helping Israel survive and thrive is not only in the United States’ best strategic interests it is simply the right thing to do. The Middle East's unstable mixture of unconventional weaponry, advanced military technology, political instability, and radical fundamentalism threatens both Israel's security and America's vital interests in the region and around the world. Consequently, it is all the more important that America's commitment toward Israel be unquestioned. Our strong commitment helps Israel take risks for peace and makes it clear to Israel's neighbors that Israel is a permanent reality that must be dealt with directly. Our dedication to Israel must take many shapes. We must continue financial aid to Israel. We must help Israel maintain her qualitative military edge. We must actively support a peace process that recognizes Israel’s right to exist and guarantees the safety of her borders. And we must maintain our support for a united Jerusalem as Israel's capital.