Netanyahu addresses joint meeting of Congress,
"When we say never again, we mean never again." May 24, 2011
Watch speech here:
http://www.cspan.org/Events/Israeli-Prime-Minister-Addresses-Congress/10737421714-1/Bibi: "Israel has no better friend than America, and America has no better friend than Israel. You got bin Laden.
Good riddance."
"You don't need to do nation-building in Israel. We're already built. You don't need to build democracy in Israel.
We got it. And you don't need to send troops to Israel. We defend ourselves."11:30am: Bibi briefly interrupted by hecklers, handles them beautifully. "I take it at a badge of honor that we
have these protests. You can't have this in Tehran & Tripoli. This is REAL democracy."
Crowd erupts in applause, stands.
"In a region where women are stoned, gays hanged, and Christians persecuted, Israel stands out, free press,
open courts, rambunctious Parliamentary debates."
Jokes: "You think things are tough here in Congress. Come spend a day in the Knesset! Be my guest!"
Emphasizes true freedoms of Arab Israeli citizens. "Israel is not what is wrong about the Middle East.
Israel is what is RIGHT about the Middle East."
Standing ovation."15 years ago, I stood here and said that democracy must start to take root in the Arab world. It has started, holds
promise of brilliant future of peace and prosperity. A Middle East that is GENUINELY democratic will be truly of peace.
But while we work/hope for the best,
we must recognize that powerful forces opposes this future, oppose
modernity, oppose peace. Foremost is Iran."Attacks troops, subjugates people, sponsors terror worldwide, nuclear threat.
Militant Islam could exact a horrific price
from all of us before its own demise"The threat to my country cannot be overstated. Those who dismiss it are sticking
their heads in the sand."
Lack of outrage about the calls for Israel's destruction are "met with utter silence." Israel condemned for defending
itself against Tehran's terror proxies. Not you, not America.
Bibi recounts the only time sanctions intimidated Iran. "Only time Iran stopped weapons program in 2003 was
when it feared military intervention."
On Israeli resolve: "When we say never again, we mean never again. Israel always reserves the right to defend itself."
Clarity: The debate over a Palestinian state is not really about the existence of a Palestinian state. It's about opponents undermining the existence of a Jewish state.
Bibi calls for end to Palestinian brainwashing of children and engendering hate.
Bibi says he is ready to compromise,
accept a Palestinian state. Will give up land even though it is the historic home of Jewish people.
Calls on Abbas to say: "I will accept a Jewish state", these six words will change history,will convince Israel that they
have a true partner for peace.
In any real peace agreement, some settlements will end up beyond Israel's borders.
Precise delineation must be negotiated.
But
"Israel will not return to indefensible boundaries of 1967." Generous on size of Palestinian state, but firm on where borders lie.
"Palestinian refugee problem will be resolved OUTSIDE the borders of Israel."
"Jerusalem must never again be divided, must remain united capital of Israel."
"The only peace that will hold is a peace that can be defended. Peace must be anchored in security."
"Peace cannot be imposed. It must be negotiated" by those truly committed to peace.
Hamas is not committed to peace. It is committed to Israel's destruction.
We will not negotiate with al Qaeda's Palestinian arm.Challenges Abbas: Tear up Hamas charter and "Make peace with the Jewish state."
Bibi thanks America for unwavering support for Israel, and ensuring that flame of
freedom burns brightly around the world.
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