Israel ’s right to exist, and exist in safety, should never be put into question. Israel is confronting many of the toughest challenges in its history, in a neighborhood that is less secure than ever. It is vital that we stand by our friend and our ally and that we stand by our own values. We need to continue to insist that any Palestinian government renounce terrorism and recognize Israel’s right to exist. As events unfold, we need to be prepared to resume America’s indispensable role in working with the Israelis and the Palestinians to find a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.

For my part, I will continue to work in the Senate on measures that demonstrate support for Israel. In April 2007, I helped to pass a resolution that condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for kidnapping three Israeli soldiers and demands their unconditional and immediate release. In 2006, I met with Karnit Goldwasser, the wife of Ehud Goldwasser, one of the Israeli soldiers abducted by Hezbollah, who spoke eloquently and movingly about the importance of securing the safe return of the captured soldiers. Also in 2006, I sent a letter to Jacob Kellenberger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, urging him to do all he can to verify the health and well-being of the three soldiers and ensure that they have their full rights under the Geneva Conventions.

I have also introduced and helped to pass a resolution in the Senate calling for the opening of the largest closed Holocaust Archives in the world, located in Bad Arolsen, Germany, and I have pushed hard for the adoption of Magen David Adom and its Red Crystal emblem into the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Magen David Adom deserves recognition for the selfless and desperately needed humanitarian service it provides without bias. I was delighted in June 2006 when the International Red Cross movement decided to accept Magen David Adom as a full member.

I was privileged to visit Israel for a second time as a Senator in November 2005. During my trip, I attended memorial ceremonies for Yitzhak Rabin, met several Israeli leaders, and participated in a conference on Middle East policy issues. The trip helped to add to my understanding of the situation in the region and allowed me to discuss the shared security challenges that Israel and the United States continue to face.

Listed below are statements and remarks by Senator Clinton concerning Israel and the Middle East.