Clinton: Israel faces hard choices14: 16 22/03/2010, Peter Walker, Binyamin Netanyahu, Gaza, guardian.co.uk, Hillary Clinton, Israel, news, Middle Eas

Clinton: Israel faces hard choices14: 16 22/03/2010, Peter Walker, Binyamin Netanyahu, Gaza, guardian.co.uk, Hillary Clinton, Israel, news, Middle East, the Obama administration, the Palestinian territories, the U.S., international news, Guardian Unlimited

The U.S. Secretary of State Feedback rock solid commitment "to the security and future of the country in the direction of pro-Israel lobby

Hillary Clinton today will ensure that Israel has "rock solid" The U.S. commitment for your safety while warning that the country faces difficult decisions if we want to ensure peace.

The U.S. Secretary of State will address a more pro-Israel lobby in Washington. The visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, talk with the same organization, the Committee American Israel Public Affairs Committee, later in the day.

It follows an announcement of Israeli plans to build housing for settlers in East Jerusalem, which caused a diplomatic row at home more bitter with Washington in recent decades. While both sides have softened their language in recent days, the shooting of four young Palestinians in the occupied West Bank within 24 hours has kept tensions high.

According to excerpts from Clinton, released in advance will warn Israel that should be adaptable, if it wants peace. "The status quo is untenable for all sides. Promise only violence and unfulfilled aspirations," she says. "There is no other way. The road to security and prosperity for all inhabitants of the region. It will require all parties - including Israel - to take difficult but necessary decisions."

The final speech stressed U.S. support for the country. "For President Obama, to me, and for this administration all, our commitment to Israel's security and future of Israel is rock solid," said Clinton has to say.

Israel will be reminded of the rights of Washington "to tell the truth when necessary," urging him to take action to end the conflict with the Palestinians, saying that "threatens the long-term future of Israel as a democratic Jewish state secure .

The speech also reiterated U.S. calls for Hamas to renounce violence and recognize Israel. Clinton also warned that Iran's nuclear program could "trigger an arms race that could destabilize the region."

Netanyahu, who traveled to Washington last night, infuriated the Obama administration this month when it announced a program of settlement construction in the midst of a visit to Israel by his vice president, Joe Biden.

Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in 1967 is not recognized by any other country. Their building plans have faced strong criticism, with the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, calling them illegal and an obstacle to peace.

Netanyahu remains defiant, saying that "building in Jerusalem is like building in Tel Aviv." Before leaving for the U.S. yesterday, met with American peace envoy George Mitchell, who is trying to resume indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Netanyahu apologized for the timing of the announcement about the settlements, but not its content.

The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, also in the region. He visited Gaza, where he denounced the Israeli economic blockade and the "unacceptable suffering" caused.

Israel
Hillary Clinton
Middle East
United States
Palestinian Territories
Obama Administration
Binyamin Netanyahu
Gaza
Peter Walker


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