Israel lost a beloved leader, a great statesman who initiated a historic change in Israel and the entire Middle East. I personally lost a close friend, with whom I worked for many years. Prime Minister Rabin paid for his commitment to peace with his life. Their goal is not just to murder people, but to murder the hope for a better tomorrow. Israel is determined to continue on the path blazed by our late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and our current Prime Minister, Shimon Peres.
Peace is our continuing commitment.
We know the risks of peacemaking, but we also know that there is no alternative. Only through peace can we hope to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves for a better, secured future. Mr. President, For over two years, Israel and the Palestinians have been on the road to a just and lasting peace. The road has been long and difficult. It takes true leadership on both sides to be successfully navigated.