U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday reiterated the United States' commitment to the peace and security of Israel, but said that it is important for them to take the steps necessary to foster comprehensive peace. Speaking at the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) annual policy conference, Clinton said "given the shared challenges we face, the relationship between the United States and Israel has never been more important. But, though Hillary Clinton reiterated the strength of the U.S.-Israeli alliance, she also said that "as Israel's friend, it is our responsibility to give credit where it is due and to tell the truth when it is needed." Hillary Clinton urged Israel to play its part in creating comprehensive peace in the Middle East, as she said, "the status quo is unsustainable for all sides. It promises only more violence and unrealized aspirations." "The status quo strengthens the rejectionists who claim peace is impossible and weakens those who would accept coexistence." Pushing for a two-state solution, which she said was "the only viable path," Hillary Clinton added that "a two state solution would allow Israel's contributions to the world, and to our greater humanity, to get the recognition they deserve; would allow the Palestinians to realize their own legitimate aspirations; and would undermine the appeal of extremism across the region." Calling for a "comprehensive peace," Clinton said that "the way forward is clear: two states for two peoples living side by side in peace and security, with peace between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon, and normal relations between Israel and all the Arab states." "For negotiations to be successful, they must be built on a foundation of mutual trust and confidence. That is why both Israelis and Palestinians must refrain from unilateral statements and actions that undermine the process or prejudice the outcome of talks...It is our devotion to this outcome - two states for two peoples, secure and at peace - that led us to condemn the announcement of plans for new construction in East Jerusalem (Al-Quds). This was not about wounded pride. Nor is it a judgment on the final status of Jerusalem, which is an issue to be settled at the negotiating table. This is about getting to the table, creating and protecting an atmosphere of trust around it - and staying there until the job is done."
