Clinton Challenges Israel to Do What Seems ‘Too Hard’ for Peace

In closing her remarks to America’s largest pro-Israel lobby, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton referenced the arduous struggles of Israel’s founding generations to establish the Jewish state’s existence. Those generations “understood that the strongest among us is often the one who turned an enemy into a friend.” And she challenged “this generation of Israelis” to “take up the tradition and do what seems too hard, too dangerous and too risky.” She pledged U.S. support to “share the risks” and “shoulder the burden.”

She walked off stage to a standing ovation and hugs and kisses from AIPAC’s leadership. Late this afternoon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the crowd. The ball is in his court now.