Ehrlich on Washington column, February 1, 1998

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Week of February 1, 1998 PEACE BETWEEN ISRAEL, PALESTINIANS IN AMERICA’S INTEREST Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat came to Washington in an attempt to keep the Middle East peace process afloat. The current crisis with Iraq concerning the spread of weapons of mass destruction highlights the importance of Israel as a U.S. ally and force for stability in the Middle East. Given the importance of the U.S.-Israeli relationship to our own national security, Congress must continue its efforts to assist the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The modem state of Israel originates from special circumstances and plays a unique role in the Middle East and in the world. Founded in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust, Israel has been a refuge for Jews seeking to return to their historic homeland. In addition, Israel’s military and intelligence capabilities serve as a buffer in the Middle East against Iraq, Syria, and Iran. Moreover, it is the only stable democracy in a part of the world dominated by monarchies, sheikdoms, and renegade nations such as Iran and Iraq. Given the distinct nature of the U.S.-Israeli relationship and the benefits to U.S. security from this alliance, it is imperative that the administration continue to assist the peace process. Since the 1978 Camp David Accords, the U.S. has played an active role in brokering peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors, especially Egypt and Jordan. Now, it is time for the