Vice President Mike Pence gave a speech to the Israeli Knesset on Monday in which he clearly laid out America’s commitment to being a strong ally for the state of Israel.
Pence began his speech by declaring that “the alliance between our two countries has never been stronger, and the friendship between our peoples has never been deeper.”
“I am here to convey a simple message from the American people: America stands with Israel,” said Pence. “We stand with Israel because your cause is our cause, your values are our values, and your fight is our fight. We stand with Israel because we believe in right over wrong, in good over evil, and in liberty over tyranny. We stand with Israel because that’s what Americans have always done, and so has it been since my country’s earliest days.”
Pence added that America has had “a special affection and admiration for” Jews because “in the story of the Jews, we’ve always seen the story of America.”
“It is the story of an exodus, a journey from persecution to freedom, a story that shows the power of faith and the promise of hope,” said Pence.
Pence explained that the pilgrims and America’s first president long referred to the Old Testament for “direction, guidance, and inspiration.” Ever since, America has been the Jewish people’s strongest ally in the creation of a Jewish state.
The vice president also touted President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and announced that the United States embassy will be open “before the end of next year.”
“Our President made his decision, in his words, ‘in the best interests of the United States,’” said Pence. “But he also made it clear that we believe that his decision is in the best interests of peace. By finally recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the United States has chosen fact over fiction. And fact is the only true foundation for a just and lasting peace.”
Pence reaffirmed the Trump administration’s commitment to a two-state solution, so long as a deal doesn’t compromise “Israel’s ability to defend itself.” He also took aim at Iran, touting Trump’s decision to de-certify from the Iran nuclear deal and the recent sanctions they implemented against the regime in Tehran.
“I have another message today — a better message — from the people of America to the proud and great people of Iran: We are your friends, and the day is coming when you will be free from the evil regime that suffocates your dreams and buries your hopes,” said Pence. “And when your day of liberation finally comes, we say to the good people of Iran, the friendship between our peoples will blossom once again.”
Pence’s full speech can be seen below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqXzrQss8Zg
Quotes provided by transcript from the Jerusalem Post.
