Israel stands at a seminal moment

Since 1948, when President Truman recognized Israel only moments after independence, the United States and Israel have shared the unbreakable bond of natural allies. For more than six decades, our nations have worked together to combat terrorism, bolster national security, and engender scientific innovation. Our shared political goals stem from our nations’ common values: freedom from oppression, democracy and a commitment to the pursuit of peace.As the first Jewish woman elected to Congress from Florida, I am fortunate to have a job where I can bring my love of Israel to work every day and to serve at a seminal moment in the history of Israel.

Now more than ever, Israel needs America’s unwavering support as it faces an unavoidable demographic reality. Between the rapidly growing Palestinian population, the uncertainty of the changes sweeping the Middle East and North Africa, and the intention of the Palestinians to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state at the United Nations this fall with international pressure to validate this unacceptable action, this is a watershed moment for Israel.

Indeed, Israel’s long-term security as well as Israel’s ability to retain its character as a Jewish democracy in the historical land of the Jewish people are inextricably linked. A two-state solution through direct, bilateral talks is vital for the long-term security of Israel. Israel’s very identity as a Jewish democracy lies in drawing permanent borders with a future Palestinian state that unquestioningly recognizes Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state.

At this time of immense importance for Israel, America has once again shown its unwavering support for our ally through both words and deeds. Over the past two and a half years, President Obama and Congress have worked together to secure the highest level of foreign aid to Israel in our nation’s history.

Under President Obama’s leadership, we have implemented the strongest U.S. and UN sanctions against Iran in our nation’s history, and provided advanced military technology in the form of the Iron Dome system, which has already prevented missiles launched from Gaza from landing in Israel. And, as Palestinians shift tactics and attempt to impose a reality on Israel rather than negotiate with it, President Obama has stood up in international forums against biased and unjust treatment of Israel, whether it was the now discredited Goldstone report or the veto of an anti-Israel, Palestinian-backed UN Security Council resolution.

At this important point in Israel’s history and at a time of great uncertainty and promise in the Middle East, it is important that America’s unwavering support of Israel be understood by foreign leaders.

That is why it was so disappointing to see the deliberate distortions of President Obama’s record on Israel in the wake of the president’s speeches regarding the Middle East last month. These comments are both harmful to Israel and false. False because they misrepresent, distort and even lie about the president’s strong, pro-Israel conviction; harmful because in doing so, they undermine the very thing they claim to support, the strength and security of Israel.

In his speech on the Middle East, as well as in his speech before AIPAC last month, President Obama presented a foundation for Israel’s security while signaling to the world America’s steadfast support of the Jewish state. The president completely and undeniably rejected the notion that Palestinians can unilaterally declare a state, as well as the notion that Israel should have to negotiate with the terrorist group Hamas, which flagrantly denies Israel’s right to exist.

The president promised that the United States “will continue to demand that Hamas accept the basic responsibilities of peace, including recognizing Israel’s right to exist and rejecting violence and adhering to all existing agreements.” Only after such principles are fulfilled could Israel be expected to negotiate through direct, bilateral talks with the Palestinians. The president reiterated longstanding American foreign policy that Israel will not return to the 1967 borders and that changes to the borders need to be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians taking into account both Israel’s security requirements and the demographic changes of the last 44 years.

Whether it is for political gain or other motives, the distortion of President Obama’s record and position on Israel only plays into the hands of the enemies of Israel by falsely suggesting that there is a softening of U.S. policy.

President Obama has demonstrated his stalwart dedication to the safety and security of our friend and ally, Israel. He has reiterated our nation’s unwavering support for the Jewish state, stressing that “the bonds between the United States and Israel are unbreakable — and the commitment of the United States to the security of Israel is ironclad.”

At this defining moment in Israel’s future, President Obama’s heartfelt connection to the Jewish community and his bold and unwavering support for Israel’s military might make him an outstanding addition to the long line of U.S. presidents who, since Harry Truman, have rightly stood with Israel.

Never before has the unbreakable friendship and airtight alliance between our two nations been so important, nor shall it fade. We will stand strong at home and abroad for the state of Israel in our dedicated partnership for safety, security and peace.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat, represents District 20 in Congress.