Obama in Sderot 7/23/2008

" Thank -- and that would come again awfully pleased that becomes the roads. I'm sorry for the fuss it is very steady. But it's means said that till BZQ mean -- looks to us. The Fed to teach those to contest -- rolled. So something no Tony -- of people still little -- the people he's. I mean DC is a place that looks peaceful. And he took leave in peace because the people he says believe in peace. About what they suffering the last he has our rockets talks on the daily basis. Now it will be easy thing to do how this. All of the remains of the house. You Mets also to be told that side the last and that. But the fact is not only able to see but sailboats of these CDs and speaks to do lead on a daily basis. The decision of the mother defends its side of the kindergarten to -- The fact -- there is no moment to friends if you something that the people of the wrote soft foods Korea's. Now he's going to be -- from Gaza -- in order to creates. We'll to send a message of peace to our neighbors. We hoped why do we growing -- the wrote. -- it would be controlled by the moderates. And these can be couldn't have been the beginning of the creation of -- Palestinian state but yet. What we got in return so attacks. Hamas we choose the Phillies organization controls completely still wrote. And Hamas represent the extremists in the region now we discussed the following all meeting defect that's. The wait to see the reach an intense self and he said he Palestinian conflict is something that belong to the costs. They need real conflict in the region and ease the conflict between moderates and extremists. And in being here it sends a message not only please that'd bouts to those who wants to -- in peace. Amongst not only needs but also amongst the Palestinians. And this is not a civil some game anymore in doing these. He's sending the right message to a terrorism. It's important. To the entire region I mean you solbes broker some of them homemade some of them come from you run. And -- a message that should be sent today and he is that still is still always terror. That there is no just -- full terror. And this is the -- message that those. Who controls Gaza street needs to understand. Is that in the United States should just say not only save videos but also the same understanding. Of the nature of the threats in the region. No. We face these threats on the one hand on the other we continue to negotiate with the moderates -- put markedly this month the Palestinians. In order to try to try and find a way to reach a peace treaty. But there was a need to understand. That the situation in Gaza he is not phony -- is not only in the east to pull them. But DC is also a Palestinian problem since Hamas doesn't purpose -- I present the national restoration of the Palestinian. -- purpose of this extreme ideology. That's. Five in order to deprive others from their rights that cannot accept the right of peace to exists. So -- becomes an obstacle. On the vision of peace and the -- deals creating a peaceful Palestinian states including -- So in all the potentiality. We need to look with the moderates but FEMA apparently. We need to continue to do you think you might Hamas and to give an ounce and potentially -- of the ground. I would like to say on -- on the of these that a government but the Big -- the people of these Bennett thank you for coming. -- thank you for coming. Especially for displace. The res at constant is any frustration and feeling that's -- people suffering -- not being good food. By the international community. And in European cities here you show that you really care and thank you."

" Well thank you. To the Foreign Minister -- thank. Defense minister. It would product as well. Yeah today have had the honor -- visiting. We the brave citizens. This town us or. -- seven years they've endured constant threats to their security is demonstrated. By this collection of rockets that we see here today. They've also demonstrated uncommon courage is simply by carrying on in their daily lives and the young man that we met. Eight or nine years old who had lost the leg as a consequence. Of one of these rockets that were fired I think speaks to the resilience."

" The people of straw and the people of this effective. Home of the first. The family. Had seen Rocketboom through their house they were rebuilding not moving -- and I'm here to say is an American. And as a friend of Israel. That we stand with the people of store and with all the people. -- like some rockets fired by Hamas deliberately and indiscriminately. Target civilians. This terror is intolerable. Israeli should not have to live in danger than their homes and schools. I'm hopeful that the recent understanding and that the attacks will provide some relief but. America must always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself against those who threatens people. To achieve true secure. I'm deeply committed to helping Israel achieve a lasting peace with Palestinians were prepared except the State of Israel. Renounce violence and terrorism and abide by agreements. Israelis -- secure peace in which both they and the Palestinians. Can fulfill their legitimate aspirations. A strong secure State of Israel. Living alongside -- viable and peaceful Palestinian state. We must support Palestinian leaders who share this vision including the leaders I met with today. Mahmoud Abbas. And prime minister for. When I was in Ramallah. Earlier. The threat to Israel security begin in -- but they don't and they include outrageous acts of terror like the attacked we just saw yesterday in Jerusalem. Rearming Hezbollah. In Lebanon and an Iranian regime that sponsors terrorism. Pursues nuclear weapons and threatens Israel's existence. A nuclear Iran. Would pose a grave threat. And the world must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons. Today I had a series of productive discussions -- Many have Israel's few leaders about how to address the broad range of security threats. That Israel faces and abroad. Threats that all of a space look forward to continuing these consultations -- prime minister Olmert this evening. And I -- looking forward to consulting closely with our European allies about Iran and other challenges in the days -- Let me just close by saying that I bring destroy -- unshakable commitment. Israel's security. The State of Israel faces determined enemies who seek -- destruction. But it also has a friend and ally in the United States that will always stand by the people of Israel. That's what I'm proud to be here today and that's why old work from from the moment that I returned. This. To America to tell help tell the story of store. And to make sure that the good people. Who live here are enjoying your future peace and security -- So -- that we're going to take questions but I admire before but it starts. It's my understanding is. This gentleman right here."

" Is going to actually call on people. So that I don't get in trouble with any of you. I want I want all of you to like me and song he's going to be the bad guy he's going to make the decision we've got limited amount of time while ago. --"

" Well first groups. First of all I didn't change my service. I continued to serve it. Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel and I have -- that. Before and I will straight again and I also have -- Is important that we don't simply sliced the city in half. But I've also -- the final status issue that's an issue that has to be dealt with. With the parties involved the Palestinians and the Israelis -- not the job of the United States to dictate the Foreman which that we'll take. But rather to support. The efforts that. That are being made right now to resolve these very difficult issues that have a long history. Now in terms of knowing that my commitments. You know I've just look at my words you can look at my beats. Just this past. This past week we passed out of the US senate banking committee which is my committee a bill through. Call for divestment from Iran. As a way of ratcheting up the pressure to ensure that they don't obtain nuclear weapons. When Israel invaded Lebanon in response to the kidnapping. Israel soldiers. I was one of first. People to state that Israel had unequivocal. Right to defend itself and to rescue. Soldiers that have been captured that is what any country would do. On vote after vote I have demonstrated. My support of the state of -- so the way you know where somebody's going here's where they've been. And I've been within Israel. For many many years -- what is also true is I believe it is strongly in the interest of Israel security. Two. Arrive at a lasting. Peace. -- the Palestinian people. I don't think those positions are contradictory I think they -- complementary. It is going to be hard for Israel over the long term and that's something but I think the vast majority of Israelis understand. That is going to be hard to achieve true security. If there's still hostile neighbors. Only a few miles away. But. What I think. Israel have to. Have to do is to make sure that that. Peace is not purchased. By putting -- Israel's security at risk and it's the job the United States I think to make sure that that piece. Is senator and and promotes. Israel. Israel's long term secure."

" Well. I think -- Okay like. -- you ask your your body's speak up louder when they're asking a question."

" They are all repeated. That the question was what fresh strategies could be brought. The Middle East peace process. And quote quote certain part of the -- American concerns about. Israel's concerns about. Me pressuring them into concessions well look. I don't think that. Mr. live -- or mr. Brock war."

" Bibi Netanyahu war the others president -- when -- spoke to me today. Got any sense that I would be pressuring them to accept. Any kinds of concessions that. That would put their security at -- that we donated we don't mean a peace deal. Just to have a piece of paper that doesn't result in peace. We need something that's meaningful and it's not going to be meaningful if Israel's security. Is not. Is part of that package and any American president whether it's myself or John McCain can rest assured that Israel won't be pressured into something that is going to put -- address. Because. They have an obligation to their people. So. My job is to. If I'm the president. My job and my team's job. Is not to dictate. To either of the parties what. This deal should be. But hopefully to be able to facilitate and promote. A meaningful realistic. Pragmatic. Concrete strategy for achieving. These schools. And and that's why I don't want. I don't want to get too specific and in response to your first question. Because I think it's important not true. Pre determined in some sense. What the parties are going to agree to but rather took just. Set up a process in which this could occur I can tell you one thing but it is very important though and that is. IA US administration. Has to put its weight behind. A process. Recognizing that it's not going to happen immediately and that's why. I can. I would I will not wait. Until. A few years and in my term or march 2 term. If I'm elected. In order to get the process moving I think we have a window right now. That. That needs to be. Taken advantage. I think you got -- set of moderate. Palestinian leaders -- interest of I think -- Israeli people are interested in moving this process along but I also think that there's a population on both sides that is becoming increasingly frustrated. Would lack of progress and and where there's hopelessness and despair. That can often turned. In in a bad direction. And as I've noted and all the covers -- Israel also has this enormous threat from Iran which is connected to. The situation. Between. Hamas and Hezbollah. And more moderate forces in the region and so to the extent that we can solve this problem it it also helps us solve some of these larger. Problems that are not just. Questions of Israel's national security but also United States nationals."

" Thank you."

" you know. My goal is to abort the hypothetical. Buyers. Moving rapidly. To mobilize international premiere. To offer."

" A series of expects and big carrots. To the Iranian regime to stand down on nuclear weapons. We have to do it now. I don't I don't want him to get started. And I become president I want. Your audience to understand that they should take advantage of the shift in the bush administration's approach where they sent. One of our diplomats William burns to the latest. Discussions. With the European delegation. Iran if need to understand it. Whether. It's the bush administration's. War Obama administration. That this is a Paramount. Concern. To the United States. And I think there are opportunities for us to mobilize a much more serious regime of sanctions. On Iran. But also to offer them the possibility. Of improved relations the international community if they stand down on the nuclear weapons what I what I've what what I've also -- Is that. I won't take no options off the table. In dealing -- this potential -- threat. And understand. Part of my reasoning. A nuclear Iran. Would be a game changing situation. Not just in the Middle East but around the world. Whatever his remains of our nuclear nonproliferation. Framework. I think would begin to disintegrate. You would have countries in the Middle East. Who would see. The potential need to also obtain nuclear weapons. Many of these countries including Iran have ties to terrorist organizations. Which means -- you can have loose nuclear materials. Falling into the hands of terrorists. That is."

" single most. Important threat. Both to Israel but also to the United States. America and so this is something that we're gonna spend a lot of time working."

" Check them."

" I think -- to take a look at what the question was in South Carolina and however responded. Question as what the word I meet with the leaders without preconditions. In pursuit."

" and."

" What but I think what I said in response. Was that I would."

" At my time and -- Be willing to meet where."

" Any leader if I thought it would promote the national security interest of the United States of America. And then that continues to be in my position. That if I think that I can get. A deal that is going to advance our calls. Then I would. Consider. That opportunity but what I also says. Was that there is a difference between. Meeting without preconditions. And meeting without preparation. Specific contracts. Of your question let's say -- respect to Iran is a Bush Administration policy for example that says. We will not involve ourselves in any diplomatic negotiations. Or even talks with the running until. They have made the decision to stand down on the nuclear weapons well. That presumably would be the topic of negotiations and if we take that position. Ban is not surprising that we might. Not make much progress on that front. My whole goal in terms. Having it tough. Serious direct diplomacy. Is not because I am naive about the nature of any of these regimes. I'm not. It is because if we. Show ourselves willing to talk. And to offer. Carrots and sticks in order to. Deal where. These pressing problems. And if Iran that rejects. Any overtures of that sort. It puts us any stronger position to mobilize the international community. Ratchet up pressure. On Iraq. Our unwillingness. To talk or the perception that we are trying to bully our way through negotiations. That's eliminated as an excuse. For them not dealing with these issues in the appropriate way and so. You know I think that it is very important for us. To exhaust every possible avenue. To solve this problem and to send a signal to the international community that this is a top priority. We are willing to extend ourselves and work hard to solve this problem. Oh we're not going to do. Is to permit. A nuclear arms race in the Middle East. I don't think any country would find it acceptable to have. Missiles raining down. On. The heads of their citizens."

" The first job of any nation state is to protective services. And so I can assure you that if I don't really care -- politician of this. Summer it was serving rockets into my house were my two daughters sleep in my. I'm going to -- in my power to stop. Would expect. Israelis to do the same thing. In terms of negotiations. We live. Hamas. It is very hard to negotiate. We. A group that. Is not. Is not representative of a nation state. Does not recognize. Your right takes us. Has. Consistently. Use terror as a weapon. And is deeply influenced by. Other countries. I think. Hamas leadership will have to make a decision at some point. As to whether it is a serious political parties seeking to represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people. And as a consequence. Willing to recognize Israel's right -- your service and renounce violence as a tool to achieve its aims. Or whether he wants to continue to operate as terrorist organization until that point. It's hard. Four. Israel I think to negotiate with a country it would. With a group that doesn't recognize Israel's right right to exist come. Okay. Thank you very much everybody I appreciate it. All. That citizens of -- of the Marist or you don't know. Us."