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Video of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the AIPAC Policy Conference 2010.

Source: AIPAC — The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (March 23, 2010).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Gala Banquet on Monday night. Speaking in front of 7,500 delegates, more than half of Congress and hundreds of ambassadors, cabinet officials and invited guests, Netanyahu said that the United States and Israel

“stand together because we are fired by the same ideals and inspired by the same dream—the dream of achieving security, prosperity and peace.”

The prime minister reiterated his call for the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to return to the negotiating table for direct negotiations. Netanyahu also challenged those who question Israel’s desire for peace, pointing to numerous steps his government has taken, such as removing “hundreds of roadblocks, barriers and checkpoints in the West Bank.” He also pointed to his country’s unprecedented construction freeze in Judea and Samaria.

Part 1

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WpE6lPItJY

Regarding the construction in Jerusalem that led to the recent rise in tensions between the Obama administration and Israel, Netanyahu underscored that

“everyone knows that these neighborhoods will be part of Israel in any peace settlement. Therefore, building them in no way precludes the possibility of a two-state solution.”

Part 2

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cipzOZd0QbI

The prime minister also provided historical context to Israel’s right to build Jerusalem.

“The connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel cannot be denied… The Jewish people were building Jerusalem 3,000 year ago and the Jewish people are building Jerusalem today… Jerusalem is not a settlement. It is our capital.”

Part 3

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS1mWcBksHI

In addition, Netanyahu spoke about the threat of a nuclear Iran, explaining the risks the world would face if the Islamic Republic had an atomic bomb.

“Such a regime could provide nuclear weapons to terrorists and might even be tempted to use them itself,” he said. “Israel expects the international community to act swiftly and decisively to thwart this danger, but we will always reserve the right to defend ourselves.”

Part 4

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=231UHew4oIs

The prime minister also spoke of his vision for the future of Israel. “The people of Israel want a future in which our children no longer experience the horrors of war,” Netanyahu said. He concluded by stating that the relationship between the United States and Israel is based on shared values, common principles and the aspiration of living in peace.

“We are gathered here today because we believe in those ideals. And because of those ideals, I am certain that Israel and America will always stand together.”

Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu speaking at the AIPAC Policy Conference 2010 (march 23, 2010) - "The Jewish people were building Jerusalem 3000 years ago and the Jewish people are building Jerusalem today... Jerusalem is not a settlement, it's our capital."

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