Remarks by
His Excellency Daniel Ayalon
Ambassador Of the State of Israel To the United States Upon the Occasion of the Presentation of His Letter of Credence

Dear Mr. President,

I am honored to present you with my credentials as the Ambassador of Israel to the United States of America. I stand before you at a time when the people of Israel are profoundly grateful for your friendship and steadfastness in our struggle against terrorism that threatens our communities and world stability. It is heartening and uplifting for the people of Israel to know that the United States stands with us to defeat the evil that aims to destroy our democratic freedoms and values. It is my privilege to convey the heartfelt warm wishes of my countrymen, as well as warmest personal regards from President Katsav, Prime Minister Sharon, and Foreign Minister Peres.

The strong friendship between Israel and the United States is built upon a common heritage of democracy and freedom. The United States has, throughout Israel’s history, given both moral and tangible support to provide security for its citizens and also to take the necessary risks for peace. The knowledge of America’s abiding commitment to Israel, supported on a bipartisan basis and overwhelming approved of by the American people, is an important element in Israel’s ability to advance real peace with the Palestinians once a legitimate, honest, and reliable partner arises.

In spite of the terrorist violence against Israel, our Government continues to explore avenues for true peace. Israel is willing to undertake far-reaching concessions for a real, lasting, and secure peace with the Palestinians as it did with Egypt and Jordan. At the same time, we will continue to actively fight terrorism and protect our citizens, and the very existence of our nation.

Mr. President, the Government of Israel shares your assessment that progress towards peace with the Palestinians can only be achieved once a new and responsible Palestinian leadership arises that fights terror and governs according to democratic principles, through openness and accountability. We earnestly encourage such change and strive to improve the economic and humanitarian situation of the Palestinians who are not involved in terror and whose plight is a direct result of their leadership’s use of terror and violence as a tool for political gain. We are dedicated to advancing democracy in the region and achieving peace and prosperity for all.

On a personal note, Mr. President, as someone who has had the privilege of higher education in the United States and having family in America, I feel a warm personal connection to your great nation. I feel truly honored to stand here at the forefront of diplomatic relations between Israel and the United States. Having accompanied Prime Minister Sharon on his visits to the United States, I have personally enjoyed witnessing the warm relationship you share. In this spirit of friendship and cooperation, I look forward to working with your administration to further enhance and deepen the ties between our two countries