Hatch condemns Obama’s stance on Israel border, plans disapproval measure

Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) announced Friday he would introduce a congressional resolution disapproving of President Obama’s stance on Israel’s border lines, saying that “threatens Israel’s security.”

“By calling for a return to the pre-1967 borders, President Obama has directly undermined her,” Hatch said of Israel. “Rather than stand by Israel against consistent unprovoked aggression by longtime supporters of terrorism, President Obama is rewarding those who threaten Israel’s very right to exist. This is not only ridiculous, but dangerous.”

{mosads}Hatch’s announcement came shortly after Obama finished a protracted Oval Office meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A day earlier, the president said in a major foreign policy address that lines drawn before the 1967 “Six Day War” should be the starting point for negotiations over a future Palestinian state.

In a joint appearance after Friday’s meeting, Obama cited “differences” with Netanyahu on that issue, though he said he was optimistic a peace deal could be reached. Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to a return to the 1967 borders, calling such a move “indefensible.”

Said Hatch: “There is strong disapproval in Congress for the President’s new posture towards Israel, and I will introduce a resolution next week affirming Israel’s right to maintain its territorial integrity.

“Now, more than ever, the security interests of the United States and Israel are linked,” he said. “Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons is a clear and present danger to both of our nations. We cannot distance ourselves from our Israeli friends.”

Obama expanded on his peace-process policy in an interview with the BBC Thursday night.

“The basis for negotiations will involve looking at that 1967 border, recognizing that conditions on the ground have changed and there are going to need to be swaps to accommodate the interests of both sides,” Obama said.