“Once again the world witnesses appalling carnage in the Middle East. The casualties are terrible, and any feeling person must sympathize with the suffering experienced by civilians, in Gaza and in southern Israel. It is time to commit ourselves to a negotiated peace, a two-state solution that acknowledges the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and freedom. Israel has the right to defend its citizens from rocket attacks. Palestinians have the right to expect from their elected leaders realism in the face of history. Israel has defended itself successfully for sixty years and will continue to do so. I urge that its leaders also commit themselves to confidence-building measures with Palestinians who seek peace and to cooperation with them to improve the lives of the Palestinian and Israeli people. 

I urge President-elect Obama to quickly designate a Special Envoy for Mideast Peace. This would be an important expression of our concern for freedom, dignity, and well-being of all peoples of the region. A ceasefire, observed by all parties, credibly verified and effectively monitored, could be an important first step, but it is not a substitute for sustained, purposeful diplomacy.” (Public Statement, January 7, 2009)