White House Chief of Staff William Daley, addressing AJC’s 2011 Global Forum, proclaimed that “the President’s support for Israel’s security has been and will be unshakable.”
Daley, in his first speech to a Jewish audience as White House chief of staff, challenged those who question Israel’s legitimacy and highlighted instances of Obama Administration solidarity with Israel. These include the Obama Administration’s opposition to anti-Israel resolutions at the UN, objecting to the UN’s so-called Goldstone Report that denied Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas in Gaza, and the momentous decision to withdraw from the Durban review process to disassociate from efforts to single out Israel for condemnation.
Referring to the announcement this week of a potential Fatah-Hamas reconciliation, Daley tried walking between the rain drops, supporting Unity, on condition that it recognizes the existence of Israel, and that this move advances peace, not the opposite.
"We all have seen the news of the agreement between Fatah and Hamas to form a government. Like the Israeli government, we are seeking more information."
"The United States always supported Palestinian unity, providing it is on the terms which advance the cause of peace. Hamas is a terrorist government which targets civilians."
"Any Palestinian government must renounce violence, it must abide by past agreements and it must recognize Israel's right to exist."