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Clinton’s Word Choice Raises Questions

Her controversial Independence Day message for Israel

by
Hadara Graubart
April 19, 2010

In a video greeting marking Israel’s Independence Day, Hillary Clinton promised that the U.S. stands “in solidarity” with the nation. Using a classic trope, she expressed her awe at watching “the desert bloom,” and offered a (slightly martyrish) vow to Israel that she and President Obama will continue “sharing your risks and helping shoulder your burdens.” She also stated that “pursuing peace and recognized borders for Israel is one of our top priorities.”

A history lesson from the website American Thinker highlights a potential problem with Clinton’s message: “U .N. Security Council Resolution 242, adopted after the 1967 Six-Day War called on Israel to withdraw from some—but not all—captured territories in exchange for ‘secure and recognized’ borders for the Jewish state. Ever since, UN Res. 242 has been the international template for a permanent peace agreement.” So by using only the word “recognized” in her speech, was Clinton suggesting that Israel should be “settling” for less than secure borders, as suggested by American Thinker, Politico‘s Laura Rozen, and others? Maybe her word choice reflects a shift in perspective, or maybe she thought she had it covered when she said “Our nation will not waver in protecting Israel’s security.” As Clinton mentions, “In 1948 it took President Truman only 11 minutes to recognize your new nation.” If only we could parse her message as quickly.

Hadara Graubart was formerly a writer and editor for Tablet Magazine.