House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used her Sunday address before the Israeli Knesset -- the nation's Parliament -- to reassure Israeli lawmakers that their country has the full backing of the U.S. in its battle with Hezbollah and other Palestian seperatist groups.
"Together, we must make sure that no more rockets rain down on Israel from Lebanon in the north. We must ensure a future in which parents can send their children to school and families can venture to markets without fear.
"It has been almost nine months since Hezbollah's unprovoked attack on Israel. Yet, Hezbollah continues to violate the U.N. resolution that set conditions to end the violence. The 10,000 U.N. troops must be successful in preventing the shipments of weapons and supplies allowing Hezbollah to rearm. International forces in Lebanon must implement the U.N. resolution effectively. Hezbollah must be disarmed."

The speaker reaffirmed the U.S. position that Iran shouldn't be allowed to develop nuclear weapons:

"Together, we must have a simple message for Tehran, whose support of Hezbollah is well known. Iran must not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. The time to leverage all our power is now, and the way to do it is through diplomacy -- with stronger sanctions and smarter policy choices."

Mrs. Pelosi also highlighted Israel's longstanding close relationship with the U.S., and called the creation of Israel as a state in 1948 "one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century."

"There is an unshakable bond between America and Israel that grows out of our past and the fundamental values we share. That bond forms the foundation of our efforts for peace, for democracy, for human freedom. The bond between our nations points the way to the future -- a democratic Israel at peace with her neighbors. That is essential for the stability that this region desires."

-- Sean Lengell, Capitol Hill correspondent, The Washington Times