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Democrats and Republicans speak at AIPAC

While the U.S. and Israel attempt to get their relationship on steady ground, lawmakers and Cabinet officials spoke before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington D.C.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu speaks at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Netanyahu defended a new settlement being built in East Jerusalem: "The Jewish people were building Jerusalem 3,000 years ago, and the Jewish people are building Jerusalem today. Jerusalem is not a settlement. It's our capital."

March 22

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu speaks at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Netanyahu defended a new settlement being built in East Jerusalem: "The Jewish people were building Jerusalem 3,000 years ago, and the Jewish people are building Jerusalem today. Jerusalem is not a settlement. It's our capital."

Gpo-Getty Images

Members of AIPAC pray before the gala dinner of their annual policy conference. Approximately 8,000 people attended the conference.

March 22

Members of AIPAC pray before the gala dinner of their annual policy conference. Approximately 8,000 people attended the conference.

Jonathan Ernst-REUTERS

Members of the group Avaaz.org (meaning "voice") protest against Israeli settlements outside the convention center.

March 22

Members of the group Avaaz.org (meaning "voice") protest against Israeli settlements outside the convention center.

Nicholas Kamm-AFP/Getty Images

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) chats with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak during the banquet

March 22

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) chats with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak during the banquet

Jonathan Ernst-REUTERS

Israeli and U.S. Secret Service look on as Netanyahu addresses the conference. Netanyahu said that Israel does not want to govern or rule the Palestinians; rather, "we want them as our neighbors, living freely in security, dignity and peace."

March 22

Israeli and U.S. Secret Service look on as Netanyahu addresses the conference. Netanyahu said that Israel does not want to govern or rule the Palestinians; rather, "we want them as our neighbors, living freely in security, dignity and peace."

Nicholas Kamm-AFP/Getty Images

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), right, raises hands with AIPAC board member Robert Cohen as he takes the stage to address the banquet. Last week the influential pro-Israel lobbying group released a statement that called on the White House to take immediate steps to defuse tension with Israel.

March 22

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), right, raises hands with AIPAC board member Robert Cohen as he takes the stage to address the banquet. Last week the influential pro-Israel lobbying group released a statement that called on the White House to take immediate steps to defuse tension with Israel.

Jonathan Ernst-REUTERS

Sen. Schumer addresses AIPAC.

March 22

Sen. Schumer addresses AIPAC.

Jonathan Ernst-REUTERS

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is greeted by incoming AIPAC President Lee Rosenberg. Clinton used her speech to defend the administration's pressure on Israel and to make the case that pursuing peace now is essential.

March 22

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is greeted by incoming AIPAC President Lee Rosenberg. Clinton used her speech to defend the administration's pressure on Israel and to make the case that pursuing peace now is essential.

Brendan Smialowski-Getty Images

In her speech, Clinton said "The inexorable mathematics of demography are hastening the hour at which Israelis may have to choose between preserving their democracy and staying true to the dream of a Jewish homeland."

March 22

In her speech, Clinton said "The inexorable mathematics of demography are hastening the hour at which Israelis may have to choose between preserving their democracy and staying true to the dream of a Jewish homeland."

Nicholas Kamm-AFP/Getty Images

Clinton speaks to board members after speaking to AIPAC. Clinton was greeted respectfully by the group, which has criticized the public spat with Israel. But her speech did not receive the same enthusiastic applause as others did.

March 22

Clinton speaks to board members after speaking to AIPAC. Clinton was greeted respectfully by the group, which has criticized the public spat with Israel. But her speech did not receive the same enthusiastic applause as others did.

Jonathan Ernst-REUTERS

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also spoke to the conference.

March 22

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also spoke to the conference.

Jonathan Ernst-REUTERS

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) is acknowledged during the dinner.

March 22

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) is acknowledged during the dinner.

Jonathan Ernst-REUTERS

Gallery Credits:
Producer, Photo Editor Stephen Cook

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