Speaking at the American Jewish Committee Global Forum on Monday, Rice spoke of the necessity of a peaceful two-state solution.
"When Hamas digs tunnels so they can kidnap and kill Israelis Israel is not alone, when one country is singled out time and time again on the floor of the United Nations Israel is not alone, when angry forces attack Israel’s right to exist Israel is not alone," she said.
"And when Palestinians are attacked by mobs shouting 'Death to Arabs,' when Palestinians’ mosques and churches are vandalized, the Palestinian people are not alone."
Yet, while Rice appeared sympathetic to both sides of the conflict, the speech nevertheless focused on an upcoming aid package, the "single largest military assistance package – with any country – in American history."
The deal includes between $37.5 billion and $40 billion that will "constitute a significant increase in support" for Israel’s modernization of its missile defenses and aircraft fleet.
Rice described the package as part of "an enduring American interest."
Despite the record-breaking amount of money included in the deal, the Obama administration is still negotiating with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected previous packages because of provisions which limited Israel’s ability to lobby for more American aid over the next 10 years.
"Getting Israel to agree to accept the record package remains the focus on Obama’s side…" Jason Ditz writes for AntiWar.com.
"Initial reports suggested Netanyahu was looking for a deal in the realm of $45 billion, though much of the discussion is based around the assumption of always demanding at least a bit more than was offered, no matter how gaudy the package already is."
