American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told an American Jewish group on Tuesday that Hamas terrorists are serving as the "proxy warriors" for Iran in an effort to destabilize the Middle East. Speaking to the American Jewish Committee in Washington maintained that Israel will continue to isolate Hamas so long as it does not renounce violence and does not recognize the right of Israel to exist. She also asserted that the Palestinian Authority has "the will to fight terrorism" but does not have the means.
Secretary Rice also spoke with visiting Transportation and Road Safety Minister Shaul Mofaz (Kadima), who is a former IDF Chief of Staff and Defense Minister. He warned of Iran's growing influence and said that its weaknesses must be found.