Israel is holy land, not oily land, President Shimon Peres said Thursday at the United States Independence Day Reception at the residence of outgoing American Ambassador Richard Jones. "Nothing demonstrates the greatness of the United States of America more than the smallness of Israel," the President added. "The American people, I believe, feel for Israel, not because of her size but because of her vision." He pointed out that Israel represents 0.2 percent of the Middle East in size and two percent of its population.
President Peres also said that Israel has won wars but seeks peace, which he said does not "fall like Manna from heaven" but requires innovative approaches.