Secretary of State Hilary Clinton released a congratulatory message on the occasion of Israel’s 64th Independence Day, Thursday, April 26, saying that “for many around the world, Israel remains a beacon of hope and an inspiring example,” The Jerusalem Post reported. Clinton added that the Israel and the United States “are united by a deep and unbreakable bond based on mutual interests and respect.” “We are steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security, which is a cornerstone of our foreign policy in the Middle East,” she said. Clinton also sought to reassure Jerusalem that with all of the change in the region following the Arab Spring, the U.S. “will continue to work with you and your neighbors to achieve the shared goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East.”