U.S. Rep. Phil Hare has returned from a trip to Israel with greater appreciation for the bravery of the Israeli people and the need for peace in the Middle East.

During a Monday conference call with reporters, Hare told about a nine-day trip that 18 members of Congress took as guests of the American Israeli Education Foundation. The U.S. politicians met with several of the top elected officials in Israel and the head of the Palestinian Fatah party.

"Both sides are very dedicated to a two-state solution" that preserves Israel and Palestine, Hare said.

However, he opposes any talks that involve Hamas, a Palestinian party that supports terrorists and believes Israel has no right to exist.

Hare was impressed with several Israelis he met. One woman shielded her son and another child when a rocket bomb exploded nearby. Although the family was not hurt, the son made it clear he didn't want to survive if his mother died.

"Terrorists are timing the rocket attacks at the time parents are taking their children to school," Hare said.

He asked some people why they stay. They told him if they leave that town, the terrorists will move their attacks to the next town and the next, seeking to kill or drive out all the Israelis.

Hare said top Israeli politicians were divided on a $20 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia. Some believe the United States and Israel will someday face those weapons.

Hare has been opposed to the war in Iraq and said some of Israel's top leaders concurred with him that the United States has been in Iraq too long.

And many worry that Iran is a bigger threat at this time and Pakistan, which already has nuclear weapons, could become a terrorist state.

Hare also told reporters he has been pleased with most of the things that have happened during his first seven months in Congress.

High points include:

* Work on a farm bill that would provide a safety net for farmers.

* Raising the minimum wage.

* A Water Resources Development Act that would fund seven lock and dam projects in this region, when it passes the Senate.

* Cuts in the student loan interest rate.

The low point for Hare is a continuing war in Iraq that he said costs this nation its best and brightest young people.

"This is not just a Democratic problem. The country has said 'enough already,' " Hare said.

Hare also is frustrated that some legislation has been stalled in the Senate, which must muster 60 votes to even bring things up for a vote.

"I hope we change that at some point," Hare said.

The bridge collapse in Minnesota also may bring about some needed changes in how the country handles its infrastructure, Hare said. He was not ready to say whether that will mean an increase in the fuel tax. He said ending the war in Iraq would solve the money problem by ending the expenditure of $12 billion a month.