Pres. Obama Reaffirms Commitment to Stop Iran in Israeli TV Interview

NJDC — March 15, 2013 – 1:29 pm | Barack Obama | Israel Comments (0) Add a comment

Picture: Official logo for President Obama’s trip to Israel

In preparation for President Barak Obama’s first trip to Israel as President, the President sat down with Yonit Levy of Israel’s Channel 2 in Washington D.C. In addition to discussing details about the trip, Obama reiterated that he is committed to stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons program:

I have been crystal clear about my position on Iran possessing a nuclear weapon. That is a red line for us. It is not only something that would be dangerous for Israel. It would be dangerous for the world.”

In further discussion about how the United States would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons he said, “If we can resolve it diplomatically, that’s a more lasting solution.” However he emphasized:

When I say all options are on the table, all options are on the table and the US has significant capabilities. Our goal is that Iran will not have weapons that threaten Israel or lead to an arms race in the region….

President Obama said the purpose of the trip is a chance to connect with the Israeli people, and that he will express his admiration of Israel’s history, success, and core values, as well as “the fundamental right of Israel to be secure as a homeland of the Jewish people, and its connection to the land.”

He also said:

“I’d love to sit at a cafe and just hang out…Sometimes I have this fantasy that I can put on a disguise and wear a fake mustache” and wander into Tel Aviv, go to a university and speak to some students, “in a setting that wasn’t so formal.”

In addition, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication Benn Rhodes and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro spoke to the media on President Obama’s trip. Click here to view the transcript of their briefing.

 

 

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