June 1, 2010

Harris Responds to NY Daily News 5/24 Iran Editorial

Listed in: Israel, Other Foreign Policy, NJDC News, Opinions

Submitted to the New York Daily News in response to their May 24, 2010 Editorial

 

 

By David A. Harris, President of the National Jewish Democratic Council

 

 

To the Editor,

 

The assertion that the Obama Administration is pressuring Israel over its supposed nuclear weapons program is simply not accurate. While Secretary of State Hillary Clinton explained recently at the United Nations that the United States remains committed to the 1995 Nonproliferation Treaty Middle East Resolution, which calls for a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, she clearly stated that “the conditions for such a zone do not yet exist. But we are prepared to support practical measures for moving toward that objective.” Given the existential threat that Israel faces from Iran, Israeli disarmament of course is not viewed as a “practical measure” by this Administration. When discussing rumors of a supposed change to America’s policy, Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak—among other Israeli officials—has publicly said, “There’s nothing to be alarmed about. There is no real threat to the traditional position and understandings between Israel and the United States.”

 

The facts of the U.S.-Israel relationship paint a dramatically different picture than what was written in your editorial. President Obama is second to none when it comes to strengthening the U.S.-Israel strategic military partnership and working tirelessly to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. If you won’t take the word of top Administration officials, at least listen to what Israel’s leaders have to say on the subject.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David A. Harris

President

National Jewish Democratic Council