Where Does Obama Stand on Israel?
Listed in: Stop the Smears
So where does President Barack Obama stand on Israel?
Even as President Obama works to keep Israel safe and secure while striving for Middle East peace, it’s understandable that people who care deeply about Israel could ask this question.
So who do you trust to judge whether President Obama is a true friend of Israel? How about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? Just an hour ago, following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s widely-anticipated address in Israel, the headline of the Jerusalem Post read, “Netanyahu: I Share Obama’s Vision for Regional Peace.”
Or as Prime Minister Netanyahu himself said recently about President Obama:
“You’re a great leader—a great leader of the United States, a great leader of the world, a great friend of Israel, and someone who is acutely cognizant of our security concerns. And the entire people of Israel appreciate it, and I speak on their behalf. ...I was particularly pleased at your reaffirmation of the special relationship between Israel and the United States. ...I very much appreciate, Mr. President, your firm commitment to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear military capability, and also your statement that you’re leaving all options on the table.”
—Prime Minister Netanyahu, May 18, 2009
President Obama has been crystal clear in his support for Israel and his rock-solid commitment to Israel’s security as well:
“... [T]here’s no doubt that the United States has a special relationship with Israel. ...I think that as a vibrant democracy that shares many of our values, obviously we’re deeply sympathetic to Israel. And, I think, I would also say that given past statements surrounding Israel – the notion that they should be driven into the sea, that they should be annihilated, that they should be obliterated – the armed aggression that’s been directed toward them in the past – you can understand why not only Israelis would feel concerned, but the United States would feel it was important to back this stalwart ally.”
—President Obama in interview to NPR, June 1, 2009
“Obviously this reflects the extraordinary relationship, the special relationship between the United States and Israel. It is a stalwart ally of the United States. We have historical ties, emotional ties. As the only true democracy of the Middle East it is a source of admiration and inspiration for the American people. I have said from the outset that when it comes to my policies towards Israel and the Middle East that Israel’s security is paramount, and I repeated that to Prime Minister Netanyahu. It is in U.S. national security interests to assure that Israel’s security as an independent Jewish state is maintained.”
—President Obama, May 18, 2009
Not surprisingly, some of the loudest voices today leading the attacks against President Obama were supporters of President George W. Bush – and yet they have the chutzpah to condemn President Obama for pursuing the Road Map launched by President Bush, and for hewing to the same policy on settlements supported by a series of US administrations from both parties… including George W. Bush.
TAKE ACTION TODAY; forward this e-mail to five friends, colleagues, and family members. Share the truth about what Prime Minister Netanyahu has to say about President Obama when it comes to Israel’s security and the close, strategic relationship between our two countries – and share President Obama’s words directly with your friends and family.
Stay tuned for more facts and talking points about where Democrats stand – President Obama, and the House and Senate Democrats as well – on Israel’s security.
