U.S. presidential candidates slam Obama's Israel, Iran policy at Republican Jewish Coalition
GOP presidential hopefuls accuse Obama administration of being soft on Iran and hard on Israel; Gingrich, Bachmann say would move U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
By Natasha Mozgovaya Tags: Jerusalem Tel Aviv Iran Iran nuclear Hamas UNRepublican presidential candidates took to the stage at the Republican Jewish Coalition Presidential Candidates Forum in Washington on Wednesday, criticizing U.S. President Barack Obama's Middle East policy, particularly his record on Israel and Iran.
Presidential hopefuls addressed the audience one by one at the Ronald Reagan building in Washington DC, presenting their views on the economy, health care, foreign policy in general and the Middle East in particular, and then answered questions from the audience.
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Newt Gingrich at the Republican Jewish Coalition Presidential Candidates Forum in Washington, December 7, 2011. |
| Photo by: Natasha Mozgovaya |
Republican Ron Paul, not known as a supporter of Israel, was not invited.
Since the departure of Herman Cain from the race, most of the attention has been focused on former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Romney seemed much more focused and concise in his responses - but Gingrich got much more applause from the audience.
Most of the responses were familiar to the audience from the earlier debates, and the rhetoric almost seemed to be taken from Obama administration officials' speeches with "unshakeable commitment to Israel." Indeed, this time, the Jewish audience got a concentrated dose of support for Israel.
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who recently lost some points in polls to Newt Gingrich, took time to criticize Obama's Middle East policies.
"He visited Egypt, Syria - no, not Syria - Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey. He even offered to meet with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Yet in three years in office, he hasn't found the time or interest to visit Israel, our ally, our friend," to which the audience replied with enthusiastic booing.
"Over the last three years President Obama has instead chastened Israel," Romney continued.
"In his inaugural address to the United Nations, the president chastised Israel but had almost nothing to say about Hamas launching thousands of rockets into Israel's skies. He's publicly proposed that Israel adopt indefensible borders. He's insulted Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. And he's been timid and weak in the face of the existential threat that Israel faces from Iran. These actions have emboldened Palestinian hard-liners, and they're now poised to form a unity government with terrorist Hamas. And they feel they can bypass Israel at the bargaining table," he said.
"President Obama has immeasurably set back the prospect of peace in the Middle East," he added.
Romney declared that his future policies "could not be more different. I will travel to Israel on my first foreign trip. I will reaffirm, as a vital national interest, Israel's existence as a Jewish state. And I want the world to know that the bonds that exist between Israel and the United States are unshakable. I want every country in the region that harbors aggressive designs against Israel to understand that their ambition is futile and that pursuing it will cost them very dearly."
Referring to Iran, Romney said, "I would not meet with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He should be excluded from diplomatic society. In fact, he should be indicted for the crime of incitement to genocide under Article III of the genocide convention. And on my watch, Iran's ayatollahs will not be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons. A nuclear-armed Iran is not only a threat to Israel; it's a threat to the entire world. Our friends must never fear that we will not stand by them in an hour of need, and our enemies should never doubt our resolve."
Romney went on to say that the U.S., "Should treat the Iranian diplomats, business people, and leaders like the pariah they are as long as they're pursuing nuclear weaponry."
He asserted that the U.S. should engage in covert and overt activities to encourage voices of dissent, in Iran, adding that, "Ultimately regime change is what's going to be necessary." He also expressed his support for both military action and sanctions against Iran's nuclear program.
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich discussed the recent controversial speech given by the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium on anti-Semitism.
"This is an administration which, frankly, should be firing the ambassador to Belgium, who gave a stunningly anti-Semitic speech," Gingrich said. "This is an administration which, frankly, should be reprimanding the Secretary of Defense for an insulting performance the other day."
He also criticized Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's speech at the Saban forum last week, where he called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to "get to the damn table." Gingrich described the speech as "outrageous."
"Panetta is a fine domestic politician, but his speech was outrageous. How about saying to Hamas, give up violence and come to the table? How about saying to the PLO, recognize Israel and come to the table? This one-sided continuing pressure that says it's always Israel's fault, no matter how bad the other side is, has to stop. The fact that Secretary Clinton would talk about discrimination against women in Israel, and then meet with Saudis? " he said.
Gingrich also said that "in a Gingrich administration, on the opening day, there will be an executive order about two hours after the inaugural address. We will send the Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as of that day."
On Iran, Gingrich promised to fund "every dissident group" and to sabotage Iran's oil supply, to promote the regime change which, he argued, in the long run is the only rational policy.
Texas Governor Rick Perry accused the Obama Administration of a "torrent of hostility" toward Israel. "It seems to be a natural expression of this administration's attitude toward Israel", he said. Perry also tried to modify his remarks in one of the previous debates on "zeroing out" foreign aid, including aid to Israel". "Strategic defensive aid to Israel under a Perry administration will increase," he said.
Former Pennsylvania
Senator Rick Santorum said, "We have to make it very clear to Iran that the United States - the United States, I didn't say Israel, because it's in our security interest - will stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, period. We cannot sit and hope to contain Iran. We need to say very clearly that we will be conducting covert activity to do everything we can to stop their nuclear program."
Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman said that, for him, "All options are on the table. And it means that when Israel strikes up that conversation, as I believe they will, you better be prepared to remember and put in place what that relationship and what that alliance actually means."
Rep. Michele Bachmann who spoke last concentrated mostly on criticizing Obama, saying he's been "ambiguous with Iran," mentioning his weakness and appeasement policies "emboldened Palestinians to seek statehood at the UN," which she called 'the most overrated organization in the world."
She also promised, if elected, to move the Embassy to Jerusalem, and recognize annexation of any settlements Israel would chose to annex.
"President has delegitimized Israel by describing Israel as a 60 year old occupation", she said. "He abandoned prior U.S. policy that Israel is entitled to defensible borders, the former Administration's commitments who said no right of return for the Palestinian so-called 'refugees.' He calls them to return to the indefensible borders. I guarantee you without any reservation: I will never call for dividable Jerusalem."
On Iran, Bachmann said "our options are diminishing by the day. The President will stand with Occupy Wall Street - but he won't stand with Israel. We have to accelerate covert operations and cyber operations in Iran. We must order the CIA director to do every effort necessary to stop the Iranian bomb. The Pentagon must prepare a war plan."
Republican Jewish coalition CEO Matt Brooks concluded the event saying "you've witnessed history today: the next president of the U.S. was on this stage.".
The Democratic National Council quickly arranged a response call with Robert Wexler, former member of Congress from the Democratic Party and the president of the Washington-based S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East, who called the Republican presidential hopeful attacks on President Obama a "theater of the absurd,", listing joint military joint exercises, military assistance, and help with the Israeli Embassy in Cairo crisis as examples of cooperation between the current U.S.administration and Israel.
Wexler responded also to what seemed to be the leitmotif of the Republican attacks - weak leadership of President Obama. Mentioning the killing of Osama Bin-Laden, Wexler said this and others are "examples of solid presidential leadership."
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Reading the statements of these candidates, I know now how to vote and I know that any US citezen that votes for them will be voting against America. It is so humiliating that our candidates for the highest office would stoop so low to the Israeli lobby. This is the lowest time in US history. These candidates drag our country's reputation in filthy mod for Jewish money. Sad! Alexander
Obama has been covertly collaborating with the ISLAMIC nations to assure the distruction of Israel. He uses the Koran"s tactics of deception on us (WE THE PEOPLE) who they consider the infidels. It's sad to see his regime so blind to his treachery. Everything he does that makes him seem for us is a lie. These are the same tactics all dictators use to secretly impose their personal wills upon the people they suppress. Wake up America and choose the side of Israel. For it is written. "Those who condemn my people, I will condemn."
Another good reason for Iran, Saudi, GCC nations etc to seek nukes. As a citizen of these nations why wouldn't you want your gov to pursue all mean necessary to protect your sovereign rights. This is the most ill informed f=group of people I have ever heard. Americans.
All the other candidates plan on piling on 8-10 Trillions more debt over the next decade. Ron Paul is the only choice once you acknowledge that debt IS the problem. Americans need to choose what is more important. "Militarism" and 8-10T more debt - or - Ron Paul. "The media says he can't win" and 8-10T more debt - or - Ron Paul. "Aid to Israel" and 8-10T more debt - or - Ron Paul. Fill in the blank with the reason your not voting for Ron Paul. "_________" and 8-10T more debt - or - Ron Paul. Choose wisely America!
And if you say that you are an anti-semeitc.
How could this tiny entity boss over the whole world? Just proves what a threat israel is. Now I believe Money can buy all.
That goes for Christian zios too. Salaam/Shalom
A voice from the MTS of Arizona, and another tired American. Every last clown at this "ass-kissing" concert has no business being president. What is the US anyway, just another arm of Israel? As Mrs. Dayan said in Time: Zionism has run its course.
They are all full of hot air. Telling every group what they want to hear. G-d forbid any of them get into office we will be involved with more wars that are not paid for plunging the USA into a deep depression.
Gingrich, Bachmann and the rest of you ignorant, pathetic, war hunger mongrel Republican candidates, you need to send American troops to fight Iran, because America needs another Vietnam. Looks like Americans have not learned a lesson from Vietnam and hopefully Iran will be able to teach America a good lesson once and for all. A lesson that will make America crippled and force Anmerica to leave the Middle East for good.
You think it's only Republicans who start Wars?
H - It does not matter if the Republicans are in office or the Democrats are in office. There is no difference between any politician or political partys in the White House. American leaders are all war hungry mongrels. America is a criminal racist nation that only cares for its own interests regardless of who dies or suffers in the process.
The Republican hopefuls should have taken the time to read the Ambassador's speech rather than reports thereof. http://belgium.usembassy.gov/ambassador/speeches/anti-semitism.html In no way is it anti-semitic or accuses Israel of causing anti-semitism. What this Jewish son of a Holocaust survivor does do is to highlight the problems in race relations that have arisen from the Israel/Palestine conflict and the need to bring about talks in the region and deal with fallout in European communities. But, hey - they're Republican leaders, so we can't expect thoughtful analysis.
If not, individuals could sue in usa courts for millions in usa courts......oh.....i feel a song coming on
. No israel, No Palestine. One Man, One Vote, Equality for all inhabitants. Equal Pay for Equal Work, Equal Water Rights. No Apartheid, No Segregation...A Very True Secular Democracy. Let us call it:”State of Holy land”.
Why dont they just say that we will move our government to Jerusalem and do whatever the knesset tells us to do.
Or more ?
You're absolutely correct, but unfortunately for you it's not the whole story. According to Hans Uberheimreichson's observations Jews not only own the USA but are in control of every Arab and Muslim country where humiliation, rape, honor killings,torture and murder are considered an integral part of every day life. I know it's hard to believe, but would anyone have thought Palestine would ever be Democratic with Jews living alongside Palestinians, in Gaza? See what I mean, anything is possible. It's even possible that the rampant Antisemitic abuse that follows these pages like a bad smell could be instigated by people who truly believe that they and they alone understand what Truth and Justice is. So Mr Fighter, Do you live in Israel?
The US supports Israel with military help, with satellite coverage of the Middle East, and with funds. Iran would never attack Israel, not only because Israel can respond strongly, but because the US would obliterate the place. Obama is a friend of Israel but he has other objectives in the Middle East so he appears to be ambiguous. Most Jews are Democrats and pro Israel and so is Obama pro Israel in fact. In the US Jews with only 2% of the population have enormous influence so they are courted during election season. The elected politicians in the US as in Israel say what they think they have to say. The current Republican candidates for President say what they think they have to say. Bush said a lot but did little. Don’t pay them any attention. The current Republican candidates are a bunch of losers. All they have now is this Gingrich guy. What a joke he is; as was McCain and as was Bush..
... that no concerned majority would wish them on the USA...
That is his main disqualification in the Republican primaries, however. Nobody knows what his stands are on the issues because he cannot get poll numbers being rational and all.
they will do as they are told.. we need a president who won't. Ron Paul 2012
to US candidate's butt munching of Israel. so pathetic.
The recent rude statements of Paneta and the US ambassador in Belgium are a proof for real intentions and standing of Obama. Both Paneta and the ambassador are very close to the president , and it is a proof of Obama's real attitude despite all his statements of supporting Israel. I hope the american voters understand that and will act accordingly.
is this a threat that you will determine the elections of the US out of Tel Aviv?
You really think we 350 million Americans have nothing else to think about than your sory-ass little country? We have serious problems. Those speeches are just Republicans sucking up Jewish money, boychik.
In this case it's East Jerusalem.
I do indeed hope the American people understand Paneta and possibly Obama's position regarding the apartheid state called Israel and will vote for him and ethical sanity.
Time to lead America once again !
what, further into the abyss they created during their total control of the US government? Another fiscal meltdown? More wars?
The lost my vote. The road to the White House goes through the mainland states; NOT TEL AVIV.
you're wrong. it runs through the mainland states in theory/fantasy only. money dictates who sits in the white house; hence the jews' out-sized influence
I don't understand what is all the fuss about Iran? Iran can never bomb Israel as theres many muslims living in that region I believe this is war between America and Russia, if you want to take action bring the royal family back to Iran.
I surprised he didn't use this line. Or maybe he did and Natasha didn't get it. Google "Santorum" and maybe you'll get it.
I can't imagine how after all the Obama and his clique have done to weaken Israel that any American or American Jew can vote for him (again) next year?!
This is a black and white statement, reality is not quite like this. Both categories exist on either side. Thanks.
the American Presidential elections is turning into a race for which candidate bows and kowtows more to Israel! America - wake up! P.S. Suggested reading: Roger Cohen yesterday in the IHT & the NY Times.
I can't wait to get rid of Hussein Obama from the white house and restore sanity to the USA. Right now I'm thinking Romney
Since you're loyal to Israel, you can march down to the nearest State Department facility, renounce your American citizenship, and get the **** out of my country, never to return. You can take the treasonous Congress, AIPAC, and "American" Ambassadors to the UN with you, since they seem to care more about Israel than the US.
I hope he will be done with the next elections!
Gingrich signaled that he's bring back the Neocons with their dreams of world conquest. That is what it means with Bolton at State. It also means deficits don't matter and a big up yours to any country that does not love US world conquest. With the world a smoking ruin from reaction to a second round of Neocons, will it matter is the US Embassy moves for a few days? He'll also bring back official graft and corruption, maybe selling Yosemite and Yellowstone to the highest bidder, EXXON would be my guess.
Under Senate rules, one Senator can stop anything until that Senator drops and 10 can stop anything forever.
ca 4 millions Jewish religion. It is ca 1,3% of all residents. So, WHO rules the USA?
Disgusting.
Fortunately, none of these clowns have any chance of beating Obama.
There is no other country in the world where their leaders fight each other over who has more devotion to a foreign country, and the one who shows the most becomes the ruler of that country. Is it a third rail issue for an Israeli politician to criticize America?
They will all say whatever they need to get elected.
they're whores for jewish money and evangelical votes
i agree why presidential candidates try to show their dedication to israel?
these "presidential candidates" stop caring about other countries and start caring about Americans.
Americans can cough up the kind of dough and influence AIPAC does
she can move the embassy from tel aviv to Jerusalem right after she finishes closing down the embassy in Tehran...... and these are the people whom the greatest most destructive weapons ever conceived are entrusted to....sad
The poster is referring to the fact that it was Or can you guess? Yes, that's right. She said that the US should close down their embassy in Tehran!
It woudl be funny if he became the nominee
Israel is a rich country with WMD and nuclear weapons. It is an apartheid state and gets stupid bankrupt America to fight its wars and fund and arm dictators to support it. there should sanctions on Israel and its leaders tried for war crimes.
When you have a big dispute with another guy, it is very helpful to have Mike Tyson as a friend and make him the impartial mediator. The US should leave the negociation table. The Israel will have to act and behave in a moral way at last.
Our friend so get use to the idea.
Congress being run by ignorant self-serving foolish politicians, I would say is not going to happen any time soon.
What about the American people? I guess they don't count when it is about Israel.
That's all folks
I cannot by any stretch of the Human imagination support the world's most belligerent and intransigent nation. I refuse to fight for you, and I am tired of the treason from Congress, AIPAC, and the so-called "American" Ambassadors to the UN, who might as well be drawing a check from Tel Aviv rather than DC!
90% of us citizen cannot locate israel on map and they do not know what is the capital of israel.
most americans can not tell you where Washington DC is.
daily global announcemet for sanction of iran is becomming so boaring now senator.enough is enough ,you are persuading Iran to get out from NPT and make nuks wareheads and put them in shahab 3 missle with 2000 kilometer range.
I am glad they slammed that policy. Obama is way too pro Israeli. We need a conservative in the White House that protects Christen values.
...unless you're being facetious
There Christian values are protected!
and you'll see how Christian values are being protected!
if you take the actions of a few and apply to entire nation what do say about a swastike painted on a synagogue
if you take the actions of a few and apply to entire nation what do say about a swastika painted on a synagogue
What I said is only half in jest. I do believe that American policies are excessively pro Israeli, and that includes Obama’s administration. I also find the ignorance of "Republican Jews" amusing. What they may not realize is that a true conservative politician in the US has little interest in protecting freedom of any religion other than Christianity. It is a case of waiting for the other shoe to drop.
What I said is only half in jest. I do believe that American policies are excessively pro Israeli, and that includes Obama’s administration. I also find the ignorance of "Republican Jews" amusing. What they may not realize is that a true conservative politician in the US has little interest in protecting freedom of any religion other than Christianity. It is a case of waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Its more like Ron Paul places American interest first and we can't get him to take our money.
Why would we ever leave our beachfront property in Tel Aviv for Jerusalem...Bachmann, please stop talking.
The American public have saw enough war and had enough of their sons and daughters dying,he's killing his chances of election.
We can only hope and pray.
thats all they ever do. It doesn't matter how much the President helps on the UN issue, the defense issue, the iraq issue. They always whine. The President is and has been a great friend of Israel
Any one of them would be better than Obama.
religion siding with the fascists
AIPAC and Republican candidates would like to start a new Mideast war against Iran. This might be good for Israel's right-wing government but it surely would not be good for the people of Israel.
for Israel as well. Americans are becoming very tired and annoyed by the truly excessive role played by the issue of Israel in internal American politics. Sooner or later they will explode in the form of extreme anti.semitism. All this endless sucking up to the Israel lobby by these GOP clowns (and the Dem buffoons as well, of course) will be bad for Israel and even worse for American Jews.
You are to late, it has allready started. People are getting sick of all the whining.
we want the jewish americans to be dedicated to the usa not israel. or they better be moving to israel.
...I hope this lunacy results in americans becoming anti-zionist, not anti-semitic.
We tell Islamist "If you don't want to be treated as an extremist, you need to condem the extremist's behavior" so we should tell Jewish people if you don't want to be treated as a Zionist, you need to condem the Zionist's behavior. There are extremists in every society, but they can only exist if they have followers and complacive oponents.
"Maybe a right wing governement in US and Israel will finally end the two state solution fiction". I was expecting you to say they will go on and merge.
And this is why the youth of America are supporting him.
Paul is the only cadidate who reflect the views of most Americans when it comes to Israel, He is the only man with courage to say it the way it is. Why American has to borrow billions of dollars and give them to Israel? Especially, when Israel is doing better economically than most countries including America.
ron paul is not invited because he is a patriot.
Buahahhahahaaahhhhaa!!!
There are way too many powerful interest involved, interests that would never survive in a democratic society, one in which the media would do what they are supposed to do, provide all the necessary information to the people instead of manipulating, distracting them, subverting any possibility of genuine reflection on the issues that actually matter.