Ron DeSantis on Israel & Palestine: (Education Jun 14, 2021)
Signed bills to protect religious freedom in Florida

Ron DeSantis on Israel & Palestine: (Principles & Values Jun 14, 2021)
Compels schools to have moment of silence for prayer

Antony Blinken on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jan 27, 2021)
Committed to Israel's security; applauds Abraham Accords

Alejandro Mayorkas on Israel & Palestine: (Principles & Values Jan 10, 2021)
Views himself as a proud member of the Jewish community

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Dec 1, 2020)
Implicitly approved Israel killing Iranian nuclear scientist

In January, the Trump administration assassinated Iran's top general, Qassim Suleimani. Shortly before that assassination, Pompeo followed the same pattern [as prior to the Mohsen Fakhrizadeh killing]--traveling and meetings with U.S. allies in the region.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Dec 1, 2020)
OpEd: Israel killed Iranian scientist & Trump approved

Joe Biden on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 15, 2020)
Trump has more troops in Afghanistan than 2016

BIDEN: A little, but not a whole lot. We find ourselves in a position where we're more isolated in the world than we've ever been.

Q: Peace is breaking out all over the world. Our troops are coming home--

BIDEN: They have more people there now, by the way, than when we left in Afghanistan. And we find ourselves in a situation where Trump has talked to Putin six times, but hasn't said a word to him about bounties on American military's heads in Afghanistan. And NATO is on the risk of being cracked because they doubt whether we're there. You see what's happened in everything from Belarus to Poland, and the rise of totalitarian regimes in the world. This president embraces all the thugs in the world. I do compliment the president on the deal with Israel recently. But if you take a look, we're not very well trusted around the world.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Sep 15, 2020)
We're creating peace in Mideast; not the old-fashioned way

The New York Times wrote incredible, glowing articles last week about this incredible thing that I've been able to do in the Middle East. A guy like Jim Mattis could have never done it because they were all doing it the old-fashioned way. They were going in the wrong outlets and the wrong doors.

And what happened today with UAE and with Bahrain and with Israel, people don't even believe it. And I have numerous other countries in that region that are going to be signing very soon also. You'll have peace in the Middle East, and this is without war and without losing our great, young soldiers.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Sep 8, 2020)
Unite moderate Arab countries to isolate & contain Iran

Nikki Haley on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Aug 25, 2020)
Cast American veto at UN over Jerusalem embassy critics

Elizabeth Warren on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 17, 2020)
Signed letter opposing Israeli annexation of territories

The AOC-Jayapal letter on annexation made headlines and sent the Israel lobby into a tizzy, frantically trying to stop any other lawmakers from signing on. But just a few days later, on July 2, another unexpected action came. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, supported by Senators Sanders, Warren, Leahy, and others, filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit US military aid from being used in any annexation activities.

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 17, 2020)
Signed letter opposing Israeli annexation of territories

The AOC-Jayapal letter on annexation made headlines and sent the Israel lobby into a tizzy, frantically trying to stop any other lawmakers from signing on. But just a few days later, on July 2, another unexpected action came. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, supported by Senators Sanders, Warren, Leahy, and others, filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit US military aid from being used in any annexation activities.

Howie Hawkins on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 12, 2020)
Supports a Palestinian right of return, and a single state

• We reaffirm the right and feasibility of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes in Israel.
• We acknowledge the significant challenges of equity and restitution this policy would encounter and call on the U.S. government to make resolution of these challenges a central goal of our diplomacy in the region.
• We support a U.S. foreign policy that promotes the creation of one secular, democratic state for Palestinians and Israelis on the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the River Jordan as the national home of both peoples, with Jerusalem as its capital.
• We encourage a new U.S. diplomatic initiative to begin the long process of negotiation, laying the groundwork for such a single-state constitution.

Howie Hawkins on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jul 12, 2020)
Supports 2015 Iran nuclear deal

Stacey Abrams on Israel & Palestine: (Government Reform Jun 9, 2020)
Holiday for Election Day, or paid time off to vote

Mike Pence on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 27, 2020)
The world knows this: America stands with Israel

Mike Bloomberg on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 25, 2020)
Only solution is to split up Israel and Palestine

Number one, you can't move the embassy back. We should not have done it without getting something from the Israeli government. But it was done, and you're going to have to leave it there.

Number two, only solution here is a two-state solution. The Palestinians have to be accommodated. The real problem here is you have two groups of people, both who think God gave them the same piece of land. And the answer is to obviously split it up, leave the Israeli borders where they are, try to push them to pull back some of those on the other side of the wall, where they've built these new communities, which they should not have done that, pull it back.

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 18, 2020)
Support for Israel & peace doesn't include racist government

Elizabeth Warren on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 5, 2020)
Let Israelis and Palestinians decide together on Jerusalem

WARREN: We need to encourage both Israel and the Palestinians to negotiate with each other. The US should not be putting a thumb on the scale, should not be saying in these negotiations, "We stand only with one party." We should recognize that Israel has a right to its security. The Palestinians have a right to self-determination and to be treated with respect. The two-state solution has been the official policy of the US and of Israel for nearly 70 years now. To make that happen, you want to be a good friend to Israel AND to the Palestinians. Our job is to get them to the negotiating table.

A: So, the embassy?

WARREN: The embassy is what they should be negotiating. The parties should negotiate whether or not the capital is in Jerusalem, and then the US should move its embassy to be in the capital of each of the two states in a two-state solution.

Mike Bloomberg on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 24, 2019)
Saudi Arabia's modernization is going in the right direction

Bloomberg hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in New York in 2018 and he has praised Saudi Arabia for its reform efforts, especially its expansion of women's rights, saying the country is going "in the right direction."

Tom Steyer on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Dec 24, 2019)
Keep US troops in northern Syria

He condemned Trump's withdrawal of U.S. troops from northern Syria, arguing that the mission there to help the Kurds contain the self-proclaimed Islamic State was successful. He says Trump "sold out" the United States "for the benefit of Vladimir Putin."

Mike Bloomberg on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Dec 24, 2019)
Supports Israel's military response to Gaza rocket attacks

He backs a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has denounced the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to punish Israel for its treatment of Palestinians, as "an outrage.

Deval Patrick on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Dec 24, 2019)
Our Generation Speaks: Israelis & Palestinians together

Pete Buttigieg on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 19, 2019)
Trump welcomes white nationalists, plays at being pro-Israel

Joe Biden on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 19, 2019)
Israel must embrace two-state solution

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Civil Rights Dec 11, 2019)
Treat Judaism as nationality, not just religion

Gina Raimondo on Israel & Palestine: (Free Trade Nov 21, 2019)
In Israel for economic development mission

Vladimir Putin on Israel & Palestine: (Free Trade Oct 13, 2019)
Working on free trade area involving Israel and Egypt

He said such an agreement, which is intended to remove or reduce trade barriers between countries such as import duties, would be similar to Russia's arrangement with Iran.

Bill Weld on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 3, 2019)
Supports Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution

A: The question suggests outsiders can "solve" the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I think it is up to the Israelis and Palestinians to come to an arrangement, and for us to support their efforts. If there is a deal to be made that's acceptable to both, we should get behind it, but the timing for further negotiations is going to have to be driven by events and by the parties themselves. Having said all that, I am personally very much in favor of a two-state solution, and I believe, as my friend Shimon Peres always maintained, that multi-state economic development projects and trade are the sinews of peace.

Joe Walsh on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Sep 24, 2019)
Israel should annex Palestinian territory

On foreign policy:
• Walsh holds strong pro-Israel views. He opposes a "2-state solution" and called the idea "insanity."
• He's advocated for Israel to annex Palestinian territory and for Palestinians to have "limited voting power" in the Jewish state.
• Walsh also once said that American Jews tend to skew liberal & side with Palestine instead of Israel.
• Walsh has endorsed far-right leaders around the globe, including France's Marine Le Pen, who is notorious for her Islamophobic views.

Bill Weld on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Sep 24, 2019)
Troops out of Afghanistan; should have done it long ago

Rep. Joe Walsh: I would be honest with the Saudis. Iran's the biggest threat in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is no great guy either. With these troops, I worry about us getting further involved in a region that we shouldn't get involved in. Our men and women ought to be home from Afghanistan by now. We support Israel and we've got to do whatever we can to encourage that part of the world to move toward a democracy. But I don't like us placing resources in there, especially placing American troops.

Gov. Weld: I agree with the congressman our troops should have been home from Afghanistan a long time ago. but we've been there 18 years. People say oh we can't bring them home now to which they respond. It begs the question "when?" How about "never?" Is never what you're for? Because that's what they really mean.

Kirsten Gillibrand on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Aug 18, 2019)
Israel went in wrong direction barring Congressional visit

GILLIBRAND: Congress has a duty to make decisions about whether we give aid, how we protect allies such as Israel with qualitative military edge. I don't know why Netanyahu would want to deny members of Congress to come to Israel if they expect us to be that never-ending partner and friend.

Q: They talk about the BDS movement ("Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions" directed against Israel)..

GILLIBRAND: In this country, we don't deny people the right to participate in conversations about their views and their values. Unfortunately, Netanyahu has allowed a law that says if you support the BDS movement they can prevent you. Any time you are undermining basic free speech rights and human rights you're going in the wrong direction.

Andrew Yang on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Aug 9, 2019)
Two-state solution is only end to Israel/Palestine conflict

Joe Sestak on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 30, 2019)
Support 2-state solution; return embassy to Tel Aviv

Pete Buttigieg on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 30, 2019)
Supports 2-state solution, but not current Israeli policies

Seth Moulton on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 30, 2019)
Support two-state solution, not current Israeli government

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Welfare & Poverty Jul 9, 2019)
1963: College volunteer at Israeli kibbutz

Andrew Yang on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 5, 2019)
No quick answers on Israel, but supports two state solution

YANG: Israel and the West Bank--it's been an historic morass. And so I don't have any quick answers or solutions. But clearly that would be against the principles that have been in place in terms of trying to reach a solution. In my mind, the two-state solution be ideal and that would be against my vision for the region.

Mike Pence on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jun 23, 2019)
No nukes for Iran; support Iranians but not government

Steve Bullock on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jun 18, 2019)
Israel is a trusted partner & trusted friend

A: "I think that Israel's a trusted partner, a trusted friend to our country."

Q: Where would you go on your first international trip as president?

A: "That could be as close as Canada, it could be down to Mexico."

Andrew Yang on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jun 18, 2019)
Some Israeli actions are problematic on human rights

A: "Certainly, some of the actions that are being taken there are deeply problematic."

Q: Where would you go on your first international trip as president?

A: "It would be someplace in South America, I would imagine."

Marianne Williamson on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jun 18, 2019)
Commitment to both Israeli security & Palestinian rights

A: "As President of the United States, I would have an equally robust commitment to both the legitimate security concerns of Israel, and the human rights of the Palestinians."

Q: Where would you go on your first international trip as president?

A: "I can tell you what my first international calls would be, and that is to the leaders of Europe to say, 'We're back.'"

Seth Moulton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jun 18, 2019)
We've got to abandon nation-building in Afghanistan

A: "I'm sorry, but we've got to abandon nation-building in Afghanistan."

Q: Do you think Israel meets international standards of human rights?

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy May 19, 2019)
Even-handed Mideast policy; open to moving Jerusalem embassy

A: I can't give you a definitive answer, but yeah. Whether it is Iran and Saudi Arabia, whether it is Israel and the Palestinians, the United States needs to bring people together, needs an even handed policy. We'll take that one step at a time. We are the most-powerful country on Earth. Let's bring people together and try to bring peace.

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 22, 2019)
Supports Israel's right to exist, not Netanyahu

Marianne Williamson on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 14, 2019)
Support Israeli security & Palestinian human rights

Marianne Williamson on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 14, 2019)
US should return to being honest broker in Mideast

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Immigration Apr 9, 2019)
Refugees can't come in; sorry, we're full

Specifically, in referring to refugees seeking asylum in America from political persecution in their native lands, Trump stated, "You can't come in. Our country is full. What can we do? We can't handle any more. Our country's full. You can't come in, I'm sorry."

These were literally the exact words antisemitic public officials used to justify America denying entry to European Jews fleeing Nazi extermination during the Holocaust.

Mike Gravel on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Apr 9, 2019)
End military aid to Israel; recognize Palestinian statehood

The United States should:
• Establish a mature, non-partisan relationship with Israel and its neighbors.
• End military aid to Israel.
• Refuse to support laws aiming to stifle the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement that cripple freedoms of speech and association.
• Recognize Palestinian statehood or call for a plural state in which Israelis and Palestinians all enjoy full and equal rights in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Pete Buttigieg on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 3, 2019)
Supports Israel; situation more complex than seen in media

Pete Buttigieg on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security Apr 3, 2019)
Be serious about security like Israel, but live freely

Cory Booker on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security Mar 27, 2019)
Supports military spending on Foreign Affairs Committee

• Sen. Cory Booker has voted for 16 out of 19 military spending bills in the Senate.
• Despite serving on the Foreign Affairs Committee, he has not taken a public position for ending U.S. wars or cutting its military spending. His record of voting for 84 percent of military spending bills suggests he would not make major cuts.
• He also describes himself as a "staunch advocate for a strengthened relationship with Israel."

Amy Klobuchar on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security Mar 27, 2019)
Voted for 95% of military spending bills in Congress

• She has voted for all but one, or 95 percent, of the military spending bills since 2013.
• She has only voted as requested by Peace Action 69 percent of the time, the lowest among senators running for president.
• In January 2019, Klobuchar was the only presidential candidate who voted for S.1, a bill to reauthorize U.S. military aid to Israel that also included an anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions provision.

Kamala Harris on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Mar 27, 2019)
Ok with Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory

• Senator Harris has been vocal about is her unconditional support for Israel. She told an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference in 2017, "I will do everything in my power to ensure broad and bipartisan support for Israel's security and right to self-defense." When President Obama allowed the U.S. to join a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements in Palestine as a "flagrant violation" of international law, Harris, Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Amy Klobuchar were among 30 Democratic (and 47 Republican) senators who cosponsored a bill to withhold U.S. dues to the UN over the resolution.
• Harris did join most of the other presidential candidates who chose not to speak at AIPAC's 2019 gathering.
• She also supports rejoining the Iran nuclear agreement.
• Harris has voted for six out of eight military spending bills, but she did cosponsor and vote for Sanders's Yemen War Powers bill.

Cory Booker on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Mar 27, 2019)
End intervention in Yemen & Iran, but not Israel

• Booker was one of the first five cosponsors of Sanders's Yemen War Powers bill, and he has an 86 percent Peace Action voting record.
• He cosponsored the Senate bill condemning the UN Security Council resolution against Israeli settlements in 2016.
• He was an original cosponsor of a bill to impose new sanctions on Iran in December 2013, before eventually voting for the nuclear agreement in 2015.

Elizabeth Warren on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Mar 27, 2019)
No intervention in Yemen; but intervention in Gaza OK

• Her Peace Action voting record is 84% and she was one of the first five Senators to cosponsor the Yemen War Powers bill in March 2018 [requiring Congressional authorization to arm the Saudis in Yemen].
• In 2014 she supported Israel's invasion of Gaza that left more than 2,000 dead, and blamed the civilian casualties on Hamas.
• She opposed a bill to criminalize boycotting Israel and condemned Israel's use of deadly force against peaceful Gaza protesters in 2018.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Mar 21, 2019)
Recognize 1967 Israel's annexation of Golan Heights

Israel administered the Heights through military law until 1981, in the same way in which it administered the West Bank and Gaza Strip, before the Menachem Begin government directly applied Israeli law and effectively annexed the territory to the Israeli state.

Howard Schultz on Israel & Palestine: (Abortion Mar 9, 2019)
Pro-choice advocate for all of my life

Ron DeSantis on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Mar 5, 2019)
Pro-Israel; take action against boycott

Kamala Harris on Israel & Palestine: (Technology Jan 8, 2019)
Update water infrastructure based on Israeli model

There's a lot we can learn from friends and partners who have already made such investments--especially Israel, a global leader on water security issues. In 2018, I travelled to Israel and toured its Sorek desalination plant, which uses reverse osmosis to produce clean drinking water from the sea. I had a glass. It tasted as good as any water I've ever had.

And that's not all. As many have said, the Israelis have made the desert bloom. They've done so in part by successfully reclaiming 86% of their wastewater and purifying it for agricultural reuse. By contrast, the United States, reclaims only 7% to 8%.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Sep 25, 2018)
Foreign aid only for allies with shared values

The "America first" remarks drew on a similar speech he delivered at the United Nations last year but included more detailed examples of how that vision informs his policies on trade, immigration and the world's hot spots.

Trump suggested he would sharply curtail U.S. foreign aid, saying he ordered a review of whether countries that receive American assistance are allies with shared values. "We are only going to give foreign aid to those who respect us and, frankly, are our friends," Trump said. "And we expect other countries to pay their fair share for the cost of their defense."

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 1, 2018)
Gaza is humanitarian disaster; Israelis shouldn't over-react

SANDERS: Yes, they should. Look, Gaza, as I think everybody knows, is a humanitarian disaster. The unemployment rate there is beyond comprehension. And there is just enormous unrest. What the function of the United States government should be right now is to sit down with the Israelis, sit down with the Palestinians and figure out how we can rebuild Gaza.

Q: We should note, the Palestinian Authority did boycott a meeting at the White House recently to talk about rebuilding Gaza.

SANDERS: We should also to tell the Israelis that when you've got tens and tens of thousands of people protesting, they cannot overreact. And the idea of 15 or so people being killed and hundreds being wounded is, to me, unacceptable.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jan 30, 2018)
FactCheck: Yes, Senate approved US Embassy in Jerusalem

OnTheIssues Fact Check: Is that true? The United States Senate unanimously supported declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel? Despite the controversy--and possible war with the Palestinians--that such a declaration could cause? Yes, we checked; the Senate voted 90-0-10 (unanimous with ten abstentions or absences). The resolution said, "June 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War and the reunification of the city of Jerusalem. The Senate reaffirms the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 as United States law, and calls upon the President and all United States officials to abide by its provisions." The 1995 law calls for moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, including a progress report every 6 months. President Trump is now implementing the 1995 law, 23 years later and 46 progress report due dates later.

Pope Francis on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 25, 2017)
Israel & Palestine should be separate, independent countries

The Pope implored followers to consider the children who continue "to suffer because of growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians." Palestinians, who hope that Jerusalem will be the capital of their future state, were enraged by Trump's move, with protesters burning American flags and clashing with Israeli soldiers.

"Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexistence of two states within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders," said Pope Francis in the Vatican.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 10, 2017)
Jerusalem is Israel's capital but Palestinian capital open

(BEGIN VIDEO) TRUMP: This is a long, overdue step to advance the peace process and to work towards a lasting agreement. (END VIDEO)

Q: You suggest that despite President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital, and move the embassy there, that the final status of East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state is still up for negotiation?

Ambassador Nikki HALEY: The president did not to talk about borders. He strongly believes that those final status issues should be decided between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Nikki Haley on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 10, 2017)
Call out the UN when they bully Israel

HALEY: Because it's the facts. I want the Security Council and all of the international community to understand, when you bully Israel, you are not helping the peace process. So when we see it, we call them out on it.

Q: Would you veto a resolution to condemn the president's move in the Security Council?

HALEY: Oh, I would have a strong reaction to that. We have the right to do whatever we want in terms of where we put our embassies. We don't need other countries telling us what's right and wrong. What I have always said is, "if we are honest, if we tell the truth, that's when peace comes." And this was the president telling the world the truth.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 6, 2017)
Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital

Trump drew warnings from Middle Eastern and European leaders that overturning the United States' long-standing policy would further complicate peace negotiations.

The internationally unsettled status of Jerusalem and its central importance to Jews, Muslims and Christians explains why, while recognizing the state of Israel, no nation has its embassy in the holy city.

Pope Francis on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 6, 2017)
Declaring Jerusalem as Israel's capital destabilizes Mideast

The pope spoke at the end of his weekly general audience Dec. 6, the same day Trump announced his decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, fulfilling a promise he made during his presidential campaign.

The Vatican supports a "two-state solution" for the Holy Land with independence, recognition and secure borders for both Israel and Palestine. In his appeal, Pope Francis said, "Jerusalem is a unique city, sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims who venerate the holy places of their respective religions, and has a special vocation to peace."

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 28, 2017)
Unbreakable alliance with the state of Israel

Finally, I have kept my promise to appoint a Justice to the United States Supreme Court--from my list of 20 judges--who will defend our Constitution. I am honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight. Her late, great husband, Antonin Scalia, will forever be a symbol of American justice. To fill his seat, we have chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, a man of incredible skill, and deep devotion to the law. He was confirmed unanimously to the Court of Appeals, and I am asking the Senate to swiftly approve his nomination.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Dec 22, 2016)
Supports construction of Israeli settlements in West Bank

Trump amplified his position by posting the statement on Facebook and Twitter as well: "The resolution being considered at the United Nations Security Council regarding Israel should be vetoed." His words closely echoed the positions expressed by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has treated the impending UN vote as a crisis, posting on his own Twitter account a message urging Obama to veto what he called the "anti-Israel" resolution. Egypt, who drafted the resolution, withdrew it afterwards.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Nov 8, 2016)
Treating Israel like a second-class citizen will end

Trump: "When I become president, the days of treating Israel like a second-class citizen will end on day one," he said, to applause. "I will meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu immediately. I have known him for many years and we'll be able to work closely together to help bring stability and peace to Israel and to the entire region." American tycoon Donald Trump criticized the White House's treatment of Israel, saying, "There has never been a greater enemy to Israel than Barack Obama."

Clinton: In September 2010, while meeting with Netanyahu, Clinton said the US has an obligation to do all it can to "protect and defend the State of Israel and provide security to the Israeli people." She condemned Palestinian terrorism and advocated for Israel's right to defend itself.

Stein: Has proposed slashing the $4 billion annual military aid package to Israel, and would press for a peace deal with the Palestinians.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Aug 23, 2016)
At AIPAC: railed against Palestinians' demonization of Jews

This time, he was squarely on Israel's side. He railed against the Palestinians' demonization of Jews. He reminded the crowd that he'd lent his personal jet to New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani when he visited Israel weeks after the 9/11 attacks and that he'd been grand marshal of the Israel Parade in New York in 2004, at the height of violence in the Gaza Strip. He made sure everyone noted that Ivanka would soon give birth to a "beautiful Jewish baby."

Elizabeth Warren on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 2, 2016)
Unequivocally support Israel's qualitative military edge

To me, it is a moral imperative to support and defend Israel, and I am committed to ensuring its long-term security by maintaining its qualitative military edge. Israel must be able to defend itself from the serious threats it faces from terrorist organizations to hostile states, including Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and others.

Elizabeth Warren on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 2, 2016)
No UN membership for Palestine until two-state solution

Mike Pence on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 26, 2016)
Against agreement with Iran; keep all sanctions

The letter asserted: "This agreement would lead to the lifting of sanctions on Iran without any guarantee that Iran's drive toward obtaining a nuclear weapon will be halted or even slowed. Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, and it should not be permitted any pathway toward obtaining a nuclear weapon, now or ever. The lifting of federal sanctions that would only result in Iran having more money available to fund terrorist groups and attacks. We intend to ensure that the various state-level sanctions that are now in effect remain in effect.

Ted Cruz on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Mar 15, 2016)
U.S.-Israel alliance is a strategic bedrock

We must make clear to the world that the U.S.-Israel alliance is once again a strategic bedrock for the United States.
• America's security is significantly enhanced by a strong Israel. Israel has been, is, and always will be the Middle East bulwark in defense of the West.
• A Cruz administration will on day one recognize Jerusalem as the eternal, undivided capital of Israel and the US embassy will be moved to Israel's capital city.
• A Cruz administration will continue to support Israel's regional qualitative military edge and make sure that Israel has everything it needs to defend itself.
• We should strengthen our partnership with Israel by supporting cooperative efforts such as missile defense to counter terrorism.
• A President Cruz will immediately reassess US policy towards the Palestinian Authority. Not one penny of American tax dollars should go to an organization that incites hatred against Jews and seeks to partner with the terrorist group Hamas.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Principles & Values Mar 11, 2016)
I have a daughter and son-in-law who are Jewish

We fact-checked and found that Trump's daughter Ivanka, converted to Judaism in 2009 and is raising Donald's grandchildren under Jewish tradition. According to Vogue magazine (Feb. 25, 2015), Ivanka in 2007 met her future husband Jared Kushner, who is an Orthodox Jew and a real estate developer in New York. Ivanka converted to Judaism prior to their marriage in 2009, and they keep a kosher home and, Ivanak says, "we observe the Sabbath; from Friday to Saturday we don't make phone calls. It's an amazing thing when you're so connected-- for [our daughter] Arabella to know that she has me, undivided, one day a week We don't do anything except play with each other, hang out with one another, go on walks together. Pure family.

Ted Cruz on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 25, 2016)
Neutrality on Israel is moral relativism

KASICH: I've been a strong supporter of Israel longer than anybody on this stage.

CRUZ: Donald and Hillary want to be neutral between Israel and the Palestinians. If I'm president, America will stand unapologetically with Israel. The notion of neutrality is based upon the left buying into moral relativism that is pitched in the media. It is not equivalent. When you have terrorists murdering innocent women and children, they are not equivalent to the IDF officers protecting Israel.

John Kasich on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 25, 2016)
I have a longer track record with Israel than any candidate

TRUMP: I have a great relationship with Israel. If I could bring peace, that would be a fantastic. It would be one of my greatest achievements as president.

KASICH: I've been a strong supporter of Israel longer than anybody on this stage.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 25, 2016)
Don't take sides with Israel, so we can lead negotiations

TRUMP: President Obama has treated Israel horribly. I have very close ties to Israel. I've received the Tree of Life Award and many of the greatest awards given by Israel. As president, however, there's nothing that I would rather do to bring peace to Israel and its neighbors generally. And I think it serves no purpose to say that you have a good guy and a bad guy. Now, I may not be successful in doing it. It's probably the toughest negotiation anywhere in the world of any kind. But it doesn't help if I start saying, "I am very pro-Israel." It doesn't do any good to start demeaning the neighbors, because I would love to do something with regard to negotiating peace, finally, for Israel and for their neighbors.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 25, 2016)
I could negotiate a deal with Israel and Palestinians

TRUMP: A deal is a deal. Let me tell you that. I learned a long time ago.

RUBIO: A deal is not a deal when you're dealing with terrorists. Have you ever negotiated with terrorists?

TRUMP: I'm a negotiator. I've done very well over the years through negotiation. It's very important that we do that. In all fairness, Marco is not a negotiator. I watched him melt down and I'll tell you, it was one of the saddest things I've ever seen. You will never bring peace.

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 4, 2016)
Encourage Saudis and Iran to work together, despite distrust

SANDERS: I concede that Secretary Clinton, who was secretary of State for four years, has more experience in foreign affairs. But experience is not the only point, judgment is. In terms of Iran and in terms of Saudi Arabia, of course they hate each other. That's no great secret. But John Kerry, who is I think doing a very good job, has tried to at least get these people in the room together because both of them are being threatened by ISIS.

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 4, 2016)
Move forward with Iran with relations the long-term goal

CLINTON: Absolutely. We have to figure out how to deal with Iran as the principal state sponsor of terrorism in the world. They are destabilizing governments in the region. They continue to support Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon against Israel. If we were to normalize relations right now, we would remove one of the biggest pieces of leverage we have to try to influence and change Iranian behaviour. The president doesn't think we should. I certainly don't think we should. I believe we have to take this step by step to try to reign in Iranian aggression.

SANDERS: I never said that. I think we should move forward as quickly as we can. They are a sponsor of terrorism around the world and we have to address that. A number of years ago, people were saying, "normal relationship with Cuba, what a bad and silly idea." Well, change has come.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Feb 4, 2016)
Don't normalize relations with Iran; we need leverage

CLINTON: Absolutely. We have to figure out how to deal with Iran as the principal state sponsor of terrorism in the world. They are destabilizing governments in the region. They continue to support Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon against Israel. If we were to normalize relations right now, we would remove one of the biggest pieces of leverage we have to try to influence and change Iranian behaviour. The president doesn't think we should. I certainly don't think we should. I believe we have to take this step by step to try to reign in Iranian aggression.

SANDERS: I never said that. I think we should move forward as quickly as we can. They are a sponsor of terrorism around the world and we have to address that. A number of years ago, people were saying, "normal relationship with Cuba, what a bad and silly idea." Well, change has come.

Mike Bloomberg on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jan 25, 2016)
Israel justified in crossing into Gaza to defend itself

Ted Cruz on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Nov 10, 2015)
Under Hillary's leadership, every region of world is worse

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Immigration Nov 10, 2015)
Walls on borders work; just ask Israel

John Kasich on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Nov 10, 2015)
Work with allies like Israel, Egypt, Jordan

Pope Francis on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security Sep 19, 2015)
Vatican recognizes Palestinian statehood

Here are some of the major issues on which Pope Francis differs from most Republican politicians:
• He recognizes Palestinian statehood. The Vatican signed a May treaty that was widely criticized by Jewish leaders in both Israel and the U.S.
• He supports the Iran nuclear deal.
• He wants to open Cuba.

Bernie Sanders on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Sep 5, 2015)
Two-state solution for Israel & Palestine

• Jewish Heritage: Bernie is Jewish, but he does not favor Israel over the Palestinians, nor does he otherwise let his religion influence his positions regarding the conflict.
• Two-State Solution: Bernie believes that Israel and the Palestinians can, and should, peacefully co-exist: "Israel has a right to exist in security, and at the same time the Palestinians have a state of their own.
• On Netanyahu & Iran: Bernie is not a big supporter of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and believes that diplomacy, not military action or economic sanctions, can keep Israel safe from Iran.

Amy Klobuchar on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Aug 24, 2015)
Tackle terrorist groups, and stand up for Israel

Rand Paul on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Aug 6, 2015)
Quit sending aid to countries who hate us

PAUL: I've said I would cut spending, and I've said exactly where. Each one of my budgets has taken a meat axe to foreign aid, because I think we ought to quit sending it to countries that hate us. I think we ought to quit sending it to countries that burn our flag. Israel is not one of those. But even Benjamin Netanyahu said that ultimately, they will be stronger when they're independent. My position is exactly the same. We shouldn't borrow money from China to send it anywhere, but why don't we start with eliminating aid to our enemies.

Q: OK, but you still say that Israel could be one of the countries that is cut from financial aid?

PAUL: Out of your surplus, you can help your allies, and Israel is a great ally. And this is no particular animus of Israel, but we cannot give away money we don't have.

Ted Cruz on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jun 30, 2015)
We have no greater friend than Israel in Middle East

I believe we have no greater friend in the Middle East. Like us, Israel is a nation of immigrants, a country based on ideas, on our shared Judeo-Christian, democratic values. I also believe that from a purely American point of view, supporting Israel is tremendously beneficial to our national security interests. It is also in our economic interests. Since being elected, I have visited Israel three times and have worked hard to repair the damage the administration has done to this vital relationship.

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jun 16, 2015)
More sanctions on Iran; more support of Israel

Trump has said that the U.S. is mishandling current Iran negotiations and should have walked away from the table once Tehran reportedly rejected the idea of sending enriched uranium to Russia. He would increase sanctions on Iran. Trump has been sharply critical of the Obama administration's handling of relations with Israel and has called for a closer alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Ted Cruz on Israel & Palestine: (Civil Rights Apr 26, 2015)
Liberals obsessed with mandatory gay marriage in 50 states

Cruz vigorously defended his appearance at the fundraiser, stressing that it was primarily a pro-Israel fundraiser. "Unfortunately, our good friends in the press caricature support for traditional marriage in terms of animus," he said. "The only explanation that makes sense to reporters is that anyone who supports traditional marriage must be somehow motivated by hatred for those who are homosexuals. It's why this story seems so puzzling to the media."

Cruz said he is concerned that women like the owner of an Indiana pizzeria will suffer because they oppose gay marriage. "Scripture commands us to love everyone, & that ought to be a standard that applies across the board," he said. Cruz said liberals are obsessed with "mandatory gay marriage in all 50 states."

Rand Paul on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 7, 2015)
Stand with Israel Act: no US funds to Palestinian Authority

That's why I proposed a bill called the "Stand with Israel Act" to cut off the flow of U.S. taxpayer dollars to the Palestinian Authority. As long as the Palestinian Authority is allied with Hamas not one more tax dollar should flow to them.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jan 20, 2015)
I will veto any new sanctions against Iran

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jun 17, 2014)
Don't demand complete moratorium on Israeli settlement

"That made it very hard for either one to climb down or compromise. The Arab states were happy to sit on the sidelines and use the dust-up as an excuse for their own inaction. And Abbas, who had consistently called for a halt to settlement construction for years, now claimed it was all our idea and said he wouldn't come to the peace table without a moratorium on settlement construction." (Page 316)

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jun 7, 2014)
Invested in Israel: negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza

Clinton has long paid heed to her standing among Jewish supporters, and she was clear in public comments in the last several months she remains "skeptical" about Iran's commitment to a true nuclear freeze deal.

The many sections on Israel--and on her role in negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza--serve a political purpose. But they also reflect the significance of Israel for any secretary of State, especially as the Arab Spring protests were unfolding.

Ted Cruz on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jun 1, 2014)
America is indispensable; our allies need our leadership

CRUZ: Well, you know, I just got back last week from traveling to Israel and Ukraine and Poland and Estonia. One of the things Ambassador Rice said that was absolutely correct is that American is the indispensable leader. But what our allies are expressing over and over again is that leadership is missing. And the most frequent thing you hear when you talk to an ambassador, a foreign minister of our friends and allies is they pull you aside quietly in hushed tones; they say, "Where is America?" When America's weak, when the American president is weak, it leaves our friends and allies vulnerable.

Rand Paul on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy May 24, 2014)
Eventually end all foreign aid, but unrealistic for now

Part of Paul's strategy is to appear before audiences that are not necessarily friendly to him, such as the Heritage Foundation, where he left the impression that he knew he must evolve.

Some observers say this is the evolution of a savvy politician with presidential ambitions. Paul says it is more like a slow reveal. "I've been expressing gradually where my foreign policy is," he said. "Foreign policy isn't set in stone. It isn't either-or. And it isn't always right or wrong."

Ted Cruz on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Mar 7, 2014)
To make a deal, Iran must recognize Israel as Jewish state

Ted Cruz on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Mar 7, 2014)
Those who hate Israel hate America

"Let me say this: Those who hate Israel hate America. And those who hate Jews hate Christians," Cruz said as the audience's heckling increased. "If you will not stand with Israel and the Jews, then I will not stand with you," Cruz told the audience as he walked off the stage amid a mixed chorus of cheers and boos.

Andrew Yang on Israel & Palestine: (Education Feb 4, 2014)
Later graduation makes more entrepreneurs

This cocktail of experience gives rise to a mixture of both courage and impatience. As one entrepreneur put it, "When an Israeli entrepreneur has a business idea, he will start it that week. The notion that one should accumulate credentials before launching a venture simply does not exist. Too much time can only teach you what can go wrong, not what could be transformative."

In this United States, many college seniors have been students continuously for seventeen years, with their professional experience limited to a summer internship or two.

Cory Booker on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Nov 3, 2013)
Where Israel's security is at stake, so is America's

Lasting security for Israel will ultimately require peace between Israel and its neighbors. That is why we as Americans must continue to work to facilitate direct negotiations that seek a two-state solution. However, it is the right of the Israeli government to make the tough decisions that are necessary to secure its future. The Palestinian People deserve a state, [but it] must not be a vehicle for the launching of attacks against Israel. During any eventual negotiation, certain things must remain non-negotiable, namely conditions that speak to Israel's right to exist as a secure Jewish state.

Rand Paul on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Sep 1, 2013)
No involvement in Syria, even if gas attack proven

PAUL: No. And I think it's a mistake to get involved in the Syrian civil war. I would ask, "Do you think that it's less likely or more likely that chemical weapons will be used again if we bomb Assad?" Is it more likely or less likely that we'll have more refugees in Jordan or that Israel might suffer attack? I think all of the bad things that you could imagine are all more likely if we get involved in the Syrian civil war.

Q: Secretary Kerry says for you and others not to authorize force is really hurtful to US credibility.

PAUL: The one thing I'm proud of the president for is that he's coming to Congress in a constitutional manner & asking for our authorization. That's what he ran on: his policy was that no president should unilaterally go to war without congressional authority. And I'm proud that he's sticking by it.

Joe Biden on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Mar 4, 2013)
Jewish state of Israel is only way to ensure "Never Again"

I remember my father, a Christian, being baffled at the debate taking place at the end of World War II talking about whether or not to establish the State of Israel. My father would say, were he a Jew, he would never, never entrust the security of his people to any individual nation, no matter how good and how noble it was, like the United States.

President Obama shares my commitment. We both know that Israel faces new threats, new pressures and uncertainty. The threats to Israel's existence continue, but they have changed as the world and the region have changed over the last decade.

Joe Biden on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security Mar 4, 2013)
Invest $275M in Israel's "Iron Dome" & future joint systems

Not long ago, I would have had to describe to an audience what Iron Dome was, how it would work, why funding it mattered. I don't have to explain to anybody anymore. Everybody gets it. Last year, Iron Dome made a difference. When Hamas rockets rained on Israel, Iron Dome shot them out of the sky, intercepting nearly 400 rockets in November alone. It was our unique partnership--Israel and the US--that pioneered this technology and funded it.

And it is in that same spirit that we're working with Israel to jointly develop new systems, called Arrow and David's Sling, interceptors that can defeat long-range threats from Iran, Syria and Hezbollah. And we are working to deploy a powerful new radar, networked with American early warning satellites, that could buy Israel valuable time in the event of an attack.

Joe Biden on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Mar 4, 2013)
Prevent--not contain--Iranian nuclear weapon

Iran's acquisition of a nuclear weapon not only would present an existential threat to Israel, it would present a threat to our allies and our partners--and to the United States. And it would trigger an arms race--a nuclear arms race in the region, and make the world a whole lot less stable.

So we have a shared strategic commitment. Let me make clear what that commitment is: It is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Period. End of discussion. Prevent--not contain--prevent.

Joe Biden on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Mar 4, 2013)
Syria's Assad must go, but carefully vet who gets aid

That's why our focus is on supporting a legitimate opposition not only committed to a peaceful Syria but to a peaceful region. We're carefully vetting those to whom we provide assistance. That's why, while putting relentless pressure on Assad and sanctioning the pro-regime, Iranian-backed militia, we've also designated al-Nusra Front as a terrorist organization.

And because we recognize the great danger Assad's chemical and biological arsenals pose to Israel and the US, to the whole world, we've set a clear red line against the use of the transfer of the those weapons. And we will work together to prevent this conflict and these horrific weapons from threatening Israel's security.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Mar 4, 2013)
On Iranian nukes: Big nations can't bluff

The President has flatly stated that. And he always says--he'll turn to other people and say, "as Joe would say, big nations can't bluff." Well, big nations can't bluff. And Presidents of the United States cannot and do not bluff. And President Obama is not bluffing. He is not bluffing.

We are not looking for war. We are looking to and ready to negotiate peacefully, but all options, including military force, are on the table. Our strong preference, the world's preference is for a diplomatic solution. So while that window is closing, we believe there is still time and space to achieve the outcome. We are in constant dialogue, sharing information with the Israeli military & Israeli intelligence, and we're taking all the steps required to get there.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Oct 22, 2012)
Make sure both allies and enemies know where we stand

1. Make sure that these countries are supporting our counterterrorism efforts;
2. Make sure that they are standing by our interests in Israel's security, because it is a true friend and our greatest ally in the region.
3. Make sure that we're protecting religious minorities and women because these countries can't develop unless all the population--not just half of it--is developing.
4. Develop their economic capabilities.
5. Recognize that we can't continue to do nation building in these regions. Part of American leadership is making sure that we're doing nation building here at home. That will help us maintain the kind of American leadership that we need.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 22, 2012)
I will stand with Israel if they are attacked

OBAMA: Well, first of all, Israel is a true friend. It is our greatest ally in the region. And if Israel is attacked, America will stand with Israel. I've made that clear throughout my presidency.

Q: So you're saying we've already made that declaration?

OBAMA: I will stand with Israel if they are attacked. And this is the reason why, working with Israel, we have created the strongest military and intelligence cooperation between our two countries in history. But to the issue of Iran, as long as I'm president of the US, Iran will not get a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran is a threat to our national security and it's threat to Israel's national security.

ROMNEY: When I'm president of the United States, we will stand with Israel. And if Israel is attacked, we have their back, not just diplomatically, not just culturally, but militarily.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 22, 2012)
Supported "Iron Dome" defense shield for Israel

OBAMA: When I went to Israel as a candidate, I went to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum there, to remind myself the nature of evil and why our bond with Israel will be unbreakable. And then I went down to the border towns of Sderot, which had experienced missiles raining down from Hamas. And I saw families there who showed me where missiles had come down near their children's bedrooms, and I was reminded of what that would mean if those were my kids, which is why, as president, we funded an Iron Dome program to stop those missiles. So that's how I've used my travels when I travel to Israel and when I travel to the region.

Kirsten Gillibrand on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security Oct 17, 2012)
No across-the-board budget cuts to anti-terrorism

Joe Biden on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 11, 2012)
Iran is not close to nuclear weapons; stop the bluster

BIDEN: We feel quite confident we could deal a serious blow to the Iranians. But #2, the Israelis and the US--our intelligence communities are absolutely the same exact place in terms of how close the Iranians are to getting a nuclear weapon. They are a good way away. When [Ryan] talks about fissile material, they have to take this highly enriched uranium, get it from 20% up. Then they have to be able to have something to put it in. There is no weapon that the Iranians have at this point. Both the Israelis and we know we'll know if they start the process of building a weapon. So all this bluster I keep hearing--Let's all calm down a little bit here. Iran is more isolated today than when we took office. It was on the ascendancy when we took office. It is totally isolated.

Elizabeth Warren on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Sep 21, 2012)
Take nothing off the table with Iran's nuclear weapon

Warren said she also supports Israel and is opposed to allowing Iran to gain nuclear arms. She also praised Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Obama, saying he's "done a first-rate job. He's taking nothing off the table."

Joe Walsh on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy May 3, 2012)
Two-state solution for Israel-Palestine failed for 64 years

The Palestinians continue to fire rockets directly at innocent Israeli families and children, and they have betrayed the fundamental tenet of the two-state solution they tout by cutting Israel out of negotiations and going directly to the UN.

The only viable solution for the Middle East is a one-state solution: one contiguous Israeli state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. There will not and cannot be lasting peace in the Middle East until then.

Rand Paul on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Feb 22, 2011)
As only democracy in Mideast, Israel is important ally

Palin wanted to know my position on Israel. I said that Israel was an important ally, the only democracy in the Middle East, and that I would not condemn Israel for defending herself. Later, after Palin's endorsement of me, she was grilled about it on FOX News. Of course, she defended it.

Joe Biden on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Oct 5, 2010)
Condemned 1,600 new housing units in East Jerusalem

Biden thereupon delayed his arrival as a demonstration of his disapproval. The next day Biden went on to the Palestinian Territory. There he told Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that the latest Israeli decision "undermined that very trust that we need right now in order to have profitable negotiations," and was "why I immediately condemned the action." He said his criticism came "at the request of Pres. Obama," which drew applause, addition that "sometimes only a friend can deliver the hardest truth."

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jun 1, 2010)
Hamas election void until they renounce violence

Also near-universal are the standard references to Hamas: a terrorist organization, dedicated to the destruction of Israel (or maybe all Jews). Hamas has called for a 2-state settlement in the terms of international consensus: publicly and repeatedly. Israel and the US object that the Hamas proposals do not go far enough. Perhaps so, but they surely go much farther toward the international consensus than the firm and unwavering US-Israeli rejectionist stance, reiterated obliquely by Obama in his State Department talk.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jun 1, 2010)
Supports Arab Peace Initiative (two states) with exceptions

The consensus calls for a Palestinian state to be established in united Gaza and the West bank after Israel's withdrawal. The Arab Peace Initiative adds that the Arab states should then normalize relations with Israel. The initiative was later adopted by the Organization of Islamic States, including Iran.

Obama has praised the initiative and called on the Arab states to proceed to normalize relations with Israel, scrupulously evading the core of the proposal: reiteration of the international consensus. His studied omission can only be understood as [the same] US rejectionist stand that has blocked a diplomatic settlement since the 1970s, with rare and temporary exceptions. There are no signs that Obama is willing even to consider the Arab Peace Initiative. That was underscored in Obama's much heralded address to the Muslim world in Cairo on June 4, 2009.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jun 1, 2010)
Continued Israeli settlements in West Bank are illegitimate

The operative words are "legitimacy" & "continued." By omission, Obama indicates that he accepts Bush's vision: the vast existing settlement and infrastructure projects are "legitimate," thus ensuring that the phrase "Palestinian state" means "fried chicken."

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jun 1, 2010)
OpEd: 2008: Denounced Mumbai attacks, but not Gaza attacks

Before the primaries, I reviewed Obama's formal positions at the time. They gave no reason for any expectations beyond enthusiastic support for Israeli crimes. Particularly revealing was his reaction to Israel's sharply accelerated assault on Gaza, opening its violation of the cease-fire on Nov. 4, 2008, as voters were going to the polls to elect Obama, then breaking out in full fury on Dec. 27 after rejection of Hamas initiatives to reinstate the cease-fire. To these crimes Obama's response was silence-- unlike, say, the late November terrorist attack in Mumbai, which he was quick to denounce, along with the "hateful ideology" that lay behind it. In the case of Gaza, his staff hid behind the mantra that "there is one president at a time."

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace May 18, 2010)
OpEd: Af-Pak drones: targeted kills but extra-judicial

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jan 20, 2009)
Fundamental commitment to strong US-Israel relationship

Obama's camp was again forces to issue a strong denial: "Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is not an adviser to the Obama campaign and is therefore in no position to interpret or share Barack Obama's views on Israel and foreign policy. As he has made clear throughout his career and throughout this campaign, Barack Obama has a fundamental commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, and he is advised by people like Dennis Ross, Daniel Kurtzer, Rep. Robert Wexler, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Senator Joe Biden who share that commitment."

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 7, 2008)
Prevent Iran from attacking Israel, but keep military option

McCAIN: We obviously would not wait for the United Nations Security Council. Both Russia and China would probably pose significant obstacles.

OBAMA: We cannot allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon. It would be a game-changer in the region. Not only would it threaten Israel, our strongest ally in the region and one of our strongest allies in the world, but it would also create a possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists. And so it’s unacceptable. And I will do everything that’s required to prevent it. And we will never take military options off the table. And it is important that we don’t provide veto power to the UN or anyone else in acting in our interests. It is important, though, for us to use all the tools at our disposal to prevent the scenario where we’ve got to make those kinds of choices.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 22, 2008)
My record on Israel is same as McCain’s

A: Yes.

Q: According to a recent poll out of Jerusalem, Israeli Jews favor John McCain for President 43% to 20%. Why do you think that’s the case?

A: Well, I’m not as well known as John McCain. I think that’s obviously a factor. And, you know, I think, understandably, Israelis are very interested in making sure that whoever takes the White House is absolutely committed to their security, regardless of other issues. And they know John McCain. He’s been there. Despite the fact that my record is as strong as John McCain’s on all the issues related to Israeli security, people just don’t know me as well. That’s part of the reason why we’re gonna spend a day visiting there in discussions and hopefully give people confidence that I have a track record that will assure not only the people of Israel, but friends of Israel back home, that, in fact, Israel’s security is paramount.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 22, 2008)
Appropriate for Israel to take out Syrian nuclear reactor

A: I will not hypothesize on that. I think Israel has a right to defend itself. But I will not speculate on the difficult judgment that they would have to make in a whole host of possible scenarios.

Q: This is not a speculative question then. Was it appropriate, in your view, for Israel to take out that suspected Syrian nuclear site last year?

A: Yes. I think that there was sufficient evidence that they were developing a site using a nuclear or using a blueprint that was similar to the North Korean model. There was some concern as to what the rationale for that site would be. And, again, ultimately, I think these are decisions that the Israelis have to make. But, you know, the Israelis live in a very tough neighborhood where a lot of folks, publicly proclaim Israel as an enemy and then act on those proclamations.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 22, 2008)
Jerusalem should be capital of Israel, pending final status

A: There was no backtracking. We just had phrased it poorly in the speech. But my policy has been very consistent. It’s the same policy tha Bill Clinton has put forward, and that says that Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel, that we shouldn’t divide it by barbed wire, but that, ultimately that a final status issue that has to be resolved between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jul 22, 2008)
Engaging in tough diplomacy with Iran is a sign of strength

A: Well, I’m encouraged to see, for example, the Bush administration send an outstanding diplomat, [Undersecretary of State William] Burns, to participate in discussions with Iran. This is what I’ve been talking about for the last year and a half. You know, engaging in tough diplomacy is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. So far the Iranians have not accepted the kinds of talks that we need to deal with in terms of suspending their enrichment program. But the fact that we’ve tried to talk to them then strengthens our hand in the international community when we wanna get Russia or China to help apply the tough sanctions that are gonna be required to make Iranians know that we mean business.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 13, 2008)
Jerusalem as joint Palestinian-Israeli capital is ok

A: The truth is that this was an example where we had some poor phrasing in the speech. The point we were simply making was, is that we don’t want barbed wire running through Jerusalem, similar to the way it was prior to the ‘67 war, that it is possible for us to create a Jerusalem that is cohesive and coherent. I think the Clinton formulation provides a starting point for discussions between the parties. The intention was never to move away from that core idea that a Jewish state depends on their ability to create peace with their neighbors, and that the Palestinian leadership has to acknowledge that the battles that they’ve been fighting, and the rhetoric they’ve been employing, has not delivered for their people.

Mike Gravel on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy May 2, 2008)
1948: Volunteered to fight for Israeli independence

Mike Gravel on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security May 2, 2008)
Foreign arms sales funnel money back to defense industry

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Apr 16, 2008)
Take no options off the table if Iran attacks Israel

OBAMA: Our first step should be to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of the Iranians. I will take no options off the table when it comes to preventing them from using nuclear weapons, &that would include any threats directed at Israel or any of our allies in the region.

Q: So you would extend our deterrent to Israel?

OBAMA: It is very important that Iran understands that an attack on Israel is an attack on our strongest ally in the region, one that we would consider unacceptable, and the US would take appropriate action.

Q: Sen. Clinton, would you?

CLINTON: We should be looking to create an umbrella of deterrence that goes much further than just Israel. I would make it clear to the Iranians that an attack on Israel would incur massive retaliation from the US, but I would do the same with other countries in the region.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Apr 16, 2008)
Massive retaliation from US if Iran attacks Israel

OBAMA: I will take no options off the table. It is very important that Iran understands that an attack on Israel is an attack on our strongest ally in the region, and the US would take appropriate action.

CLINTON: I think that we should be looking to create an umbrella of deterrence that goes much further than just Israel. Of course I would make it clear to the Iranians that an attack on Israel would incur massive retaliation from the US, but I would do the same with other countries in the region. We are at a very dangerous point with Iran. The Bush policy has failed. Iran has not been deterred. #1, we’ve got to begin diplomatic engagement with Iran. #2, we’ve got to deter other countries from feeling that they have to acquire nuclear weapons. And finally, we cannot permit Iran to become a nuclear weapons power.

Mike Gravel on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Apr 14, 2008)
Meeting with Hamas jump-starts the peace process

When will we Americans learn that the only way to achieve true security is through diplomacy and negotiation? A majority of the Israeli public understands this: 64% of Israelis favor direct talks with Hamas. Only 28% are opposed. They know that the only way to break the cycle of violence is a negotiated settlement. Jimmy Carter’s brave gambit to meet with Hamas and jump-start the peace process is not “anti-Israel.” It is in Israel’s interests.

Should we just hope that warring parties in the Middle East patiently wait until a new president takes over next year? The Democratic Party’s candidates seem to share the same obstinate, ill-informed views as George Bush and John McCain.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Feb 2, 2008)
Two-state solution: Israel & Palestine side-by-side in peace

• Renewing American Diplomacy: Obama will talk to our foes as well as our friends, and he will restore American leadership and alliances abroad.
• Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Obama will make progress on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict a key diplomatic priority. He will make a sustained push--working with Israelis and Palestinians--to achieve the goal of two states, a Jewish state in Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security.

Mike Gravel on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jan 24, 2008)
Opposed war in Iraq before it even began

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Dec 13, 2007)
Believed, with others, that Iran was pursuing nuclear weapon

A: Well, many of us believe that. Earlier this year, Senator Edwards told an audience in Israel that the nuclear threat from Iran was the greatest threat to our generation. Back in 2004, Senator Obama told the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board that he would even consider nukes to take out Iran’s nuclear capacity. So there was a very broadly based belief that they were pursuing a nuclear weapon.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Nov 11, 2007)
2001 speech to AIPAC pledges money for Israeli military

As a senator, however, one of her first major speeches was to AIPAC, the Israeli lobby group where she pledged to work to send more money, not for peacekeeping, or to both sides, but for Israel’s military. (She’s spoken to AIPAC many times since.)

On the fortieth anniversary of the Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza, Clinton joined the rest of the Senate in sending a message of congratulations and support to the Israeli government. No encouraging message went to the Palestinians still enduring occupation.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Sep 6, 2007)
Prevent Iran from becoming nuclear power by diplomacy first

CLINTON: I’m not going to answer that because it’s hypothetical. There would need to be a high standard of proof.

Q: Rudy Giuliani said, “Iran is not going to be allowed to build a nuclear power. If they get to a point where they’re going to become a nuclear power, we will prevent them; we will set them back 8 to 10 years. That is not said as a threat; that should be said as a promise.“ Would you make that promise?

CLINTON: I will do everything I can to prevent Iran from becoming an nuclear power, including the use of diplomacy, the use of economic sanctions, opening up direct talks. We haven’t even tried. That’s what is so discouraging about this. We need a concerted, comprehensive strategy to deal with Iran. We haven’t had it. We need it. And I will provide it.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Education Sep 4, 2007)
1986: HIPPY program empowers parents as kids' first teach

In 1986, Hillary helped establish a HIPPY program in Arkansas. Hillary wrote, "When we brought HIPPY into rural areas and housing projects in Arkansas, a number of educators and others did not believe that parents who had not finished high school were up to the task of teaching their children. Not only did the program help kids get jump-started in the right direction, it also gave the parents a boost in self-confidence." In 1988, HIPPY USA was established as an independent NGO headquartered in New York City. There are now about 146 HIPPY programs in twenty-five states, serving more than sixteen thousand children anf their families.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Families & Children Sep 4, 2007)
Grew AR Children's Hospital to one of nation's 10 largest

Hillary did the things she did because she wanted to make a difference. And she did then because it made her happy to see another baby in a small town get health care, another young child smiling at her pre ceremony, another student from a rural area become the first in his family to go to college, another woman break through the glass ceiling at a law firm.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Jul 18, 2007)
Allegedly pro-PLO in 1960; but pro-Israel by 1981

In contrast to the anti-Israel version of Hillary portrayed during parts of the 1970s, some sources claim this trip gave Hillary an inspired appreciation for the state of Israel, and if so, it may have mitigated her alleged pro-PLO sympathies, giving more balance in her perspective. A friend of the Clintons says: “Bill and Hillary understood the profound effect that Israel has on American Jews and around the world and share a feeling for the security and stability of the State of Israel.”

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy May 14, 2007)
Supported Palestine in 1998, before Bill officially did

Several months later, while attending a meeting of the Palestinian National Council, Hillary praised Yasser Arafat’s leadership and again called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

In 1999, while traveling in the Middle East, Hillary had a joint appearance with Yasser Arafat’s wife, Suha. Ms. Arafat took the occasion to accuse Israel of poisoning her people. It was an outlandish accusation, but it did not stop Hillary from giving Suha a kiss when she finished talking.

Roll forward 8 months. Hillary, now a candidate for the Senate, called for moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, “the eternal & indivisible capital of Israel.”

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 26, 2007)
Palestinian people suffer-but from not recognizing Israel

A: Well, keep in mind what the remark actually, if you had the whole thing, said. And what I said is nobody has suffered more than the Palestinian people from the failure of the Palestinian leadership to recognize Israel, to renounce violence, and to get serious about negotiating peace and security for the region. Israel is the linchpin of much of our efforts in the Middle East.

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 26, 2007)
FactCheck: Palestinian suffering from stalled peace effort

Mike Bloomberg on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Apr 24, 2007)
Four trips abroad in first four months of 2007

Earlier this year, Bloomberg visited England, Ireland, and Israel, and he has shown up in the presidential swing states of Ohio and Florida. He made a high-profile visit to Los Angeles in September. Last week, he appeared in Jersey City flanked by mayors and police officers to announce an advertising blitz for his national campaign targeting illegal guns.

Officials said today’s trip was planned to allow Bloomberg to examine Mexico’s program that pays impoverished families for meeting certain health, education, and employment goals. Bloomberg has reached into his own pocket to help pay for a pilot program starting in N.Y. this fall that is modeled on one in Mexico.

Mike Gravel on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security Nov 1, 2006)
War on terror will fail like war on drugs & war on poverty

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Oct 17, 2006)
Supports Israel’s self-defense; but distrusted by Israelis

Pro: Obama will be uniquely positioned to resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict.
A liberal Democrat who is not trusted by Israeli experts is exactly what the US and the world needs. Only by treating Palestinian rights with dignity can the Middle East problem be resolved.

Con: President Obama will be widely detested in the Muslim world.
If Obama comes to power, it will be on the basis of blending authentic Christian religiosity with an inspiring message of tolerance and diversity. Unfortunately, this message runs exactly opposite to the core values of fundamentalist Islam.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 11, 2006)
Supports border security fence in Israel

In 2004 Hillary stated that a suicide bombing in Jerusalem “shows the day-to-day danger that Israelis face and that has caused the Israeli government to decide that it must build a fence to protect its people.”

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Oct 17, 2005)
Obligation to support Israel with more than foreign aid

"Israel is our strongest ally into the Middle East. Now, more than ever, all democratic nations stand behind Israel as it fights against terrorism and for the principles all democracies share. Democratic nations throughout the world must understand that turning their backs on Israel at this time would hurt all freedom loving nations."

"I believe it is our obligation as friends and supporters and allies of Israel to support Israel's efforts for peace, stability and security. Now, this means doing more than providing Israel with economic aid so that it can remain strong in the face of ongoing threats. We must also demand that President Abbas dismantle the structure of terror that the Palestinian leadership has employed for so long."

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jul 15, 2004)
Problems with current Israeli policy

Barack Obama on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jul 12, 2004)
Use moral authority to work towards Middle East peace

Rahm Emanuel on Israel & Palestine: (Homeland Security Jun 21, 2004)
U.S. citizen but served in Israeli army

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Oct 25, 2001)
Alienated Jewish voters by kissing Mrs. Arafat

Mike Bloomberg on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Aug 27, 2001)
Egypt shakes down Israeli tourists at border crossings

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 28, 2000)
Cut off US aid if Palestine declares a state unilaterally

CLINTON: Only as part of a comprehensive peace agreement. That’s always been my position, that [it should] guarantee Israel’s safety and security and the parties should agree at the negotiating table. A unilateral declaration is absolutely unacceptable and it would mean the end of any US aid.

LAZIO: That’s a change of heart for Mrs. Clinton, because back in 1998 you called for a Palestinian state. You undercut the Israeli negotiating position. The people of New York want to have somebody who has a consistent record. For eight years I have been consistent and strong in my support for the security of the state of Israel. Without equivocation. Without a question mark next to my name.

CLINTON: There is no question mark next to me. There’s an exclamation point. I am an emphatic, unwavering supporter of Israel’s safety and security.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Oct 28, 2000)
Focuses on increasing relationship between US and Israel

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Oct 20, 2000)
Keep Cuban embargo; pay UN bills

Donald Trump on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Jul 2, 2000)
Support Israel, our unsinkable Mideast aircraft carrier

Why do we have this special relationship? It is not out of charity, guilt, or what some call “ethnic lobbies.” We have been there for Israel because Israel is there for us. Israel is a stable democracy in a region filled with dictatorship.

As Israel has matured, our close ties also bring America a fair trading partner and a fellow pioneer on the high-tech frontier of medicine and communications that will enrich Americans’ lives in the coming century. Our two countries must continue to stand strong together as pillars of freedom and progress.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace May 26, 2000)
Support Israel in finding a safe and secure peace

She stayed away from more controversial topics, such as whether there should be an independent Palestinian state. Mrs. Clinton angered many Jewish voters last year with when she voiced support for such a state. But the animosity felt by some in the crowd toward Mrs. Clinton was evident on nearly every block, with some holding signs recalling her embrace last year of Yasir Arafat’s wife, Suha.

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (Foreign Policy Nov 11, 1999)
Smartest strategic choice is peace

Hillary Clinton on Israel & Palestine: (War & Peace Nov 11, 1999)
Extend peace treaties to Palestinians, Syrians & Lebanese