issues2000

Topics in the News: Israel & Palestine


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

[On school policy]: "Every family in our state should be able to send their children to school and know that they will be protected from harm and be able to practice their faith," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "I'm proud to sign these bills today to help protect religious freedom in Florida and increase the safety and security of our Jewish communities. I will continue to make sure that in Florida we root out anti-Semitism, and that every day we show our support for Israel and our Jewish communities."
Click for Ron DeSantis on other issues.   Source: Governor press release for 2022 Florida gubernatorial race

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

DeSantis visited a Jewish temple to denounce anti-Semitism and stand with Israel, as the governor cloaked himself in religion while signing a bill into law that would require public schools in his state to set aside at least one minute of silence for children to meditate or pray. [It] makes Florida one of at least 15 states that would compel schools to hold moments of silence at public schools. The state had already been among roughly 18 other states that gave schools the option to do so.
Click for Ron DeSantis on other issues.   Source: Associated Press on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race

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

Blinken spoke with Israel's Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States government's firm commitment to Israel's security. The Secretary applauded the recent progress made with the Abraham Accords, and affirmed U.S. interest in building further on this progress to advance peace.
Click for Antony Blinken on other issues.   Source: Biden Administration Press Release from state.gov

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

William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations, said that Mayorkas "discussed his personal connection to the Jewish story of America--as a refugee from Cuba and his parents as refugees from Europe." He mentioned his current membership at Adas Israel Congregation. Mayorkas "views himself as a proud member of the Jewish community," noted Nathan Diament, the Orthodox Union's executive director for public policy.
Click for Alejandro Mayorkas on other issues.   Source: Forward magazine on DHS Secretary Confirmation Hearings

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

Israel assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist. The Israeli government has not claimed credit for the illegal killing. Trump implicitly praised the assassination, retweeting a comment by Israeli journalist and intelligence expert Yossi Melman that the killing was a "major psychological and professional blow" to Iran. This was an "implicit approval if there ever was one," according to a senior research analyst at the National Iranian American Council.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Truthout blog on 2020 Trump Administration

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

[Opinion]: Israel assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist. The Israeli government has not claimed credit for the illegal killing. Trump implicitly praised the assassination, retweeting a comment by Israeli journalist & intelligence expert Yossi Melman that the killing was a "major psychological and professional blow" to Iran. This was an "implicit approval if there ever was one," according to Sina Toossi, a senior research analyst at the National Iranian American Council.
Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Truthout.org OpEd on Trump Administration Foreign Influences

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

Q: Serbia is talking to Kosovo and the Arabs and Israelis are talking peace. Does President Trump's foreign policy deserve some credit?

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.

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: Second 2020 Presidential Debate/ABC Town Hall Philadelphia

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

Look at what we had today with the United Arab Emirates, the UAE. And just take a look at what's going on with Israel today. We're actually creating peace in the Middle East without blood staining our sand. Look at what happened with Bahrain. A guy like [ousted Secretary of Defense] Jim Mattis would have disagreed with the way I went about it and I turned out to be correct.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: ABC This Week: special edition 2020 Town Hall interview

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

In May 2017, I joined the president on his first foreign trip, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Israel, & Brussels for a NATO meeting; Rome to visit the Vatican; and Sicily for the G7. The trip was important because it was the president's first trip abroad, and in Saudi Arabia he planned to announce a new strategy for the Middle East to focus less on democracy and more on nation building and uniting Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the US-led coalition to isolate and contain Iran, our most dangerous adversary in the region. The president was set to give a major speech and open the new Global Center to combat extremism and terrorism. Leaders from 55 Muslim countries attended the meeting in Riyadh. This was the first such gathering and was a direct result of the leadership of the Trump administration. On the first day of the visit Trump also signed an investment deal with the Saudis that promised to bring $110 billion into the United States.
Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Speaking for Myself, by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, p. 79

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

Obama and Biden led the United Nations to denounce our friend and ally, Israel. President Trump moved our embassy to Jerusalem, and when the U.N. tried to condemn us, I was proud to cast the American veto.
Click for Nikki Haley on other issues.   Source: Speech at 2020 Republican National Convention

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

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pramilla Jayapal sent a Dear Colleague letter to Secretary of State Pompeo, expressing concern that annexation would "lay the groundwork for Israel becoming an apartheid state" and calling for the non-recognition of annexed land and withholding of some of the $3.8 billion in military funding. Her compelling letter was signed by a dozen other Congresspeople, including influential figures such as Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Bernie Sanders.

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.

Click for Elizabeth Warren on other issues.   Source: Counterpunch.org on 2020 Veepstakes

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

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pramilla Jayapal sent a Dear Colleague letter to Secretary of State Pompeo, expressing concern that annexation would "lay the groundwork for Israel becoming an apartheid state" and calling for the non-recognition of annexed land and withholding of some of the $3.8 billion in military funding. Her compelling letter was signed by a dozen other Congresspeople, including influential figures such as Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Bernie Sanders.

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.

Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: Counterpunch.org on 2020 Veepstakes

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

Click for Howie Hawkins on other issues.   Source: Green Party Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful

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

The Green Party supports the "joint comprehensive plan of action" signed in July, 2015 which confirms Iran's status as a zone free of nuclear weapons. The Green Party supports the swift elimination of economic sanctions on Iran and looks to the normalization of relations between Iran and the United States. The Green Party also calls on Israel to dismantle its nuclear weapons program and sign on to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
Click for Howie Hawkins on other issues.   Source: Green Party Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful

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

One option is to make election day a national holiday. Of the 36 nations in the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development, a consortium of democratic countries from around the globe, the US is one of only 7 nations that hold national elections on a day when most of the country is at work; 27 of those countries hold national elections on the weekend, and both Israel and South Korea designate election day as a national holiday. Only 22 American states offer paid leave for voting. Low income voters could lose pay on that day if they are not otherwise compensated for holidays. Likewise, disabled voters may have difficulty securing support to get them to the polls. Another option is guaranteed paid time off on election day, with employees having the option to choose when they cast their vote, including during early voting periods. A minimum of five hours of paid time off for voting purposes would guarantee compensation for travel time and long lines at polling sites.
Click for Stacey Abrams on other issues.   Source: Our Time Is Now, by Stacey Abrams, p.134-5

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

If the world knows nothing else, the world knows this, America stands with Israel. This president has done more to support our most cherished allies than anyone could have imagined just three short years ago. We got out of the Iran nuclear deal. He recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and President Donald Trump moved the American embassy to Jerusalem, the capital of the state of Israel.
Click for Mike Pence on other issues.   Source: Remarks by V.P. Pence at the 2020 CPAC Conference

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

The battle has been going on for a long time in the Middle East, whether it's the Arabs versus the Persians, the Shias versus the Sunnis, the Jews in Israel and the Palestinians, it's only gone on for 40 or 50 years.

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.

Click for Mike Bloomberg on other issues.   Source: 10th Democratic Primary debate on eve of S.C. primary

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

I will do everything I can to protect the independence and the security of the people of Israel. Israelis have the right to live in a safe and secure nation. To be for the Israeli people and to be for peace in the Middle East does not mean that we have to support right-wing, racist governments that currently exist in Israel. What American foreign policy has got to be about is in the Middle East bringing the Israelis, bringing the Palestinians together under the banner of justice, and we can do it. We have the wealth to do it. It cannot just simply be a one that we're just pro-Israel and we ignore the needs of the Palestinian people. We've got to pay attention to both.
Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: CNN Town Hall on eve of 2020 S. C. primary

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

Q: Pres. Trump moved the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Would you move the embassy back out of 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.

Click for Elizabeth Warren on other issues.   Source: CNN N. H. Town Hall on eve of 2020 N. H. primary

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

Bloomberg's views on the Middle East have focused on his close ties to Israel, his ambivalence toward the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, and his support for Saudi Arabia's modernization efforts.

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."

Click for Mike Bloomberg on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary

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

Steyer has been critical of U.S. support for Israel's security policies, especially its use of force in the Gaza Strip. He disagreed with Trump's decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which is opposed by Palestinians.

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."

Click for Tom Steyer on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary

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

Bloomberg is a strong supporter of Israel, where he visited often as mayor. In 2014, he defended Israel's right to respond militarily to rocket attacks from Gaza and flew his private jet to the country to show solidarity after US regulators temporarily barred commercial flights there.

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.

Click for Mike Bloomberg on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary

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

As governor, Patrick pushed for closer relations between Massachusetts and Israel. He visited Israel twice on trade delegations, meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and founders of Israeli tech firms. He successfully implemented the first direct flights between Tel Aviv & Boston and signed a $1 billion law to support joint US-Israel research exchanges. He is the founding chairman of Our Generation Speaks, a program that brings together Israelis & Palestinians in joint entrepreneurship projects.
Click for Deval Patrick on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary

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

What we are seeing are the consequences of this president's failure. It's particularly disturbing in Israel, making US foreign policy choices to interfere in Israeli domestic politics. Acting as though that somehow makes him pro-Israel and pro- Jewish while welcoming white nationalists into The White House.
Click for Pete Buttigieg on other issues.   Source: Newshour/Politico/PBS December Democratic primary debate

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

There is no solution for Israel other than a two-state solution. It's not possible to have a Jewish state in Middle East without there being a two-state solution. What we do is we have to put pressure constantly on the Israelis to move to a two-state solution, not withdraw a physical aid from them in terms of their security.
Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: Newshour/Politico/PBS December Democratic primary debate

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

President Donald Trump will sign an executive order to interpret Judaism as a nationality and not just a religion, a move that the Trump administration believes will fight what they perceive as anti-Semitism on college campuses. It's an order that would allow Trump to take further steps to combat anti-Israel sentiments and divestment movements on college campuses by requiring colleges and universities to treat those movements as discriminatory in order to keep their funding.
Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: CNN.com on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

The governor's spokesman said: "They met with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss economic partnership opportunities with their states and met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin." Raimondo also signed a memorandum of understanding with Ben-Gurion University, in Beersheba, for collaboration with Rhode Island's universities and innovation-campus programs. The governor's office has described the trip as an economic-development mission for Raimondo.
Click for Gina Raimondo on other issues.   Source: Providence Journal on 2022 Rhode Island Governor race

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

Putin said his country was working to create a 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.

Click for Vladimir Putin on other issues.   Source: Times of Israel on Foreign Influencers

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

Q: Do you support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how would you achieve it?

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.

Click for Bill Weld on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

Click for Joe Walsh on other issues.   Source: Business Insider background for 2019 GOP presidential debate

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

Q: A drone attack recently crippled Saudi Arabia's oil production facilities. President Trump has responded by deploying US troops to the kingdom. Your plan?

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.

Click for Bill Weld on other issues.   Source: Business Insider 2019 GOP presidential primary debate

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

Q: What about foreign aid to Israel and others in the Middle East?

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.

Click for Kirsten Gillibrand on other issues.   Source: ABC This Week interview for Democratic 2020 Veepstakes

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

The only acceptable end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involves a two-state solution that allows both the Israeli and Palestinian people to have sovereign land and self-determination. Israel has been an important ally to the US, and it will continue to be an important ally. It is a democracy in a region where that is rare. I disagree with some of the policies of the current Israeli administration, but I believe the relationship is fundamentally strong and will continue to be.
Click for Andrew Yang on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary

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

We must maintain our steadfast support of Israel, but we must also work much harder to deal fairly with the Palestinians. This means returning our embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, because it has always been accepted that this would be part of a two-state solution, not a unilateral decision. At the same time we must deal with the bias against Israel in key United Nations organizations and make clear that our support for Israel as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people is sacrosanct.
Click for Joe Sestak on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary

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

I do support a two-state solution. The US alliance with Israel and support for Israel's security have long been fundamental tenets of US policy. But this is not a zero-sum game. I have clearly and strongly stated my support for the security of Israel, and I have also said that I disagree with policies being carried out by the current Israeli administration. A two-state solution that achieves legitimate Palestinian aspirations and meets Israel's security needs remains the only viable way forward.
Click for Pete Buttigieg on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary

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

I unequivocally support a two-state solution. Israelis deserve to live in peace and security, and the Palestinian people deserve a state of their own. Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East and will continue to be. But we cannot continue to support their current right-wing government's policies that have made a two-state solution virtually impossible. There's blame to go around, but the Israelis have failed to live up to the standards we demand from our allies, and that needs to change.
Click for Seth Moulton on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary

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

In 1963 , Sanders volunteered to live to live and work in an Israeli kibbutz, named Kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim (KSH). A kibbutz is a group community similar to a collective community and a traditionally based on agriculture where people who share similar ideas work together. In Sanders' case, the kibbutz where he lived dealt with Marxist and Zionist ideas which provided an opportunity for Sanders to further develop his socialist ideas. Sanders has always been extremely vague about why he went, except to say that he was volunteering; regardless of the reason, several months later, Sanders returned home, graduated and moved to Vermont in 1964.
Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: The Democrats, by Alexander Moore, p. 74

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

Q: It's day one of your presidency; Israelsi prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is annexing the occupied West Bank. What's your response?

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.

Click for Andrew Yang on other issues.   Source: Current Affairs magazine, 2019 interview series

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

Iran has announced they're going to exceed the uranium enrichment limits within the Iran nuclear deal, one of the worst deals this country had ever entered into. The President's decision to refrain from a military strike when he learned it could cost 150 Iranian lives sends a message. It's time for Iran to recognize that America will never allow them to obtain a nuclear weapon. That would be a threat to our country, a threat to our cherished ally, Israel, and a threat to the world.
Click for Mike Pence on other issues.   Source: CBS Face the Nation 2019 interview

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

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

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."

Click for Steve Bullock on other issues.   Source: 2019 "Meet the Candidates" (NY Times.com)

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

Q: Do you think Israel meets international standards of 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."

Click for Andrew Yang on other issues.   Source: 2019 "Meet the Candidates" (NY Times.com)

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

Q: Do you think Israel meets international standards of human 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.'"

Click for Marianne Williamson on other issues.   Source: 2019 "Meet the Candidates" (NY Times.com)

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

Q: Would there be American troops in Afghanistan at the end of your first term?

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?

Click for Seth Moulton on other issues.   Source: 2019 "Meet the Candidates" (NY Times.com)

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

Q: Would you move embassy out of Jerusalem, if you thought it was a way to get a peace deal?

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.

Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: Meet the Press 2019 interview of 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

Netanyahu is a right-wing politician who is treating the Palestinian people extremely unfairly. The goal must be to try to bring people together and not just support one country, which is now run by a right-wing, dare I say, racist government. I am 100 percent pro-Israel. Israel has every right in the world to exist in peace and security and not be subjected to terrorist attacks. But the United States needs to deal not just with Israel, but with the Palestinian people, as well.
Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: CNN Town Hall 2020: 5 candidates back-to-back

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

I believe that the United States must have an absolute simultaneous and equal support of the legitimate security concerns of Israel and the human rights and dignities and economic opportunities of the Palestinian people. The leaders of the Palestinian Authority will know that you say is going to sway me from my commitment to the legitimate security of Israel, and Israeli leaders similarly will know nothing is going to sway me from my commitment to the human rights and the dignity of the Palestinian people. It's been since Jimmy Carter that we've had a U.S. president to say flat out those settlements are illegal. In me, you would have a president who says those settlements are illegal.
Click for Marianne Williamson on other issues.   Source: CNN Town Hall 2020 Democratic primary

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

Israeli-Palestinian peace process: "I don't think the ultimate answer will be about settlements or checkpoints," Williamson told a Jewish news site. "The work of the genuine peace builders must be on the level of the heart." She added that the U.S. must return to "where it can be considered an honest broker" to play a useful role.
Click for Marianne Williamson on other issues.   Source: Axios.com "What you need to know about 2020"

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

With his recent speech before the Republican Jewish Coalition, Trump insinuated that American Jews have dual loyalties, specifically when he referred to Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as "your prime minister." Yet even more offensive was Trump's xenophobic rhetoric on immigration, uttered before an audience of Jews, an ethnic group that was victimized by immigration xenophobia during the Holocaust.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: InsiderNJ.com on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

For too long, America has given uncritical support to the Likud government of Israel, which has enacted racist apartheid-style policies designed to disenfranchise Palestinians. American leadership, both Democratic and Republican, has watched, both approvingly and passively, as Israel illegally annexed Palestinian land, encouraging further encroachment through billions of dollars in military aid, the placement of the American embassy in Jerusalem, and the recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory.
Click for Mike Gravel on other issues.   Source: 2020 Presidential campaign website MikeGravel.com

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

I think there's a risk that Israel could come to be regarded as a partisan issue, and I think that would be really unfortunate. One of the first things you realize when you get on the ground is this is not a left versus right issue. We met a lot of people from the Israeli left who have complicated and nuanced views of what is going on [including the] relationship with Iran. Unfortunately, these things are reduced into a black and white picture sometimes in the American media.
Click for Pete Buttigieg on other issues.   Source: Common Dreams e-zine on 2020 Democratic primary

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

Buttigieg had praise for Israel, suggesting its way of handling security threats could be a good model for the US. Seeing the way that a country can be very very serious, and effective when it comes to security and on the other hand not allowing concerns about security to dominate your consciousness, I think that's a very important lesson that Americans can look to when we think about how to navigate a world that unfortunately has become smaller and more dangerous for all of us.
Click for Pete Buttigieg on other issues.   Source: Alex Ward of Vox.com on 2020 Democratic primary

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

Click for Cory Booker on other issues.   Source: Truthout.org, "War and Peace," on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

Click for Amy Klobuchar on other issues.   Source: Truthout.org, "War and Peace," on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

Click for Kamala Harris on other issues.   Source: Truthout.org, "War and Peace," on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

Click for Cory Booker on other issues.   Source: Truthout.org, "War and Peace," on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

Click for Elizabeth Warren on other issues.   Source: Truthout.org, "War and Peace," on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

Senior Israeli officials stated that the Trump administration is planning to formally recognise Israel's authority over the occupied Golan Heights after decades of non-recognition by the US and others. [Trump issued a formal proclamation on March 25]. The Golan Heights were captured by Israel during the Six Day War in 1967 from the Syrian army, which used the strategic high ground overlooking Galilee to launch attacks on Israeli territory. Since then, the area has been recognised as highly strategic in maintaining Israel's dominance over the Syrian border.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Middle East Monitor on Trump Cabinet, "Golan Heights"

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

The most compelling questions ultimately came from online viewers, who asked, among other things, whether Schultz was pro-life or pro-choice. "I have been an advocate of being pro-choice for all of my life," Schultz said, awkwardly, explaining that he doesn't think abortion will be an issue in 2020. He then quickly pivoted to his Jewish identity and Israeli-Palestinian relations.
Click for Howard Schultz on other issues.   Source: Daily Beast on 2019 SXSW South-by-Southwest conference

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

I thank the Legislature for defending the US-Israel relationship by enacting anti-BDS legislation [the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement]. I reject attempts to target Israel for disfavored treatment and will enforce the anti-BDS provisions vigorously. This whole enterprise of targeting Israel for economic harm is such a fraud and merely a cover for antisemitism. In Florida, rest assured that BDS is DOA. I look forward to furthering the relationship between Florida and Israel.
Click for Ron DeSantis on other issues.   Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Florida legislature

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

I think a lot about water security. A diversified approach would work on multiple fronts simultaneously. Conservation is the cheapest, most effective way to increase our water resources. But we also need to update our aging water infrastructure, improve our storm water capture and storage capacity, and make smart investments in water recycling, purification, and desalinization.

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%.

Click for Kamala Harris on other issues.   Source: The Truths We Hold, by Kamala Harris, p.246

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

Lobbing criticism at a bevy of international institutions, Trump called the U.N. human rights council "a grave embarrassment to this institution" and said the International Criminal Court "has no jurisdiction, no legitimacy and no authority." He touted some of his most divisive foreign policy decisions, including his crackdown on immigration and his recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

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."

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: USA Today on Trump Administration UN Speech

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

Q: You have been critical of the Israeli government's decision to use lethal force against Palestinian demonstrators, killing 15, wounding over 700. The Trump administration has stopped short of calling on Israel for restraint. Should they explicitly do so?

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.

Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: CBS Face the Nation 2018 interviews of 2020 hopefuls

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

TRUMP: Last month, I took an action endorsed unanimously by the Senate just months before: I recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: OnTheIssues Fact-Check on 2018 State of the Union address

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

Pope Francis called for Israel and Palestine to be separate, independent countries. The Pope indirectly addressed Trump's decision last week to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a controversial move that many--including the more than 120 nations that backed a United Nations resolution--believe will undermine the so-called "two-state solution."

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.

Click for Pope Francis on other issues.   Source: Newsweek magazine, "Christmas Message"

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

Q: The violence so many predicted was likely to occur following the unilateral decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital continued for a fifth straight day, as demonstrators marched on the U.S. embassies. In the Palestinian territories, protesters clashed with security forces at Israeli checkpoints. A barrage of criticism in Europe came this week too, from some of America's closest allies. Here is President Trump's reasoning:

(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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Fox News Sunday 2017 interviews of 2020 hopefuls

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

Q: You said in the wake of the criticism of President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, that "Over many years, the UN has outrageously been at the world's foremost centers of hostility towards Israel. The UN has done much more damage to the prospects for Middle East peace than to advance them." Why was that helpful?

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.

Click for Nikki Haley on other issues.   Source: Fox News Sunday 2017 interviews of 2020 hopefuls

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

Trump announced his decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, fulfilling a promise he made during his presidential campaign. Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush had made the same promises during their campaigns, but once in office, they did not carry through with the move, citing its potential negative impact on Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Catholic News Service, "Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel"

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

Following reports that US President Donald Trump planned to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Pope Francis expressed his concern that such a move would further destabilize the Middle East. Pope Francis said he could not "keep silent about my deep concern" for Jerusalem & urged respect for "the status quo of the city in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations."

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."

Click for Pope Francis on other issues.   Source: Catholic News Service, "Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel"

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

I have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, and reaffirmed our 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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress

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

President-elect Donald Trump publicly pressured President Obama to veto a United Nations resolution critical of Israel. Trump called on the president to use the US veto in the UN Security Council to block the Arab-sponsored resolution, which condemned the "construction and expansion" of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Obama administration, which vetoed a similar resolution in 2011, had withheld judgment over the latest measure.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: NY Times on Twitter posting: 2016 Trump transition promises

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

Q: The United States should help defend Israel from attack by its enemies.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on 2016 presidential hopefuls

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

Thousands of Jewish activists gathered for Trump's long-awaited speech to AIPAC on his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate. Dozens of rabbis and others had announced plans to boycott the event, both because Trump had pledged to be "neutral" in talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Trump said he was best-positioned to get a Middle East peace deal because he's a negotiator, "like you folks."

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."

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Trump Revealed, by Michael Kranish & Mark Fisher, p. 13

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

Since its founding more than 60 years ago, Israel and the United States have been steadfast, trusted, and reliable allies. I unequivocally support the right of a Jewish, democratic state of Israel to exist, and to be safe and secure. The U.S.-Israel relationship is rooted in shared values and common interests, based on a commitment to liberty, pluralism, and the rule of law. These values transcend time, and they are the basis of our unbreakable bond.

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.

Click for Elizabeth Warren on other issues.   Source: 2016 Veepstakes: campaign website ElizabethWarren.com

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

I am a strong proponent of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which I believe to be in the interest of Israel and the United States, with a Jewish, democratic state of Israel and a state for the Palestinian people. The U.S. can and should play an active role in promoting a diplomatic resolution to the conflict that is agreed to by the parties, but I do not believe that a lasting peace can be imposed from the outside or that either party should take unilateral steps--such as the Palestinians' application for UN membership--that move the parties further away from negotiations.
Click for Elizabeth Warren on other issues.   Source: 2016 Veepstakes: campaign website ElizabethWarren.com

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

Pence joined 14 other GOP governors in a letter to President Obama opposing the Iran nuclear deal: "I am opposed to this agreement because it will not make the US or our most cherished ally, Israel, safer. Instead, it promises Iran a lifting of US nuclea related sanctions for an agreement on Iran's nuclear weapons program that will only halt its ambitions temporarily, rather than permanently dismantle its nuclear desires," Pence wrote.

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.

Click for Mike Pence on other issues.   Source: Indianapolis Star on 2016 Indiana gubernatorial race

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

Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: 2016 presidential campaign website TedCruz.org

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

When asked about relations with Israel, Donald Trump responded, "I have tremendous love for Israel. I happen to have a son-in-law and a daughter that are Jewish, OK? And two grandchildren that are Jewish." Is that true?

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: OnTheIssues FactCheck on 2016 GOP primary debate in Miami

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

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.

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.

Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: 2016 CNN-Telemundo Republican debate on eve of Texas primary

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

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.

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.

Click for John Kasich on other issues.   Source: 2016 CNN-Telemundo Republican debate on eve of Texas primary

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

Q: You said about the ongoing conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians -- "Let me be sort of a neutral guy. I don't want to say whose fault it is; I don't think it helps." How do you remain neutral when the U.S. considers Israel to be America's closest ally in the Middle East?

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: 2016 CNN-Telemundo Republican debate on eve of Texas primary

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

RUBIO: He thinks a Palestine [and Israeli settlement] is a real estate deal. The Palestinians are not a real estate deal, Donald.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: 2016 CNN-Telemundo Republican debate on eve of Texas primary

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

CLINTON: A group of national security experts issued a concerning statement about Senator Sanders's views on foreign policy and national security, pointing out some of the comments he has made on these issues, such as inviting Iranian troops into Syria to try to resolve the conflict there; putting them right at the doorstep of Israel. Asking Saudi Arabia and Iran to work together, when they can't stand each other and are engaged in a proxy battle right at this moment. You are voting for a president and a commander in chief.

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.

Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: MSNBC Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire

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

Q [to Clinton]: Sen. Sanders called for moving as aggressively as we can to normalize relations with Iran. You've criticized him for that. Can you explain?

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.

Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: MSNBC Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire

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

Q: Senator Sanders called for moving as aggressively as we can to normalize relations with Iran. You've criticized him for that. Can you explain?

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: MSNBC Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire

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

[On Israeli defense]: "Every country has a right to defend its borders from enemies, and Israel was entirely justified in crossing into Gaza to destroy the tunnels and rockets that threaten its sovereignty. I know what I would want my government to do if the U.S. was attacked by a rocket from above or via a tunnel from below; I think most Americans do, too. Israel has no stronger ally than the U.S." He said that Israel did not have to limit itself to a "proportional" response to Gaza attacks.
Click for Mike Bloomberg on other issues.   Source: MondoWeiss blog on 2019 Democratic primary

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

She's got a lot of experience, but her policies have proven disastrous. If you look at foreign policy, every region in the world has gotten worse. Under her leadership, we abandon the nation of Israel. Under her leadership, radical Islamic terrorism has been on to the rise. Under her leadership, and Obama's leadership, Iran is getting $100 billion dollars, and on the verge of getting a nuclear weapon.
Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: Fox Business/WSJ Second Tier debate

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

We are a country of laws. We need borders. We will have a wall [on the Mexican border]. The wall will be built. The wall will be successful. And if you think walls don't work, all you have to do is ask Israel. The wall works, believe me. Properly done. Believe me. [OnTheIssues note: Trump refers to the "separation barrier" that Israel built surrounding the Palestinian areas of the West Bank. It has reduced terrorist attacks, but is controversial in the peace process].
Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Fox Business/WSJ First Tier debate

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

In Syria, yes, a no-fly zone in the north, and a no-fly zone on the Jordanian border. Jordan, we want the king to reign for years. Egypt, they have been our ally and a moderating force in the Middle East. In Israel, we have no better ally in the world, and no more criticizing them in public, we should support them.
Click for John Kasich on other issues.   Source: Fox Business/WSJ Second Tier debate

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

Click for Pope Francis on other issues.   Source: Washington Post coverage of Pope Francis' 2015 U.S. visit

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

Bernie has described the entrenched conflict between Israel and the Palestinians as both depressing and difficult, and considers the conflict one of the most important issues in the Middle East. He acknowledges that there is no magic solution to the problem. Bernie sees many other conflicts in the Middle East as exacerbating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: 2016 grassroots campaign website FeelTheBern.org, "Issues"

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

Internationalism involves security policies that will protect our county's citizens in an unstable, increasingly volatile world. This means providing our military with adequate funding. It means tackling the pure evil of terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, but doing so whenever possible with other partners. It means standing up for Israel--a beacon of democracy in the Middle East--while working toward a two-state solution, one that will ensure the long-term security of Israelis and Palestinians who yearn for peace. And it means knowing that our country cannot abandon innocent people on a mountaintop--in 2014, Minnesota airmen airlifted food and water to Yazidis and Christians forced from their homes and trapped by ISIS militants on Mount Sinjar in northern Iraq--or put our heads in the sand in the face of Vladimir Putin's aggression.
Click for Amy Klobuchar on other issues.   Source: The Senator Next Door, by Amy Klobuchar, p.269

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

Q: The first budget your proposed as senator cut all financial aid to Israel. You have since changed your view on that issue. What made you change your mind?

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.

Click for Rand Paul on other issues.   Source: Fox News/Facebook Top Ten First Tier debate transcript

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

A deep and abiding passion has been strengthening our friendship with the nation of Israel, an alliance that has been profoundly undermined in the Obama administration. Unfortunately, over the past six years, the Obama administration has demonstrated an unprecedented hostility to the Jewish state, and its actions have weakened not only our alliance but Israel's very security.

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.

Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: A Time for Truth, by Ted Cruz, p.298-9

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

What does Donald Trump believe? Iran and Israel: Walk away from nuclear talks. Increase sanctions.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: PBS News Hour "2016 Candidate Stands" series

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

Ted Cruz has taken heat for appearing at a fundraiser at the home of two openly gay men. At that private event, he was asked how he would react if he found out one of his daughters was gay, and he said he would love her unconditionally.

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."

Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: Politico.com on 2015 Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition summit

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

Israeli cafes and buses are bombed, towns are victimized by hundreds of rockets, and its citizens are attacked by Palestinian terrorists. It's time we took a stand for Israel by standing up to the enemies of Israel, the enemies that murder Israeli citizens.

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.

Click for Rand Paul on other issues.   Source: 2016 presidential campaign website, RandPaul.com, "Issues"

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

With respect to Iran, where, for the first time in a decade, we've halted the progress of its nuclear program and reduced its stockpile of nuclear material. Between now and this spring, we have a chance to negotiate a comprehensive agreement that prevents a nuclear-armed Iran; secures America and our allies--including Israel; while avoiding yet another Middle East conflict. There are no guarantees that negotiations will succeed, and I keep all options on the table to prevent a nuclear Iran. But new sanctions passed by this Congress, at this moment in time, will all but guarantee that diplomacy fails--alienating America from its allies; and ensuring that Iran starts up its nuclear program again. It doesn't make sense. That is why I will veto any new sanctions bill that threatens to undo this progress. The American people expect us to only go to war as a last resort, and I intend to stay true to that wisdom.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2015 State of the Union address

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

Mrs. Clinton said it was a mistake in retrospect to demand in 2009 a complete freezing of Israeli settlement construction as a precursor to peace talks. This allowed the Arab states and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to essentially stand back from negotiations until the U.S. could deliver on Obama's demand:

"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)

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Wall Street Journal on Hard Choices, by Hillary Clinton

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

Clinton devotes many pages to her fealty to Israel, and to her understanding of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who fell from power then rose to it again: "I am not alone in feeling so personally invested in Israel's security and success," she writes. "Many Americans admire Israel as a homeland for a people long oppressed and a democracy that has had to defend itself at every turn. In Israel's story we see our own, and the story of all people who struggle for freedom and the right to chart their own destinies."

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Politico.com on Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton

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

Q: Ambassador Rice responded to your criticism--

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.

Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: ABC This Week 2014 series of 2016 presidential hopefuls

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

The issue of aid to Israel also came up last year in a meeting with the board of the Republican Jewish Coalition. Members pressed the senator, and he conceded that while he would eventually like to terminate all foreign aid, he knew that would not be realistic now. "You could see he was a work in progress," said a member of the Jewish coalition's board. "He's thinking about these issues; he's trying to learn."

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."

Click for Rand Paul on other issues.   Source: NY Times 2014 coverage of 2016 presidential hopefuls

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

Echoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Cruz slammed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and called on Iran to recognize Israel as 'Jewish state.' When Kerry stated that he may strike a deal to lift economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for an agreement for that country to temporarily halt its uranium enrichment program, Cruz expressed grave concerns: "If the reports are correct, this is a terrible deal, and it is dangerous for America. We should have insisted on good-faith measures before meeting with the Iranians directly, such as the release of Pastor Saeed Abedini and the acknowledgment of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken the extraordinary step of condemning what is happening in Geneva as a 'very, very bad deal.' President Obama should not abandon our friend and ally Israel, and he should not cut a deal that endangers the national security of the United States.
Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: Cruzing to the White House, by Mario Broes, p. 89

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

In September 2014, Cruz was the keynote speaker at an event held by the watchdog group "In Defense of Christians", a conference dedicated to raising awareness about persecuted Christians in the Middle East. When Cruz argued that Christians have "no greater ally" than Israel, he was heckled.

"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.

Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: Cruzing to the White House, by Mario Broes, p. p.102-3

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

In Israel, 18-year-olds complete 2-year tours in the military. They operate at a high level of autonomy and responsibility and then travel the world for months before heading to college. In the book "Start-up Nation," this training ground is credited as helping give rise to a culture of risk taking and entrepreneurship. By the time Israelis graduate from college, they're in their mid-20s and mature

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.

Click for Andrew Yang on other issues.   Source: Smart People Should Build Things, by Andrew Yang, p. 46-7

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

Israel continues to be an advocate for freedom, equality and democracy in the Middle East, protecting the rights of its citizens while upholding the values that Americans hold dear. From a strategic perspective, the US must continue to support Israel as a secure homeland for the Jewish people. Simply put, where Israel's security is at stake, America's security is at stake.

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.

Click for Cory Booker on other issues.   Source: 2013-2014 New Jersey Senate campaign web CoryBooker.com

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

Q: The intelligence suggests this was a sarin gas attack at the hands of the Assad government. Is that enough for you to now vote to authorize the president to use force?

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.

Click for Rand Paul on other issues.   Source: Meet the Press 2013 interviews: 2016 presidential hopefuls

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

My education started at my father's dinner table. My father was what you would have called a righteous Christian. It was at that table I first heard the phrase, "Never again." It was at that table that I learned that the only way to ensure that it could never happen again was the establishment and the existence of a secure, Jewish state of Israel.

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.

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: Speech at the AIPAC Policy Conference

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

Under this administration, we've invested $275 million in Iron Dome, including $70 million to increase the production of Iron Dome batteries and interceptors.

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.

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: Speech at the AIPAC Policy Conference

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

We're mindful that pursuing a better future for Israel means helping Israel confront the myriads of threat it faces in the neighborhood. It's a tough neighborhood, and it starts with Iran. It is not only in Israel's interest that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, it's in the interest of the United States of America. It's simple. And, as a matter of fact, it's in the interest of the entire world.

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.

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: Speech at the AIPAC Policy Conference

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

The US and Israel have a shared interest in Syria. Assad has shown his father's disregard for human life and dignity, engaging in brutal murder of his own citizens. Our position on that tragedy could not be clearer: Assad must go. But we are not signing up for one murderous gang replacing another in Damascus.

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.

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: Speech at the AIPAC Policy Conference

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

We have a shared strategic commitment with Israel. 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.

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Joe Biden speech at the AIPAC Policy Conference

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

Here's one thing I've learned as commander in chief. You've got to be clear, both to our allies and our enemies, about where you stand and what you mean. Now, it is absolutely true that we cannot just beat these challenges militarily, and so what I've done throughout my presidency and will continue to do, is:
  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.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Third Obama-Romney 2012 Presidential debate

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

Q: Would you be willing to declare that an attack on Israel is an attack on the US? Wouldn't that deter Iran?

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Third Obama-Romney 2012 Presidential debate

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

ROMNEY: The reason I call it an "apology tour" is because you went to the Middle East and you flew to Egypt and to Saudi Arabia and to Turkey and Iraq. And you skipped Israel, our closest friend in the region, but you went to the other nations, and they noticed that you skipped 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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Third Obama-Romney 2012 Presidential debate

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

Gillibrand used it to blast sequestration that would require across the board budget cuts to areas like federal anti-terror funding. Referencing Wednesday's thwarted terrorist attack in New York City, Long said it's further evidence that the United States must stand with Israel in ensuring Iran does not have nuclear capabilities while
Click for Kirsten Gillibrand on other issues.   Source: New York Daily News on 2012 N. Y. Senate debate

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

RYAN: When Barack Obama was elected, Iran had enough fissile material to make one bomb. Now they have enough for five. They're racing toward a nuclear weapon. They're four years closer toward a nuclear weapons capability.

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.

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: 2012 Vice Presidential debate

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

Asked about the possibility that Iran could acquire a nuclear weapon, Brown criticized Warren for not adopting a tough enough response. "We cannot have a nuanced approach that Professor Warren wants," he said.

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."

Click for Elizabeth Warren on other issues.   Source: North Adams Transcript on 2012 Mass. Senate debate

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

It has been 64 years since the UN General Assembly approved the Partition Plan for Palestine and the struggle to implement a "two-state solution" began. Today, we are no closer to that end. That reminds me of the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. By that definition, everyone who continues to cling to the delusion of a two-state solution is insane. There is no such thing as a two-state solution. It cannot work, it has not worked, and it will not work.

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.

Click for Joe Walsh on other issues.   Source: Washington Times on 2020 presidential hopefuls

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

Sarah Palin's endorsement [in the Kentucky GOP Senate primary] gave us a boost that energized supporters, brought in new ones, and, of course, annoyed my opponent and his Republican bosses to no end.

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.

Click for Rand Paul on other issues.   Source: The Tea Party Goes to Washington, by Rand Paul, p. 78

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

In Feb. 2010, Biden had just completed a rousing speech in Jerusalem and had vowed "absolute, total, unvarnished commitment to Israeli security" when the Israeli interior ministry announced that 1,600 new housing units would be built in East Jerusalem. The ministry said the decision had been 3 years in the making, had nothing to do with Biden's arrival. Biden immediately condemned the decision in scathing terms, calling it "precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now."

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."

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: A Life of Trial & Redemption, by Jules Witcover, p.470-471

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

Obama repeated the familiar reasons for ignoring the elected government led by Hamas: "To be a genuine party to peace," Obama declared, "the Quartet [US, EU, Russia, UN) has made it clear that Hamas must meet clear conditions: recognize Israel's right to exist; renounce violence; and abide by past agreements."

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Hopes and Prospects, by Noam Chomsky, p.254-255

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

The Obama-Netanyahu-Abbas meetings in May 2009 have been widely interpreted as a turning point in US Middle East policy.

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Hopes and Prospects, by Noam Chomsky, p.177-178

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

In his June 4, 2009 address to the Muslim world in Cairo, Obama once again echoed Bush's "vision" of two states, without saying what he means by the phrase "Palestine state." His intentions are clarified by his one explicit criticism of Israel: "The US does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop. "That is, Israel should live up to Phase I of the 2003 Road Map, rejected at once by Israel with tacit US support, as noted--through the truth is that Obama has ruled out even steps of the Bush I variety to withdraw from participation in these crimes.

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."

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Hopes and Prospects, by Noam Chomsky, p.188-191

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

On Israel-Palestine, rumors began circulating that Obama might depart from the US rejectionism that has blocked a political settlement for over thirty years. The record, however, never provided any basis for taking rumors seriously.

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."

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Hopes and Prospects, by Noam Chomsky, p.233

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

The campaigns in Afghanistan and Pakistan employ armed drone aircraft to target and kill terrorist leaders and supporters, although, needless to say, the targets don't get Miranda rights read to them. The administration seems unwilling to reconcile these strikes with how it handles terrorists captured in the US. Already, there are international complaints that the drone attacks are precisely the kinds of "targeted" or "extra-judicial" killings complained about for years when undertaken by Israel.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Obama is Endangering our Sovereignty, by John Bolton,p.31-32

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

Jesse Jackson, speaking before a World Policy Forum in France, suggested that an Obama presidency would put an end to excessive "Zionist" influence in American foreign policy. In a subsequent "clarification," Jackson repudiated the column and confirmed that he "has never had a conversation with Sen. Obama about Israel or the Middle East."

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."

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: What Obama Means, by Jabari Asim, p.200-202

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

Q: If Iran attacks Israel, would you be willing to commit US troops in defense of Israel? Or would you wait on approval from the UN Security Council?

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2008 second presidential debate against John McCain

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

Q: You’re heading to Israel next?

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2008 CBS News presidential interview with Katie Couric

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

Q: How likely do you think a preemptive military strike by Israel against Iran may be?

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2008 CBS News presidential interview with Katie Couric

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

Q: You said not too long ago that Jerusalem should remain undivided. And then you backtracked on that statement.

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2008 CBS News presidential interview with Katie Couric

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

Q: There is skepticism in Israel about you because they’re concerned about your previously stated notion of having talks with Iranian leaders, that somehow that signals to them that you won’t be tough enough to Iran. What’s your response to that?

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2008 CBS News presidential interview with Katie Couric

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

Q: You recently supported Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel. Why not support the Clinton plan, which envisions a divided Jerusalem, the Arab half being the capital of a Palestinian state, the Jewish half being the capital of the Jewish state?

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: CNN Late Edition: 2008 presidential series on Zakaria’s GPS

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

I had been to New York City only once before, in the summer of 1948 between my junior and senior years at Assumption Prep. Without telling my parents I had gotten on a bus, at the age of eighteen, heading for New York with the purpose of joining the Israeli forces in their fight to defend their new state. I had asked someone in Worcester how I could do that, and he told me to go to New York. So I wandered around Manhattan asking various people and somehow, I wish I remember how, I wound up in the office of Alexandra Tolstoy, the daughter of the great writer himself. She had been exiled in New York and set up a charity to help Russians, many of them Jews, arriving to the big city. She sent some to farming communities she’d set up in New Jersey and Nyack, New York. She told me: “Young man, you go on back home and finish school.” And that’s what I did.
Click for Mike Gravel on other issues.   Source: A Political Odyssey, by Mike Gravel, p.128

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

In May 1978 there was a controversial vote to sell F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and F-5s to Egypt. The vote caused an outcry in the American Jewish community. But Congress approved the deal to support Carter’s more even-handed approach to the Middle East quandary. I supported the idea that in the long run it would be better for Israel’s security. But Barney saw it as a betrayal. Just four months later, on September 17, 1978, the Camp David Accords were reached, and Egypt made peace with Israel the following year: Carter’s greatest achievement. Arms sales to foreign governments were increased in these days to make up for Carter’s initial defense spending at home. Since many of these foreign sales were purchased with US military aid, it was a way of funneling taxpayers’ money through foreign capitals and back into the US defense industry pockets--the point of the exercise.
Click for Mike Gravel on other issues.   Source: A Political Odyssey, by Mike Gravel, p.202

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

Q: Iran continues to pursue a nuclear option that poses a threat to Israel. Should it be US policy to treat an Iranian attack on Israel as if it were an attack on the US?

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2008 Philadelphia primary debate, on eve of PA primary

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

Q: Iran continues to pursue a nuclear option that poses a threat to Israel. Should it be US policy to treat an Iranian attack on Israel as if it were an attack on the US?

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: 2008 Philadelphia primary debate, on eve of PA primary

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

Last week, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and almost everyone else in the Washington establishment have condemned and criticized Jimmy Carter for his latest attempt to make the world a safer place. Far from deserving all the cheap shots, Jimmy Carter should be praised for meeting with the leader of Hamas.

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.

Click for Mike Gravel on other issues.   Source: Press release, “Jimmy Carter vs. AIPAC”

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

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Campaign booklet, “Blueprint for Change”, p. 50-55

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

As a senator, he became known for releasing the controversial "Pentagon Papers" at an ad hoc committee performance. He was early against the Vietnam War. He was early in advocating diplomatic relations with China. More recently, Senator Gravel was opposed to the War in Iraq even before this quagmire and criminal endeavor began. He opposed military action against a completely US-surrounded Iran. He understands the inequities in the Israeli occupation of Palestine
Click for Mike Gravel on other issues.   Source: Mandate for Change, foreword by Ralph Nader, p. ix

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

Q: Are the Revolutionary Guards proliferators of mass destruction?

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: 2007 Des Moines Register Democratic debate

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

On a visit to Gaza City in 1998, Hillary met with Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat and his wife and declared, well ahead of the official line from the White House, her support for a Palestinian state. Her husband’s spokesperson had to distance him from her comment.

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: The Contenders, by Laura Flanders, p. 34

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

Q: [to Clinton]: Would the Israelis be justified in taking military action if they felt their security was threatened by a nuclear presence in Iran?

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: 2007 Democratic primary debate at Dartmouth College

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

Home Instruction for Parents and Preschool Youngsters was developed in Israel in 1969 to help new immigrants prepare their young children to succeed in school. HIPPY empowers parents as their children's first teachers by giving them the tools, skills, and confidence to work with their children at home. The program is designed to help those families coping with poverty.

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Giving, by Bill Clinton, p. 71-73

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

Hillary cofounded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families; served on the board of our Children's Hospital and helped with its fund-raising drive (it became one of the nation's ten largest children's hospitals in a state with o 2.8 million people); brought an excellent preschool program form Israel to poor families in our state; headed a task force that increased access to health care for people in small towns and rural areas; and chaired a committee that devel standards for our schools.

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Giving, by Bill Clinton, p. xi

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

In 1981, while the Clintons campaigned to win back the governorship, their pastor, Vaught approached them about a trip to Israel. As Bill and Hillary found themselves struggling spiritually and politically to put Bill back in the governor’s mansion, the couple decided to go.

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.”

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: God and Hillary Clinton, by Paul Kengor, p. 70-71

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

In 1998, Hillary laid out her vision for the future of the Middle East: “It would be in the long-term interests of peace in the Middle East for there to be a state of Palestine, a functioning modern state that is on the same footing as other states.” The White House raced to clarify the remarks as Hillary’s own.

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.”

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: The Extreme Makeover, by Bay Buchanan, p. 88-90

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

Q: You said recently, “No one is suffering more than the Palestinian people.” Do you stand by that remark?

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2007 South Carolina Democratic primary debate, on MSNBC

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

Obama defended his remark that “nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people,” a statement attacked by some pro-Israel activists. His version differed in tone if not in substance from the way it was originally reported, however. Obama claimed in the debate that he meant “the Palestinian people from the failure of the Palestinian leadership to recognize , to renounce violence, and to get serious about negotiating peace and security for the region.” That’s somewhat different from the way Obama was quoted March 12. As reported, Obama attributed Palestinian suffering to “the stalled peace efforts with Israel” and not so narrowly to failures by Palestinian leadership only. However, the Des Moines Register also reported that Obama praised Israel as an important US ally and urged the Palestinian government to recognize Israel and renounce terrorism. So far as we can tell, the Register had the only reporter present at the event and no full transcript exists.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: FactCheck on 2007 South Carolina Democratic debate

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

Mayor Bloomberg’s trip to Mexico today, his fourth visit to a foreign country in as many months, is adding fuel to the speculation that he is attempting to shore up his international credentials and raise his national profile in preparation for a White House run.

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.

Click for Mike Bloomberg on other issues.   Source: Grace Rauh, New York Sun

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

Solving the Israeli- Palestinian problem and the energy problem will set the stage to crush terrorism, its advocates and its financiers. Characterizing the effort to control terrorism as a “war” is grossly misleading and leads us to believe the only solution is a military one. It promotes a never-ending culture of war. A “war” on terror will be no more successful than the war on drugs, or the war on poverty.
Click for Mike Gravel on other issues.   Source: Speech at the N.H. Institute of Politics, Manchester NH

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

The Israeli newspaper “Haaretz” convened a panel of experts to assess and track 2008 presidential candidates and evaluate “whom they consider best for Israel.” In Sept. 2006, Obama came in dead last, 18th in a field of 18. However, Haaretz also notes that during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, Obama was careful to defend Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah’s attacks.

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.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Should Barack Obama Be President?, by Fred Zimmerman, p.64-5

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

Hillary worked closely with Jewish leaders to oppose the International Court of Justice passing judgment on the legality of Israel’s security fence. Clinton released a statement supporting the fence as a “legitimate response” to terrorist attacks.

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.”

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy, by Amanda Carpenter, p.128

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

(Senator Hillary Clinton, letter to Colin Powell, April 9, 2002)(Senator Hillary Clinton, American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference, May 24, 2005)
Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: The Case for Hillary Clinton, by Susan Estrich, p.210-211

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

Obama will speak before a Jewish audience and talk about his problems with Israeli policy in a way that inspires trust, rather than the kind of disagreement that you often find when that happens.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Salim Muwakkil and Amy Goodman, Democracy Now

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

[The US should] use American moral authority and credibility to help achieve Middle East peace. Our first and immutable commitment must be to the security of Israel, our only true ally in the Middle East and the only democracy. We must be consistent and we must include the EU and the Arab States in pressing for reforms within the Palestinian community.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Press Release, “Renewal of American Leadership ”

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

In 1991, we also persuaded another young Chicagoan, Rahm Emanuel, to join our campaign. Rahm had worked with Wilhelm in the successful campaigns of Mayor Richard Daley and Senator Paul Simon. He was a slight, intense ma who had studied ballet and, though an American citizen, had served in the Israeli army. Rahm was so aggressive he made me look laid-back. We made him finance director, a job in which an underfunded campaign needs an aggressor.
Click for Rahm Emanuel on other issues.   Source: My Life, by Bill Clinton, p.376-377

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

Hillary faced a problem with Jewish voters after kissing Suha Arafat, the wife of Yasir Arafat, shortly after the first Lady of the Palestine Liberation Army charged Israelis with using poison gas on Palestinians. The first lady of the United States explained that she hadn’t understood the translation of Madam Arafat’s remarks. When the actual and quite clear translation was made public and the excuse evaporated, she retreated to a mushier explanation, and then silence.
Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: The Final Days, by Barbara Olson, p. 38

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

My niece, Rachel, was arrested in Egypt. In 1996, Rachael went sightseeing across the Israeli border into Egypt. When she came out of the ladies' room at a bus stop, the police arrested her, claiming they had found a gun in the bathroom. The protocol of this standard shakedown was to "confess" instantly and pay a bribe on the spot. Rachel, being Rachel, refused. We had to get Bloomberg's Jerusalem reporter, our London bureau chief, the Cairo bureau of another news organization, and a family friend in the State Department to prod the United States embassy for help. Such scams happen all the time. After she was released, an American diplomat warned my sister, "Now don't tell anyone about this. It would hurt our relationship with Egypt." Of all the dumb things. Who on earth is our guy protecting? How will other parents know to warn their kids? Talk about misplaced priorities. That diplomat never learned my mother's lesson of taking care of "us" before "them."
Click for Mike Bloomberg on other issues.   Source: Bloomberg by Bloomberg, by Mike Bloomberg, p.205

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

Q: In recent weeks, scores of people have been killed in the Middle East. In view of what’s happened, do you think there should be a Palestinian state now?

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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: NY Senate debate on NBC

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

LAZIO [to Hillary]: It’s very hard to accept a claim of consistency [on Israel] when you called for a Palestinian state with full military powers. It’s difficult to accept that you are a consistent supporter when you stand on the sidelines while Suha Arafat issues a blood libel suggesting that Israelis have been orchestrating an attack on Palestinian women and children with poison. It’s hard for us to imagine you’ve been a consistent supporter when you refused to support the law which says that we should move our embassy to Jerusalem, not next year, but right now. For eight years I’ve wanted the embassy to be placed in Jerusalem. CLINTON: My positions for more than 20 years have been to do everything I could to support Israel and to increase the relationships between the US and Israel. I’ve worked on everything from the National Council of Jewish Women’s program to bring a preschool instruction program for children of the US, to speaking out, time and time again, about violence and terrorism.
Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: (X-ref Lazio) NY Senate debate on NBC

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

Hillary Clinton said she would oppose lifting the embargo against Cuba until democracy took root there. She said she would support paying America’s unpaid bills to the United Nations. She once again voiced her support for Israel and, while praising the tentative cease-fire agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians reached Monday, she made it clear the burden was on Yasir Arafat to end the violence.
Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Dean Murphy, NY Times on 2000 election

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

The U.S. must continue to nurture and safeguard our special relationship with the state of Israel. This relationship must remain the cornerstone of our policy tactics through the entire Middle-East region, as it has been for administrations of both parties for more than half a century.

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.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: The America We Deserve, by Donald Trump, p.132-33

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

Hillary Clinton supports a move [of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem]. She spoke more generally yesterday about what she called her longstanding respect for the country and its people. “The United States has been and will be always there for Israel,” she said. “And we will always support the Israeli government and Israeli people as they struggle to find 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.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Associated Press in NY Times on 2000 senatorial race

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

By working for peace, we are not being naive or soft-headed. We recognize that peace in the Middle East is not only a moral imperative, but the smartest strategic choice to ensure security for the children of Israel. That doesn’t mean that Israel can ever let down her defenses. It doesn’t mean that her friends, especially the US, will ever be relieved of our responsibility to help Israel maintain her military strength.The work of peace and the work of democracy are neverending.
Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Remarks at Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center

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

The message of Oslo [was]: How we can fulfill Rabin’s legacy by bidding farewell to generations of war and ushering in a new century of real and lasting peace? The same must be true on all of Israel’s borders so that the peace that now covers some will be a peace that extends to all-Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese.
Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Remarks at Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center

  • Additional quotations related to Israel & Palestine issues can be found under War & Peace.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on War & Peace.
Candidates on War & Peace:
 Related issues:
Afghanistan
American Exceptionalism
Arab Spring
Armed Forces Personnel
Benghazi
Defense Spending
Gays in Military
Guantanamo
Iranian Nukes
Iraq
ISIS
North Korea
Nuclear Energy & Weapons
SDI Missile Defense
Syria
Terrorism
Ukraine
Veterans
War on Terror
WMD
Yemen

2020 Presidential primary contenders:
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Gov.Bill Weld (R-MA&L-NY)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)
2020 Presidential Nominees:
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE for President)
CEO Don Blankenship (Constitution Party)
Rocky De La Fuente (Alliance/Reform Party)
Howie Hawkins (Green Party)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA for V.P.)
Jo Jorgensen (Libertarian Party)
V.P.Mike Pence (R-IN for re-election)
Gloria La Riva (Socialism and Liberation)
Pres.Donald Trump (R-NY for re-election)
Kanye West (Birthday Party)
Other Topics in the News:
Black Lives Matter
China
Coronavirus Pandemic
Energy Independence
Gay Rights
Global Warming
Illegal Immigrants
Iranian Nukes
Israel/Palestine
North Korea
ObamaCare
Russia
Second Amendment
Supreme Court Bailout_+_Stimulus
Please consider volunteering for OnTheIssues!
Click for details -- or send donations to:
1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
(We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Mar 01, 2022