Source: Ynetnews
Mar 04, 2007
In a speech to American Jewish backers of Israel on Friday, US presidential hopeful Barack Obama said all the things he knew his audience would want to hear.
Among the sound bites that were certain to warm Jewish hearts were:
"No option, including military action, (should be taken) off the table" as the world works "to stop Iran's uranium enrichment program and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."
"We must preserve our total commitment to our unique defense relationship with Israel by fully funding military assistance" in order to "help Israel maintain its military edge and deter and repel attacks from as far as Tehran and as close as Gaza."
"When Israel is attacked, we must stand up for Israel's legitimate right to defend itself."
"We should never seek to dictate what is best for the Israelis and their security interests. No Israeli prime minister should ever feel dragged to or blocked from the negotiating table by the United States."
Similar declarations were made by both presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush prior to their elections.
Once in office, both men allowed US national interests to trump those commitments to Israel.