Obama says his support for Israel is 'unshakable'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 17 December 2011 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Obama says his support for Israel is 'unshakable', 17 December 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4f1431be23.html [accessed 22 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 17, 2011
President Barack Obama says his administration has done more than any other U.S. administration to support Israel's security, and has described his commitment to Israel as "unshakable."
Obama spoke December 16 to a meeting outside Washington of Reform Jews, who represent a large and generally liberal branch of North American Judaism.
In his remarks, Obama expressed frustration with the failure of the Israelis and Palestinians to resume U.S.-backed peace talks – but he said the bonds between the United States and Israel transcend the political differences between the main U.S. parties, the Republicans and Obama's Democrats.
Obama said he has taken a tough line against Iran's nuclear program, which he described as a threat to both U.S. and Israeli security. Iran denies Western and Israeli allegations that the Islamic Republic is seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.
Obama administration officials have pointed to high levels of U.S. defense spending and military cooperation with Israel as evidence of Obama's support for the Jewish-led state.
Obama's speech came as he is preparing his campaign for reelection in next November's U.S. vote, and after he has recently come under criticism from his Republican Party presidential rivals for being too demanding of Israel.
compiled from agency reports
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
