Portman in Israel, meets top officials
Ohio senator talks about Iran and the violence in Syria.
Sen. Rob WASHINGTON — Portman, regarded as a potential running mate for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, met Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak in Israel to discuss Iran’s efforts to build a nuclear bomb and the growing violence in Syria.
Portman, a first-term Republican senator from Ohio, met first with Barak, followed by a session with Netanyahu. Both Israeli officials have urged the United States and Europe to adopt tougher measures to prevent the Iranians from developing a nuclear weapon, and have warned they might use military force to destroy the Iranian nuclear facilities.
Portman said in a statement it was crucial “to keep up international pressure’’ on Iran, adding that the “international community can’t allow the Iranians to stall further multi-lateral pressure through hollow talks.’’
Portman was the only American lawmaker to attend the meetings, although he was joined by Daniel Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel.
Portman, who is expected Saturday to join a group of U.S. lawmakers traveling in the region, flew from Cincinnati to Tel Aviv for the meetings.
“I think it’s a big deal,’’ said Peter Fenn, a Democratic consultant in Washington. “I think it clearly is very political. It does speak to the notion that Portman is on the very short list.’’
Former Republican congressman David L. Hobson of Springfield said “this is a further indication that Rob Portman continues to be a rising star, and not just in the Republican Party.’’
Aides to Portman insisted the meetings had nothing to do with the possibility of being on Romney’s ticket.
Instead, they said the meetings were arranged because Portman is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former U.S. trade representative.
“I know Senator Portman wants desperately to be viewed by the American people as a serious contender for the vice presidency,’’ said Chris Redfern, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party. “And this opportunity to travel to Israel on the taxpayer’s dime helps fulfill that goal.’’
Netanyahu has had a frosty relationship with President Barack Obama, who has not traveled to Israel to meet with the prime minister.
Portman, who met with Netanyahu in 2010 in Israel, requested the meeting that was held Thursday.