Obama vows to Israel that U.S. ‘has its back’
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said Friday he “forcefully” objects to suggestions that policy differences between his administration and the Israeli government signal his lack of support for the longtime U.S. ally.
Speaking at one of Washington’s most prominent synagogues, Obama said the U.S. and Israel should not be expected to paper over differences on Israel’s settlement building or the frozen peace process with the Palestinians.
“That’s not a true measure of friendship,” Obama told about 1,200 people, including mem- bers of Congress, gathered at Congregation Adas Israel. “The people of Israel must always know America has its back.”
The president’s remarks come during a period of deep tension in an already prickly relationship with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over Obama’s bid to strike a nuclear deal with Iran. Netanyahu views Iran’s disputed nuclear program as an existential threat to Israel and has lobbied vigorously against such a deal, most notably in a speech to a joint meeting of Congress earlier this year.
Obama defended the framework deal that negotiators are seeking to fi- nalize by the end of June, saying it would make Israel and the entire region safer. Still, he said that given the high stakes, he welcomes scrutiny of the negotiations.
“This deal will have my name on it,” he said.
Obama on Friday signed bipartisan legislation that gives Congress the right to review any final nuclear deal with Iran before he can waive congressional sanctions. Obama had initially resisted any legislation that could undo the nuclear deal.
Obama’s appearance coincided with Solidarity Shabbat, devoted to showing unit y by political leaders in Europe and North America against anti-Semitism.