Israel Matzav

Edelstein sticks it to Obama

Likud MK Yuli Edelstein, a former 'prisoner of conscience' in the Soviet Union, turned Democratic frontrunner Barack Hussein Obama's comments about the Likud earlier today upside down.

Likud MK Yuli Edelstein gave a positive twist Tuesday to the negative comments about his party that were made on Monday by Obama while campaigning in Ohio, that to be pro-Israeli one did not have to be pro-Likud.

Edelstein said Obama's comments only proved what he had known all along, that his party was pro-Israel and patriotic.

Obama had said, "I think there is a strain within the pro-Israel community that says unless you adopt an unwavering pro-Likud approach to Israel, then you're anti-Israel, and that can't be the measure of our friendship with Israel."

In response, Edelstein said, "I am glad that there is the general perception that to be pro-Israel is pro Likud."

"I am glad that the general feeling in the American Jewish community is that the Likud expresses the real patriotic Zionist position," he added. But support for the state was broader then that, Edelstein said.

"In the complex situation of the Middle East, to be pro-Israel is not just to say that you are in favor of a secure and flourishing state of Israel. It is to take a stand on our battle with terrorism and terrorists and to realize that in this battle there are good guys and bad guys, and it is not shameful to be on the same side as the good guys," Edelstein said.

I'm afraid Obama hasn't picked a side yet. Or has he?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:07 AM