Israel Matzav

Mitt Romney on Israel: 'I would treat Israel like the friend and ally it is'

Mitt Romney gave two interviews to Israeli newspapers that are being published on Friday. One is in Haaretz and the other is in Yisrael HaYom. According to Israel Radio's New York correspondent, Benny Avni (Hat Tip: Soccer Dad), the Haaretz interview was done in London, while the Yisrael HaYom interview was done in Reno. Since Romney has promised that he will not criticize President Obama while on foreign soil, the Haaretz interview is tame. But the Yisrael Hayom interview is another story.

Sir, in your book "No Apology: The Case for American Greatness" you wrote that not only does Iran pose a threat to the U.S. but any country that supplies weapons to terrorists who target American soldiers, like Iran, is actually an enemy. As president, would you use American military force against Iran? How would you respond to an Israeli attack aiming to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons?

"I don't want to discuss the specific actions that might be taken by our government or by others except to say that I would anticipate that we would be in close communication and in common purpose with those who share our views that Iran must not become a nuclear power."

Last week, five Israeli tourists were murdered by a suicide bomber in Bulgaria. The Olympic Games are about to begin in London amid threats of Jihadist terror. How do you plan to win the war against terror?

"First I will recognize it for what it is. The threat of terror is part of radical, violent Jihad being waged by al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations including Hezbollah and Hamas. So we must acknowledge that this is not the work of a small group of individuals but rather a very substantial movement that poses a threat to the security and peace of our planet.

"I will also lock arms with our allies and friends to make sure that those who would threaten the peace and security of the world understand that we are united in our commitment to prevent terror and radical violent Islamic Jihadism from destroying lives and destroying peace."

...

Mr. Governor, you have been on the campaign trail for months now, and you are in constant contact with the American public across the United States. What do you think is the one issue that most concerns voters in the current race?

"The issue that is most on people's minds in this country is the economy – the capacity of America to create jobs and raise incomes. In many circles, this topic has crowded out discussion of foreign affairs and developments around the world. I think that is understandable. People are concerned about putting food on the table and there are many American families having a hard time doing that.

"But at the same time, the world is a dangerous place. The Middle East has become far more tumultuous, and dangerous as a result of developments over the last year. Pakistan is more uncertain in its relationship with the West, Turkey is looking less toward the West. Russia has achieved the New START Treaty: they sought to and succeeded in getting America to walk away from our Eastern Europe missile defense sites.

"North Korea has tested a nuclear device and long-range missiles. Iran is closer to nuclearization than it was when President Obama took office. It is hard to feel that the events of the last three and a half years have strengthened America's posture and promoted the prospects of peace."

...

You've accused President Obama of receiving accolades from America's foes and turning his back on its allies, including Israel. You have even declared that "Obama threw Israel under the bus." If you were in the White House, what would you do differently?

"I would treat Israel like the friend and ally it is. We share not only common interests, but also common values. And if there were places where we disagree, I would hold these disagreements in private conversations, not in public forums. I cannot imagine going to the United Nations, as Obama did, and criticizing Israel in front of the world. I believe that he should have mentioned instead the thousands of rockets that are being fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel.

"The president has also spoken of returning to 1967 borders – they are indefensible. And acting as a negotiator and usurping the primary role played by Israel in negotiating for its own future is not the right course for America to take."

...

In your book you urge America not to apologize for wanting to be a great nation and a world leader. What do you think about America's current standing, and how do you plan to change it?

"First of all, to be a strong leader. You describe what your objectives are with clarity and you lock arms with your allies because their strength makes you stronger. You don't criticize your allies in public to achieve the applause of your foes. A strong nation is admired by its friends and respected by its adversaries.

"The president gave in to Russia on their number one foreign policy objective, which was the removal of missile defense sites from Poland, and obtained nothing of great significance in exchange. That kind of posture leads other nations to wonder whether America has strength or instead is seeking to appease and accommodate others. I happen to believe that the New START Treaty was another accommodation and reset for Russia and I don't believe that Russia is deserving of gifts from America. Instead, Russia should be appropriately viewed as a nation with which we negotiate and show our backbone, recognizing that they intend to do the same."

Mr. Governor, you are planning to visit Israel soon and we want to know what message you will be bringing to the Israeli people.

"Well, my message really is to the people of the United States…"

Yes, but as you know, you have quite a few potential voters living in Israel who hold American citizenship…

"I can assure the people of the United States, whether living in Israel or living here that my intent is to stand with Israel as a friend, to recognize our shared values and shared interests, to take action that communicates to the region that we will defend Israel and we will work in concert to combat the threats that face Israel and the world."

Read the whole thing.

It's a very hectic day, but if I can get to the Haaretz interview, I will.

Labels: American exceptionalism, Barack Hussein Obama, Campaign 2012, Mitt Romney, US-Israel relationship

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:52 AM