I returned last night from the annual policy Conference of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. I saw old friends and made new friends in the Israel advocacy community. 13,000 pro-Israel activists gathered in Washington for three days of speeches, workshops, conversation, and lobbying. We heard from an incredible list of leaders of Israel and the United States. President Shimon Peres spoke movingly about his sixty years as a leader of Israel. His reflections moved from his early years as a young staff member for David ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister to his current work as the Israel’s president. Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu spoke powerfully of the current threat of a nuclear Iran.
We heard from President Barak Obama and three of the Republican candidates for President, Former Senator Rick Santorum, Former Governor Mitt Romney and Former Speaker Newt Gingrich. We also heard from several members of the Senate and House from both parties.
I am happy to report the leaders of the American government agree on expressing strong support for Israel. We heard from several speakers that the American-Israel relationship should not be a partisan issue. Senator Johnny Isakson Republican of Georgia said that there "should not be one scintilla of light between the positions of Republicans and Democrats on the issue of the security of Israel.”
How to respond to Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons dominated the Policy Conference. Both President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke glowingly of the strength of American support for Israel. Several American speakers suggested specific courses of action for Israel.
The person who is actually in a position to know what Israel will do was more restrained in his public description of Israel course of action. Prime Minister Netanyahu focused on describing the seriousness of the current situation. He said, “Well, I’m not going to talk to you about what Israel will do or will not do, I never talk about that. But I do want to talk to you about the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran. I want to explain why Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. “
President Obama cautioned against the war speculation. “Already, there is too much loose talk of war. Over the last few weeks, such talk has only benefited the Iranian government, by driving up the price of oil, which they depend on to fund their nuclear program. For the sake of Israel’s security, America’s security and the peace and security of the world, now is not the time for bluster. Now is the time to let our increased pressure sink in and to sustain the broad international coalition we have built. Now is the time to heed the timeless advice from Teddy Roosevelt: Speak softly; carry a big stick. And as we do, rest assured that the Iranian government will know our resolve and that our coordination with Israel will continue.”
