GOP hits Obama over Israel.

CHICAGO–That Atlantic article (see post below) about Obama and Israel triggered an attack fro GOP House leader John Boehner (R-Ohio).

Release from Boehner…..

..Also, provided below is a statement by Rep. Cantor. Thanks.

It is truly disappointing that Senator Obama called Israel a constant wound, constant sore, and that it infect[s] all of our foreign policy. These sorts of words and characterizations are the words of a politician with a deep misunderstanding of the Middle East and an innate distrust of Israel, said Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA-07).

Israel is Americas most reliable ally in the Middle East and its soul mate in the search for freedom and justice. Israel isn’t a ‘constant sore’ instead it is a constant reminder of the greatness of America. When other nations have found it easier and more profitable to appease dictators and religious zealots in the Middle East, America has never shrunk from its historic duty to support freedom. I hope Senator Obama corrects his remarks as I believe most Americans believe that a strong and secure Israel is without a doubt an advantage for America, concluded Cantor.

Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 6:33 PM

Subject: Boehner Responds to Obama Claim that Israel is a “Constant Sore”

BOEHNER RESPONDS TO OBAMA CLAIM THAT ISRAEL IS A CONSTANT SORE

BOEHNER: OBAMA HAS FAILED TO TAKE OUR NATIONAL SECURITY SERIOUSLY

WASHINGTON, DC House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) responded tonight to Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obamas remark that Israel is a constant sore that does infect American foreign policy. Boehner released the following statement:

Israel is a critical American ally and a beacon of democracy in the Middle East, not a constant sore as Barack Obama claims. Obamas latest remark, and his commitment to opening a dialogue with sponsors of terrorism, echoes past statements by Jimmy Carter who once called Israel an apartheid state. Its another sign that Obama is part of the broken Washington Americans are rejecting.

During his three years in the Senate, Obama and his Democratic allies have failed to take our national security seriously, opposing critical, bipartisan terrorist surveillance legislation and supporting every effort to choke off resources for our troops in harms way. The policies he promotes which neatly reflect the weak national security agenda long pushed by liberal Democrats and far Left groups like MoveOn.org are far from change. They undermine the national security of both Israel and the United States, and give our enemies rhetorical cover to continue their campaign against the Jewish state.

Americans expect more and deserve better from their government, and Republican candidates nationwide are ready to provide real national security solutions the change the American people deserve where the Democratic Majority and its presidential candidates have fallen short.

NOTE: In an interview with The Atlantic, Obama reaffirmed his commitment to opening up dialogue with those who wish to see Israel destroyed. He referred to the plight of the Israeli people as a constant wound and a constant sore that does infect all of our foreign policy.

Boehner serves as honorary chairman of The Freedom Project (www.freedomproject.org), a political action committee (PAC) established in 1995 to provide assistance to Republican candidates for federal office. Its mission is to help Republicans earn back the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Freedom Project is committed to a better America based on freedom and security, empowered citizens and personal responsibility.

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