2012 U.S. Presidential Campaign: President Barack Obama

US-Israel Relationship  -  Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process  -  Palestinain Statehood  -  Threat from Iran

U.S.-Israel Relationship

" ... It [Israel] is a true friend and our greatest ally in the region."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

" ... if Israel is attacked, America will stand with Israel. I’ve made that clear throughout my presidency ... I will stand with Israel if they are attacked. And this is the reason why, working with Israel, we have created the strongest military and intelligence cooperation between our two countries in history. In fact, this week we’ll be carrying out the largest military exercise with Israel in history, this very week."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

"And when I went to Israel as a candidate, I didn’t take donors, I didn’t attend fundraisers, I went to Yad Vashem, the — the Holocaust museum there, to remind myself the — the nature of evil and why our bond with Israel will be unbreakable."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

"I hope that, as I sign as this bill, once again everybody understands how committed all of us are -- Republicans and Democrats -- as Americans to our friends in making sure that Israel is safe and secure."
- Signing "U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act" (July 27, 2012)

"The tragic events that we saw in Bulgaria emphasize the degree to which this continues to be a challenge not just for Israel, but for the entire world -- preventing terrorist attacks and making sure the people of Israel are not targeted."
- Signing "U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act" (July 27, 2012)

"Yes, we are bound to Israel because of the interests that we share -- in security for our communities, prosperity for our people, the new frontiers of science that can light the world. But ultimately it is our common ideals that provide the true foundation for our relationship ... In the United States, our support for Israel is bipartisan, and that is how it should stay."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (March 4, 2012)

"Our iron-clad commitment -- and I mean iron-clad -- to Israel’s security has meant the closest military cooperation between our two countries in history."
- State of the Union Address (January 24, 2012)

"No U.S. administration has done more in support of Israel's security than ours ... We’re going to keep standing with our Israeli friends and allies, just as we’ve been doing when they’ve needed us most. ... On my watch, the United States of America has led the way, from Durban to the United Nations, against attempts to use international forums to delegitimize Israel."
- 71st General Assembly, Union for Reform Judaism (December 16, 2011)

"The special bonds between our nations are ones that all Americans hold dear because they’re bonds forged by common interests and shared values. They’re bonds that transcend partisan politics ... We stand with Israel as a Jewish democratic state because we know that Israel is born of firmly held values that we, as Americans, share: a culture committed to justice, a land that welcomes the weary, a people devoted to tikkun olam ... So America’s commitment to Israel and Israel’s security is unshakeable.
- 71st General Assembly, Union for Reform Judaism (December 16, 2011)

"This [Hannukkah] is also a time to be grateful for our friendships, both with each other and between our nations. And that includes, of course, our unshakeable support and commitment to the security of the nation of Israel."
- White House Hanukkah Reception (December 8, 2011)

"Israel’s legitimacy is not a matter for debate. That is my commitment; that is my pledge to all of you."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (May 22, 2011)

"A strong and secure Israel is in the national security interest of the United States not simply because we share strategic interests ... America’s commitment to Israel’s security flows from a deeper place -- and that’s the values we share ... As two vibrant democracies, we recognize that the liberties and freedoms we cherish must be constantly nurtured. And as the nation that recognized the State of Israel moments after its independence, we have a profound commitment to its survival as a strong, secure homeland for the Jewish people."
-Remarks to AIPAC Policy Conference (May 22, 2011)

Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

"Among Israelis and Palestinians, the future must not belong to those who turn their backs on a prospect of peace. Let us leave behind those who thrive on conflict, those who reject the right of Israel to exist. The road is hard, but the destination is clear -- a secure, Jewish state of Israel and an independent, prosperous Palestine. Understanding that such a peace must come through a just agreement between the parties, America will walk alongside all who are prepared to make that journey."
- United Nations General Assembly (September 25, 2012)

"Our commitment to Israel's security must not waver, and neither must our pursuit of peace."
- Democratic National Convention (September 6, 2012)

"I make no apologies for pursuing peace. Israel’s own leaders understand the necessity of peace. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak, President Peres -- each of them have called for two states, a secure Israel that lives side by side with an independent Palestinian state. I believe that peace is profoundly in Israel’s security interest."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (March 4, 2012)

"As President, I have never wavered in pursuit of a just and lasting peace - two states for two peoples; an independent state of Palestine alongside a secure Jewish state of Israel. I have not wavered and will not waver ... A just and lasting peace is in the long-term interests of Israel. It is in the long-term interests of the Palestinian people. It is in the interest of the region. It is the interest of the United States, and it is in the interest of the world."
- 71st General Assembly, Union for Reform Judaism (December 16, 2011)

"We know that peace demands a partner – which is why I said that Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with Palestinians who do not recognize its right to exist. And we will hold the Palestinians accountable for their actions and for their rhetoric."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (May 22, 2011)

"It is up to the Israelis and Palestinians to take action. No peace can be imposed upon them -- not by the United States; not by anybody else ... a lasting peace will involve two states for two peoples: Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people, and the state of Palestine as the homeland for the Palestinian people ... The United States believes that negotiations should result in two states."
- "Arab Spring" Speech (May 19, 2011)

"That truth is what makes peace so hard. And the deadlock will only be broken when each side learns to stand in each other’s shoes ... We will only succeed in that effort if we can encourage the parties to sit down together, to listen to each other, and to understand each other’s hopes and fears."
- United Nations General Assembly (September 21, 2011)

"[Israeli settlement building] is never helpful when it comes to peace negotiations and I'm concerned that we're not seeing each side make the extra effort to get a breakthrough that could finally create a framework for a secure Israel living side by side in peace with a soverign Palestine."
- Speech in Indonesia (November 9, 2010)

"As we pursue peace between Israelis and Palestinians, we will also pursue peace between Israel and Lebanon, Israel and Syria, and a broader peace between Israel and its neighbors. We will pursue regional initiatives with multilateral participation, alongside bilateral negotiations."
- National Security Strategy (May 2010)

"Israel is going to have to take some difficult steps as well, and I shared with the Prime Minister the fact that under the roadmap and under Annapolis that there’s a clear understanding that we have to make progress on settlements. Settlements have to be stopped in order for us to move forward."
- Conference with Prime Minister Netanyahu (May 18, 2009)

Palestinian Statehood

"I said it in September at the United Nations. I said it when I stood amid the homes in Sderot that had been struck by missiles: No nation can tolerate terror. And no nation can accept rockets targeting innocent men, women and children. No nation can yield to suicide bombers."
- Remarks to the 71st General Assembly of the Union for Reform Judaism, December 16, 2011

"The recent agreement between Fatah and Hamas poses an enormous obstacle to peace. No country can be expected to negotiate with a terrorist organization sworn to its destruction. And we will continue to demand that Hamas accept the basic responsibilities of peace, including recognizing Israel’s right to exist and rejecting violence and adhering to all existing agreements."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (May 22, 2011)

"No vote at the United Nations will ever create an independent Palestinian state. And the United States will stand up against efforts to single Israel out at the United Nations."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (May 22, 2011)

"We will never abandon our pursuit of a just and lasting peace that ends this conflict with two states living side by side in peace and security ... a genuine peace is the only path that will ultimately provide for a peaceful Palestine as the homeland of the Palestinian people and a Jewish state of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (May 22, 2011)

"We believe the borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states."
- "Arab Spring" Speech (May 19, 2011)

Threat from Iran

"But to the issue of Iran, as long as I’m president of the United States, Iran will not get a nuclear weapon."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

"We’re not going to allow Iran to perpetually engage in negotiations that lead nowhere."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

"We then organized the strongest coalition and the strongest sanctions against Iran in history, and it is crippling their economy. Their currency has dropped 80 percent. Their oil production has plunged to the lowest level since they were fighting a war with Iraq 20 years ago. So their economy is in a shambles."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

" ... a nuclear Iran is a threat to our national security and it’s threat to Israel’s national security. We cannot afford ... a nuclear arms race in the most volatile region of the world. Iran’s a state sponsor of terrorism, and for them to be able to provide nuclear technology to nonstate actors — that’s unacceptable. And they have said that they want to see Israel wiped off the map."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

"...our alliances have never been stronger ... with Israel where we have unprecedented military and intelligence cooperation, including dealing with the Iranian threat."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

" ... our goal is to get Iran to recognize it needs to give up its nuclear program and abide by the U.N. resolutions that have been in place, because they have the opportunity to re-enter the community of nations ... the deal we’ll accept is, they end their nuclear program. It’s very straightforward."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

" ... we’ve got to maintain that pressure [on Iran]."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

" ... the strength that we have shown in Iran is shown by the fact that we’ve been able to mobilize the world. When I came into office, the world was divided. Iran was resurgent. Iran is at its weakest point economically, strategically, militarily than since — than in many years."
- Third Presidential Debate in Florida (October 22, 2012)

"Make no mistake, a nuclear-armed Iran is not a challenge that can be contained. It would threaten the elimination of Israel, the security of Gulf nations, and the stability of the global economy. It risks triggering a nuclear-arms race in the region, and the unraveling of the non-proliferation treaty. That’s why a coalition of countries is holding the Iranian government accountable. And that’s why the United States will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon."
- United Nations General Assembly (September 25, 2012)

"I understand and share Prime Minister Netanyahu's insistence that Iran should not obtain a nuclear weapon because it would threaten us, it would threaten Israel and it would threaten the world and kick off a nuclear arms race ... Now I feel an obligation, not pressure but obligation, to make sure that we're in close consultation with the Israelis on these issues because it affects them deeply. They're one of our closest allies in the region. And we've got an Iranian regime that has said horrible things that directly threaten Israel's existence."
- Interview with '60 Minutes' (September 23, 2012)

"The Iranian government must face a world that stays united against its nuclear ambitions."
- Democratic National Convention (September 6, 2012)

"[Iran]- the clock is ticking."
- Latin American Summit (April 15, 2012)

"Already there is too much loose talk of war ... 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 pressure we have built. A nuclear armed Iran is completely counter to Israel's security interests, but it is also counter to the national security interests of the United States."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (March 4, 2012)

"Tthe entire world has an interest in preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. A nuclear-armed Iran would thoroughly undermine the non-proliferation regime that we've doen so much to build. There are risks that an Iranian nuclear weapon could fall into the hands of a terrorist organization ... others in the region would feel compelled to get their own nuclear weapon, triggering an arms race in one of the world's most volatile regions. It would embolden a regime that has brutalized its own people, and it would embolden Iran’s proxies, who have carried out terrorist attacks from the Levant to southwest Asia."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (March 4, 2012)

"Iran’s leaders should understand that I do not have a policy of containment; I have a policy to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. And as I have made clear time and again during the course of my presidency, I will not hesitate to use force when it is necessary to defend the United States and its interests."
- AIPAC Policy Conference (March 4, 2012)

"As president of the United States, I don't bluff ... I think both the Iranian and the Israeli governments recognize that when the United States says it is unacceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, we mean what we say ... Iran is known to sponsor terrorist organizations, so the threat of proliferation becomes that much more severe ... it is important for us to see if we can solve this thing permanently, as opposed to temporarily."
- Interview with Jeffrey Goldberg (March 2, 2012)

"Another grave concern – and a threat to the security of Israel, the United States and the world – is Iran’s nuclear program. And that’s why our policy has been absolutely clear: We are determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons ... We have imposed the most comprehensive, the hardest-hitting sanctions that the Iranian regime has ever faced ... Rest assured, we will take no options off the table."
- 71st General Assembly, Union for Reform Judaism (December 16, 2011)

Illinois State Senate   -   United States Senate   -   United States Presidency

Illinois State Senate (1997 - 2004):

- Co-sponsored SR-0346 in April 2002. 

The bill called on Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat to end the encouragement, support, and praise of terror attacks against Israeli civilians that emanate from areas under his direct jurisdiction. The bill also reinforced that the members of the Illinois State Senate seek peace for Israel and support establishing a permanent peace accord with its neighbors. SR-0346: CLICK HERE

United States Senate (2004 - 2008):

- Co-sponsored S-516 (ADVANCE Democracy Act) in March 2005.  

The act stated that a fundamental component of US foreign policy is the promotion of freedom and democracy in the Near East. It provided funding for the Human Rights and Democracy Fund and set forth provisions through which the Secretary of State will work to enhance democracy and democratic processes in foreign countries. S-516: CLICK HERE

- Co-sponsored S-1862 (United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act) in October 2005.

The bill instructs the US Secretary of Energy to implement an agreement between the US Department of Energy and the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure concerncing energy cooperation.  The bill also authorized grants to support bilateral research in solar, biomass, wind, and fossil energy as well as energy efficiency. S-1862: CLICK HERE

- Co-sponsored S-2370 (Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act) in March 2006.

The bill states that it is US policy to: support a peaceful two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflic; oppose organizations and countries that support terrorism and violently reject the Two-State Solution; promote democracy and cessation of terrorism and incitement by the Palestinian Authority; urge the international community to refrain from contact with Hamas until the organization agrees to recognize Israel, renounce violence, disarm, and accept prior peace agreements. The bill also amended the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to ensure that no aid will go to any Palestinian ministry or agency that is controlled by Hamas unless Hamas publicly acknowledges Israel's right to exist. S-2370: CLICK HERE

- Co-sponsored SR-534 in July 2006.

The resolution reaffirmed US committment to supporting Israel and its right to self-defense and to take appropriate action to deter aggression by terrorist groups. It urged President Bush to continue to fully support Israel in exercising its right to self-defense in Lebanon and Gaza and called for the immediate release of kidnapped Israeli soldiers held by Hamas and Hezbollah. The resolution also condemned Hamas and Hezbollah for exploiting civilian populations as shields and locating their military activities in civilian areas. SR-534: CLICK HERE

- Co-sponsored S-970 (Iran Counter-Proliferation Act) in March 2007. 

Bill subjects Iran to specified economic sanctions unless the President certifies that Iran has verifiably dismantled all nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing-related programs. Directs the President to reduce annual US contributions to the World Bank based upon Bank amounts provided to projects in Iran. Also subjects Russia to specific nuclear energy cooperation prohibitions unless the President certifies that Russia has suspended all nuclear assistance and transfers of weapons to Iran. S-970: CLICK HERE

- Co-sponsored SR-142 in April 2007.

The resolution marked the observance of Yom HaShoah as a memorial day for the millions who were lost during the Holocaust. SR-142: CLICK HERE

- Sponsored S-1430 (Iran Sanctions Enabling Act) in May 2007.

The bill directs the Secretary of Treasury to publish a list of people and organizations, both within or outside the United States, that have direct investment of more than $20 million in Iran's energy sector. It also states that it is US policy to support the decision of governments and educational institutions to divest from those on the list. S-1430: CLICK HERE

- Co-sponsored SR-522 in April 2008.

The resolution reaffirmed the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the US and Israel on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. It commends the Israeli people on their achievements in building a pluralistic, democratic society and reaffirmed support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats to its security and existence. SR-522: CLICK HERE

- Sponsored SJR-23 in November 2007.

States that nothing in the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq, any resolution previously adopted, or any other provision of law shall be construed to authorize, encourage, or in any way address the use of the U.S. Armed Forces against Iran. SJR-23: CLICK HERE

United States Presidency (2009 - 2012):

- Signed Executive Order Waiver on Jerusalem Embassy Act in June 2009.

Suspended the limitations under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 - to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem - pursuant to the authorities vested in the President if deteremined that it is necessary, in order to protect the national security interests of the United States, to not move the embassy. Waiver: CLICK HERE
      (Jerusalem Embassy Waivers: Signed in December 2009; June 2010; June 2011; June 2012)

- Signed HR-2194 (Iran Sanctions & Divestment Act) in July 2010.

Bill stated that diplomatic efforts to address Iran's illicit nuclear efforts and support for international terrorism will be more effective when combined with strong additional sanctions on the government of Iran.  Directs the President to impose the full range of sanctions on any individual or organization that maintain ties with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps because the IRGC leads Iran's involvement in nuclear program, support for international terrorism and human rights abuses. HR-2194: CLICK HERE

- Signed S-3847 (Security Cooperation Act) in October 2010.

Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 to extend the President's authority to transfer to Israel surplus defense items that are stockpiled in Israel and intended for use as Israeli reserve stocks. S-3847: CLICK HERE

- Singed Executive Order 13590 (Iran Sanctions) in November 2011.

Imposed on any person or organization sanctions for knowingly selling, leasing, or providing Iran with goods, services, technology, or support with a market value of over $1 million.  Sanctions on such a person or organization include the denying of any guarantee, insurance, or extension of credit with the export of goods to Iran. EO-13590: CLICK HERE
     (Similar Orders: Signed in February 2012; July 2012)

- Signed S-2165 (US-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act) in July 2012.

States that it is U.S. policy to: reaffirm the commitment to Israel's security as a Jewish state; support Israel's right to self-defense and help Israel preserve its qualitative military edge; expand military and civilian cooperation; assist in a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states living side-by-side in peace and security; and, veto any one-sided anti-Israel U.N. Security Council resolutions. S-2165: CLICK HERE

- Signed HR-1905 (Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012) in October 2012.

Expresses that the goal of compelling Iran to abandon efforts to acquire a nuclear weapons capability and other threatening activities can be achieved through a policy that includes economic sanctions, diplomacy, and military planning, and urges the President to initiate diplomatic efforts to expand the multilateral sanctions regime against Iran. Secondly, expands sanctions related to the energy sector of Iran and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by Iran, by expanding the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. HR-1905: CLICK HERE

In addition to his personal views, Barack Obama must draw upon a wide array of expertise to create a coherent and capable foreign policy, and the use of special advisory teams are an important asset for this purpose. In order to truly evaluate his agenda, it is therefore crucial to take these teams of foreign policy and national security advisers into account.

Below is a list of Obama's foreign policy team for issues affecting Israel and the Middle East:

CABINET:

• Joe Biden (Vice President): US Senator from Delaware between 1973 and 2009. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations from January 2007 to January 2009 and from January 2001 to Januaty 2003 (with a brief hiatus from the position January 20-June 6, 2001).
• Hillary Clinton (Secretary of State): First Lady of the United States (1993-2001); US Senator from New York between January 2001 and January 2009. Assumed the role of Secretary of State in January 2009.
• Leon Panetta (Secretary of Defense): US Representative from California (1977-1993); White House Chief-of-Staff under President Bill Clinton (1994-1997); Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (2009-2011); Assumed office as Secretary of Defense in July 2011
• Janet Napolitano (Secretary of Homeland Security): Attorney General of Arizona (1999-2003); Governor of Arizona (2003-2009); Assumed office as Secretary of Homeland Security in 2009

NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL:

• Steven Simon: Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa; Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and was a Spring 2008 Berlin Prize Fellow.
• John Brennan: Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrrorism and the Deputy National Security Advisor; Director of the National Counterterrorism Center under President George Bush (2004-2005)
• Gary Samore: White House Coordinator for Arms Control and WMD, Proliferation, and Terrorism
• Dan Poneman: Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Non-Proliferation
• Nick Rasmussen: Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism

AMBASSADORS:

• Susan Rice (United Nations): Assumed office as US Ambassador to the United Nations in 2009; formerly Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and Global Economy and Development at the Brookings Institution (2002-2004); Foreign policy advisor to Democratic Nominee John Kerry (2004); Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to Democratic Nominee for President Barack Obama (2008)
• Daniel Shapiro (Israel): Assumed office as US Ambassador to Israel in June 2011; formerly Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa on the United States National Security Council