Posted on 03/19/2008 10:23:57 AM PDT by SmithL
SDEROT, Israel (AP) -- Touring a war-battered town, Sen. John McCain said Wednesday he understands Israel's tough response to Palestinian rocket fire, adding that there is no point in negotiating with the Gaza Strip's Islamic Hamas regime.
The Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting also praised the moderate Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, saying he is committed to reaching a peace deal with Israel — though McCain is not meeting Palestinians this time.
McCain's visit to Israel is part of a weeklong trip through the Middle East and Europe. After a day of meetings with Israeli leaders, he visited Sderot, the southern Israeli border town that has been the target of thousands of crude Palestinian rockets in recent years.
"That is not a way for people to live," McCain said. "No nation in the world can be attacked incessantly and have its population killed and intimidated without responding. That's one of the first obligations of government, to provide security for its citizens." Israel has been widely criticized for military operations aimed at stopping the rocket attacks, as well as its blockade of Gaza.
While billed as routine congressional business, the visit appeared to be aimed at burnishing McCain's leadership credentials and courting Jewish voters for next fall's election. Jews make up large voting blocs in several key swing states, including Florida and Michigan, and could help influence the outcome of the election.
Though McCain did not visit Palestinian areas, Palestinian peace negotiator Saeb Erekat said the senator has always been accessible to the Palestinians and is "committed to peace."
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
“Though McCain did not visit Palestinian areas, Palestinian peace negotiator Saeb Erekat said the senator has always been accessible to the Palestinians and is “committed to peace.”
Yes that’s right...those rockets being launched into Israel are not unlike doves being released at the Olympics. lol
I like the stance, but Condi won’t.
Well John, you are talking the talk.
One area where McCain is far superior to the Democrats. And even better than Bush.
I ahve to give him credit, McCain’s got it right on this one ....
Does he believe the same for the U.S.? I mean it’s difficult to believe he’s serious about the security of the U.S. homeland.
well he actually met israeli leaders and knows them very well.
He got that part right. There is something unseemly about "negotiating" with the killers of your women and children. Israel should have nothing further to say to anyone from Hamas; they should let their rifles do the talking. There is no peace for Israel while Hamas walks the earth.
I am actually glad he is not here in the US getting dragged into the Rev. Wright/Obama race issue. Almost anything he would say would probably be twisted to be interpreted as racist in this heated atmosphere.
High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel. or WOT [War on Terror]
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