Tuesday, September 2, 2008 10:46 AMBy: Jim Meyers
Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden is denying a report that he secretly told Israeli officials they would have to accept the idea that Iran will acquire nuclear weapons.
Israeli Army Radio said on Monday that the senator from Delaware, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with “senior Israeli officials” behind closed doors during a visit several years ago and told them: “Israel with have to reconcile itself with the nuclearization of Iran.”
Biden reportedly told the officials he opposed “opening an additional military and diplomatic front” against Iran.
But Biden spokesman David Wade declared in comments reported by ABC News: “This is a lie peddled by partisan opponents of Senators Obama and Biden, and we will not tolerate anyone questioning Senator Biden’s 35-year record of standing up for the security of Israel.
“Joe Biden’s first trip as a Senator was to Israel, he has worked with every Israeli leader from Golda Meir to Prime Minister Olmert, and he takes a back seat to no one when it comes to protecting the relationship between Israel and the U.S.
"Senator Biden has consistently stated – publicly and privately — that a nuclear Iran would pose a grave threat to Israel and the United States and that we must prevent a nuclear Iran.”
As Newsmax reported on Monday, Biden has been an ardent supporter of the state of Israel in the Senate. His selection as Barack Obama’s running mate was seen as an effort to shore up support with the U.S. Jewish community.
During the primaries Obama argued for direct negotiations with Iran, and he has avoided making any suggestion that the U.S. should take military action against Iran.
Biden on defending Israel: 'Silence breeds abuse'
http://www.necn.com/Boston/Politics/Biden-on-defending-Israel-Silence-breeds-abuse-/1220376997.html
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