WASHINGTON (JTA) — The House Minority Whip criticized President Obama’s Middle East policy during a congressional mission to Israel.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the only Jewish Republican in Congress, said he was "concerned about what the White House has been signaling of late," according to The Associated Press.
Instead of working on getting Israel to freeze settlement construction, Obama should be focusing on "the primary issue of import," Cantor said: "that is the existential threat that Iran poses not only to the State of Israel but to the United States."
Cantor also objected to U.S. criticism of Israel’s eviction of two Arab families from housing in eastern Jerusalem earlier this week.
"I don’t think we, in America, would want another country telling us how to implement and execute our laws," Cantor said.
Cantor is leading a delegation of 25 Republican members of Congress this week visiting Israel. A similar Democratic trip is scheduled for next week.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
