WASHINGTON (JTA) — Israel’s close ties with the United States could withstand the occasional policy dispute, President Obama’s top political adviser said.
"Let’s not confuse the occasional dispute over policy with the fundamental relationship that has guided our two nations for so long and will continue to guide our two nations," David Axelrod said Wednesday night at an event marking Israel’s 62nd Independence Day held at a hall facing the national Mall here.
U.S.-Israel tensions have intensified since early March, when Israel announced a major housing start in eastern Jerusalem during a visit by Vice President Joe Biden aimed at bolstering the bilateral relationship.
Axelrod, who in his address outlined his own affections for Israel as a Jew growing up in New Jersey, emphasized shared democratic values and Israel’s economic success.
Lee Rosenberg, president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and a major Obama backer during the election, said in his address that both nations reap benefits from the relationship.
"Israel stood by America in spirit and in action after the tragic events of 9-11," Rosenberg said. "As both our great nations fight the same scourge of terrorism and Islamic extremism, it is Israel which serves on the front lines as an outpost of American interests in a dangerous part of the world. Israel’s military expertise and the intelligence they share with us helps the United States remain on the offense against those who seek America’s destruction in some of the darkest and most difficult places on the planet."
He concluded: "When we meet again to celebrate Israel’s 63rd year of independence, we can say the United States and Israel remain standing, as always, steadfast together."
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