Chuck Hagel’s Pro-Israel Record

[oberliner]

Conservatives seem to have learned from their campaign to block of U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice’s Secretary of State bid that the goal is to go on the attack early, before a nomination is even in place. That’s one explanation for their concerted attack on former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) who is thought to be the top choice to replace Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta when he retires sometime early next year.

The opposition to Hagel is also centered around the premise that he is somehow “anti-Semitic” and anti-Israel and would be unwilling take action against Iran over its nuclear program. But delving into the Senator’s statements, however, it’s clear that Hagel has a long history of pro-Israel sentiment and concern about Iran. The following is a collection of some of Hagel’s public statements on Israel during his time in the Senate:

“We have always been a strong ally of Israel — since the formation of Israel in 1948. We’ll continue to be a strong ally of Israel.” [10/15/2000]

“A close friend and ally, Israel, remains threatened by some of its neighbors. Violent Islamic extremism finds refuge in Iraq, Iran, and Syria and seeks to make inroads elsewhere in the region. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remains a threat. [...] Both Israelis and Palestinians have unmet obligations, neither side can justify further inaction. American leadership can push and prod but we cannot force Israelis or Palestinians to negotiate.” [11/15/2005]

U.S. Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) today sent a letter to Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, calling for the United Nations to offer a strong resolution condemning recent statements by Iranian President Mohammed Ahmadinejad and by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Khameni threatening the existence of Israel and the United States. [12/21/2005]

“The United States will remain committed to defending Israel. Our relationship with Israel is a special and historic one. But, it need not and cannot be at the expense of our Arab and Muslim relationships. That is an irresponsible and dangerous false choice.” [07/30/2006]

http://thinkprogress.org/security/2012/12/19/1357931/chuck-hagel-pro-israel/

[King_David]

1. His other obstacle is the LGBT issue. nt

[oberliner]

3. I don't see why Obama is thinking of nominating a Republican

Is there not a qualified Democrat available who can do the job?

Possibly a person of color or a woman? (neither of which has ever been nominated for Sec of Defense in the history of the United States)

[sabbat hunter]

4. do you have any potential candidates in mind?

It is not all that unusual for a Sec of defense to come from an opposing party. and the fact that hagel is a former senator, probably means that in the end he will cruise to confirmation.


I think it would be awesome to have a woman as sec of defense. but we need to make sure it is someone that is qualified.


A potential future Sec of defense is General Lloyd Austin, but he would have to retire and be out of the armed forces for a number of years before he would be eligible for the position.

[oberliner]

6. Your information is not accurate

You wrote that it is "not all that unusual for a Sec of defense to come from an opposing party" when in fact it is almost completely unheard of.

Only once in history has a Democrat nominated a Republican for Secretary of Defense and no Republican has ever nominated a Secretary of Defense who was a Democrat.

I would hope that someone on President Obama's team would be able to find a candidate for the position who was, at the very least, a Democrat, and ideally not another straight white male.

[sabbat hunter]

5. I would like to know his stance/feelings

today. Opinions can change/evolve over time. We saw it with President Obama

[bemildred]

2. Chuck Hagel Anti-Israel Charge Is 'Extremely Stupid,' Nebraska Rabbi Says

Add this one:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022051027