As much as the pro-Israel community supports moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, reality has often gotten in the way. Both President Clinton and President George W. Bush campaigned on relocating the embassy, and both failed to follow through. Not only has this been a major source of disappointment, it has also burned pro-Israel groups that supported these candidates based on that promise.
Both Michele Bachmann and Newt Gingrich have already vowed to move the embassy to Jerusalem, and their stances – while commendable – have inspired an understandable amount of skepticism.
Mitt Romney, in comparison, is making no promises on two of the most contentious issues within the pro-Israel community: the embassy relocation and the release of convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard. Romney told a group of Jewish leaders he was still undecided on both of these issues during an off-the-record meeting organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, according to the Washington Jewish Week’s Adam Kredo:
On the topic of Pollard, Romney said that he “was open to examining” the issue, but stopped short of saying that he would free the spy from federal prison, the source said.
When asked if he would move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem — a promise that Republican presidential candidates make with ease (but ultimately break once in office) — Romney said that he would “consult with the government of Israel” before he makes a final decision.
“It’s easy for me to promise, but it’s something I would consult with the government [of Israel] on,” Romney said, according to my source.
“He wouldn’t say, ‘I’m going to move it tomorrow,’ ” added the source.
These lines aren’t going to fire up Israel supporters the way Bachmann and Gingrich have, but Romney will likely win some respect for being honest. Obviously the Israeli government needs to be consulted first on the embassy decision. And the Pollard issue is one that has compelling arguments on both sides that need to be carefully examined before a decision is made. These might not be the most exciting answers, but they’re truthful and responsible ones. Romney’s often criticized as a candidate who blindly panders for votes, but he showed a level of restraint here that other candidates have not.
I would interpret his answers as a double 'no'.
Romney clearly hasn't figured out which way the wind is blowing on this yet (kind of like his initial position on the Ohio union vote). Great way to spin his indecision though, Alana. This is just another example showcasing that Romney has no clue how to take a position and lead (unless the polling tells him to).
I have to say the Pollard thing doesn't bother me that much. Pollard may be an Israeli now, but he was born an American. and as much as I love Israel, I love my own country more, and any American who spies against his own country deserves to go to jail. even if he was spying for "the right cause." but since Pollard's now served as much time as serial rapists and murderers do, it may be time to release him. n nas for Jerusalem: Clinton should have moved the embassy when he could. I don't see that happening any time soon in this space-time continuum. Israel's having enough trouble explaining to the nations why it should be allowed to retain Haifa. n
Yet another reason to doubt Mitt Romney's willingness – or ability – to lead. As crude, common, and coarse as they are thought to be, Sarah Palin and Herman Cain make Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich look like worn out, perpetually frustrated, wannabe presidents.
Perhaps Romney should have said that he agrees to move the embassy, and that he will consult the Israeli government in discussions to be commenced within six months of taking office.
Maybe Romney is the best candidate in terms of qualifications and electablility but both Commentary and Jennifer Rubin are too inclined to give Romney the benefit of the doubt on positions where Gingrich would be pilloried. When it is applied too thick it creates sympathy for Romney's opponents.
First Romney says – in the most recent debate – that he'd have to consult Bibi before publicly acknowledging that the palistinians are an invented people. And now he says he would have to consult Bibi before committing the U.S. to move our embassy to Israel's capital city. Lots of ammunition there for the far Left to paint him as a tool of the Jews. Plus, if he gets any more restrained, I may fall asleep.
The US embassy should be moved to Jerusalem immediately; moreover, Congress should remove the waiver by amendment. Jerusalem will always be the capital of Israel. Politicians promise everything under the sun inorder to obtain the Jewish vote – I say hold their feet to the fire instead of allowing them to renege on their word.