Obama tells Israelis he identifies with Jewish struggle
Thursday, July 8, 2010
By: ICEJ News

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In an interview aired by Israel TV Channel 2 on Thursday evening, US President Barack Obama suggested that some Israelis may not trust him because “my middle name is Hussein,” but that his outreach to the Muslim world was meant in part to reduce regional hostility towards the Jewish state, which is locked in a struggle that he identifies with closely. "The truth of the matter is that my outreach to the Muslim community is designed precisely to reduce the antagonism and the dangers posed by a hostile Muslim world to Israel and to the West," Obama insisted. He added that he is able to identify with the Jewish struggle for a state because there are many similarities to the African American freedom movement and Israel’s success against all odds is "a great source of hope." Obama sidestepped a question on whether he would pressure Israel to extend its 10-month settlement freeze, and praised Benjamin Netanyahu – whom he hosted at the White House on Tuesday – as a “smart and savvy” leader who “is well positioned to bring about peace,” despite his hawkish reputation. "I had the impression that Netanyahu is not just interested in occupying a space and filling a role, he is interested in being a statesman and putting his country on more secure tracks,” Obama added. He also expressed confidence that Israel would not “surprise” Washington by unilaterally attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities.