SelectPlusObama Says He's Committed to Israel's SecurityObama Says He's Committed to Israel's SecurityThe Associated PressBarack Obama says he is committed to the security of Israel. Obama visited Israel and the West Bank in the latest stops on his overseas trip. (July 23)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] Barack Obama is defending his proposal to negotiate with Iran. SOTBarack Obama"My whole goal in terms of having tough, serious direct diplomacy is not because I'm naive about the nature of any of these regimes. I'm not"Obama says he would use a series of big sticks and big carrots to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.The Democratic presidential candidate made the statements in Sderot, an Israeli city that has been the frequent target of rocket attacks from Palestinian militants.Obama assured both Israel and the Palestinians that he would address the Mideast conflict early in his presidency.SOTBarack Obama I think there's a population on both sides that's frustrated with the process. And where there's hopelessness and despair, that can often turn in a bad direction"Obama came to Israel facing many challenges. Palestinians are skeptical that any U-S leader will reverse Washington's perceived bias toward Israel. Israelis are concerned he would push Israel too hard in negotiations with the Palestinians.SOTMarina Ottaway/Carnegie Endowment"I think at this point the Israelis have received answers that show support on the part of Sen Obama for their positions and demands, and the Palestinians have not. The paradox is that the Israeli's still do not completely trust Sen Obama" Obama has consistently said the U-S will remain a friend and ally of Israel. But some Jewish Americans say they're skeptical.SOTHarvey Woll/Voter "i'm just wondering is it's something he's saying to try to get elected and try to get the Jewish vote behind him, or if it's something he's really sincere about"SOTJoseph RawasIf he goes through and sticks to his points, I will be an obama supporter. But he's got to stick to his ways, not just going into be president and leaving Israel alone like all the presidents before"Obama's overseas trip takes him to Germany on Thursday. ___ ___, The Associated Press. Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: obama mideast says he's committed israel's security Added: July 23, 2008
