Fred Thompson's Israel Position

Fred Thompson's Position on Israel

Israel

The United States is committed to the security of Israel and the safety of the Israeli people. The historical, familial and cultural ties of our peoples are the basis of this commitment. It is strengthened by the shared values and shared interests of our nations. Our mutual goal is an economically and militarily strong Israel at peace with its neighbors. We must exercise our traditional leadership role in the region and continue our longstanding support to Israel to achieve this vision.

Key Issues

Security Cooperation. Security assistance to Israel is a key pillar of U.S. foreign policy and provides a cost-effective way to ensure the security of one of America's closest allies. The new U.S.-Israel security agreement forms the basis of this relationship and will help both the United States and Israel counter common threats in the Middle East and advance mutual goals. Meanwhile, we must also continue comprehensive strategic dialogues, joint military training, and cooperation on development programs such as missile defense.

Iran. Iran remains the world's premier state sponsor of terrorism, has attempted to undermine regional stability, and has repeatedly threatened Israel. Iran is intent on developing nuclear weapons, longer-range missiles, and modern conventional forces. And it is led by a tyrant who has vowed to wipe Israel off the map. Iran also supports terrorist groups throughout the Middle East, such as Hamas and Hizballah, and is responsible for supplying weapons to extremists who are killing U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. A nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated. Its sponsorship of terrorism must end as well. We must work with the oppressed people of Iran to bring about regime change, while also working with other responsible democracies to isolate the regime and stop its illicit activities.

Syria. Syria is a state sponsor of terrorism and is determined to develop Weapons of Mass Destruction and advanced ballistic missiles as it builds up its military forces. Its active meddling in Lebanon's internal affairs, and its support of Hezbollah, are destabilizing and must also end. Belligerent public statements by Syrian officials toward Israel and the military build-up along the Golan Heights continue to undermine the possibility of peace talks between Syria and Israel. Serious and sustained international pressure is integral to bringing about change in Damascus.

Hizballah. As Iran's proxy against Israel and the West, Hizballah remains a terror network that poses a direct threat to Israel and U.S. interests in the region. Hizballah has continued to rearm in preparation for another fight with Israel despite its obligations under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. The group's stranglehold over Southern Lebanon has increased and continues undermine Lebanese sovereignty. Hizballah is a terror organization that must be disarmed and disbanded.

Hamas. Hamas is another terrorist organization that must also be disarmed and disbanded. The United States should not recognize any Palestinian government run by Hamas, nor provide it financial assistance until Hamas recognizes Israel's right to exist, renounces violence and terrorism, and adheres to all previous Palestinian agreements with Israel. The continued build-up of advanced weaponry by Hamas is a sign that the group does not desire peace and, though Israel should demonstrate restraint, it may be forced to take action against this growing threat.

Peace Process. Achieving the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security is the surest way to bring about an end to the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. It is also essential to advancing the prosperity and security of both peoples. But to achieve this goal, Israel must have a reliable and credible partner in peace who will take serious steps to build trust and confidence, to include disbanding militias, ending terrorism, and cracking down on extremists. This will require the active support of other states in the region. Israel retains the right to take measures to defend itself, such as conducting counter-terrorist operations and completing its security barrier.

A Solid Record of Support
Fred Thompson's statements and Senate record demonstrate strong and clear support for Israel and the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Speaking Out Against Iran and Syria. "The terror masters in Tehran and Damascus make only the most minor distinction between America and Israel. They say that America is the Great Satan, and Israel is the Little Satan, and both must be destroyed. The US must make it clear that we will not allow Iran to become a nuclear threat….In addition to pursuing sanctions and other traditional means, we need to take other steps to reach out to the Iranian people and help them get rid of their hated regime. Our goal is peace and freedom. The US must willingly accept its accustomed role of leadership in this effort." (Thompson Statement Before the Republican Jewish Coalition on 10/16/07)

Affirming U.S. Support of Israel. "During last night's debate in New Hampshire, I was appalled that none of the leading Democrats would stand up for Israel's right to defend itself against Iran--a country intent on acquiring nuclear weapons and whose leader has vowed to wipe Israel off the map. A Thompson Administration would stand by Israel and all of our friends in the region. We would not wait for U.N. permission to support an ally or defend our interests abroad. The U.N. has not shown sufficient resolve toward stopping Iran's nuclear ambitions." (Thompson Press Release, 9/27/07)

Defending Israel's Reaction To Missile Launches From Gaza. In defending Israel's military response to these attacks he stated, "Let me ask you a hypothetical question. What do you think America would do if Canadian soldiers were firing dozens of missiles every day into Buffalo, NY? I can tell you, our response would look nothing like Israel's restrained and pinpoint reactions to daily missile attacks from Gaza. We would use whatever means necessary to win the war." (Haaretz, 9/12/07)

Senate Record. Fred Thompson supports legislation that advances the United States' and Israel's security and interests. During his time in the U.S. Senate, Fred Thompson voted for a number of measures important to both countries, including-

• A Senate Resolution in 2002 Expressing Solidarity With Israel And Reaffirming
• Commitment To Israel's Right To Self-Defense


• The Iran and Libya Sanctions Act Extension of 2001


• A Senate Resolution in 2001 Expressing Solidarity With Israel In Common Struggle Against Terrorism


• The China Nonproliferation Act he authored, which imposed sanctions on proliferators of WMD.


• The Iran Nonproliferation Act Of 2000


• A Senate Resolution in 1999 Expressing Opposition To Unilateral Declaration Of Palestinian State


• The Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act Of 1998


• The Jerusalem Embassy Act Of 1995

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Rudys FoPo

Back in August, I reviewed Rudy's foreign policy piece that appeared in Foreign Affairs. I pointed out there that Rudy's position on the Palis and negotiations with Israel was really no different than the Bush position. Annapolis may alter that opinion, only time will tell. Well, now an official Fred position on the Israel has been published on the Fred'08 website. Fred's position also echoes the Bush position. Again, we see the terms: mutual respect, trust, respect, credible peace partner, disbanding militias, and ending terrorism, mostly the same catch words.

Fred is strong on Hezbollah and Hamas, while labeling Syria and Iran, state sponsors of terrorism, which is fightin' words. Overall a pretty good statement but nothing revolutionary. Fred's record though, unlike Rudy who has no "official" record, is there for the world to see in the official record of the US Senate.

Rav Benny's Candidate

Sunday, October 7, 2007
MK BENNY ELON TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE IN JERUSALEM WEDNESDAY - US PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TO PUBLICLY ENDORSE ELON PLAN AT PRESS CONFERENCE

WWW.HAYOZMA.ORG

MK Benny Elon to launch "The Israeli Initiative" - The Right Road to Peace"
to Foreign Media

US Presidential Candidate to Publicly Endorse Plan at Press Conference

Jerusalem - Oct. 10th: MK Benny Elon, Chairman of the National Union Party,
will launch a million-dollar advertising campaign to promote "The Israeli
Initiative - The Right Road to Peace" on Wednesday, Oct. 10th at 12:00pm at
Beit Agron in Jerusalem. A prominent US presidential candidate will endorse
the plan, and MK Elon's vision via exclusive video at the press conference.

A prominent American multi-millionaire has funded the campaign. The campaign
will comprise of approximately 400 billboards, an extensive Internet
campaign in Hebrew and English, a website in seven languages,
www.hayozma.org , and the distribution of a 16-page booklet to key
decision-makers in Israel, the US, Europe, South America, Asia and Arab
countries.

"The Israeli Initiative" is MK Elon's proposed solution for solving the
Israeli/Palestinian conflict. It is based on three principles; a
humanitarian solution, a regional solution and Israeli sovereignty over
Judea and Samaria.

Media Contact
Uri Bank, English Language Spokesperson
Cell: +972 52 566 5668

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Rabbi Elon
From an historic perspective, this could be a significant event. The Bush administration is the first US Presidential administration to actively work for the establishment of an arab terrorist entity in the heart of biblical Israel. Clearly the inertia for the policy was inherited from Slick Willy, but the Bush people have been convincing in their interest to promote Pali statehood (in reality, not making much progress. One could argue this is intentional).

Almost immediately following 9-11, it appeared W. was very concerned with ending the conflict between the arab terrorist PA's war on Israel. Most people who have been watching and have any inkling of understanding of US interests have assumed that this policy continues to be a cost of the war against arabfacism. To have a US presidential candidate from the President's own party advocate a polar opposite policy, reversing the sitting President would be historic. For a Democrat presidential candidate to endorse the Elon plan would be suicide. It has to be a Republican, but who?

I do not wish to play the speculation game and this is not the purpose of the post but a little politics here would be instructive. The endorsement would be least important for Giuliani since it seems that Jewish Republicans have favored him from the outset. Thompson and Romney would benefit the most from the endorsement. The others are not factors in the race for now but McCain and Huckabee should be watched, their prominence possibly enhanced with an endorsement. Much to the chagrin of the Israel news junkies, in terms of Presidential politics, the story is a small splash of news and worth about 15 seconds of news coverage, maybe.

The Elon plan is worth looking at because it points out some realities:

• Most importantly that Samaria and Judea are Jewish land.
• Elon captures the morality issue, looking to handle arab relations in a humane and moral way while not surrendering the point that it is they who are occupiers.
• It indicts UNWRA for the arabian lobby fraud that it is.
• The plan tells the truth about Jordan, as politically incorrect as it may be.

IMHO, the plan re-creates the city-state. Pockets of arabian populations politically Jordanian but living on the Israeli side of the Jordan river will remain. Israel will be challenged to sell this plan without explaining the economic reality of how isolated villages will survive without all their needs being met from the outside given that the arabians have not developed too much in the way of industry and business. A modern city-state could be a very productive and profitable existence for its dwellers if a business niche could be discovered. An arabian city-state in Judea, for instance would have no national security issues, favorable tax status and trade relationships a virtual economic empowerment zone, if not for arabian hate.

In the end, the Elon plan will probably not be acceptable because it requires an end of conflict acknowledgement on the part of the palis and foregoing of the right of return. Jerusalem too will no longer be on the board. These factors require negating ego and accepting reality. Arabians have a hard time doing that.

FRED'S Announcement

Link to Fred

from: Blogs For Fred Thompson - Ad Preview

Script of Fred Thompson's Debate Ad

The Washington Post has gotten a preview of Fred Thompson's ad that will run during the New Hampshire debate tonight. Here is the script of the ad:

The script of the ad, titled "Debate"

FDT: I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message. On the next President's watch, our country will make decisions that will affect our lives and our families far into the future. We can't allow ourselves to become a weaker, less prosperous and more divided nation. Today, as before, the fate of millions across the world depends on the unity and resolve of the American people. I talk about this tomorrow on Fred08.com, I invite you to take a look and join us.

ANNCR: Fred Thompson, Republican for President.

Notice the ad will direct people to go to "www.fred08.com". Right now you still get a redirect to I'm With Fred.

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Thompson Unveils Ad Ahead of Thursday Kickoff

"Security, Unity, Prosperity"

Fred Thompson's image will begin appearing on the small screen today, not as District Attorney Arthur Branch, but as an official candidate for president.

In a 30-second campaign commercial sent to networks for broadcast at midnight, Thompson warns that "On the next President's watch, our country will make decisions that will affect our lives and our families far into the future. We can't allow ourselves to become a weaker, less prosperous and more divided nation."

Thompson concludes the ad with an invitation to visit his new campaign website, Fred08.com, on Thursday to watch a 15-minute video in which he officially announces his campaign for the White House. But if there is any doubt, an announcer then comes on, saying: "Fred Thompson, Republican for President."

The ad will air throughout the day today and during the New Hampshire Republican presidential debate on Fox tonight. Following the debate -- which Thompson is skipping -- he will appear on Jay Leno's "Tonight Show."

The idea, advisers say, is to create a national buzz about Thompson's official entry into the race and drive traffic to the new website on Thursday. The 15-minute video will be available on the website at 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning; advisers hope it steals the show the next morning on talk shows and cable news networks.

"The goal between now and the minute Senator Thompson is on Jay Leno is to drive as many people as we can to our website in anticipation of the launch video," said Communications Director Todd Harris.

The video, aides say, is part bio-pic, part conservative motivational film aimed at making the case that Thompson -- who was swept into office in 1994 as part of the conservative revolt that year -- has been fighting in the trenches for Republicans for decades.

The not-so-subtle dig: that former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani (who was endorsing Democratic governor Mario Cuomo that year) and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney (who was trying to run to the left of Sen. Edward Kennedy) are Johnny-come-Latelys.

"Success for us will be if we are able to commuicate Senator Thompson's mainsteam, conservative message to a Republican electorate that, frankly, until now, has been hungry for a new voice," Harris said.

On the stump, Thompson will tell audiences that his philosophical awakening dates to his reading of Barry Goldwater's book, "A Conscience of a Conservative" in the 1960s. "It compelled him to found the first Young Republicans chapter ever in Laurenceburg, Tennessee," Harris said.

Thompson's rivals have already tried to attack his conservative credentials by questioning his commitment to the anti-abortion movement and his sponsorship of campaign finance reforms that are anathema to many in the party.

But many of those stories emerged during the summer, when few voters are paying attention to presidential politics. And the critiques have so far failed to overwhelm Thompson's unique Hollywood-Washington persona.

His advisers hope that they can cement the narrative about Thompson's credentials before the attacks ramp up this fall. Said Harris: "There's no question that we need to have a good announcement tour."

--Michael D. Shear

The script of the ad, titled "Debate"

FDT: I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message. On the next President's watch, our country will make decisions that will affect our lives and our families far into the future. We can't allow ourselves to become a weaker, less prosperous and more divided nation. Today, as before, the fate of millions across the world depends on the unity and resolve of the American people. I talk about this tomorrow on Fred08.com, I invite you to take a look and join us.

ANNCR: Fred Thompson, Republican for President.

Posted at 12:01 AM ET on Sep 5, 2007
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And away we go!

Fred will again steal the headlines away from another Republican candidate forum by airing a commercial pitching his announcement to run for President (on his website) during the debate, appearing on Jay Leno and will, as pointed out above, be the talk of the Thursday morning news shows and radio shows.

This strategy puts Fred in the limelight and overshadows the other candidates except for the expected round of negativity coming from them during the debate as they lament the fact that Fred chose not to join their little New Hampshire get together. Fred's approach will work because it is positive modern, and forward looking. Let's see which of the candidates at the debate is positive about Fred's entry into the race. I predict that such a strategy will be a boost to the campaign any other candidate who chooses to stay positive minded about this novel approach by the Thompson team.

Okay, some early signs to watch now that the "real" campaign may be upon us.

Fred Vs. Rudy

Here is the scoop on the two with the strengths and weaknesses.

Fred: He must maximize his dominant presence by blending his sense of strength with thoughtfulness. He must appear to be commanding to nullify the attack that he is slow and boring. His stump speech style must adapt to his message. Too much folksy and straight talk can hurt a candidate who could be vulnerable to being labeled old and tired. His message must match his pace and commanding style. I believe Fred is up to the challenge and will take advantage of Rudy's weaknesses. The lead commercial tests a campaign theme: Security, Unity, Prosperity.

Rudy: He must temper his energetic approach with poise. Rudy will be slammed by the Thompson campaign as inexperienced in national affairs and is a risky gamble for the US. Rudy, to be successful must explain why even though he is not conservative, Republicans should vote for him anyhow. His experience is indeed executive where Fred's is legislative, but Rudy was a mayor not a governor (albeit NYC is sort of like a state). Nonetheless, I believe Fred will have him cornered when the energetic not ready for prime time feel of Rudy meets Fred's poised and commanding demeanor.

It has been a surprise for many that Rudy has managed to remain as the favorite in the GOP race as long as he has. For many, Romney just is unelectable. I personally find him quite slick and trying to be too conservative to make up for his past.

My theory is that Republicans have been waiting for Fred to make the run for the nomination official before lining up behind him. This theory would mean that Rudy has been the favorite because Republicans felt that he was the only electable candidate actually running. Now, with FDT in the race, all bets are off for Rudy.

If I am correct, the polls will reflect a flip-flop of Rudy and Fred within three weeks. The Republican voters and then the rest of the American people will get to know Fred very soon and make lasting images of him very quickly. I hope he can pull it off. As I wrote on Free Republic as far back as mid-January (07) posting "draft Fred Thompson" - Who do you really want to see debating Hillary?