How can we trust Caroline Kennedy on Israel?

Caroline Kennedy's answer to a Politico question re Israel/Jerusalem is too vague for an unnamed leader Politico runs to, anonymously:

On Israel, always a central issue in New York politics, she responded to a question about supporting an Israeli airstrike on Iran by leaving the door open: "She believe Israel's security decisions should be left to Israel," said [spokesman Stefan] Friedman.

A leader of a major Jewish organization with a large New York constituency who read Kennedy's full response said, "This answer from Ms. Kennedy is a good start, but not sufficient from a person who wants to be the US Senator from the state with the largest number of American Jews.

"When Hillary Clinton sought to succeed Sen. Moynihan, she engaged in detailed discussions with Jewish New Yorkers about such critical issues such as the future of Jerusalem, her thoughts on the peace process, Arab incitement against Israel and more.  We look forward to such discussions with Caroline Kennedy," said the leader, who asked not to be identified because he said he was "optimistic" that Kennedy "would engage the Jewish community further."

From Politico's questionnaire:

QUESTION 8: Do you think Israel should negotiate with Hamas? Do you agree with Israel's Gaza Strip embargo? Would you support an Israeli airstrike on Iran if they felt Tehran's nuclear program represented a threat to their survival?

ANSWER: "Caroline Kennedy strongly supports a safe and secure Israel. She believe Israel's security decisions should be left to Israel."

On the assimilationist front, Kennedy is long married to a Jew who is the grandson of four Eastern Europeans. Apparently satisfying the old adage: Jews make good husbands... Thanks to Yakov for tip.

About Philip Weiss

Philip Weiss is Founder and Co-Editor of Mondoweiss.net.
Posted in Beyondoweiss, US Policy in the Middle East

{ 2 comments... read them below or add one }

  1. otto says:

    Does Kennedy believe Israel's security decisions should be left to Israel regardless of any externalities this imposes on Americans and American policy?

  2. anon says:

    Exactly the right question, otto. Her answer totally ignores all the ways her own country has become enmeshed in whatever Israel decides to do. No president since Ike has been able to fully support the USA's best interests. All who tried, including Kennedy and Bush Sr, have paid the price, as well as many presidential candidates. Bush Jr learned this lesson well, probably the only lesson he really internalized. Look where that's got us. She is just another cog in the on-going status quo, which is neither in her own nation's best interest, nor in
    Israel's own long term best interests.

    Zionists have nothing to fear from this lesser Kennedy; she may
    prove even less worthy than Meathead Kennedy, thankfully, pretty much out of action, though there's still no hope for an America First immigration policy to replace what he wrought as a goy front
    man.

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