GOP hopefuls push pro-Israel credentials
2012-03-06 20:16
Washington - Republican presidential hopefuls are brandishing their pro-Israel credentials by accusing President Barack Obama of weakness with Iran.
On a day when Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich are competing for votes in 10 states, they are also addressing America's leading pro-Israel lobby. Santorum is attending the event. Romney and Gingrich will speak by video. The other candidate, Representative Ron Paul, has no plans to speak to the group.
Romney accuses Obama of distancing the US from Israel. He says the president has spent too much effort warning Israel against military action against Iran.
The US and Israel both want to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.
Obama has urged pressure and diplomacy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized his nation's right to pre-emptive attack.
Obama will hold a news conference later on Tuesday.
- AP
