BICOM

In their third and final televised debate, United States President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney both pledged their support for Israel. In a debate that focused on US foreign policy and security, Israel was mentioned on 34 occasions. During the discussion, moderator Bob Schieffer asked the candidates if they would stand by Israel if attacked by Iran. Obama responded, “I will stand with Israel if they are attacked. And this is the reason why, working with Israel, we have created the strongest military and intelligence cooperation between our two countries in history.”

Romney was similarly unequivocal, saying “When I’m President of the United States, we will stand with Israel. And if Israel is attacked, we have their back, not just diplomatically, not just culturally, but militarily.”

Talking about the security challenges facing the United States and the world, Romney labelled Iran “the greatest national security threat” and said that under Obama’s administration, Tehran is now “four years closer to a nuclear weapon.” However, Obama pledged that “As long as I’m president of the United States Iran will not get a nuclear weapon,” adding that “We’ve put in the toughest, most crippling sanctions ever.”

President Obama also stressed the importance of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Addressing Cairo’s recently elected government led by the Muslim Brotherhood, he said, “They have to abide by their treaty with Israel. That is a red line for us, because not only is Israel’s security at stake, but our security is at stake if that unravels.”