NEW YORK – Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has said he will do “the opposite” of Barack Obama when it comes to Israel, returning to a line of attack that seeks to portray the president as no friend to America’s traditional Middle East ally.
Speaking via videolink to religious conservatives attending the Faith and Freedom Coalition in Washington DC, Mr Romney accused Mr Obama of being more concerned about Israel attacking Iran than Tehran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“I think, by and large, you can just look at the things the president has done and do the opposite,” the Republican presidential nominee said.
The comments mark the first time that Mr Romney has discussed policy towards Israel since the White House race began in earnest.
Speaking just days before a crucial round of talks with Iran over its nuclear programme, Mr Romney hit out at the White House for a perceived weak stance on the issue.
“He’s almost sounded like he’s more frightened that Israel might take military action than he’s concerned that Iran might become nuclear,” Mr Romney said.
Other senior Republicans have gone as far as accusing Mr Obama of “appeasing” terrorists in his handling of stalled talks over Palestine. – (Guardian service)