Fact Check: Obama and the status of Jerusalem

WASHINGTON, (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama tried to please a pro-Israel crowd this week by saying that Jerusalem should be the capital of Israel and that the holy city should not be divided.

That angered Palestinians, who claim part of the city, and Obama clarified his remarks to say that the fate of Jerusalem should be a matter for negotiation. That angered some Israelis and their U.S. supporters.

Obama told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that "Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel and it must remain undivided." The remark Wednesday followed an endorsement of peace talks with the Palestinians to form an independent state.

On Thursday, Obama was asked if that didn't send the wrong signal to Palestinians who look to the United States to be an honest broker in negotiations with Israel.

"Obviously, it's going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues," Obama told CNN. "And Jerusalem will be part of the negotiations."

"My belief is that as a practical matter it would be very difficult to execute," he said. "I think that it is smart for us to work through a system in which everybody has access to the extraordinary religious sites in old Jerusalem, but that Israel has a legitimate claim on that city."

Republicans said Obama had backtracked. His campaign said no, he merely explained himself more fully.

Obama is trying to have it both ways, but there is nothing new about that. So does President Bush. President Clinton did, too.

Here is what the RJC said:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Kurtz or Stu Sandler
Phone: 202-638-6688 or 202-341-2213 (cell)

E-mail: ssandler@rjchq.org

Barack Obama Backtracks on “Undivided” Jerusalem-What Flip-Flop Is Next?

Washington, D.C. (June 6, 2008) — Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matthew Brooks criticized Barack Obama’s backtrack on his position that Jerusalem remain the “undivided” capital of Israel and questioned what other positions Barack Obama would reverse regarding Israel.

On Wednesday, Barack Obama committed that “Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided” in his speech before the AIPAC policy conference. On Thursday, Barack Obama backtracked on this position and reversed it. Following criticism from Palestinian and Hamas officials, Barack Obama on Thursday announced in an interview with CNN’s Candy Crowley that “obviously, it’s going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues. And Jerusalem will be a part of these negotiations.”

“Barack Obama’s attempt to use buzzwords to impress pro-Israel leaders has already backfired. Barack Obama’s reversal on Jerusalem, 24 hours after his AIPAC speech, demonstrates why the Jewish community has doubts and fears about an Obama presidency,” stated Matt Brooks. “Barack Obama’s retreat demonstrates that Senator Obama lacks the resolve and leadership necessary to protect America and Israel from the serious threats we face. Worst of all, the impression that Barack Obama changed this position because of pressure by Hamas officials sends all the wrong messages that a President Obama will back off pro-Israel positions when Hamas protests. Yet again, Barack Obama demonstrates why the Jewish community does not trust Barack Obama to keep America and Israel safe and secure.”

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