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Hagel criticized for 'anti-Israel' views ahead of nomination

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    Obama to tap former senator for secretary of defense

  • Duration 5:10
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In his new reactions on the expected nomination of former senator chuck cave all to be the nation's next secretary of defense some lawmakers outraged at the -- Seeing that -- has a troubling record with our ally Israel.

It's not been a friend to Israel and in my view the United States should stand unshakable -- with the nation of Israel.

And he has consistently.

Advocated weakness.

With respect to our enemies with that we're through with respect to the nation of Iran.

He has opposed sanctions over and over again and the job -- the secretary that the defense.

Is to be a serious credible strength.

And deterrence and and unfortunately.

I think weakness -- the secretary of defense invites conflict because because bullies don't respect weeks.

Mean it's very strong statements there by the news -- senator Ted Cruz.

Our next -- guest we believe probably would agree with that statement based on what he said.

And -- -- Eagles -- comments on Israel are disturbing Abe foxman is the head of the anti defamation league sir welcome good to have you with us today.

And money's good to be review truly in it -- I don't -- -- -- -- I think at the outset we should really say that senator hagel is a great American patriotic -- he's a great public servant.

But that doesn't necessarily mean that he's the best choice to be secretary of state.

As secretary of defense.

Hi -- and count the president of -- has the prerogative.

Two point whom he wants.

But disappointment raises a lot of questions because senator I hate those positions.

-- so much out of step and out of sync.

And out of line with the president's positions.

-- when the confirmation hearing occurs I think we'll have an opportunity and center in -- and have an opportunity.

To explain to convince to reassure the American people.

That some other positions which he has taken our -- -- not his positions now.

Or -- may have been misunderstood but unless he does that convincingly.

I am not I'm not convinced.

While putt -- let's put up the quote that raised a lot of eyebrows and is one component.

People's issues here and -- -- Chuck -- in an interview that he did with David Aaron Miller.

He says the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people up here but -- -- United States senator.

I'm not an Israeli senator he later said that you know he had some regrets about that state -- city should have said the Israel lobby.

What do you think about that comment and and and how reflective visit in your opinion based on his other actions and -- -- his his attitude and stance towards Israel.

Well he certainly is not an anti -- But that choice of words here's a man who's been in Washington with who lives with interest groups why sing aloud to.

The Israel interest group lobbying such an aggressive.

Way.

So if an American.

Congressman or senator urges for a special relationship -- -- -- does that make him a senator from Israel.

I find the words troubling I find the attitude.

When I would called -- dished out troubling especially since.

The support of Israel has frequently been spotty or -- And I'm looking forward for -- clear explanation I don't think to change a word from Jewish Israel is enough for me of an explanation.

You know why why was missing his god why is this the only lobby.

Did he find so distressing and traveling in a city where where lobbies part of the American system.

-- or one -- that most obvious sort of concerns of Israel would be how tough.

Defense Secretary -- would be on Iran.

Tell me what you see in his background that -- in gives us a view into how tough he would be on that.

While he's soft on -- on his approach to sanctions he's been approached -- sanctions across the board.

He's he's urged.

Dialogue with Hamas with Hezbollah.

Again I -- find it strange that these are positions.

So much at odds with two positions of President Obama -- -- -- a strong sanctions he's put military option on the table.

He's he's he's challenged Hamas.

And it and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations.

And yet his choice.

Monitors and -- monitor to most important choices and in foreign policy and national security.

Still -- -- a record of trying to explain away.

-- we should talk to Hamas and Hezbollah has and why sanctions may not work.

So why do you think he -- demand.

Well -- find out hopefully during the hearings.

Abe foxman.

Bringing up a lot of the issues that we will no doubt here.

In the hearing process Chuck -- has been vetted many times for different positions.

And now the president has signaled that he would like him to be as Defense Secretary so what kind of signal.

Does that send to the world if he is proved.

Thank you mr.

foxman very good to have you -- this morning thank you.

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