Trump: I'm a 'True Friend of Israel'

He focuses on Iran in AIPAC speech
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 22, 2016 12:15 AM CDT
Trump: I'm a 'True Friend of Israel'
Donald Trump speaks at the 2016 American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Donald Trump described himself as "a lifelong supporter and true friend of Israel" in remarks to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on Monday. His speech to the powerful pro-Israel group focused on the Iran nuclear deal, which he called "catastrophic for America, for Israel, and to the whole Middle East" and promised to dismantle, the AP reports. He also addressed earlier claims to be "neutral" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying there is no "moral equivalency" and "Israel does not pay its children to stab random Palestinians," reports Politico, which notes that the AIPAC speech was the first time Trump has used a teleprompter and scripted remarks since he launched his campaign last year.

Trump finished the speech by announcing that his daughter Ivanka, who married a Jewish man, "is about to have a beautiful Jewish baby." Earlier, Hillary Clinton addressed the conference and accused Trump of being unreliable, reports the New York Times. "We need steady hands," she said, "not a president who says he's neutral on Monday, pro-Israel on Tuesday, and who-knows-what on Wednesday." Ted Cruz spoke after Trump and attacked him for referring to Palestine, which Cruz said "has not existed since 1948." John Kasich also addressed the conference. An AIPAC spokesperson says Bernie Sanders was invited but was unable to attend because of his campaign schedule. (More Donald Trump stories.)

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