GOP 11th Congressional District candidate Dan Donovan today lashed out at President Obama for declassifying a 1987 report detailing Israel’s nuclear program, calling it a “stunning betrayal” of one of our county’s best allies.
The usually moderate Staten Island Republican, who turns hard right when it comes to Israel, was responding to reports in conservative publications that Obama released the information as a kind of tit-for-tat after hawkish Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu broke American protocol by agreeing to speak before Congress without going through the White House.
“The President’s rhetoric on Israel is deeply concerning at best, but to take such a provocative step of declassifying documents that could spark a nuclear arms race among our enemies is truly a stunning betrayal,” said Donovan. “The President seems more interested in political revenge for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech than he does stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons. The President’s actions put us at grave risk of ruining our relationship with our only true and steadfast ally in the Middle East.”
Donovan also said he will continue to stand in strong support of Israel and visiting the country will become one of his first official trips upon being elected to congress.
Justin Brannan, spokesperson for Donovan’s opponent, Bay Ridge Democrat Vinnie Gentile, said Gentile’s steadfast support for Israel is well-documented.
“As the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel will always be our friend, staunch ally, and strategic partner. Our county’s long-standing relationship with Israel is one we must never take for granted,” said Brannan.
The 11th Congressional District covers Staten Island and parts of Southern Brooklyn. The special election is May 5.
