Congresswoman Bachmann has been a vocal supporter of Israel. In 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann stated that that American-Israeli relations must be a top priority for Congress and the new Administration. In January of 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann reacted to actions taken by Israel by stating that Israel was pushed into a corner with no other option than to defend and protect its people.
In 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann was critical of President Obama for his treatment of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. She was highly critical of President Obama's statements that Israel should return to pre-1967 borders.
Support for Free Expression
In June of 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting her support for a resolution to condemn restrictions on free speech on countries surrounding Israel.
Bachmann Supports the Freedom of Non-Violent Expression in Israel
Washington, D.C., Jun 11, 2008 -
U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) made the following statement in support of H.Res 1127, which would condemn the endemic restrictions on freedom of the press and media and public expression in the Middle East and the concurrent and widespread presence of anti-Semitic material, Holocaust denial, and incitement to violence in the Arab media and press:
“The people of Israel have been victims of violence and hatred for far too long. Not only are these peace-loving individuals targets of rocket attacks and terrorist actions, they are also victims of government censored, hateful press. It is far too common for Arab media markets to condemn Israel and promote actions which foster violence and hinder the peace process in the region. Israeli reporters and journalists have been harassed and intimidated by Middle East government officials who have placed harsh legal restrictions on what news can and can not be reported.
“I strongly believe that the universal right of all persons to peacefully express themselves in a non-violent way should be upheld in the Middle East. It is the responsibility of the United States and the global community to condemn this lack of freedom and work to promote an environment which fosters the license of non-violent speech and press and peace.”
Reaction of Soldier Deaths
In June of 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting her response to the return of soldiers from Israel and the release of terrorists by Israel.
Bachmann Regrets Kidnapped Israeli Soldiers Are Returned Home Dead
Washington, D.C., Jun 30, 2008 -
U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) made the following statement in response to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's decision to trade five prisoners (including a convicted Lebanese terrorist) for the bodies of two kidnapped Israeli soldiers:
"It is extremely unfortunate that after years of waiting, the families of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers learn that their loved ones have been killed. My prayers go out to those families who had kept a hopeful vigil for so long.
"To make matters worse, Israel is now willing to release a convicted terrorist and four additional prisoners just to get the bodies back. I deeply regret that Prime Minister Olmert must make this difficult decision and pray that the released prisoners reflect on this mercy and do not carry out future attacks on Israeli citizens."
Trip to Israel
In November of 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting a trip she and other Congressional members took to Israel.
Bachmann Travels to Israel with Local Jewish Community Leaders
Pledges to Continue to Fight for the Security of Israel
Washington, D.C., Nov 26, 2008 -
This month, U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) traveled to Israel with local members of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota & the Dakotas to continue to inform her understanding of issues related to Israel's peace and its role in American security issues. Bachmann, a long-time supporter of strong American-Israeli relations, met with Israeli officials, military leaders, and scholars to monitor the peacekeeping progress in the region and learn more about Israeli culture and politics.
"This was my second trip to Israel and it was just as interesting and memorable as the first," stated Bachmann. "To experience firsthand the history of this region is difficult to put into words. Many of my constituents share a strong bond with the people of Israel and they long to see peace and stability in the region. In many ways, Israel is America’s first line of defense and I share my constituents’ interest in maintaining and strengthening our relationship."
Bachmann continued: "I strongly believe that American-Israeli relations must be a top priority for Congress and the new Administration. I hope that the Obama Administration will work to protect the strong alliance between our nations and to secure peace in the Middle East without jeopardizing the security of the Israeli people.
"Sadly, extremist views that support terrorism and violence are the biggest threat to both Israel and the United States. Terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Islamic Jihad actively foster violence and hinder the peace process in the Mideast. They are a threat to the entire global community."
Note: A picture is attached. From left to right- Rabbi Joshua Borenstein, State Rep. Paul Kohls, Jacob Millner, Susan Gurstel, Todd Gurstel, Marcus Bachmann, Rep. Michele Bachmann, and Dan Rosen.
Israel's Right to Defend Itself
In January of 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting her support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas rocket attacks.
Bachmann Defends Israel's Right to Protect Its People Supports Bipartisan Resolution H. Res. 34
Washington, D.C., Jan 9, 2009 -
Today, U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) reaffirmed her support for the people of Israel and voted for the bipartisan resolution, H.Res. 34, which recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks by Hamas, reiterates the United States’ strong support for Israel, and supports the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
In debating this resolution, Bachmann stated:
"The current conflict in Gaza has drawn worldwide attention and concern. No one likes to see the destruction, the loss of life, the grief. But, Israel was pushed into a corner with no other option than to defend and protect its people. Now, it is time that Congress put its words into action and stand strong behind our most valuable ally, Israel.
"The extremist views that support terrorism and violence are the biggest threat to both our nations. Terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Islamic Jihad actively foster violence and hinder the peace process in the Mideast. These acts endanger the entire global community, most of all the peace-loving people who live in the Middle East. These are not only Israelis, but also Palestinians. They deserve a chance for a peaceful life and a future for their children. Terrorists work to block such chances.
"The people of Israel have been victims of violence and hatred for far too long. It is imperative that the leaders of America do everything in their power to foster an environment with the Middle East that promotes peace and understanding. The future of America and Israel depend on it."
Support for Israel
In May of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed discussing recent events in Israel and the abduction of soldiers there.
Stand With Israel 5/31/2010 | Email Michele Bachmann | All Posts By Blogger
Israel has come under attack yet again from several world leaders who are calling the actions taken yesterday by their military "criminal" and "inhuman." The AP reports that Israeli commandos stopped six flotillas headed towards Gaza to make sure that their cargo did not contain weapons. The first five ships abided by the checks peacefully, but on the sixth ship, Israeli commandoes were met with strong resistance.
The AP Reports: "A soldier identified only as a sergeant told reporters at a military briefing that the activists on board 'were armed with knives, scissors, pepper spray and guns.' He said he was armed only with a paintball rifle. 'It was a civilian paintball gun that any 12-year-old can play with,' he said. 'I saw my friends on the deck spitting blood.'
"Israel intercepted the six ships carrying some 10,000 tons of aid for the isolated seaside territory, which has been blockaded by Israel for three years, with Egypt's cooperation. The Israeli government had urged the flotilla not to try to breach the blockade before the ships set sail from waters off Cyprus on Sunday and offered to take some aid in for them.
"Israel has allowed ships through five times, but has blocked them from entering Gaza waters since a three-week military offensive against Gaza's Hamas rulers in January 2009."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed "regret" for the loss of life of ten activists on board, but said the soldiers "had to defend themselves, defend their lives, or they would have been killed."
While the world decries the actions of Israel, I think it's imperative that the United States stand strong with their ally. I support Israel's position to stop and inspect peace missions headed to Gaza for national security purposes and the U.S. should reiterate our support for Israel and stand by them throughout the peace process in the Middle East.
Obama and Netanyahu
In July of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed discussing a recent visit by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the behavior of the Obama administration during that time.
Obama and Netanyahu Take Two 7/6/2010 | Email Michele Bachmann | All Posts By Blogger
Last time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was at the White House, he did not receive a warm reception to say the least. Today, however, Netanyahu is back in Washington and President Obama has a great opportunity to mend troubled relations between the longtime allies.
The press is encouraging a photo to be taken of the two leaders together, but I also would like to encourage the President to take a public stand in defense of Israel and their right to defend themselves. It is my sincere hope Obama does not pressure Netanyahu to cede eastern land to Palestine in today’s meeting. Likewise, I do not want to see a push for an apology for the May 31 flotilla incident that took a deadly turn. Rather, Israel has a right to settle on its own land and to defend itself from those looking to do harm. Going forward, Israel must be supported by the United States for the long-term safety and security of both nations.
President Obama, second chances do not come along often; please take advantage of this opportunity and restore relations with our longtime friend and ally.
Update:
President Obama certainly did his best this morning to make it appear like the relationship between his Administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has always been on solid ground. In fact, he went as far as to say that his commitment to Israel is "unwavering". Personally, I think "unwavering" is a bit strong. After all, it was President Obama who said in an address to the United Nations in September of 2009 that "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements."
This is in line with what Fox News reported in April of this year about America's role on the U.N. Security Council regarding Israel:
"The Obama administration is reportedly signaling another major shift in policy towards one of its staunchest allies, Israel, and this shift could change the way it votes at the Security Council. The change would mean an end to the US' use of its veto power in the United Nations Security Council when certain anti-Israel resolutions are introduced for a vote.
"Reports surfaced a couple of weeks ago, that a senior US diplomat met with Qatar's foreign minister in Paris. They discussed the possibility that the US was giving serious consideration to not using its veto if a vote on Israeli settlements was to come up. It has been the policy of successive administrations to veto virtually all anti-Israel resolutions at the Security Council."
That doesn't sound like an "unwavering" commitment to me.
Update on Israel
In June of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann made a video discussing the situation in Israel. She cites her disapproval of recent remarks made by President Obama concerning Israel's return to pre-1968 borders, and states that standing with Israel should be the primary component of middle-eastern foreign policy.
Western Debate
In October of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the Western Debate in Las Vegas. She was asked if the US should cut foreign aid to Israel. She responds that aid to Israel should not be cut, but that the US should look to obtain funds from those countries that we liberated, such as Iraq and Libya.
COOPER: Time. Congresswoman Bachmann...
PAUL: ... at their own will.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Should we cut foreign aid to Israel?
BACHMANN: No, we should not be cutting foreign aid to Israel. Israel is our greatest ally. The biggest problem is the fact...
(APPLAUSE)
... that the president -- the biggest problem with this administration in foreign policy is that President Obama is the first president since Israel declared her sovereignty put daylight between the United States and Israel. That heavily contributed to the current hostilities that we see in the Middle East region.
Cutting back on foreign aid is one thing. Being reimbursed by nations that we have liberated is another. We should look to Iraq and Libya to reimburse us for part of what we have done to liberate these nations.
(APPLAUSE)
Now, I need to add something on this issue of negotiating for hostages. This is a very serious issue. For any candidate to say that they would release the prisoners at Guantanamo in exchange for a hostage would be absolutely contrary to the historical nature of the United States and what we do in our policy. That's naive; we cannot do that. The United States has done well because we have an absolute policy: We don't negotiate.
Recognizing the 62nd anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, and reaffirming unequivocal support for the alliance and friendship between the United States and Israel.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States: (1) supports Israel's right to defend itself; (2) supports Israel's naval blockade of Gaza; and (3) should oppose any investigation by the United Nations (U.N.) into the flotilla incident (involving the May 2010 Israeli interception of ships carrying supplies to Gaza).
Supports: (1) Israel's right to defend itself against terrorists that wish to infiltrate its borders and attack its citizens; and (2) Israel's plight to protect its borders with the construction of a security fence and checkpoints along the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Egypt. Recognizes: (1) the security fence's success in keeping out terrorists; and (2) Israel's efforts to combat international terrorism. Condemns the actions and rhetoric of Iranian leaders and terrorist organizations to terrorize Israel's people. Reaffirms the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Authorizes the President to provide assistance to the government of Israel for the procurement, maintenance, and sustainment of the Iron Dome Short Range Artillery Rocket Defense System for purposes of intercepting short-range rockets, missiles, and mortars launched against Israel.
Condemns the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for its: (1) threats to annihilate the United States and Israel; (2) support of international terrorism; and (3) incitement of genocide of the Israeli people. Supports using all means to persuade the government of Iran to stop building and acquiring nuclear weapons. Reaffirms the U.S. bond with Israel and pledges to work with the government of Israel and the people of Israel to ensure that their nation receives critical economic and military assistance, including missile defense capabilities, needed to address the Iranian threat. Supports Israel's right to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by Iran.
Urges Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is also Chairman of his Fatah party, to officially abrogate the 10 articles in the Fatah Constitution that call for Israel's destruction and terrorism against Israel, oppose any political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and label Zionism as racism. Condemns the continuing existence of these articles as part of the Fatah Constitution.
