Contrary to Hagel’s logic, Israel doesn’t enjoy widespread American support because anyone — from any faith — intimidated someone else; Israel earned the support of the American people because of its people’s values.
The danger in what Hagel said is if he thinks Israel is supported on Capitol Hill because of intimidation, then it’s not hard to see why Hagel is so soft in his support for our ally. He sees himself as an independent voice willing to stand up to intimidation, and he wears his anti-Israel votes as badges of honor. But Hagel isn’t independent. He’s alone. His position on Middle Eastern matters is so outside the mainstream of both parties that almost no one agrees with him. (CNN Op-Ed, Posted 15 Jan 13)
