Biden to Israel: Get Used to Iranian Nukes - Update: Biden Denies

Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 8:19:56 am PDT

Israel’s Army Radio is reporting that Obama’s running mate Joe Biden told Israeli officials they would have to learn to stop worrying, and love the Iranian bomb.

Security officials expressed concern Monday over statements reportedly made by US Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph Biden regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Army Radio reported that the Delaware senator was heard saying in closed conversations with Jerusalem officials three years ago that he was firmly opposed to an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Biden, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reportedly claimed that Israel would likely have to come to terms with a nuclear Iran. He reportedly expressed doubt over the effectiveness of economic sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic and said he was against the opening of an additional military and diplomatic front, saying that the US had more pressing problems, such as North Korea and Iraq.

Change!

UPDATE at 9/1/08 12:14:36 pm:

Biden spokesperson David Wade says this report is false.

Biden spox David Wade said the unsourced report is simply false.

“This is a lie peddled by partisan opponents of Senators Obama and Biden,” said Wade, “and we will not tolerate anyone questioning Senator Biden’s 35-year record of standing up for the security of Israel. Joe Biden’s first trip as a Senator was to Israel, he has worked with every Israeli leader from Golda Meir to Prime Minister Olmert, and he takes a back seat to no one when it comes to protecting the relationship between Israel and the US.”