One prominent
pro-Israel lobbying group in Washington is already praising the GOP takeover of
the House of Representatives as a net benefit for Israel.
"While Democrats are likely to keep control of the U.S.
Senate, Republicans will take over the U.S. House of Representatives following
Tuesday's elections. This is likely to have implications for Israel-related
issues such as Israel's relationship with the United States and the push for
sanctions against Iran," said an e-mail blasted out by The Israel Project only
minutes after news stations called the turnover of House control a certainty.
"The
takeover of the House by Republicans is great news for Israel and her
supporters," the email quotes Ari Fleischer,
White House spokesman under President George
W. Bush, as saying. "The House
leadership and almost every single GOP member is rock-solid behind Israel. At
times like this, Israel needs friends everywhere."
But the
Israel Project's e-mail then quickly turns on its head and praises
Congressional Democrats in the House and Senate for their staunch
support of Israel.
"The House Democratic leadership has been powerfully supportive of
Israel, and Speaker Pelosi has been nothing short of passionate in her
successful pursuit of biting sanctions against Iran - a key interest of the
pro-Israel community," The Israel Project quotes David Harris, president and CEO of the National Jewish Democratic
Council, as saying.
So which is it? Is The Israel
Project saying that Republicans or Democrats are better for Israel?
"American voters on both sides of the aisle support Israel," Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, founder and
president of The Israel Project, says in the e-mail.
The Israel Project identifies
several key Congressional changes that could impact the Israel debate on
Capitol Hill. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
(R-FL) will
take over the House Foreign Affairs Committee from Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA). House Minority
Leader John Boehner (R-OH), who the
Project calls "staunchly pro-Israel," will likely be the next Speaker of the
House and Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA)
could become Majority Leader, "the highest-ranking post a Jew has ever held in
Congress," the e-mail points out.
The Project also points toward Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), who could become the
new head of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on terrorism, non-proliferation,
and trade, and whoever will replace
Barney Frank (D-MA) as head of the Finance Committee, "a key avenue for
sanctions against Iran." The top three contenders for chairman are Spencer Bachus, (R-AL), Pete King (R-NY), and Royce.
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