Bhkad,

What many of Israel's critics fail to understand or wish to ignore is that Israel is a strategic ally and reliable partner for the United States. The bilateral relationship is in the national interest of the United States. Given this national interest, while the divisions between Democrats and Republicans are particularly sharp at this point in history, there is no partisan divide on Israel's place in American considerations. There is a broad and deep consensus among mainstream political leaders in the U.S. on the value of that relationship.

Before AIPAC that bipartisan consensus was fully on display. Senator McCain declared:

The threats to israel's security are large and growing and America's commitment must grow as well. I strongly support the increase in military aid to Israel scheduled to begin in October. I am committed to making certain Israel maintains its qualitative military edge... in a world full of dangers, Israel and the United States must always stand together.

The State of Israel stands as a singular achievement in many ways and not the least is its achievement as the great democracy of the Middle East. If there are ties between America and Israel that critics of our alliance have never understood perhaps that's because they do not understand the love of liberty and the pursuit of justice. But they should know--they should know those ties cannot be broken. We were broght together by shared ideals and by shared adversity; we have been comrades in struggle and trusted partners in the quest for peace. We are the most natural of allies and like Israel itself--that alliance is forever.

Similarly, Senator Obama proclaimed:

Our alliance is based on shared interests and shared values. Those who threaten Israel threaten us. Israel has always faced these threats on the front lines. And I will bring to the White House an unshakeable commitment to Israel's security.

That starts with ensuring Israel's qualitative military advantage. I will ensure that Israel can defend itself from any threat--from Gaza to Tehran. Defense cooperation between the United States and Israel is a model of success, and must be deepened...

Let me be clear. Israel's security is sacrosanct. It is non-negotiable. The Palestinians need a state that is contiguous and cohesive, and that allows them to prosper--but any agreement with the Palestinian people must preserve Israel's identity as a Jewish state, with secure, recognized and defensible borders. Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided.