Reid says Dems remain strong Israel allies

WASHINGTON, June 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Wednesday the Democratic Party and presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama are committed to Israel's security.

In remarks prepared for delivery at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee police conference in Washington, Reid, D-Nev., said "the Democratic nominee" would follow in the footsteps of "every Democratic president from Truman to Clinton" in strengthening the bond between the two nations.

In the remarks, Reid pointed out that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who has struggled to attract Jewish voters, last year "introduced a smart, tough divestment plan, co-sponsored by 33 other Democratic and Republican senators that would place severe costs on Iran for its reckless choices."

Reid also said those who criticize America's strong ties to Israel and who are hoping a Democratic president will reconsider the relationship, are wrong, saying, "That ironclad commitment will remain as strong as ever. Don't let anyone looking to politicize the issue of Israel tell you otherwise."