Obama: 'I'm a friend of Israel'

AMMAN, Jordan, July 22 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., Tuesday said there will be no change in Washington's commitment to Israel no matter who wins the presidency.

Obama, the presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee, flanked by his traveling companions Sens. Charles Hagel, R-Neb., and Jack Reed, D-R.I., told a news conference in Amman, Jordan, both he and his likely November opponent, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., are "strong" friends of Israel.

That said, Obama added: "What I think can change is the ability of the United States government and the United States president to be actively engaged with the peace process, and to be concerned and recognize the legitimate difficulties that the Palestinian people are experiencing right now and -- and recognize that it is not only in the interests of the Palestinian people and that their situation improves."

Obama said he feels strongly that a two-state solution is the answer but noted continued terror attacks against Israeli civilians undermine the peace process, making it impossible for Israelis to feel secure. He also called on Palestinians to resolve their internal differences.

"It's going to be very difficult for Israelis to resolve a significant peace agreement if they don't know who they should be dealing with and who can actually enforce an agreement," Obama said.