TL;DR
Al Gore has consistently advocated for a strong, secure, and prosperous Israel as a cornerstone of U.S. national security policy.
Key Points
He pledged in 2000 that a commitment to a strong, secure Israel would never change if he were entrusted with the presidency.
As Vice President, he supported developing and deploying the Arrow anti-missile defense system with Israel.
In a 2000 speech, he stated he stood against efforts to use loan guarantees as a means to bully Israel into concessions.
Summary
Al Gore has expressed a long-standing commitment to a strong and unshakable partnership between the United States and Israel, viewing it as a cornerstone of American national security. Throughout his career, including his time as Vice President, he affirmed that this special relationship, rooted in shared values and heritage, would never change. He stated that he opposed previous administrations' efforts to pressure Israel into concessions that he felt threatened its security, positioning himself as facilitating peace rather than forcing outcomes. His approach included ensuring Israel maintained its qualitative military edge through strategic military cooperation.
As part of his engagement in the Middle East peace process, Gore committed to working to end Israel's ostracism from United Nations regional groupings. He supported firm resolve for peace to be achieved at the bargaining table, not through violence, and applauded leaders showing courage in negotiations. Furthermore, he emphasized economic integration through trade and cooperation on shared resources like water as strategic components for regional stability and Israel's security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Al Gore views the U.S. relationship with Israel as a bedrock partnership founded on common values and strategic interests. He has consistently committed to supporting a strong, secure, and prosperous Israeli state. This support, he asserted, is an enduring cornerstone of American national security policy.
No, Al Gore stated that he has long believed in facilitating peace, not forcing it upon Israel. He specifically mentioned standing against attempts by previous administrations to pressure Israel into security concessions against its own judgment. He intended to maintain this principle if elected president.
In his 2000 address, Al Gore affirmed that Israel's security rests on its military superiority and he was committed to maintaining its qualitative edge. He also championed the strategic partnership that included cooperation on defense technologies like the Arrow anti-missile system.