(Boaz Bismuth).In exclusive interviews with Israel Hayom, the five leading Republican presidential candidates, who criticize President Obama's policy toward Israel, express strong support for its "greatest ally" and say they intend to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The only subject that the candidates seemed to wholeheartedly agree on is their enthusiastic support for Israel.
During the course of Israel Hayom's interviews with the five leading Republican presidential candidates, it was remarkable to witness their disappointment in President Obama's policy toward Israel, and also in Iran, as well as their willingness to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - a move that multiple U.S. administrations have postponed.
"I intend to see our diplomats stationed in Israel working in Jerusalem," Texas Governor Rick Perry told me.
Representative Michele Bachmann (R.-Mn.) also commented on the embassy issue, saying, "I don't understand how this has not yet happened. This is the first thing I plan to do when I enter the White House."
Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House, also told Israel Hayom that Washington is disrespecting Israel's sovereignty by not relocating the embassy to Jerusalem.
Presidential hopeful Herman Cain also expressed his support for Israel, recently saying, "My message for the U.N., Iran, Palestinians and anyone else is this: 'If you mess with Israel, you’re messing with the U.S.A.'”
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the Republican frontrunner in the polls (with 30%), has criticized Obama's policies toward Israel and vowed to work with the Israeli government to discuss its interests and act accordingly. "I will begin discussions with Israel to increase the level of our military assistance and coordination," Romney said. "I will again reiterate that Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon is unacceptable."
The full interviews with the five leading Republican contenders will appear in next week's Israel Hayom weekend supplement.