AIPAC embraces Biden statement

The pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, which had so far avoided either criticism or praise of the Administration's stance on the Gaza flotilla incident, thanked Vice President Joe Biden and Congressional leaders of both parties for their statements today -- a mark of how Biden's words of support for Israel and understanding for its blockade tipped the balance of the Administration's rhetoric toward sympathy with Israel.

"We appreciate the many strong statements of support for Israel from members of Congress and the Vice President today," said AIPAC spokesman Josh Block. "Vice President Joe Biden, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and GOP Whip Eric Cantor have it right. The United States stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel and simply will not allow Israel to be isolated and falsely accused. As the Vice President said, "I think Israel has an absolute right to deal with its security interest...Israel has a right to know — they're at war with Hamas — has a right to know whether or not arms are being smuggled in."

President Obama and his aides had sought a carefully modulated line before Biden's interview with Charlie Rose, matching muted support for Israel with some criticism of the blockade.

But Biden was more full-throated, backing the Israeli right to turn back the ship and suggesting the flotilla organizers should simply have dropped off their humanitarian supplies nearby for Israeli inspection.

Majority Whip Steny Hoyer, meanwhile, said Israel had "rightfully" sought to enforce its blockade, while Cantor backed Israel to the hilt and cast doubt on the "humanitarian" mission of the flotilla.