Retired Israeli army officers say their words were taken out of context in a video that claims they support Barack Obama.
The video released by the Jewish Council for Education and Research shows several retired Israeli army and secret service officials saying that Obama is their preferred candidate for U.S. president and that they support the Democrat’s stated position of negotiating with Iran to avert a nuclear crisis.
Maj.-Gen. Uzi Dayan, a Former deputy chief of staff, told the Jerusalem Post that his words were taken out of context from an interview about what the next president would have to deal with.
“It wasn’t about the campaign, it was about the political and security issues of the Middle East that the next president should be involved in,” he said. “I don’t want other people to interfere in my elections, and I must not interfere with the elections in the United States.”
Former Mossad head Ephraim Halevy told the Post he was deceived in the same way.
Mik Moore, co-executive director of the Jewish Council for Education and Research, said the Israeli producers of the film “have assured us that all participants were fully informed of the nature of this project.” He added, though, that if “there are folks who are unhappy, we will work with them to come to some resolution.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
