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Bush Doesn't Trust Iran on Israel

Former president delivers speech to Jewish leaders

AP
October 16, 2013

Former President George W. Bush said in a speech Tuesday that he will not trust Iran until its intentions toward Israel change, according to the Times of Israel.

The speech was delivered at a gala for the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. While his remarks were off the record, attendees reported that Bush said he was wary of the new Iranian regime's "peaceful intentions."

The Times reported:

"I will not believe in Iran’s peaceful intentions until they can irrevocably prove that it’s true," Bush told the 1,200 guests at the gala of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, according to several people in attendance. "The United States’ foreign policy must be clear eyed and understand that until the form of government changes in Iran, it is unlikely that their intentions toward Israel will change."

[...]

The program also featured video testimonials from President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as remarks from several Israeli and U.S. politicians, and Jewish notables.

Bush, Obama and Netanyahu all praised the Conference of Presidents for its work in supporting Israel and strengthening the US-Israel relationship. Attendees said that Bush thanked Conference leaders for always being professional, knowledgeable and respectful of the office of the presidency, even when there were disagreements over tactics.