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AIPAC Attendees Concerned Over Obama, Hagel

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) annual policy conference this week brought together approximately 13,000 people for the "largest gathering of the pro-Israel community."

Speakers included Vice President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and numerous members of the U.S. Congress.

Biden expressed confidence in the U.S.-Israel alliance and the president’s "pledge to Israel."

Biden said, "Let me make clear what that commitment is: It is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Period. End of discussion. Prevent — not contain — prevent."

"Big nations can’t bluff," Biden continued. "And presidents of the United States cannot and do not bluff. And President Barack Obama is not bluffing."

However, not all of AIPAC seemed to share his confidence. Many delegates expressed concern in regards to the President’s support of Israel.

The Washington Free Beacon spoke with Stephanie Simon, an Obama supporter and AIPAC attendee. She noted, "I am a huge Obama fan… not completely thrilled with his support – wavering support – of Israel."

Other delegates expressed similar concerns over "double messages" that have come out of the administration.

"I’m disappointed," Rabbi Simcha Friedman, of Boca Raton, Fla., told the Free Beacon "in some of [Obama’s] decision making."

Laura Epstein, a student from Arlington, Va., called the president’s commitment to Israel "inconsistent," and "questionable." Her concerns appeared to be widely held amongst the delegates, who came from all over the world, representing different ages and political ideologies.

As "thousands" of attendees lobby Capitol Hill to make Congress aware of their concerns, the president’s commitment to Israel will likely be a contentious topic.

Published under: AIPAC , Barack Obama , Video