Caroline Kennedy, who wishes to succeed Senator Hillary Clinton, has explained her views on a wide range of issues, including Israel. In just a few days after announcing that she wants to win the New York senate seat, the 51-year-old daughter of an American political dynasty has come under scrutiny. Her critics say she does not possess any of the right credentials to be a US senator.
Kennedy spokesman Stefan Friedman on Saturday sought to
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One of her significant differences with Senator Clinton as well as the president-elect, meanwhile, is her stance on same-sex marriage. "Caroline supports full equality and marriage rights," her statement to the Times said.
On Israel, one of the central issues in New York politics, she "strongly supports a safe and secure Israel."
When asked whether she would support an Israeli air strike on Iran, Kennedy said "Israel's security decisions should be left to Israel."
Caroline said during the presidential campaign that Barack Obama could carry on his father's legacy.
Kennedy's stance toward Israel suggests that she has decided not to follow in the footstep of her late father, president John F. Kennedy, who enraged Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion over Tel Aviv's nuclear ambitions. Ben-Gurion, who ruled Israel from its inception in 1948 until he resigned on June 16, 1963, was convinced that Tel Aviv needed nuclear weapons to ensure its survival. President Kennedy, who was assassinated on November 22, 1963, was dead-set against Israel becoming a nuclear power.