Tough Re-Election, Veteran Anti-Israel Congressman Now Supports Jewish State

[King_David]

nick rahallIn the midst of a very challenging re-election battle, Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) has begun to engage in a strenuous effort to cultivate a reputation as a staunch supporter of Israel, despite a well-established track record of attempting to cut off relations between the United States and the Jewish state, which Rahall has called a “monster,” a “spoiled child,” and “bullies.” He has also described the IDF as “Israeli Occupation Forces.”

Rahall, who was originally elected in 1977, is facing a hard electoral fight against Democrat-turned-Republican challenger Evan Jenkins, who analysts believe has a good chance of defeating the veteran incumbent. As the campaign becomes more heated, Rahall has suddenly made an extreme turnaround in his position, and is now publicly touting his support for Israel.

The version of himself that Rahall is presenting in election year 2014 stands fully united with Israel’s efforts to wipe out terrorists and protect its citizens. In sharp contrast, though, the Rahall of previous decades was a fierce and unabashedly public opponent of what he felt was Israeli aggression, according to the Free Beacon.

In 1982, the congressman sponsored a resolution that urged then-President Ronald Reagan to suspend all American arms arrangements with Israel and investigate its use of American-made weapons during fighting against Palestinian terrorists in Lebanon, which he claimed may have been an actual violation of United States law. “We strongly believe that it is time to let Lebanon be Lebanon,” Rahall stated at the time.


http://jpupdates.com/2014/09/29/facing-tough-re-election-challenge-veteran-anti-israel-congressman-now-supports-jewish-state/

[oberliner]

1. He is Lebanese

I wonder if that has anything to do with his past positions vis-a-vis Lebanon and Israel.

I can't imagine that Israeli policy is a big election issue for your average West Virginian.