Hagel apologized for anti-Israel positions and walked back controversial views

Secretary of defense nominee Chuck Hagel walked back and apologized for his most controversial foreign policy views during a meeting Friday with Jewish organizational leaders, according to sources with knowledge of the gathering.

The meeting was aimed at mollifyingconcernsAmerican Jewish leaders have expressed about Hagel, a former Republican Nebraska senator who has expressed sharp criticism of Israel and been condemned for his controversial comments about the so-called “Jewish lobby.”

The meeting also served as a preview of how Hagel’s Jan. 31 confirmation hearings will likely play out.

Hagel walked back his desire to negotiate directly with Hamas and Iran during his presentation, which included representatives from the American Jewish Committee, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Hagel, who was joined by Vice President Joe Biden and Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, also articulated his dedication to the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Yes, Chuck Hagel, jew, uh excuse me, Israel lover. Yes, a typical mistake, Israel and jew.

You know, sort of like jew lobby and Israel lobby. They are interchangeable phrases that just sort of slip out.