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Obama in talks with US Jewish leaders

July 13, 2009 14:53
<b>August 16:</B> Mazel tov from Obama, Schwarzenegger and the Queen. <i>Read more <A href="http://bit.ly/dOZbkp">here<A></i>

ByJessica Elgot, Jessica Elgot

1 min read

President Barack Obama is meeting US Jewish leaders to respond to their concerns over his Middle East policies.

Although ostensibly the leaders have been invited to discuss Mr Obama’s domestic policy, in fact he is understood to be particularly addressing the pressure he is putting on the Israeli government to crack down on illegal Jewish settlements.

Mr Obama has invited representatives from Orthodox, Conservative and Reform groups alongside major American Jewish organisations such as the American Jewish Committee and Hadassah.

Concerns over perceived unfair pressure on Israel have been discussed within the US Jewish leadership, though quietly, ever since Mr Obama's June 4 speech to the Muslim world.