Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said he would do everything in his power to ensure Israel's security and protect the relationship that exists between Israel and the U.S.

©Viewimages

US Presidential candidate kisses the feet of demur Israel

"I pledge to you that I will do whatever I can in whatever capacity to not only ensure Israel's security but also to ensure that the people of Israel may thrive and prosper and build on the enormous promise that was made 60 years ago,'' Obama, an Illinois senator, said at an event sponsored by the Israeli Embassy in Washington honoring the 60th anniversary of Israel's statehood. He was introduced by Sallai Meridor, Israel's ambassador to the U.S.

Obama also said Republican John McCain's suggestion last month that the militant Islamic group Hamas favors Obama is "offensive'' and a "smear'' that goes counter to McCain's promise to run a positive campaign.

"My policy toward Hamas has been no different than his,'' Obama said in an interview on CNN. "I've said that they are a terrorist organization, that we should not negotiate with them unless they recognize Israel, renounce violence, and unless they are willing to abide by previous accords between the Palestinians and the Israelis.''

Obama's commitment to Israel and the Jewish community has come under scrutiny after e-mails were circulated claiming Obama is a Muslim and after an endorsement from Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, whom his former pastor, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright has also praised.

Allay Fears

While Obama, 46, is a Christian and has denounced both Farrakhan and Wright, his ties have stirred concern among members of the Jewish community, and his campaign has been working to allay fears and shore up support.

Obama is leading the race for the Democratic presidential nomination over New York Senator Hillary Clinton. His advisers said he will begin pivoting to a general election campaign against McCain of Arizona, the presumptive Republican nominee. Tonight's speech was Obama's first public event since his victory May 6 in the North Carolina primary and narrow defeat in Indiana.

While Israel has developed many friendships, "none is deeper than the bond between the people of Israel and the people of the United States,'' Obama said. The friendship between the two countries "will withstand any challenge to Israel -- because America's commitment to Israel's security is unshakeable,'' he said.