After conspicuously devoting little time in his first State of the Union Address to foreign policy issues, and not a mention of Israel or issues associated with the Israeli-Arab conflict, President Obama got a question about it at his town hall meeting in Tampa, Florida.

Specifically, the President was asked why the U.S. allows Israel to “mistreat Palestinians.”

The President stated that Israel is “one of America’s strongest allies” and that he is committed to Israel’s security.

The President also recognized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s efforts and re-stated his commitment to securing a better future for Palestinians.

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