NOMAAN MERCHANT, Associated Press
DALLAS (AP) – Texas Gov. Rick Perry told a pro-Israel rally in Dallas that America must end a “policy of calculated ambivalence” toward the Middle East.
But the Republican governor mostly refrained from attacking American policy toward Israel in his brief speech Wednesday.
Several hundred people waved white-and-blue flags and cheered as Texas’ longest-serving chief executive described his visits to Israel and his desire that the country remain a Jewish state.
Thousands of people have died during several weeks of fighting between Israeli soldiers and insurgents in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
Perry, who has long touted his support for Israel, is wrapping up his final term as governor and exploring a second run for president. He unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination in 2012.