Practically all the candidates make a point of defending Israel or saying that Israel is America's greatest ally, etc. If Israel was America's greatest ally, why hasn't a single American President defended Israel since its formation? Yes, they have all given Israel lip service, but no one has fought for her or defended her by putting themselves in harm's way.
Of course, one might say that Israel does not need anybody to defend her; Israeli prime ministers have repeatedly stated that Israel can and has defended herself, thank you, "We don't need anybody to defend us; we can defend ourselves."
But politicians running for the Presidency of the United States have found it necessary to make some sort of gesture towards Israel. It is considered politically expedient to do so. The implication is that you can't win unless you say, "We will defend Israel if anybody decides to annihilate her." Well, what's the use then, after she's been annihilated?
And if you're not going to defend her now, why do you even say it? Rockets have rained on Israel for decades and all the US has done is call for negotiations and peace settlements. This is not enough. Please don't say you defend Israel or anything like that just so you get elected President. You won't defend Israel when push comes to shove.
So what can you say? What should you say, if your heart is in the right place, and you believe in religious freedom and you don't want any nation to be wiped out?
Well, if you're a Christian candidate who believes in the religious freedom of all peoples, you can say that you are a Christian and that as a Christian you shall defend the right of all people to exist and to believe in whatever they do believe in. This is the duty of every Christian, especially of every American President who even pretends to be a Christian.
If a President cannot admit that he or she are a Christian and that they believe in the message of Jesus, how are they going to defend Israel, or for that matter how can they defend anybody's religious freedom? If they're afraid to say they are Christians lest they don't get elected by an economically shaken electorate, how are they going to defend any of the American freedoms?
So, please, leave Israel out of it; don't make them the victim of your political ambitions. The Jews are tired of being the scapegoats for phony Christians anyway; they will be left alone by the Muslims if you don't mention them in your speeches. Pray for them, by all means, but don't use them as a talking point in your debates.
It is sufficient that Americans are ready to prevent any genocides from happening in the world. This is the best way to defend Israel. Make it clear to everyone that any talk of wiping Israel off the map will not be tolerated. And leave it at that. It's a more effective deterrent if simply and clearly stated.