Koch Flip Flops On President Obama’s Stance On Israel

Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, who recently criticized President Barack Obama, saying he was soft on Israel, has now, in the view of some, done a “180” and is praising the president.

“I’m not an enemy of President Obama. I like him, always have, campaigned for him,” Koch told CBS 2′s John Slattery on Wednesday. “But the fact is I want him to change his position.”

The 86-year-old said he’s for a two-state solution, but he objected to President Obama requiring Israel to go back to pre-’67 borders, without requiring Hamas to give up its pledge of terrorism.

“I said I wanted to send a message. Don’t take the Jewish vote for granted. I think I did send that message.”

When asked if thinks he’s done a 180 on the subject and on his support of the president, Koch said, “I know I haven’t” to each.

In a closely watched Queens congressional race, Koch, a Democrat, supported Republican Bob Turner for the seat vacated by Anthony Weiner, leaving Democrat David Weprin in the lurch. Koch said that backing of Turner was also a message.

“But on the issues of Israel, Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid, we’re in accord,” Koch said.

At the United Nations on Wednesday, Obama urged resumption of negotiations, saying Israel and Palestine should live side by side in peace.

“I think his speech was excellent. I applaud it and hope he will go further,” Koch said.

Koch is now both pro-Israel and pro-Obama, after a short time of mild discomfort regarding the president. He also pointed out that in the last presidential election Obama got 78 percent of the Jewish vote.

{CBS News/Matzav.com Newscenter}