Hagel: Support for Israel Shouldn't Be Automatic

A possible candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, Senator Hagel of Nebraska, told a gathering of Arab Americans Wednesday that American support for Israel should not be automatic.

"I am a supporter of Israel, but first I am an American senator," Mr. Hagel said, according to the Bergen Record. "No relationship should ever be founded on holding hostage other relationships."

Mr. Hagel, who has deferred a decision on whether to enter the presidential race, made the comments as he recounted his reaction to a reporter who said advocates for Israel were disappointed that he could not be counted on for an "automatic" vote in favor of positions advanced by the Jewish state.

The story prompted the audience attending the dinner, sponsored by the Arab-American Institute, to interrupt Mr. Hagel with applause, the Record reported.

Other speakers at the event included Senator Feinstein, a Democrat of California, and a Washington Post reporter, Anthony Shadid.