Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader on Wednesday denounced US support of Israel, bucking a tradition among US political candidates of offering unconditional support for Israel.
Nader criticized Democratic presidential hopeful Al Gore for his pro-Israel stance, saying the United States needs to befriend both Israelis and Palestinians.
"In this conflict you cannot take sides and be an honest broker. The US is taking sides," Nader said at a press conference in Washington.
"You cannot be a friend of the Israelis in this conflict without being a friend of the Palestinians. You cannot be a friend of the Palestinians without being a friend of the Israelis," he said.
He called on Israelis and Palestinians to return to the negotiating table, but added: "the burden of restraint is more placed on the Israelis."
"The military superiority of the Israelis forces is staggeringly greater than the Palestinians rock throwers ... most of the death and injuries have occurred in the Palestinian territories."
Nader said that he supports the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Nader -- the son of a Lebanese immigrant -- also criticized "the devastating economics sanctions on the people of Iraq, including 5000 children who are dying every month."
The consumer activist and environmentalist consistently obtains three to four percent support in opinion polls ahead of the November 7 vote.
Analysts say he could take votes from Gore, who also presents himself as an environmentalist, and that could help Republican candidate George W. Bush win the White House -- WASHINGTON (AFP)
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