Democratic Presidential contender Barack Obama pledged his support for the security and prosperity of Israel Thursday night, saying that the ties between the U.S. and Israel were "a friendship rooted in shared interests, shared values, and shared history among our people. It is supported by a strong and bipartisan consensus in this country that I have been proud to be a part of," he added, "and it will withstand any challenge to Israel – because America’s commitment to Israel’s security is unshakeable."

In a speech at a celebration for the 60th anniversary of the Jewish state's independence, Obama added earned the loudest applause when he referred to what he called the "abiding friendship" between the United States and Israel. He also praised Zionist visionary leader Theodore Herzl and President Harry Truman, who he said "recognized that America shared fundamental values with this new democracy, and that Israel’s independence was hard-earned."

Also last night, Republican contender John McCain told Jon Stewart on TV's “The Daily Show” that Hamas has endorsed Obama. Obama has called McCain’s comments about Hamas support “offensive.”