Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the lobbying group J Street, which is pro-Israel but less hawkish than others, said Mr. Obama's comments show there was no need to rush to military action.

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Gutow and Ruskay were supported in their demand to disinvite Palin by the National Jewish Democratic Council and by the new Jewish pro-Palestinian lobbying group J-Street.

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But while Mr Hagel has many detractors among the neo-conservatives, he does not lack supporters in other political circles, including more centrist pro-Israeli groups such as J Street and the Israel Policy Forum.

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