JEWISH VOTE

Mitt Hopes for Israel Advantage

In recruiting supporters.

Months after Mitt Romney claimed that he and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu are so close they practically speak to one another in their own language, the Republican presidential hopeful is still trying to use his relationship "Bibi" to imply that, if elected, he would strengthen the U.S.'s own relationship with Israel. Such a move, if pulled off convincingly, could help him recruit many Jewish voters who back President Obama in 2008 and are now concerned about the President's relationship with his Israeli counterpart. Mitt vowed earlier this week to "restore our relationship" with the Jewish state and has made clear that, if elected, the first trip he'll take in office will be to Israel. Mitt's headed to Israel this weekend for fundraisers and to meet with his old friend along with other top officials from both the Israeli and Palestinian side.