Supporting Israel: Frank said he had no critical words for Israel?s conduct in the flotilla raid. Image by GETTY IMAGES

• Eleven former Democratic Jewish congressmen signed a letter supporting the agreement over Iran’s nuclear program.

The letter backing the deal, released Thursday, touted the signers’ pro-Israel bona fides, and said the agreement “halts the immediate threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.” Congressional rejection of the deal, the letter warned, would “put Iran back on the path to develop a nuclear weapon within two to three months.”

Its signatories include former Michigan Senator Carl Levin, and former Congressmen Barney Frank, Mel Levine, Steve Rothman and Robert Wexler.

“Military options remain on the table should Iran violate the agreement, while rejecting this deal would weaken the deterrent value of America’s military option,” the letter said. “We championed the U.S.-Israel alliance as members of the House and Senate, and we all strongly support this agreement because it will enhance the security of the U.S., the State of Israel and the entire world.”

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Meanwhile 190 former generals signed a letter opposing the agreement.

President Obama is inching closer to lining up enough Democrats to prevent opponents from blocking the historic agreement.

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