Christie Apologizes to Casino Mogul for ‘Occupied Territories’ Comment

New Jersey Governor and potential 2012 presidential contender Chris Christie apologized privately on Saturday to casino mogul Sheldon Adelson for a comment made during a speech earlier in which Christie referred to Palestinian areas as “occupied territories.”

The comment was especially awkward, as Adelson, a major GOP donor who was hosting the convention at which Christie was speaking, is staunchly pro-Israel.

Christie “clarified in the strongest terms possible that his remarks today were not meant to be a statement of policy,” a source said, and emphasized “that he misspoke when he referred to the ‘occupied territories.’ And he conveyed that he is an unwavering friend and committed supporter of Israel, and was sorry for any confusion that came across as a result of the misstatement.”

Christie had been referencing a 2012 trip when he said, “I took a helicopter ride from the occupied territories across and just felt personally how extraordinary that was to understand, the military risk that Israel faces every day.”

Watch a clip below, via NBC News:

[h/t POLITICO]

[Image via Jeff Haynes / Reuters]

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