Israelis used to be admirable and brave, a people to look up to under wiser leadership. They struggled then as they do now, but without subterfuge or lack of integrity. Surely they now must feel shame at the ugly, underhanded breach of common sense by their present leader in his plans to belittle the President of the United States. It defies decency when one goes over the head of one's most important and helpful friend when one tries to degrade that friend.
The usual flood of comments being made about Mr. Netanyahu's proposed speech before the United States Congress are skirting the real issues as they often do until reality is exposed. He was, let us say, horrified when his favorite American politician was politically beaten, especially when Mr. Netanyahu had intruded on election ground which was none of his business. The years that have passed since then have undoubtedly simmered in his head, frustrating him completely. The pundits should also face the truth about Mr. Netanyahu's poorly-disguised display of superiority over the American President's minority status, joining many Americans and their political choices.
Mr. Boehner, I think you have lost it.
The usual flood of comments being made about Mr. Netanyahu's proposed speech before the United States Congress are skirting the real issues as they often do until reality is exposed. He was, let us say, horrified when his favorite American politician was politically beaten, especially when Mr. Netanyahu had intruded on election ground which was none of his business. The years that have passed since then have undoubtedly simmered in his head, frustrating him completely. The pundits should also face the truth about Mr. Netanyahu's poorly-disguised display of superiority over the American President's minority status, joining many Americans and their political choices.
Mr. Boehner, I think you have lost it.
5
This piece neglects to mention that Obama's first act toward Israel and its leader was one of disrespect: omission of the usual joint press conference with both leaders, when Netanyahu made his first trip to Washington.
Nor does it cite Obama's behavior during Israel's recent conflict with Hamas. He kept urging Netanyahu to back off while not criticizing Hamas's targeting of civilians.
Obama's the president who can't bring himself to call an Islamic terrorist an Islamic terrorist. Instead, they practice "extreme violence"--the topic of the conference hastily announced after Islamic terrorists ran amok in France
Netanyahu's no dummy. Congress holds the purse strings foreign aid. Obama would probably cut off aid to Iarael if he thought he could. And Boehner's no dummy. He knows the American public is (rightly) worried about terrorism and a nuclear Iran.
Netanyahu will speak on a topic Obama simply won't.
But the relationship soured long before Netanyahu's "offense" in speaking to Congress. Congress will listen. Obama has shown he won't.
Nor does it cite Obama's behavior during Israel's recent conflict with Hamas. He kept urging Netanyahu to back off while not criticizing Hamas's targeting of civilians.
Obama's the president who can't bring himself to call an Islamic terrorist an Islamic terrorist. Instead, they practice "extreme violence"--the topic of the conference hastily announced after Islamic terrorists ran amok in France
Netanyahu's no dummy. Congress holds the purse strings foreign aid. Obama would probably cut off aid to Iarael if he thought he could. And Boehner's no dummy. He knows the American public is (rightly) worried about terrorism and a nuclear Iran.
Netanyahu will speak on a topic Obama simply won't.
But the relationship soured long before Netanyahu's "offense" in speaking to Congress. Congress will listen. Obama has shown he won't.
9
The "diplomatic break...reflects fundamentally different world views":
Obama is a reasonable politician who reflects mainstream world views.
Netanyahu is a fanatic who would be long gone from Israeli leadership were he not 100% supported, in anything and everything he does or wants, by the US Congress.
Obama is a reasonable politician who reflects mainstream world views.
Netanyahu is a fanatic who would be long gone from Israeli leadership were he not 100% supported, in anything and everything he does or wants, by the US Congress.
14
PM Netanyahu keeps pushing the envelope under one (false) assumption: the 'unwavering/unbreakable' diplomatic-economic-military aid from the US is permanent.
History teaches great powers have no permanent alliances and/or friends. Only national interests. One day, Israelis will wake up and find out they are on their own, again.
History teaches great powers have no permanent alliances and/or friends. Only national interests. One day, Israelis will wake up and find out they are on their own, again.
11
'“It would be nice if a level of maturity kicked in and we did not allow the personality-driven issues and political issues to overwhelm what are incredibly important common global issues,” said Josh Block, president of the Israel Project, a pro-Israeli education group in Washington. “It’s important we focus on what really matters.”'
The arrogance of the current Israeli government and its minions in the United States continues to escalate, as witness this projection. Mr. Netanyahu arranged with the apparatchik who is Speaker of the US House of Reps to allow both to insult the POTUS together. Had Bibi behaved decently, no "issues" would have arisen.
The dogs-tail of Israel has engaged in near-continuous vigorous efforts to wag the Eagle for more than three decades. The US has responded with a generosity of spirit which Israel has not earned. The US does not need Israel. It would appear that Israeli governments consistently determine that they need the US, while insisting upon imposing a never ending game of chicken upon us.
Enough is enough. If the current US administration has no further use for the current Israeli ambassador as the article suggests, then give him his passport and tell him to hitch a ride home with Bibi at the end of his visit. The Israeli government has more than earned a time out to remember its manners in dealing with its best (sometimes only) friend.
The arrogance of the current Israeli government and its minions in the United States continues to escalate, as witness this projection. Mr. Netanyahu arranged with the apparatchik who is Speaker of the US House of Reps to allow both to insult the POTUS together. Had Bibi behaved decently, no "issues" would have arisen.
The dogs-tail of Israel has engaged in near-continuous vigorous efforts to wag the Eagle for more than three decades. The US has responded with a generosity of spirit which Israel has not earned. The US does not need Israel. It would appear that Israeli governments consistently determine that they need the US, while insisting upon imposing a never ending game of chicken upon us.
Enough is enough. If the current US administration has no further use for the current Israeli ambassador as the article suggests, then give him his passport and tell him to hitch a ride home with Bibi at the end of his visit. The Israeli government has more than earned a time out to remember its manners in dealing with its best (sometimes only) friend.
13
Does anyone else find it odd that the President of the United States is more willing to negotiate and compensate with our enemies than our allies? Who's side is he on? And you want to talk about arrogance. How about the fact that millions of Americans voted in Republican representatives and the president has the nerve to go ahead and pass what he wishes with his "executive power." If we continue down this path of just downright stupidity, Israel will cease to exist and this nation will be cooperating with nations and governments which wish nothing more but to seek our destruction.
6
A majority of Americans (54.9%) believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be investigated by the FBI for nuclear weapons technology smuggling before being allowed to enter the United States according to a new poll:
http://www.mintpressnews.com/poll-netanyahu-investigated-nuclear-weapons...
In 2012 the FBI declassified and released files of its investigation into how 800 nuclear weapons triggers were illegally smuggled from the U.S. to Israel. According to the FBI, the Israeli Ministry of Defense ordered nuclear triggers (krytrons), encrypted radios, ballistic missile propellants and other export-prohibited items through a network of front companies. Smuggling ring operations leader Richard Kelly Smyth alleged that Netanyahu worked at one of the fronts – Heli Trading owned by confessed spy and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan – and met with him frequently to execute smuggling operations.
The poll was commissioned by the Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy (IRmep). When informed of the incident, most Americans (54.9 percent) indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be investigated by the FBI before an upcoming U.S. visit.
Israel officially designated the smuggling operation “Project Pinto.” Smyth was captured, prosecuted and incarcerated in 2002 after years on the run as an international fugitive. The krytrons were believed to be destined for Israel’s clandestine nuclear weapons program.
http://www.mintpressnews.com/poll-netanyahu-investigated-nuclear-weapons...
In 2012 the FBI declassified and released files of its investigation into how 800 nuclear weapons triggers were illegally smuggled from the U.S. to Israel. According to the FBI, the Israeli Ministry of Defense ordered nuclear triggers (krytrons), encrypted radios, ballistic missile propellants and other export-prohibited items through a network of front companies. Smuggling ring operations leader Richard Kelly Smyth alleged that Netanyahu worked at one of the fronts – Heli Trading owned by confessed spy and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan – and met with him frequently to execute smuggling operations.
The poll was commissioned by the Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy (IRmep). When informed of the incident, most Americans (54.9 percent) indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be investigated by the FBI before an upcoming U.S. visit.
Israel officially designated the smuggling operation “Project Pinto.” Smyth was captured, prosecuted and incarcerated in 2002 after years on the run as an international fugitive. The krytrons were believed to be destined for Israel’s clandestine nuclear weapons program.
11
Ron Dermer, the former Republican Party political activist and current ambassador of Israel to the United States, should be declared persona non grata and sent back to his country for violating the basic rules of diplomacy and protocol by doing an end run around the Executive Branch which accredited him.
12
The real rift is between the US and Israel. We do not in fact share the most fundamental aspirational value, which is that all men are born equal.
Jewish Americans believe is American values, and this is also distancing Israeli Jews from American Jews. These differences are real and growing, and can't be papered over any more.
Jewish Americans believe is American values, and this is also distancing Israeli Jews from American Jews. These differences are real and growing, and can't be papered over any more.
15
Obama should have known by breaking the agreement he made with Netanyahu,
Netanyahu had no choice.
Obama pledged to stop Iran from getting the bomb by the use of sanctions in return for Israel not doing it by military force.
Israel has kept her part of that agreement, and Obama has expressed the intent he will break that agreement by lifting the sanctions he imposed before Iran has agreed to stop their research.
By breaking that agreement he gave Netanyahu the right to complain to our Congress.
What good is a agreement if only one side has has to comply.
Obama had no right to break that agreement without consulting our congress or Israel and therefore the Congress had the right to get Netanyahu to speak to them.
Even most of the Democrat wanted what Netanyahu wanted, so even they wanted Netanyahu to speak.
It's only after Obama demanded obedience from these Democrat that they
gave in and delayed the vote on those new sanctions.
.
Netanyahu had no choice.
Obama pledged to stop Iran from getting the bomb by the use of sanctions in return for Israel not doing it by military force.
Israel has kept her part of that agreement, and Obama has expressed the intent he will break that agreement by lifting the sanctions he imposed before Iran has agreed to stop their research.
By breaking that agreement he gave Netanyahu the right to complain to our Congress.
What good is a agreement if only one side has has to comply.
Obama had no right to break that agreement without consulting our congress or Israel and therefore the Congress had the right to get Netanyahu to speak to them.
Even most of the Democrat wanted what Netanyahu wanted, so even they wanted Netanyahu to speak.
It's only after Obama demanded obedience from these Democrat that they
gave in and delayed the vote on those new sanctions.
.
5
President Obama needs to speak to Netanyahu because he really knows the region and we're really in trouble there. I'm glad that the Congress had Netanyahu talk with them because I think that they are a lot more reasonable in terms of what's really going on than President Obama is. Leaders from America, both the Congress and the president really need to work with Netanyahu, he is our ally; those Iranian and other Muslim countries are not our friends! The people that live in those regions, like Netanyahu, understand the little subtle meanings of some of the things that the Muslim radicals are doing and even the not so subtle meanings. We need to listen to Netanyahu.
6
Who is the "they?" Muslims are not our country's' enemy. Are you aware of what is actually occurring in that region? President Obama is the only adult in the room. You must not have family members in the service or you would not suggest that our country blindly follow Netanyahu to war with Iran. I'll be surprised if this comment is printed . . . But I thought after multiple unprinted comments I'd give it another go. There is much to learn from some of the other commentators - do your research. Our country has had our big toe meddling in the interval affairs of the Middle East for decades with disastrous outcomes. One reaps what one sows.
9
I can't believe the amount of hating I am seeing. Netanyahu is doing what he should be doing, representing the best interests of his country unlike what the president and Congress of this country is doing. There is so much anti-Jewish sentiment here it is disgusting. It is easy to hate on Israel and Netanyahu because they are civilized and won't bomb your house or try to kill you if you disagree with them. God gave the Jews Israel and they have a divine right to the land. The "Palestinians ancestors should never have settled there. If we want to talk about intransigence let's talk about the refusal of the Palestinians to stop talking about killing all the Jew's and destroying the State of Israel. Maybe all these haters should do something useful with their time and do something that would help mankind instead of creating havoc, mayhem and murder. Think how wonderful things could be if everyone spent their time doing good and helping others.
9
"It is easy to hate on Israel and Netanyahu because they are civilized and won't bomb your house or try to kill you if you disagree with them."
If you really believe that, you should find a Marine to tell it to. Better yet, tell it to the Palestinians whose homes have been bulldozed by the IDF in collective punishments of offenses in which they were not participants. Also tell it to the Palestinian teens who have been machine-gunned by IDF soldiers for throwing rocks at IDF armored vehicles after said IDF soldiers gratuitously insulted their mothers.
Forget the religious ideology. That way lies endless bloodshed. Unless all the locals on the ground in Palestine get a fair deal, this vile conflict will go on indefinitely. England/Ireland=revolution for 800 years. Could any sane person really want such a future for anyone, co-religionist or otherwise?
If you really believe that, you should find a Marine to tell it to. Better yet, tell it to the Palestinians whose homes have been bulldozed by the IDF in collective punishments of offenses in which they were not participants. Also tell it to the Palestinian teens who have been machine-gunned by IDF soldiers for throwing rocks at IDF armored vehicles after said IDF soldiers gratuitously insulted their mothers.
Forget the religious ideology. That way lies endless bloodshed. Unless all the locals on the ground in Palestine get a fair deal, this vile conflict will go on indefinitely. England/Ireland=revolution for 800 years. Could any sane person really want such a future for anyone, co-religionist or otherwise?
16
Charlene;
"God gave the Jews Israel and they have a divine right to the land. The "Palestinians ancestors should never have settled there."
Very interesting post!!!
Israeli's has also the divine right to kill as many Palestinian children and women. Netanyahu has the divine right to be shamelessly arrogant and rude to US presidents after Israel taking billions of dollars. Israel has the divine right to grab as much land as they want inside Palestine or in other countries.... attack any country at will....its all about divinity!!!!
"God gave the Jews Israel and they have a divine right to the land. The "Palestinians ancestors should never have settled there."
Very interesting post!!!
Israeli's has also the divine right to kill as many Palestinian children and women. Netanyahu has the divine right to be shamelessly arrogant and rude to US presidents after Israel taking billions of dollars. Israel has the divine right to grab as much land as they want inside Palestine or in other countries.... attack any country at will....its all about divinity!!!!
13
During the first year of Obama's presidency Netanyahu spit in his face during an address to the Congress which was wildly applauded by the congressmen present. Now the Israeli leader wants to try it again and Speaker Boehner has enabled him. How long, oh Lord, will we tolerate this?
24
Until we stop AIPAC flooding the Capitol Hill with the money.
20
Ms. Pelosi repeatedly called the U.S. President at the time - during a war - ''stupid.'' Bibi giving a dignified speech is about one ten-thousandth of that insult.
Oh, that John Adams had slipped back into the Presidency that one day. Alien and Sedition Acts time?
Oh, that John Adams had slipped back into the Presidency that one day. Alien and Sedition Acts time?
2
I just read through these comments and readers have correctly pointed out that there had been a level of disrespect here that is unacceptable.
There is, however, one point that hasn't been mentioned and should have been emphasized in the article: the existential threat israel - and the Jewish people - faces, especially from iran. Let's not forget that only 70 years ago 6 million Jews were murdered. Netanyahu job is to make sure this doesn't happen again. Even if it means disrespecting our president along the way.
There is, however, one point that hasn't been mentioned and should have been emphasized in the article: the existential threat israel - and the Jewish people - faces, especially from iran. Let's not forget that only 70 years ago 6 million Jews were murdered. Netanyahu job is to make sure this doesn't happen again. Even if it means disrespecting our president along the way.
13
The never again point has in fact been repeatedly made in comments and is a sick excuse. The holocaust was not a grant if divine wisdom to mortal Americans. It was the holocaust. Using it to justify is despicable.
The assumption that Netanyahu is The One with that capacity to ensure never again is insane.
The assumption there can be such a guarantee is insane.
The assumption that U.S. National interest is defined by never again is insane.
The assumption Obama is not doing a better job than Netanyahu on never again is insane. Many Israelis think Netanyahu is dead wrong.
The assumption that stealing land makes never again less likely is insane.
The assumption that Iran nukes are the key to never again that only Netanyahu knows the answer to is insane.
The assumption that Netanyahu is The One with that capacity to ensure never again is insane.
The assumption there can be such a guarantee is insane.
The assumption that U.S. National interest is defined by never again is insane.
The assumption Obama is not doing a better job than Netanyahu on never again is insane. Many Israelis think Netanyahu is dead wrong.
The assumption that stealing land makes never again less likely is insane.
The assumption that Iran nukes are the key to never again that only Netanyahu knows the answer to is insane.
20
Many Americans (including many Democrats ) believe Obama is wrong.
I am willing to bet that the next Democrat candidate running for President as well as the Republican will support Israel on this.
I am willing to bet that the next Democrat candidate running for President as well as the Republican will support Israel on this.
5
Never again? As a human being that has been to Auschwitz I am appalled that people would use the horrors of the Holocaust to justify imperialism and murder now. Who has the right to claim moral superiority over another because of past oppression when committing violence against another group? An estimated 10 million Africans died in the Black Holocuast (300 year slave trade). Those that survived endured 250 years of slavery
(USA ). The vestiges of said slavery are felt by all African-Americans regardless of class to this day (#BlackLivesMatter). Wrong is wrong always, don't justify it. #Iranian&PalestinianLivesMatterToo
(USA ). The vestiges of said slavery are felt by all African-Americans regardless of class to this day (#BlackLivesMatter). Wrong is wrong always, don't justify it. #Iranian&PalestinianLivesMatterToo
10
Given that Mr. Netanyahu has injected himself into U.S. internal politics, perhaps the leader(s) of his opposition party should also be invited to address our Congress to express their views on how the U.S should cunduct it's foreign policy. "What's good for the goose...." (:
.
.
8
They already do, and have been doing so for quite a while. And with your tax money.
2
Putting aside any partisan interest, let's look at what's happening. The Prime Minister of Israel is coming to speak to Congress about Iran, and the nation's Nucleur capabilities. Personally, I believe that having Mr. Netanyahu speak to Congress is a little more, wait a lot more, important than protocol which always comes down to partisan rifts anyways. The Obama Administration's decision to not visit with Netanyahu during his visit is nothing short of disrespect. If Obama and his administration want to show their support for Israel and outshine Republicans, they should invite Mr. Netanyahu and his Washington advisor to meet at the White House.
10
Israel hasn't been an "ally" since Obama has been President.
7
Did America developed battered women syndrome when it comes to Netanyahu? Maybe we should give him more money for settlements and he'll stop roughing us up?
21
We should insist that if the immigrant who comes here does in good faith become an American and assimilates himself to us he shall be treated on an exact equality with every one else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed or birth-place or origin.
But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American and nothing but an American. If he tries to keep segregated with men of his own origin and separated from the rest of America, then he isn't doing his part as an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. . . We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding-house; and we have room for but one soul loyalty, and that is loyalty to the American people.
- Theordore Roosevelt
Why Israeli-Americans are so much more passionate about supporting Israel rather than US says a lot about what the rest of us Americans should do. Stop supporting Israel and support American interests which would be restoring peace and stability to the Middle East. A good step to start that would be withdrawing military aid in exchange for peace with Palestinians and withdrawing from settlements and have dialogue with other countries and make amends.
But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American and nothing but an American. If he tries to keep segregated with men of his own origin and separated from the rest of America, then he isn't doing his part as an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. . . We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding-house; and we have room for but one soul loyalty, and that is loyalty to the American people.
- Theordore Roosevelt
Why Israeli-Americans are so much more passionate about supporting Israel rather than US says a lot about what the rest of us Americans should do. Stop supporting Israel and support American interests which would be restoring peace and stability to the Middle East. A good step to start that would be withdrawing military aid in exchange for peace with Palestinians and withdrawing from settlements and have dialogue with other countries and make amends.
18
I am a Jewish American, not someone who holds dual Israeli-American citizenship or is planning to move to Israel. I was born in the US as were my mother and father (who fought in WWII in Sicily, Italy, and France (D Day), received a battlefield commission and was laid up in a army hospital for a year receiving skin grafts). My grandmothers also were born in the US. I suspect that many more supporters of Israel on this board and elsewhere have a similar background and are not dual citizens. If I was a thin-skinned as Obama (whom I voted for twice because domestic issues are just as important as foreign issues and who I don't feel a need to agree with on every issue) and many of the commentators appear to be, I'd be outraged at your baseless insinuation concerning who exactly is passionate in support of Israel. But I'm not. Instead, here I am trying to educate you and rebut your unfounded claim. One other note. Many of my maternal grandfather's siblings and their children weren't so lucky as my grandfather. There were spent time first in a concentration camp in Romania, next in a DP camp, and then had to telegraph a great aunt for financial help to be able to leave that camp. Israel took them in and no other country was willing to do so. So yes, I'll be passionate in my support for Israel.
5
Check the polling results. A huge share of today's American Jews are as devoted to Iranian and Arab hegemony over Israel as Iran's leadership!
That is why they voted for Mr. Obama so much. Plus, Valerie Jarrett's 1977 comments about Muslims prevailing in the U.S. probably excites them - they are liberals before they are anything else.
That is why they voted for Mr. Obama so much. Plus, Valerie Jarrett's 1977 comments about Muslims prevailing in the U.S. probably excites them - they are liberals before they are anything else.
2
DC, to say that Jews in America "are so much more passionate about supporting Israel rather than US" is perhaps the most intellectually vacuous statement I have read in this discussion. It contributes nothing to what, for the most part, are thoughtful responses to a complicated matter. It is childish and insulting to divide American Jews into such a narrow and homogeneous group.
3
Mr. Netanyahu has shown callous disregard to propriety, diplomatic convention by meddling in the domestic politics of another country. He has always been delusional about his powers of persuasion and ability to influence outcomes.
Sadly he will rue the day when he realizes that many Americans cannot countenance the insult to diplomatic convention and his parody of trying to influence partisan politicking.
Israel's support in The US and congress was non partisan and he has made it partisan to the long term detriment of Israel.
Sadly he will rue the day when he realizes that many Americans cannot countenance the insult to diplomatic convention and his parody of trying to influence partisan politicking.
Israel's support in The US and congress was non partisan and he has made it partisan to the long term detriment of Israel.
13
Under the influence of Netanyahu, is Israel still an ally of the United States or merely a greedy recipient of funds and arms?
24
Unfortunately, Boehner's invite and Bibi's acceptance raise very uncomfortable questions:
1. Does Congress get to go around the President in inviting foreign leaders? If so, should the Pakistan PM, Argentine President, and others, who may not have good relations with President Obama, start lobbying Congress for their invites?
2. If Israel is special and their PM does not have to inform the US President, should the US President do the same the next time around in visiting the region?
3. By accepting to "make the case against Iran" does the Israeli PM believe that somehow US foreign policy in the region will be swayed more by the Israeli PM than the US President?
Maybe its time to change protocols. From now on, future Israeli PM's should get to meet only with the Speaker of the US Congress. While the US President only meets the Israeli President.
1. Does Congress get to go around the President in inviting foreign leaders? If so, should the Pakistan PM, Argentine President, and others, who may not have good relations with President Obama, start lobbying Congress for their invites?
2. If Israel is special and their PM does not have to inform the US President, should the US President do the same the next time around in visiting the region?
3. By accepting to "make the case against Iran" does the Israeli PM believe that somehow US foreign policy in the region will be swayed more by the Israeli PM than the US President?
Maybe its time to change protocols. From now on, future Israeli PM's should get to meet only with the Speaker of the US Congress. While the US President only meets the Israeli President.
5
It is time our government stops it's unilateral support for Israel. It will send a message to the rest of world, in particular the Muslim world that our interests lie elsewhere than to fund the activities of a state that consistently builds illegal settlements and bombs schools. Our gains in supporting this state are outweighed by the contempt our enemies have for us as a result of such support. We would be a safer country if we end our servitude to Israel and their powerful lobby in the U.S. Let them fend for themselves for once.
18
Frankly, I don't see it. I mean, that this is all a personal thing between Netanyahu and Obama. Or even mostly a personal thing. Maybe you could make a case that the Republican's invitation to Netanyahu was a part of their personal campaign of hostility and resentment against Obama, and Netanyahu's joining in the game, allowing himself to be used like this, may have a personal element. But we should remember that the whole speech thing is just a Republican prank, it won't have much effect one way or the other. I hope.
The serious underlying conflict goes beyond either individual - Netanyahu didn't invent the expansionist Israeli settler movement, or the idea of rejecting any peace that would limit Israel's territorial ambitions - he might be embrace that tendency, but he didn't originate it. And Obama isn't the only American who sees our role in the world as larger than that of being the defender and supporter of Israel's grandest ambitions, and who, in particular, really don't want to go to war with Iran at the behest of Israel. So I'm afraid the strain in the alliance is deeper than the supposed personal dislike these two individuals might have for each other. It might have been possible, I suppose, that two people with such differing projects might be personally friendly - you hear about such things - but that they aren't friendly isn't the most important problem in the Middle East.
The serious underlying conflict goes beyond either individual - Netanyahu didn't invent the expansionist Israeli settler movement, or the idea of rejecting any peace that would limit Israel's territorial ambitions - he might be embrace that tendency, but he didn't originate it. And Obama isn't the only American who sees our role in the world as larger than that of being the defender and supporter of Israel's grandest ambitions, and who, in particular, really don't want to go to war with Iran at the behest of Israel. So I'm afraid the strain in the alliance is deeper than the supposed personal dislike these two individuals might have for each other. It might have been possible, I suppose, that two people with such differing projects might be personally friendly - you hear about such things - but that they aren't friendly isn't the most important problem in the Middle East.
4
"Netanyahu didn't invent the expansionist Israeli settler movement, or the idea of rejecting any peace that would limit Israel's territorial ambitions - he might be embrace that tendency, but he didn't originate it."
True, and a good point. Likewise what you write about Obama.
However, Netanyahu and those close to him do represent that movement and those ideas. It is a minority movement and minority ideas in Israel. They are a significant minority, but they are not "Israel" nor are they the only interpretation of the Zionist ideals. Far from it, they offend and inspire fears in many in Israel.
Even if this goes beyond the individual, the battleground is the individual who represents this minority in Israel, and drives it, and tries to force it on the US too.
So we end up in the same place, the person of Netanyahu. If anything, that it is not a purely personal thing makes it more important to win. It won't just go away with the man.
True, and a good point. Likewise what you write about Obama.
However, Netanyahu and those close to him do represent that movement and those ideas. It is a minority movement and minority ideas in Israel. They are a significant minority, but they are not "Israel" nor are they the only interpretation of the Zionist ideals. Far from it, they offend and inspire fears in many in Israel.
Even if this goes beyond the individual, the battleground is the individual who represents this minority in Israel, and drives it, and tries to force it on the US too.
So we end up in the same place, the person of Netanyahu. If anything, that it is not a purely personal thing makes it more important to win. It won't just go away with the man.
9
What goes unsaid, however, is that Obama is acting in the best interest of Israel in seeking a deal with Iran. It is Netanyahu who doesn't get it: talk is better than war. The former might get somewhere, the latter will always get the war monger into a worse situation. In this regard, Mr. Netanyahu is similar to both Mr. Boehener and Mr. McCain; he thinks, as the Speaker, that reality doesn't matter and, as the Senator, war is a good thing.
21
I guess that when most Arab countries in the Middle East essentially have it in their "constitutions" that Israel needs to be destroyed they shouldn't worry about it. Sooner rather than later (maybe already) they will want to destroy the United States.
4
"most Arab countries in the Middle East essentially have it in their "constitutions" that Israel needs to be destroyed"
I'm sure you can back up that claim, right?
I'm sure you can back up that claim, right?
7
Actually depressionbaby, I think that the Arabs, at least the fanatics in their fantasies, after eliminating all non-Muslims in the ME (on-going now) and Israel from the face of the earth, will go after Spain before the US, if only because Spain was once part of the greater Muslim world and in their minds once a country has been conquered it belongs to the Muslim world forever and forever. After that, maybe the US or, more likely, the Sunni and the Shia terrorists will continue to kill each other.
2
I wonder if the Republicans have been feeling the pulse of the Israeli elites and voting public since their diabolical invitation to the Israeli PM? Likewise, don't Bibi's people tell him what the American think of this? Surely, they must know - both these parties - that this is not good for Israel. If I were in Iranian government, I'd be amused and elated at this windfall.
5
"If I were in Iranian government, I'd be amused and elated at this windfall."
If I were an American citizen, who was aware of the wages of war in the Middle East which we Americans have accrued since 9/11, I might allow myself some cautious elation at the public's response, if not amused.
Oh, wait. I am an American citizen.
If I were an American citizen, who was aware of the wages of war in the Middle East which we Americans have accrued since 9/11, I might allow myself some cautious elation at the public's response, if not amused.
Oh, wait. I am an American citizen.
3
Oh please spare me. Do you think this flash point would have happened if Mr. Boehner had not put his petty tit for tats with Obama ahead of the interests of the United States? Boehner's actions to ask Netanyahu to address Congress on a strategic matter clearly puts the interests of a foreign nation (Israel) ahead of those of the United States for political gain. That is nothing short off treason.
24
Agreed!!!!! He should be charged for sedition .
3
I have yet to see a single Israeli soldier fighting in a war alongside us. The British, Canadians, Australians, Syrians, Egyptians and even Dominicans? And never a single Israeli soldier, and they are touted as "our only ally in the ME".
Please I don't need an "ally" that I cannot count on.
Please I don't need an "ally" that I cannot count on.
28
I agree. The relationship resembles a one way street
2
I am sure if Israel were asked they would fight. Never has an American boot stepped onto Israelis soil to fight the 5+ wars initiated by the Arab countries surrounding them. The intelligence shared by Israel to the US and the continuance of democratic values in a dessert of democracy places a home base for America whenever needed - that is where the alliance lies.
5
Whenever needed?
It isn't needed.
And tell it to the Liberty.
It isn't needed.
And tell it to the Liberty.
2
Imagine the Sec. Kerry or President Obama addressing the Knesset without telling Netanyahu first.
Utter disrespect! This is not surprising behavior from Netanyahu, who doesn't value honor, respect, courtesy. He has no shame. At last month’s Paris rally, he inserted himself into the center front row of world leaders. One would think that as a guest, he would allow Hollande the center spot, as FH is the President of the hosting country. A minor detail that revealed so much about Bibi.
While Bibi may pride himself on scoring another point against President Obama and his administration, Netanyahu (representing Israel) appears as a bully (not surprising there either) to the rest of the world who are not involved in the Israel-Arab conflict. His aggression and bullish behavior is far from that of a statesman who leads Israel into a better 21st century future for his own people. So you may count on the conflict continuing, on more hate being cultivated on various sides. Talk about karmic results.
Boehner and those who agreed to have Netanyahu speak should be ashamed of themselves because they showed utter contempt for the office of the President. They should be reprimanded (and impeached for their actions in the past few years, starting with the government shutdown, which hurt working Americans, but not them.
There is something wrong with our country when this kind of behavior by Congressional leaders is deemed acceptable and no one is holding them accountable!
23
It has been clear for a long time that Mr. Netanyahu has little respect for our government and our current president. This recent slap in the face to the Obama Administration is but one of many to our political leaders, both past and present.
The primary slap in the face, however, is Israel’s continuance of settlement construction when they have been told to refrain from doing so, not only by the United States, but by a host of far more objective participants in the peace process.
If we look at U.S. efforts to assist in this process, we must concede that we have never been a truly unbiased and honest broker of peace in the region. Nevertheless, attempting to be more objective and asking a little more accountability from Mr. Netanyahu shouldn't be construed as putting our relationship in jeopardy.
There is little wonder why our relationship is strained. Every time one of our politicians attempts to deal with the issue in a move even-handed way, they are accused of being anti-Israel, maligned and disregarded. That is precisely what Mr. Netanyahu is doing to President Obama.
That’s all well and good. However, if Israel wants to continue to disregard our counsel on how best to deal with this festering conflict, perhaps they need to disavow themselves of our support and go it alone. A little tough love shouldn’t have to smack of antisemitism. Unconditional love has its limits, especially when those on the receiving end only reciprocate distrust and disrespect.
The primary slap in the face, however, is Israel’s continuance of settlement construction when they have been told to refrain from doing so, not only by the United States, but by a host of far more objective participants in the peace process.
If we look at U.S. efforts to assist in this process, we must concede that we have never been a truly unbiased and honest broker of peace in the region. Nevertheless, attempting to be more objective and asking a little more accountability from Mr. Netanyahu shouldn't be construed as putting our relationship in jeopardy.
There is little wonder why our relationship is strained. Every time one of our politicians attempts to deal with the issue in a move even-handed way, they are accused of being anti-Israel, maligned and disregarded. That is precisely what Mr. Netanyahu is doing to President Obama.
That’s all well and good. However, if Israel wants to continue to disregard our counsel on how best to deal with this festering conflict, perhaps they need to disavow themselves of our support and go it alone. A little tough love shouldn’t have to smack of antisemitism. Unconditional love has its limits, especially when those on the receiving end only reciprocate distrust and disrespect.
25
As a conservative I cannot understand why Jewish-Americans are so supportive of Obama with this kind of behavior. Please enlighten me.
5
Disagreeing with Netanyahu's "breach of protocol" does not equate with support for his foreign policy.
5
Perhaps because they are, like you said, Americans.
11
What is there about being "a conservative" that keeps you from understanding it? It's either (1) a purblind and dogmatic aversion to Obama for some reason, or (2) a really unforgivable assumption that all American Jews operate in lockstep, like so many American conservatives seem to.
9
Journalists frequent refer to Obama's approach as a wish for an historic rapprochement with Iran, or a legacy or major achievement. What is rarely mentioned is that military options to stop Iran's nuclear program are very poor, and likely only to set back the program while galvanizing countrywide support for continuing the program and creating a backlash. The days the U.S. or Israel can bomb a sovereign country without decades of repercussion is over. Realism is called for, and it is for all of our futures that negotiations be given a chance to succeed.
20
This is fascinating to an outsider. It is fascinating that a country will brook this level of interference in their internal political decision making - surely the US has a right to determine the form of its own relationships with Iran, Cuba, Israel? For the leader of a sovereign country to so publicly insult the Presidency of the US - that's pretty fascinating.
21
The fact that any Democrat will attend Netanyahu's speech to Congress is a disgrace and will cost all Democratic candidates running in my voting district my vote. I understand that Israel wants to run out foreign policy -- and that Israel's supporters control much of our domestic policy. Supporters of Israel -- whatever their ethnic background -- are disproportionately represented and misrepresent the American people. Eventually and inevitably there will be a reaction to this disproportionate influence and control of national and domestic policy. My reading of Herzl is that he thought such a reaction benefits and even creates a context that contributes to the growth and success of Zionism. Whether I correctly understand Herzl or not, I think that it will be very unfortunate if this hypothesis is once again put to the test. Certainly, the Republicans hope to profit from such a reaction and believe that their automatic support of Israel's policies -- whatever those policies are -- will help them win control of government in 2016. Even if they are right in 2016, their hypothesis may be called into question in later years and is, I believe, short-lived and that their continued reliance on it will over time have very negative consequences -- not merely for the Republicans or the Democrats but for the life of our nation.
11
So whom would you then vote for if not a Democrat? A Republican? Or are you assuming that there will be a Democrat running in a primary in your district who agrees with you? And why are you putting a foreign affair's issue above all of the domestic problems that ail this country?
3
The issue here is quite simple: the leader of the free world who promised to end wars, and to bring an era of co-operation to American politics has become an abject failure and one of the most polarizing Presidents since Richard Nixon.
His Imperial attitude, disinterest in compromise, willingness to throw old allies into the trash, attempt to do end runs around the Constitution, and dreadful treatment of Israel has led to outright war against him by Republicans, voters and legislators, who despise the ground he walks on and everything he stands for. He wants America to become South Africa.
I hate to think what would have happened to Israel by now if Congress and the US people (minus most of those posting here) weren't in support of Israel 4 to 1.
No doubt Obama and Bibi are bitter enemies (and this by no means is a vote to say the Bibi is all that). No doubt Bibi knows that just as the liberal media and Obama himself said prior to the election, this is a test and referendum of him and his policies. Questions answered......resoundingly negative.
No one I know can stand to see his face, or hear his arrogant, naive, foolish diatribes about foreign policy and domestic "achievements".
This is the most hated man in the USA on the one side, and most lauded man in the USA by the other side.
His Imperial attitude, disinterest in compromise, willingness to throw old allies into the trash, attempt to do end runs around the Constitution, and dreadful treatment of Israel has led to outright war against him by Republicans, voters and legislators, who despise the ground he walks on and everything he stands for. He wants America to become South Africa.
I hate to think what would have happened to Israel by now if Congress and the US people (minus most of those posting here) weren't in support of Israel 4 to 1.
No doubt Obama and Bibi are bitter enemies (and this by no means is a vote to say the Bibi is all that). No doubt Bibi knows that just as the liberal media and Obama himself said prior to the election, this is a test and referendum of him and his policies. Questions answered......resoundingly negative.
No one I know can stand to see his face, or hear his arrogant, naive, foolish diatribes about foreign policy and domestic "achievements".
This is the most hated man in the USA on the one side, and most lauded man in the USA by the other side.
9
Rocky
This is what happens when you live in an epistemically closure cocoon. That isn't perfume you are smelling.
This is what happens when you live in an epistemically closure cocoon. That isn't perfume you are smelling.
15
Rocky-
I am a 1976-registered Independent voter.
I do not "despise the ground he walks on and everything he stands for."
I won't even say I feel that way about Netanyahu.
I am a 1976-registered Independent voter.
I do not "despise the ground he walks on and everything he stands for."
I won't even say I feel that way about Netanyahu.
5
Sorry, Mitt. I don't buy any of it. Oh, BTW, my condolences on not knowing anyone else at all. There are many nice people here outside La-La Land, among whom are many who like and/or respect the President and have no use for Bibi.
2
May I take the liberty of "bottomling" this issue?
1. An Iranian nuclear weapons capability is a threat to my nation, he United States.
2. The magnitude an Iranian nuclear threat is about the same as the North Korean threat currently is.
3. An Iranian nuclear capability similar to North Korea's is preferable to a war with Iran.
4. Since Iran is surrounded on four sides by nuclear weapons states of varying hostility (Israel to the west, U.S. fleet to the south, Russia to the north and Pakistan to the east), it has reason to protect its national security.
5. The optimal solution is a regional agreement (similar to the one in place in Latin America, including Cuba), where all states agree to renounce nuclear weapons -- that must include Israel.
6. It is simply propaganda to assert that Iran is a crypto-Nazi nation whose aim is to nuke Israel and eventually, kill every Jew on the planet. The second largest Jewish population in the Middle East lives where? (Hint, where it has been since the time of King Cyrus.) If the Islamic republic wanted to kill Jews, they would have long since started with the tens of thousands who live, willingly and happily, in Tehran.
1. An Iranian nuclear weapons capability is a threat to my nation, he United States.
2. The magnitude an Iranian nuclear threat is about the same as the North Korean threat currently is.
3. An Iranian nuclear capability similar to North Korea's is preferable to a war with Iran.
4. Since Iran is surrounded on four sides by nuclear weapons states of varying hostility (Israel to the west, U.S. fleet to the south, Russia to the north and Pakistan to the east), it has reason to protect its national security.
5. The optimal solution is a regional agreement (similar to the one in place in Latin America, including Cuba), where all states agree to renounce nuclear weapons -- that must include Israel.
6. It is simply propaganda to assert that Iran is a crypto-Nazi nation whose aim is to nuke Israel and eventually, kill every Jew on the planet. The second largest Jewish population in the Middle East lives where? (Hint, where it has been since the time of King Cyrus.) If the Islamic republic wanted to kill Jews, they would have long since started with the tens of thousands who live, willingly and happily, in Tehran.
18
Spirit;
Iran Israel animosity projected in the MSM is a hoax. Both countries have lots of trade relations and both are responsible for the instability in the middle east. US /'west'Israel and Iran want to redraw the middle east map to their geopolitical and economic advantage...Balkanization of middle east on sectarian/ethnic denominations i-e, Kurdish, Sunnni, Shiatt, Alawite, Christian!!!!
Iran Israel animosity projected in the MSM is a hoax. Both countries have lots of trade relations and both are responsible for the instability in the middle east. US /'west'Israel and Iran want to redraw the middle east map to their geopolitical and economic advantage...Balkanization of middle east on sectarian/ethnic denominations i-e, Kurdish, Sunnni, Shiatt, Alawite, Christian!!!!
bibi and his crowd don't want peace with the Palestinians. If they did they would not pull a stunt like this and would not maintain "settlements" in occupied territory. They were not promised the land because the simple fact is there was and is no god to make the promise. If there was a two state settlement bibi and his crowd would have nothing to whine about and would lose their leverage with us and the publicans.
16
right on the money, joe!
2
Guess what little country is the top recipient of U.S. foreign aid for the last several decades? And that does not include the private $$$ transfers from U.S. citizens to Israel or investment capital. Washington has plenty of leverage but re-election politics get in the way of using it. Overturn Citizens United and replace our corrupt votes-for-bribes electoral system and Lilliputian Israel will either stop leading the American Leviathan around by the nose or suffer the consequences. Here a sobering observation:
"Arming and bankrolling a wealthy nation acting in this way may, on its face, seem like terrible policy. Yet American aid has been flowing to Israel in ever greater quantities. Over the past 60 years, in fact, Israel has absorbed close to a quarter-trillion dollars in such aid. Last year alone, Washington sent some $3.1 billion in military aid, supplemented by allocations for collaborative military research and joint training exercises."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chase-madar/israel-military-aid_b_4759159....
"Arming and bankrolling a wealthy nation acting in this way may, on its face, seem like terrible policy. Yet American aid has been flowing to Israel in ever greater quantities. Over the past 60 years, in fact, Israel has absorbed close to a quarter-trillion dollars in such aid. Last year alone, Washington sent some $3.1 billion in military aid, supplemented by allocations for collaborative military research and joint training exercises."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chase-madar/israel-military-aid_b_4759159....
13
Wow, reading the comments of the NYTimes readers
is scary. Did these individuals study recent history?
Do they understand politics and alliances? From
here, it appears not. Assigning blame to an elected
leader whose country faces threats of annihilation from
surrounding governments makes me question the
future for succeeding generations. Time to dust off
those history books and reread them.
is scary. Did these individuals study recent history?
Do they understand politics and alliances? From
here, it appears not. Assigning blame to an elected
leader whose country faces threats of annihilation from
surrounding governments makes me question the
future for succeeding generations. Time to dust off
those history books and reread them.
13
List the history books that support your claim. Taint any.
13
You've been conned. Here is Bibi with his guard stupidly down:
"Netanyahu exposed the naked truth to his hosts at Ofra: he destroyed the Oslo accords with his own hands and deeds, and he's even proud of it. After years in which we were told that the Palestinians are to blame, the truth has emerged from the horse's mouth.
And how did he do it? He recalled how he conditioned his signing of the 1997 Hebron agreement on American consent that there be no withdrawals from "specified military locations," and insisted he choose those same locations, such as the whole of the Jordan Valley, for example. "Why is that important? Because from that moment on I stopped the Oslo Accords," he boasts. The real Netanyahu also brags about his knowledge of America:
"I know what America is. America is something that can be moved easily."
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/tricky-bibi-1.302053
"Netanyahu exposed the naked truth to his hosts at Ofra: he destroyed the Oslo accords with his own hands and deeds, and he's even proud of it. After years in which we were told that the Palestinians are to blame, the truth has emerged from the horse's mouth.
And how did he do it? He recalled how he conditioned his signing of the 1997 Hebron agreement on American consent that there be no withdrawals from "specified military locations," and insisted he choose those same locations, such as the whole of the Jordan Valley, for example. "Why is that important? Because from that moment on I stopped the Oslo Accords," he boasts. The real Netanyahu also brags about his knowledge of America:
"I know what America is. America is something that can be moved easily."
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/tricky-bibi-1.302053
14
What threat of annihilation? Turn off the TV. We have nukes, Israel has nukes, Pakistan and India have nukes. Not sure what history books you are reading but any standard AP World History book should be helpful. I would start off with the Balfour Declaration and go from there. Our ouster of the democratically elected Iranian President Mosaddegh was another bright spot as well . . .
2
Let's be honest. If the United States had a powerful and wealthy Palestinian American population who was willing to donate huge sums of money to both political parties and Super-PACS and lobbying organizations, our Middle East policy would be very, very different.
Our Israeli policy is a one way street and we get nothing in return. We give them 6 billion dollars a year, military technology and vote any way they want us to in the UN. What do we get in return? Terrorist attacks and the whole world seeing us as total hypocrites for supporting a brutal occupation.
Our Israeli policy is a one way street and we get nothing in return. We give them 6 billion dollars a year, military technology and vote any way they want us to in the UN. What do we get in return? Terrorist attacks and the whole world seeing us as total hypocrites for supporting a brutal occupation.
26
We do need to remind our elected representatives such as Senator Menendez and Representative Boehner that they were elected by U S Citizens and are required to look out for the US interest first and foremost. Israel is a foreign country and a US passport is required to enter its geographical boundaries and its occupied land of the Palestinians.
Even with a US Passport it is not automatic that entry would be allowed to all US Citizens in Israel.
Our Foreign policy must not be beholden to Israel or for that matter any other Foreign nation. Any one insulting the Office of the Presidency could not be afforded a VIP welcome.
Even with a US Passport it is not automatic that entry would be allowed to all US Citizens in Israel.
Our Foreign policy must not be beholden to Israel or for that matter any other Foreign nation. Any one insulting the Office of the Presidency could not be afforded a VIP welcome.
20
Correct - they were elected by US citizens who support their strategy with Iran and support for Israel. So much so that they pushed Obama's party out of control.
President Obama's failure to stand with our one true ally in the Middle East is disappointing, regardless of any petty differences b/w these two leaders.
8
Israelis agree that the level of practical cooperation under Obama has been high. You have not been given the facts, and have not cared to find them for yourself:
"Netanyahu: I'll continue working with Obama" [PM issues short statement congratulating US president on his re-election, says 'strategic alliance between Israel and United States is stronger than ever]
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4302271,00.html
"Pro-Israel lobby thanks President Obama and the bipartisan, bicameral congressional leadership for support."
* * *
American Israel Public Affairs Committee thanked elected leaders including the president for "steadfast" support of Israel:
"President Obama and the bipartisan, bicameral congressional leadership, have deepened America’s support for Israel in difficult times," said the statement issued shortly before Rosh Hashanah started on Sunday afternoon.
"Under the leadership of Democrats and Republicans, working together, US-Israel security cooperation has reached unprecedented levels," the statement said.
http://www.jpost.com/The-US-Presidential-race/AIPAC-praises-Obamas-stead...
Plenty of similar evidence of the actual level of cooperation is out there. Too bad Bibi in a dim moment has put it things into a temporary deep freeze. But Obama will not punish Israelis for Bibi's immaturity.
"Netanyahu: I'll continue working with Obama" [PM issues short statement congratulating US president on his re-election, says 'strategic alliance between Israel and United States is stronger than ever]
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4302271,00.html
"Pro-Israel lobby thanks President Obama and the bipartisan, bicameral congressional leadership for support."
* * *
American Israel Public Affairs Committee thanked elected leaders including the president for "steadfast" support of Israel:
"President Obama and the bipartisan, bicameral congressional leadership, have deepened America’s support for Israel in difficult times," said the statement issued shortly before Rosh Hashanah started on Sunday afternoon.
"Under the leadership of Democrats and Republicans, working together, US-Israel security cooperation has reached unprecedented levels," the statement said.
http://www.jpost.com/The-US-Presidential-race/AIPAC-praises-Obamas-stead...
Plenty of similar evidence of the actual level of cooperation is out there. Too bad Bibi in a dim moment has put it things into a temporary deep freeze. But Obama will not punish Israelis for Bibi's immaturity.
4
I do hope that not a single Television or radio broadcasting network carry Netanyahu speech live or delayed. Our foreign policy decisions must not outsourced to any Foreign country, friend or foe.
17
Boehner is a light-weight. He has sat too long for any good he has been doing, and has precipitated a veritable vacuum in leadership so big it invites bloviating upstarts like Cruz and Rand Paul to step in with their reckless mischief and wreak havoc
8
The "Local Guy" needs to read the Balfour Declaration of 1917 in its entirety. It calls for respect of religious and civil rights for non-Jewish people. As the Jewish population of Palestine at the time represented only about 11% of the total, it would make no sense to hand over the entire land mass of Palestine to the Jews. So the Brits didn't "take away" what they promised because they never promised the entirety in the first place.
9
Netanyahu is Israel's greatest liability and primary cause of ever increasing international skepticism regarding the country's sincerity for a peace settlement. Only clueless Republicans would fail to grasp this.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
21
This Prime Minister has been the least supportive of US interests of any Prime Minister in Israel's history. In fact, he shows a positive disdain for our interest in maintaining cooperative relationships in the world through his ongoing settlement efforts intended sabotage any prospects for a two-state solution. He chooses to leave us increasingly isolated in our support for Israel. Meanwhile, while the administration tries to maintain it's traditional neutrality in foreign elections, Boehner and the Republicans choose to intervene to support his reelection.
17
I cannot imagine there is anyone left on the planet that does not know that Bibi and Pres. Obama do not get along to put it in its mildest phrasing.
The litany of past embarrassments going back decades is long but the critical thing is that in the past both sides have seen the big picture and each of the slights has been smoothed over.
That Pres. Obama has a different world view is not new news, or the fact that Pres. Obama's main concern in his last 2 years in office is creating a legacy. He is no different with respect to Israel than any other President, pressure Israel into making a peace agreement that is against Israel's own national interests.
While the press seeks to make Israel the villain in the peace negotiations the NY Times own Columnist Roger Cohen interviewed Tzipi Livni about the failure of the latest peace negotiations led by Sec. of State Kerry. She stated that in the end it was Abbas who failed to be strong enough to make an agreement to keep the peace talks going.
Speaking of surprises,it was Abbas who broke the agreement not to go to the U.N. to join various U.N. bodies. It was Abbas who surprised all by making a power sharing agreement with Hamas.
Pres. Obama may desire a legacy but Netanyahu's prime directive is the survival of Israel.
While it's regrettable that he bypassed the President, the big picture remains The most important Allie that the U.S. has in the middle east. As King Solomon's ring inscription said. "This to shall pass".
The litany of past embarrassments going back decades is long but the critical thing is that in the past both sides have seen the big picture and each of the slights has been smoothed over.
That Pres. Obama has a different world view is not new news, or the fact that Pres. Obama's main concern in his last 2 years in office is creating a legacy. He is no different with respect to Israel than any other President, pressure Israel into making a peace agreement that is against Israel's own national interests.
While the press seeks to make Israel the villain in the peace negotiations the NY Times own Columnist Roger Cohen interviewed Tzipi Livni about the failure of the latest peace negotiations led by Sec. of State Kerry. She stated that in the end it was Abbas who failed to be strong enough to make an agreement to keep the peace talks going.
Speaking of surprises,it was Abbas who broke the agreement not to go to the U.N. to join various U.N. bodies. It was Abbas who surprised all by making a power sharing agreement with Hamas.
Pres. Obama may desire a legacy but Netanyahu's prime directive is the survival of Israel.
While it's regrettable that he bypassed the President, the big picture remains The most important Allie that the U.S. has in the middle east. As King Solomon's ring inscription said. "This to shall pass".
11
I keep hearing it repeated that Obama is only interested in his legacy at this point. Well known? By whom? Is it not in the realm of possibility that he wants what he believes is best for the United States? Yes, his perspective is different from Netanyahu's. Fortunately for us, he sees it from the point of view of the leader of this country, which is as it should be, don't you think?
11
"The most important Allie that the U.S. has in the middle east. "
Saying insane stuff does not make it true. Israel is a burden that grows by the year as it steals more land.
Saying insane stuff does not make it true. Israel is a burden that grows by the year as it steals more land.
15
Israel has played the United States as a chump since negotiations took place after the 1967 War. Israel hasn't wanted a two-state solution and has does everything to defeat the formation of a Palestinian state, including the continued illegal taking of Palestinian land. Netanyahu is not a friend of the U.S. He is a user of US power to back his objective to create an apartheid state for Israel.
The U.S. has backed Israel for many years even though Israel has made bad choices and continues to violate international law, which dictates that no nation can permanently annex the land of another nation, even as the results of war.
It's obvious that Speaker Beihner really did stick a thumb in President Obama's eye, even though he denied that was the purpose of inviting Netanyahu to speak to Congress. It's obvious Netanyahu wants the U.S. to engage in a war with Iran to protect Israel, just as he did when he proposed that the U.S. attack Iraq without provocation. The U.S. has seen its reputation diminish as a result of the Iraq war. Let's not let that happen again with Iran.
Mr. Netanyahu has gamed the Republican party on numerous occasions to get unjust results for Israel. Aipac or no Aipac, he can't control the U.S. and push us into another ill-conceived war.
The U.S. has backed Israel for many years even though Israel has made bad choices and continues to violate international law, which dictates that no nation can permanently annex the land of another nation, even as the results of war.
It's obvious that Speaker Beihner really did stick a thumb in President Obama's eye, even though he denied that was the purpose of inviting Netanyahu to speak to Congress. It's obvious Netanyahu wants the U.S. to engage in a war with Iran to protect Israel, just as he did when he proposed that the U.S. attack Iraq without provocation. The U.S. has seen its reputation diminish as a result of the Iraq war. Let's not let that happen again with Iran.
Mr. Netanyahu has gamed the Republican party on numerous occasions to get unjust results for Israel. Aipac or no Aipac, he can't control the U.S. and push us into another ill-conceived war.
21
This article overly personalizes what is a significant policy dispute. The current behavior of Israel, under the guidance of Netanyahu, is counter to the interests of the United States (and in the view of the United States, counter to the long term interests of Israel). Obama is not the type to do something out of anger or frustration. He has made every effort to support Israel in the U.N. and elsewhere while giving its leader every opportunity privately to change its untenable course. Instead, Israel's Prime Minister has once more through his actions expressed contempt for a man who has stood up against most of the world to protect Israel and give that country an opportunity to come to its senses. What has apparently changed this time, is not that the U.S. President is angry or embarrassed--what has changed is that he has come to a realization that our ally Israel will destroy itself unless something more is done.
11
Through out the article, Benjamin Nethanyahu comes out as the spoiler. He has fought since the times of James Baker going back 30 years. Remember, his last minute demand to Bill Clinton in Camp David to free Jonathan Pollard, an American who spied for Israel in 1980s and did tremendous damage to US interests. He is an obstructionist.
And pouring in money to the campaign of Congressmen and Senators has earned him and hardliner Isrealis the favor of these powerful legislators distorting US foreign policy for decades.
And pouring in money to the campaign of Congressmen and Senators has earned him and hardliner Isrealis the favor of these powerful legislators distorting US foreign policy for decades.
16
I want to add another thought to the comment I submitted a while ago and not yet posted (?):
Netanyahu's poor judgement has allegedly raised a few eyebrows even in Israel. But I wonder how many? I wouldn't be surprised if his disrespect to Pres. Obama was motivated precisely by a calculated attempt to win a bunch of extra votes in the forthcoming elections. Moderate and left-leaning Israelis may be embarrassed by his behavior and see it as not too smart of him, but they are not his base nor are they the ones he expects to win over. It's well known that Barak Obama is not well liked in Israel, and Netanyahu may be gambling that with this show of defiance to the WhiteHouse he will gain the approval of those who have always mistrusted Obama, depicting him on posters wearing Arab clothing and calling him anti-semite.
We'll find out when the Israeli voters make their choice.
Netanyahu's poor judgement has allegedly raised a few eyebrows even in Israel. But I wonder how many? I wouldn't be surprised if his disrespect to Pres. Obama was motivated precisely by a calculated attempt to win a bunch of extra votes in the forthcoming elections. Moderate and left-leaning Israelis may be embarrassed by his behavior and see it as not too smart of him, but they are not his base nor are they the ones he expects to win over. It's well known that Barak Obama is not well liked in Israel, and Netanyahu may be gambling that with this show of defiance to the WhiteHouse he will gain the approval of those who have always mistrusted Obama, depicting him on posters wearing Arab clothing and calling him anti-semite.
We'll find out when the Israeli voters make their choice.
3
Plucky little Bibi seeks to win the hearts and minds of his countrymen by plucking a feather from the Eagle's tail? Sounds about right.
1
Name one other occasion in which one part in the Congress invites a foreign leader to criticize the President of the United States? What other country - -friend or foe- - in the world send its leader to Washington to treat our president with contempt, openly chooses sides in our politics, tells us how we should run our foreign policy without so much as a by-your-leave? Boehner and company might in other times, - - more honest ones- - be treated as traitors.
40
Hmmm...advancing the interests of a foreign power to the detriment of your own country's interests just to gain something for yourself....that sure sounds like treason to me, too!
2
NMY:
Please explain exactly how our country is damaged by Netanyahu's visit? Specifically how will his words affect the negotiations? How will they hinder Obama's actions in any way?
Please explain exactly how our country is damaged by Netanyahu's visit? Specifically how will his words affect the negotiations? How will they hinder Obama's actions in any way?
3
Our country is trying to negotiate with the Iranians an agreement that will be in our interest and in Israel's interest. But for geopolitical reasons alone, Israel is married to the sanctions no matter what Iran does. So Israel is trying to torpedo any possible deal, and maybe even goad us into doing her dirty work militarily. That's the purpose of the Bibi visit, if it indeed occurs.
I think that answers your
I think that answers your
4
Any leader who is not in a rift with Netanyahu is a leader I distrust. And I am every bit as Jewish as this thuggish fellow Bibi.
52
Did not we sacrificed our troops and did immense harm to the Iraqi people to protect Israel from Saddam? Isn't that enough and now Natanyahu wants to humiliate our President? What a shame!
48
Why doesn't Israeli government see the writings on the wall and change its behavior? The reader comments and the recommendations here are clear: Israeli government's behavior has been turning too many Americans off. The Israelis and the rich Jewish donors of American politicians should realize that it is not the money and the bullying that can buy this President's friendship, it is integrity and willingness to be a partner in peace. It would serve well for Israel's to adopt a humble and peaceful approach to things, instead of a constantly paranoid and eye-for-an-eye mentality.
46
"What really matters," in answer to the comment by Mr. Block of the Israel Project, is that Netanyahu has insulted the President of the United States one too many times, interefered directly in US politics, and broken all the rules in the relationship with the United States that a foreign leader should follow. It's no surprise that the authors of "Israeli exceptionalism" in the relationship with the United States are two fundamentally American Republicans - Bibi Netanyahu and Ron Dermer. Zionists they're not.
23
According to a 2013 BBC poll America is the only country that has a "mainly positive" - 51% - opinion "of Israel's influence".
When America decides to see the world free of holy books and paid politicians are opinion of Israel will change.
When America decides to see the world free of holy books and paid politicians are opinion of Israel will change.
16
Then America will be the next Soviet Union.
3
The good thing about this is that Bibi may finally convince the Americans that it's time for the Israeli dog to stop wagging the American tail. Now that we are close to energy self sufficiency, we don't need to be in the Middle East protecting the sea lanes for China's and Japan's oil suppliers. Bibi thinks he can vanquish the Arabs forever and he doesn't need to give an inch to them. I don't think we need Arab oil and we don't need any more Americans to die for recalitrant Israeli politicians who think they can shoot and bomb their way to security. We have buried enough Americans who died in the Middle East. It's time to pull out and let the Israelis defend themselves any way that want.
27
Please, Americans, withdraw your support for Israel.
Remove the final barrier Israel has to finally drop down and operate on the same level and with the same mentality as their neighbors. End this conflict once and for all along with the delusional fantasy of a two state solution.
Or are you all under the impression your support to Israel does anything besides the above?
Remove the final barrier Israel has to finally drop down and operate on the same level and with the same mentality as their neighbors. End this conflict once and for all along with the delusional fantasy of a two state solution.
Or are you all under the impression your support to Israel does anything besides the above?
17
I'm pro-Israel biased I suppose but don't see why many commenters see this as a insult to the United States, rather than more of a political tiff between two leaders. If Congressional leaders want to let Netanyahu speak, fine. It's not insulting to me as an American.
In any event, Israel's security needs are obviously pretty important to them and to me for that matter. I express my political preferences as we all do, and support a strong pro-Israel U.S. policy. For me that means, secure, defensible Israeli borders (i.e., a de-militarized Palestinian state and Israel control of the Jordan valley) and regional military supremacy (i.e., no nukes in Iran and Saudi Arabia).
In any event, Israel's security needs are obviously pretty important to them and to me for that matter. I express my political preferences as we all do, and support a strong pro-Israel U.S. policy. For me that means, secure, defensible Israeli borders (i.e., a de-militarized Palestinian state and Israel control of the Jordan valley) and regional military supremacy (i.e., no nukes in Iran and Saudi Arabia).
13
John
After your pledge of allegiance you are still clueless as to the problem.
Tiff? Tiff? Tiff? Sow. Reap.
After your pledge of allegiance you are still clueless as to the problem.
Tiff? Tiff? Tiff? Sow. Reap.
15
I don't think you understand protocol. It's not done, and is it clearly intended as an insult. The invitation to speak and the act of accepting the invitation are both parts of the insult.
3
Part of the overreaction can be attributed to President Obama's image. There is a protective, defensive reaction to anything that makes him look bad, hence the hypersensitivity to the "insult".
Then there is the usual partisan reaction to what the republicans do.
Then there is the usual partisan reaction to what the republicans do.
4
This whole speech thing is a political stunt by Netanyahu meant to get his base worked up, because of the coming elections. It's common knowledge that many Israelis don't like Obama because of some delusion that he's anti-Israel, most probably due to something as trite as the president's Arab-sounding name. The only thing Netanyahu has ever cared about is keeping his job, and he will do whatever short-term political tactic to get the job done. As far as the so-called strain in relations between Obama and Netanyahu, this is being way overblown. The democratic party cannot afford to alienate Jewish voters and Israel needs the US, whether democrat or republican. This is a pathetic sideshow, a stunt maneuvered by cynical Republicans and a foolish, short-sighted Netanyahu for short-term political gain. We can only pray and hope that Israelis are smart enough to finally vote Netanyahu out and elect a wiser leader who has Israel's long-term security interests at heart rather than short-term political calculation.
26
The rupture between the Obama's administration and Netanyahu is the fundamental stance Israel has against Iran and Obama's dream world of see no evil in the definition of terrorist. Its not the government he hates, its the children of God he hates. Christians as well as Jews.
Obama is a racist and sees Israel as a road block to Islam's role to dominate the world. He is anti Jew and pro Islam and is controlled by Satanic influences as Romney would be by the Mormon Church.
Obama is a racist and sees Israel as a road block to Islam's role to dominate the world. He is anti Jew and pro Islam and is controlled by Satanic influences as Romney would be by the Mormon Church.
4
The comments here are astonishing. It is not as though Obama's foreign policy results have been stellar, a more accurate representation would be abject failure. From the red line in Syria to Libya to characterising ISIS as a j-v league Obama's foreign policy has been failure after failure after failure. Given that record is it any wonder Israel would look to other leadership in the US?
13
Yes it is a wonder Jacobi.
You argue that Israel can ignore the U.S. Constitution and protocols when it, and you, aren't happy with the foreign policy of the duly twice elected president. Me neither, but there is but one plan b, the next election.
Remarkable how the European socialist Zionism Israel project, despised by the ultra orthodox but a few years ago, has turned into thoughtless fascist nationalism, embraced by the racist proudly genocidal ultra orthodox.
Don't like the president? Do foreign policy with the speaker of the house, the house explicitly cut out of foreign policy. Fascists don't see the problem. Nationalism, religious nonsense, state power, and bully leaders baby. It is the right of fascists everywhere.
You argue that Israel can ignore the U.S. Constitution and protocols when it, and you, aren't happy with the foreign policy of the duly twice elected president. Me neither, but there is but one plan b, the next election.
Remarkable how the European socialist Zionism Israel project, despised by the ultra orthodox but a few years ago, has turned into thoughtless fascist nationalism, embraced by the racist proudly genocidal ultra orthodox.
Don't like the president? Do foreign policy with the speaker of the house, the house explicitly cut out of foreign policy. Fascists don't see the problem. Nationalism, religious nonsense, state power, and bully leaders baby. It is the right of fascists everywhere.
13
if obama's foreign policy were a failure, we'd be in a hot war somewhere right now. he's kept us safe and out of war, the two most important elements of any foreign policy.
5
And not only that, when Americans travel overseas we are no longer laughed at for our foreign policy. No longer do they ask how it is that we can allow GWB to wage illegal war, to destroy the global order, and to commit torture. No we are only laughed at for our domestic politics.
2
israel is not a well regarded nation in the western world--arrogance doesn't play well
32
Imagine a less aggressive and arrogant Israel? It wouldn't exist. Literally.
7
Imagine a scenario where Mr Netanyahu decided to build another very large settlement in the West Bank, and someone in the Israeli Knesset decided to invite President Obama to come to Israel to speak the the Knesset without consulting Bibi.
One can only imagine Mr. Netanyahu's reaction to that, so why is it such a surprise that President Obama might be just a bit annoyed. It is rude and undiplomatic behavior, and John Boehner should be ashamed he played a part in it. This kind of childish behavior has no place in the long term relationship between the US and Israel.
One can only imagine Mr. Netanyahu's reaction to that, so why is it such a surprise that President Obama might be just a bit annoyed. It is rude and undiplomatic behavior, and John Boehner should be ashamed he played a part in it. This kind of childish behavior has no place in the long term relationship between the US and Israel.
23
Good to see an American President stand up for America first not Israel first. Israeli's illegal occupation and treatment of Palestinians is the core issue that makes it a pariah and generates hatred for Americans in the Islamic world for blindly supporting Israel. It is the greatest justification used by extremists to generate anti American sentiments.
Iran's nuclear plan is not critical to Israel's existence. No nuclear nations go to war since it assures mutual destruction.
Israel's obvious influence on US political process and Congress is in immoral and illegal. If China or India were pumping the kind of money Israeli interests pump into the US elections it will be a scandal.
President Obama is showing leadership by not bowing to Israeli pressure. Congress should follow his lead not Israeli touts like Edelstein.
Iran's nuclear plan is not critical to Israel's existence. No nuclear nations go to war since it assures mutual destruction.
Israel's obvious influence on US political process and Congress is in immoral and illegal. If China or India were pumping the kind of money Israeli interests pump into the US elections it will be a scandal.
President Obama is showing leadership by not bowing to Israeli pressure. Congress should follow his lead not Israeli touts like Edelstein.
38
If Israel "seemingly" has a nuclear ability, such ability in the hands of Iran can create a balance of awe, a detant. Netanyahu should stop frightening the world. As an israeli I prefer that the U.S. Develop normal relations with Iran in order to stabilize the region.
33
I have had it up to here with the kowtowing to Israel. If Israel really wants war with Iran, have at it but expect no help from the United States. Do your own dirty work.
32
I think Boehner and Netanyahua has opened a door of questioning whose interest should determine USA - Israeli relationship. This will, I think, inure to Israels disadvantage. Up to now US reactions has been knee jerk to Israels favor, but now with potential requirement to fight Iran for her will prompt deep resistance, which is compounded by knowledge the homeland will become casualty. There is no way to find advantage to what these men has done to removing the bloom off this friendship.
8
Mr. Netanyahu went to school with Mitt Romney -- as we learned when Romney made a campaign trip to Israel and received Netanyahu's unspoken endorsement. At that time, Netanyahu made it crystal clear that he did not like or trust Barack Obama one bit -- even though he had never met him and did not know him. Enough said.
15
The Americans voted out Bush.
The Iranians voted out Ahmadinejad.
The Israelis need to vote out Netanyahu.
The more we sideline extremism the more peaceful co-existence we'll find.
The Iranians voted out Ahmadinejad.
The Israelis need to vote out Netanyahu.
The more we sideline extremism the more peaceful co-existence we'll find.
36
Actually the American's didn't vote Bush out: he could not run again. But the American's also arguably did not vote Bush in originally so close enough (I am an American expat who has lived in France a long time). I don't understand how rattled American's seem to be about a speech -- maybe I've been gone too long and I'm missing something -- but I do agree that a change in leadership would be best for everybody, including Israel.
mfo: I strongly doubt that Americans, in general, are rattled by the speech. In fact, if you asked the average American about the speech, I suspect that most most would reply "Speech? What speech." It is probably only a relatively small circle of Israel bashers, well represent here, that are up in arms and going nuclear. It is after all only a speech. The state department and the WH can and probably will ignore its content. Obama has dissed Netanyhu in the past as well as other world leaders. A change in Israeli leadership might change the tone of the conversation, but it won't change its substance. An Israeli PM will always put Israel's security concerns first. Witness the last Gaza war. No Israeli leader of stature condemned Israel's behavior as it concerned the need for Israel to defend itself.
3
Is Bibi's popularity dropping at home, or is he having issues with his own party ? Is this a diversionary tactic on his part to shift focus away from his domestic issues ?
5
The NY Times could do much good for USA and Israel, I believe, by explaining for people like me why we consider Israel such a good and important ally. Over many years the feeling has grown on me that Israel returns our largesse by constantly poking the USA in the eye - and then there is the spying and the attack on our ship.
34
A consistent problem through multiple presidencies is Netanyahu. This is undeniable. Not the only problem, may be not always wrong, but a consistent common cause of big problems. Israeli's should think about that Match 17, it may be THE existential threat.
7
Netanyahu is arrogantly trying to force Obama to abandon what he strongly believes is in the long term strategic interest of the United States .. Obama is saying: AIPAC or not, such arrogance is simply unsustainable for either one of our two countries .. the problem is Netanyahu is too simplistic to see it.
16
It is time America! The next time Israel needs to rely on our veto in the Security Council to accomplish THEIR foreign policy objectives, we must withhold it! And while we are at it, not one more penny of American taxpayer money to our so-called "best friend." With friends like that, America has no need of enemies!
25
The problem is that our representatives are ruled by AIPAc rather then by American people and this era needs to end.
5
Very many commenters make this point:
"Israel needs the US much more than the other way..."
But this comparison suggests both countries need each other, with the only question being which country needs the other country more. The better question to ask is: Does the United States "need" Israel AT ALL?
"Israel needs the US much more than the other way..."
But this comparison suggests both countries need each other, with the only question being which country needs the other country more. The better question to ask is: Does the United States "need" Israel AT ALL?
19
The answer is NOT AT ALL !!!
5
Well, with Netanyahu's acceptance of Boehner's invitation my patience finally reached its limit. I've grown weary of the Israeli government's incessant whining and lack of good faith in solving the Israel/Paletinian game of chicken. We're all familiar with bosses who operate this way. Tiresome and lacking in imagination.
17
When I saw Chris Wallace on Fox News condemning both Boehner and Netanyahu for this debacle, I knew they were in trouble.
16
I think we should stop giving money to Israel and not allow Netanyahu into the country, after all he is a guest here, hot a citizen.
19
Boehner is not insulting Obama only, he is insulting the office of our president and the people of America who voted him twice to presidency. Bohner is also adding fuel to fire to burn the relationship between Israel and America. Netanyahu is a proud guy who never cared for the relationship between these two countries. He cares only for Republican party. He knows the fact that our elected leaders are very timid and they are scared to death to make AIPAC angry at them. Netanyahu is interested to receive 3 billion dollars american tax payers money , arms and ammunation and diplomatic support (veto in UN). We, the ordinary people are stupid and have to digest this insult.. Some body said " Israel is our only friend in Middle East, but before Israel, we had no enemy":.
27
Looking at the big pictures US and Israel have one of the strongest linesrelationships that ever existed. Israel are bound to one another for mutual defense and the war against terrorist factions.
Both Obama and Netanyahu are both democratically elected Politicians.
If Netanyahu agrees with many of things that Obama's state dept sees as the road to peace he will lose enough support in the Knesset and lose his job.
I am surprised that people do not realize that, when Obama advanced the peace plan that, would have Israeli bringing its borders back to the 1947 lines ,it caused a huge and near irreconcilable rift between the two leaders.. US president does not dictate the peace plan nor the future borders for Israel or the palestinians.
I believe that Obama, Netanyahu and Boehner are on a track to big mistakes some of them already made.
The US wants peace Israel wants peaceful existence. Hezbollah and Hamas wants Israel to cease to be.
Both Obama and Netanyahu are both democratically elected Politicians.
If Netanyahu agrees with many of things that Obama's state dept sees as the road to peace he will lose enough support in the Knesset and lose his job.
I am surprised that people do not realize that, when Obama advanced the peace plan that, would have Israeli bringing its borders back to the 1947 lines ,it caused a huge and near irreconcilable rift between the two leaders.. US president does not dictate the peace plan nor the future borders for Israel or the palestinians.
I believe that Obama, Netanyahu and Boehner are on a track to big mistakes some of them already made.
The US wants peace Israel wants peaceful existence. Hezbollah and Hamas wants Israel to cease to be.
4
None of what you have written justifies a foreign head of state bypassing the President of the United States, sneaking into this country at the invitation of a rival political party without having had the decency to notify the White House in advance as protocol requires and trying to influence our nation's foreign policy by getting involved in domestic U.S. politics.
14
How is accepting an invitation sneaking into this country
Friendship is based primarily on trust. Netanyahhu has no trust of Obama because Obama will not kow-tow to Netanyahu. With Bibi, iit has never been the trust of allies, it has always been "my way or the highway." That will never engender an equal and friendly alliance. We have a good alliance with German, Japan, and Great Britain as well as France. I would guess we can talk to Russia on a "friendly" basis more than Israel. Now that's a bad thing. It has NEVER been a two way street, not from the 1967 bombing of the U.S.S. Liberty off the Egyptian Coast by Israeli planes while said ship was in international waters and WAS NOT a belligerent. We want peace and equality in the Middle East. Israel wants control.
16
Netanyahu is wrong, wrong wrong. As an AMERICAN Jew, I fully support our President and oppose war with Iran. But, if I were an Israeli living in Israel, I would probably back Netanyahu because there is an existential threat to Israel from Hezbollah and thus by proxy Iran.
7
Here's a deal for you, Bibi. Stop building new settlements in occupied territories. Dismantle the existing settlements. Negotiate in good faith with the Palestinians. Stop using every stupid Gaza rocket launch as an excuse to walk away from the table. Stop expecting the U.S. to provide money with no obligation from you to truly follow a path to piece. Your beef with President Obama really arises from the fact that he has had temerity to call you to account. American foreign policy is made in America, not Tel Aviv. I hope your unwise acceptance of a highly partisan invitation to address Congress -- yet again -- will backfire on you and the Republicans who yet again roll out the red carpet of approval to your misguided policies.
27
January 31, 2015
Seems fine that both leaders are truthful to and honor the need to embrace formal levels of working matters before thinking or feeling for the importance of personality contest. History is well tuned to the undercurrents and over- currents.
( Over currents - like in the higher truths that gide ones path as a leader and how one functions to deliver worthy working rational agendas.....)
Our world media is for sure a distraction that never will admit or fro that matter of import to the beauty and truth for where each believe civilization is going in the modern interantional educated electronic endeavors.....
jja Mahattan, N. Y.
Seems fine that both leaders are truthful to and honor the need to embrace formal levels of working matters before thinking or feeling for the importance of personality contest. History is well tuned to the undercurrents and over- currents.
( Over currents - like in the higher truths that gide ones path as a leader and how one functions to deliver worthy working rational agendas.....)
Our world media is for sure a distraction that never will admit or fro that matter of import to the beauty and truth for where each believe civilization is going in the modern interantional educated electronic endeavors.....
jja Mahattan, N. Y.
2
It is a violation of the Logan Act for Boehner to invite a foreign leader to the US. The President conducts foreign policy.
17
The Logan Act is a rabbit trail you are encouraged to follow. Forget about it, Boehner is not conducting foreign policy, he's conducting domestic politics.
The US has allow itself to become intertwined in the web of the Spider (Israel) where it compromises it's own self interest over that of it's "so called" friend time and time again.
The Congress has been bought and controlled for decades and espouses an unchallenged line of support.
When will the USA be for it's own people's best interest first vs being controlled and run by Special Interests driven influencers?
The Congress has been bought and controlled for decades and espouses an unchallenged line of support.
When will the USA be for it's own people's best interest first vs being controlled and run by Special Interests driven influencers?
18
Netanyahu, McConnell and Boehner are pursuing a policy that can only result in a US war with Iran. There is no alternate result. Either we negotiate or we fight. Destroying negotiations will result in a fight. It will not result in a better negotiated result. Do we really want a war with Iran? If the Israeli electorate wants a war with Iran they should re-elect Netanyahu and go to war with Iran on their own. The US cannot be the dog wagged by the tail.
25
Since Mr. Netanyahu has made the decision to try to work thru the Republican side of congress and signaled that he has no use for the Democrats or the Democratic President, then the House and Senate Democrats should not attend the speech.
Mr. Netanyahu wants to make his case for sanctions against Iran. He should not have insulted the American president this way, by not telling him about the invitation from Boehner or his acceptance of it. He should have been polite and used proper protocol and perhaps all would then be interested in listening to his side of the argument.
But since he has been so rude and arrogant, there is no need for the Dems to even listen to what the man has to say. All members of the Democratic party in Congress should stay home, or better yet, invite some members of the opposition parties in Israel to come and speak just to the Democratic congressional members on the same night as Bibi is giving his speech to the Republicans.
No need to play nicey-nice anymore. Netanyahu doesn't deserve it.
Mr. Netanyahu wants to make his case for sanctions against Iran. He should not have insulted the American president this way, by not telling him about the invitation from Boehner or his acceptance of it. He should have been polite and used proper protocol and perhaps all would then be interested in listening to his side of the argument.
But since he has been so rude and arrogant, there is no need for the Dems to even listen to what the man has to say. All members of the Democratic party in Congress should stay home, or better yet, invite some members of the opposition parties in Israel to come and speak just to the Democratic congressional members on the same night as Bibi is giving his speech to the Republicans.
No need to play nicey-nice anymore. Netanyahu doesn't deserve it.
77
The question is, Who is going to conduct American foreign policy? The person elected to do the job, or this astonishingly irresponsible claque in Congress?
If Democrats had done this under Reagan?
If Democrats had done this under Reagan?
65
Nancy Pelosi went to Syria when Bush was president and when US policy
was to isolate Syria and Assad, thereby clearly undermining the foreign policy of her president. She said at the time that Assad was very serious about peace, if only those intransigent Israelis would give him the Golan Heights. Imagine that.
I think this certainly qualifies as "astonishing irresponsibility".
was to isolate Syria and Assad, thereby clearly undermining the foreign policy of her president. She said at the time that Assad was very serious about peace, if only those intransigent Israelis would give him the Golan Heights. Imagine that.
I think this certainly qualifies as "astonishing irresponsibility".
1
How arch of Netanyahu to court conservative Republicans in Congress.
Where else will he find such a willing contingent of profiteers ready to go to war for him?
Where else will he find such a willing contingent of profiteers ready to go to war for him?
24
"Peter Baker reported from Washington, and Jodi Rudoren from Jerusalem."
The article does a fair job of giving a thumbnail view of establishment opinion among the political elites of the two capitals, which are remarkably similar. However, the writers fail to advance much evidence of how Obama has contributed to the current "strained alliance." Unless the writers intend to suggest that US negotiations with Iran, in order to pursue the interests of the US, is somehow tantamount to the adolescent behavior of Netanyahu and his colleague of opportunity, Boehner.
I would hesitate to call this article "news analysis," so much as it is a round up of elite pundits. The writers might benefit from getting out in the real world, a bit.
The article does a fair job of giving a thumbnail view of establishment opinion among the political elites of the two capitals, which are remarkably similar. However, the writers fail to advance much evidence of how Obama has contributed to the current "strained alliance." Unless the writers intend to suggest that US negotiations with Iran, in order to pursue the interests of the US, is somehow tantamount to the adolescent behavior of Netanyahu and his colleague of opportunity, Boehner.
I would hesitate to call this article "news analysis," so much as it is a round up of elite pundits. The writers might benefit from getting out in the real world, a bit.
19
As I read this article and the comments that have been posted, I keep wondering about what would satisfy Netanyahu, his Republican allies, and his ultra-Zionist supporters. After all, there are two kinds of leverage to apply to Iran -- economic sanctions and the threat of military attack. Military attack seems to be unthinkable given that it would result in the slaughter of enormous number of innocent people and would probably not destroy all of the Iranian nuclear facilities without being followed by military occupation of the entire country. Putting aside the immorality of such action, it would also alienate those Iranians who wish to be rid of their regime of mullahs as well as most of the population of the world. So sanctions are the only realistic tool for leverage. The use of sanctions is a very subtle art. If the threat of them is too gross it will simply strengthen the power and resolve of the Revolutionary Guards and other fanatics of their nation and will
make the ascent of the "Supreme Leader" be impossible to achieve. This action of Boehner inviting Netanyahu to address Congress is like leaving explosives in a room with a five year old child who knows how to light a match. I applaud President Obama for being the first US President since George H.W. Bush to exhibit the courage to stand up to the hawks (in that case Itzack Shamir) of Israel.
make the ascent of the "Supreme Leader" be impossible to achieve. This action of Boehner inviting Netanyahu to address Congress is like leaving explosives in a room with a five year old child who knows how to light a match. I applaud President Obama for being the first US President since George H.W. Bush to exhibit the courage to stand up to the hawks (in that case Itzack Shamir) of Israel.
26
To all those who suggest Democratic Congresspeople and Senators should boycott Netanyahu's speech: No, no, no!
We elected those Congresspeople and Senators to serve us, and to show up for work. So they should. Netanyahu is the guest, not them.
If anything Democrats in the Congress and Senate should treat Netanyahu exactly the way the Republicans treat President Obama. In silence. No clapping. Let Netanyahu simply experience their gaze. And by all means let them fully experience Netanyahu.
And let the American people observe and contemplate Republican fealty and obsequiousness toward a foreign leader.
Let the Republicans feel what it's like. Let them and their punditry dare to complain about or criticize such behavior.
Yes, Congresspeople and Senators should indeed show up at the Capitol. And Americans should show up at the polls.
We elected those Congresspeople and Senators to serve us, and to show up for work. So they should. Netanyahu is the guest, not them.
If anything Democrats in the Congress and Senate should treat Netanyahu exactly the way the Republicans treat President Obama. In silence. No clapping. Let Netanyahu simply experience their gaze. And by all means let them fully experience Netanyahu.
And let the American people observe and contemplate Republican fealty and obsequiousness toward a foreign leader.
Let the Republicans feel what it's like. Let them and their punditry dare to complain about or criticize such behavior.
Yes, Congresspeople and Senators should indeed show up at the Capitol. And Americans should show up at the polls.
18
Sitting in silence is no substitute for Democrats boycotting the arrogance of their disdainful conservative collegue's effort to humiliate their leader and our President of the United States. Bibi, who's forgotten the whole concept that Mr. Obama is also the Commander-in-Chief of a military that is unrivaled, has with one stroke of "stepping in it" jeopardized the security of his country. First for unparalleled disrespect, and second for demonstrating that the Nuclear Iranian threat cannot possibly be as serious as he whines on about. Unless his intelligence is so far afield from reality he couldn't possibly be this ignorant of the protocol involved here. Even mediocre leaders wouldn't play such a bluff hand at diplomacy while simultaneously having a wolf at the door. Really!? There is certainly no need to force this travesty on the very political party that Israel actually needs to smooth over the growing liberal misconceptions about Israeli-Palestinian issues.
3
Sorry, I don't see it that way, C. Coffey.
I see Democrats boycotting Netanyahu's planned speech in the same way I see political parties boycotting elections. It often proves counterproductive. If Democrats boycott Bibi, to me it appears that he has elicited a response, or that Democrats are being petulant - much like Republicans shutting down the government when they don't get their way. I don't think Democrats boycotting Bibi plays as well in the media as Democrats showing up and demonstrating in person not only what they think of Bibi's and Boehner's actions, but also what they think of their ideas. It is also a parody of Repubicans when President Obama addresses them. Both boycotting and sitting in silence are ultimately theater. I just think showing up and sitting in silence is more effective theater.
I see Democrats boycotting Netanyahu's planned speech in the same way I see political parties boycotting elections. It often proves counterproductive. If Democrats boycott Bibi, to me it appears that he has elicited a response, or that Democrats are being petulant - much like Republicans shutting down the government when they don't get their way. I don't think Democrats boycotting Bibi plays as well in the media as Democrats showing up and demonstrating in person not only what they think of Bibi's and Boehner's actions, but also what they think of their ideas. It is also a parody of Repubicans when President Obama addresses them. Both boycotting and sitting in silence are ultimately theater. I just think showing up and sitting in silence is more effective theater.
1
Eller
You're welcome to your opinion as is everyone else. This has nothing to do with shutting the government down. This has everything to do with foreign policy: the effectiveness of the President to discharge his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief which is the exact theme of Bibi's speech to a Joint Session of Congress. It's also about the security of the State of Israel. Much of the world currently disagree with everything the Israelis do to safeguard their citizens and country. Mr. Netanyahu would demonstrate that Israeli arrogance knows no bounds should this diplomatic suicide mission be carried out. Unlike here in the United States, most people in the rest of the world respect our President and are horrified that this whole stupid speech would be even allowed to be scheduled.
The Democratic Party has designated President Obama as its leader. This is a matter of an attempt to humiliate both him and the Democrats together. This is fairly new ground in the history of the country to directly intervene in the diplomatic protocol of a sitting President in matters of foreign policy. Unparalleled.
The Democrats are not required to attend any speech for any reasom at any time. So far there are no rules preventing either party or individual to boycott any proceeding they wish to protest. After all, it's a free country.
You're welcome to your opinion as is everyone else. This has nothing to do with shutting the government down. This has everything to do with foreign policy: the effectiveness of the President to discharge his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief which is the exact theme of Bibi's speech to a Joint Session of Congress. It's also about the security of the State of Israel. Much of the world currently disagree with everything the Israelis do to safeguard their citizens and country. Mr. Netanyahu would demonstrate that Israeli arrogance knows no bounds should this diplomatic suicide mission be carried out. Unlike here in the United States, most people in the rest of the world respect our President and are horrified that this whole stupid speech would be even allowed to be scheduled.
The Democratic Party has designated President Obama as its leader. This is a matter of an attempt to humiliate both him and the Democrats together. This is fairly new ground in the history of the country to directly intervene in the diplomatic protocol of a sitting President in matters of foreign policy. Unparalleled.
The Democrats are not required to attend any speech for any reasom at any time. So far there are no rules preventing either party or individual to boycott any proceeding they wish to protest. After all, it's a free country.
As the United States decreases its dependence on Middle East oil, it will no longer see the region as strategic to its interests. Israel will no longer be unreservedly supported by the United States. Israel, with its large population of Russians, will turn to Russia for support.
6
It seems that many simply assume without question that it is our responsibility to support and sustain Israel. To me I see little or no benefit of our long held policy of defending Israel, much less the billions of dollars that we have spent shoring up this thorn in the side of the Middle East. It's time that the United States lets Israel fend for itself without our help - they obviously don't appreciate anything we've ever done for them but still they continue to come to us with hat in hand wanting more. Let them sink or swim without our help.
20
If Mr. Nettanyahu is an astute politician as many make him out to be, he should know that President is a silent but deadly foe with which to tango. Just ask Mr. Putin, the darling of US Conservatives, and contenders for the Presidency of the USA within the past 8 years.
14
I believe every American, irrespective of party affiliation, should feel outraged at the craven political machinations of Mr. Netanyahu. His actions are an attack on the office of the President. The President is the only elected official voted on by the entire country, as opposed to the the people Mr. Netanyahu desires to address - most of whom retain power through blatant gerrymandering, evident from the number of Republicans representing the city of Greater Houston, er, Austin.
While speaker Boehner, through his actions, gets to both please the single agenda money mogul Sheldon Addelson and stick his thumb in the eye of the President, Mr. Netanyahu needed to remind himself that he is dealing with the representative of the American people. His actions represent contempt of that reality for personal or political reasons.
Still, we need to draw a distinction between Mr. Netanyahu and the country of Israel. AIPAC machinations and arm-twisting aside, from a people to people contact perspective, Israel is our only ally in the region. One can only hope that the people of Israel are represented by leaders who advance their interests and the cause of peace, as opposed to contribute towards their feeling of isolation.
While speaker Boehner, through his actions, gets to both please the single agenda money mogul Sheldon Addelson and stick his thumb in the eye of the President, Mr. Netanyahu needed to remind himself that he is dealing with the representative of the American people. His actions represent contempt of that reality for personal or political reasons.
Still, we need to draw a distinction between Mr. Netanyahu and the country of Israel. AIPAC machinations and arm-twisting aside, from a people to people contact perspective, Israel is our only ally in the region. One can only hope that the people of Israel are represented by leaders who advance their interests and the cause of peace, as opposed to contribute towards their feeling of isolation.
15
This outrageous breach of protocol between Netanyahu and Boehner, designed to embarrass the president, should be boycotted by the democratic caucus. A boycott would expose the speech as the purely political stunt that it is, deny it legitimacy, and leave both prepetrators humiliated while simultaneously showing solidarity with the leader of their country.
37
The Dems in Congress are NEVER known to have bones when push comes to shove. They are weak, and very easily intimated. Perfect example: they have both chambers from 2006 to 2010 but they couldn't dare impeach Bush or any of his cohorts for taking us to war on pure lies. It took me 30 years, but now I know why they wouldn’t be a majority again, at least for next 10 years, when a new generation of truly hardcore fighting libs gets in.
5
There can come a time in any longterm relationship when the two paths diverge. As an elder myself, I have experienced such moments and, painful as they may be, I have learned that negotiation and compromise are not always possible. Sometimes it is necessary to let the two parties follow their separate paths.
This does not mean that animosity should be allowed to permeate the process. It also does not mean that the two parties cannot work together on shared goals. But when there are core beliefs and practices that constantly get in the way of working or living together, it can be a sign that the relationship needs to be redefined.
Is this not what is happening today between the United States and Israel? As I see it, the issue is the less between Obama and Netanyahu and more about differences in Israeli and American values.
This does not mean that animosity should be allowed to permeate the process. It also does not mean that the two parties cannot work together on shared goals. But when there are core beliefs and practices that constantly get in the way of working or living together, it can be a sign that the relationship needs to be redefined.
Is this not what is happening today between the United States and Israel? As I see it, the issue is the less between Obama and Netanyahu and more about differences in Israeli and American values.
41
The President should take this opportunity to raise the visibility of the one-sided, parasitic relationship Israel has with the United States, and to formally begin to cut them off for good. Bibi's brazen disrespect for the President and aggressive opposition to US diplomatic efforts that don't support his goal of the total conquest of Palestine have long, long ago passed the point of tolerance. The public will understand that.
35
Can our president get along with anyone outside of his staff? Is this "rift" something unpredictable or along the lines of President Obama's relationship with the congress, senate and supreme court?
7
Yes, certainly a difference in "world views."
But there is more than policy and even patriotism involved.
Netanyahu has consistently evidenced, in personality terms, a toxic blend of arrogance and narcissism. Perhaps because his brother was a real hero at Entebbe and his brother has been a genuine scholar? Poor Ben, he must feel that people look at him and think: "Not the sharpest blade in Mother Netanyahu's drawer."
"You looking at me?"
I mean, exactly where do you get off telling another head of state, especially a head of a state which has sustained your existence for the past 72 years, to stick it?
This isn't just ungrateful -- and ungracious. Over the long term it is stupid.
Even though, of course, every Republican in the 2016 Republican primary will fall over himself to prove he's a more "severe" supporter of the "Check-your-brains-and-considered-sense-of-fairness-at-the-door-and-ask-me-no-questions" Israel projected by Netanyahu than the guy standing next to him on the stage.
After all, they are the soi-disant Party of Stupid.
It will be particularly amusing to watch Rand Paul go into Orwellese (apologies to Eric Blair) on this one: "Pop and I were against it, before I was for it."
And don't get me started on the stupefying cravenness of John Boehner to actually invite Ben to have his tantrum in public on the floor of the Congress of these United States.
But there is more than policy and even patriotism involved.
Netanyahu has consistently evidenced, in personality terms, a toxic blend of arrogance and narcissism. Perhaps because his brother was a real hero at Entebbe and his brother has been a genuine scholar? Poor Ben, he must feel that people look at him and think: "Not the sharpest blade in Mother Netanyahu's drawer."
"You looking at me?"
I mean, exactly where do you get off telling another head of state, especially a head of a state which has sustained your existence for the past 72 years, to stick it?
This isn't just ungrateful -- and ungracious. Over the long term it is stupid.
Even though, of course, every Republican in the 2016 Republican primary will fall over himself to prove he's a more "severe" supporter of the "Check-your-brains-and-considered-sense-of-fairness-at-the-door-and-ask-me-no-questions" Israel projected by Netanyahu than the guy standing next to him on the stage.
After all, they are the soi-disant Party of Stupid.
It will be particularly amusing to watch Rand Paul go into Orwellese (apologies to Eric Blair) on this one: "Pop and I were against it, before I was for it."
And don't get me started on the stupefying cravenness of John Boehner to actually invite Ben to have his tantrum in public on the floor of the Congress of these United States.
32
Why is Obama so afraid of what Netanyahu has to say? The optics of a US president throwing a childish tantrum are not good. Congress is co-equal in power and Boehner is the new majority leader- something Obama and his followers need reminding of. If Obama's international policies were working voters wouldn't have chosen Republicans to lead the House and Senate and shown Obama's party the door. Time to hear from some adult voices who can be honest with the American people about the true threat Iran poses to our allies and to us.
11
Except that Speaker Boehner is violating the Logan Act. Never before has a foreign head of state been given a formal invitation to speak to Congess without the invitation coming through the State Department or the president. When the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution, they did not give it the power to negotiate with foreign powers: that is given to the executive branch.
And the Constitutional breaches which Republicans claim that Pres. Obama is guilty of have many precedents, including by Republican presidents. This does not.
And the Constitutional breaches which Republicans claim that Pres. Obama is guilty of have many precedents, including by Republican presidents. This does not.
11
These heartfelt, often angry comments expressing resentment that the leader of one of America’s dependents has decided in conjunction with John Boehner to insult President Obama and in the eyes of the world, the American people, are feel good moments. But we might as well be whistling in the wind. Nothing said here today nor will any of our communications to congress have any effect on the status quo regarding largesse for Israel and our protecting Israel from the consequences of their actions . It will continue despite the congress knowing what they do will harm U.S. interests in the long run. General Petraeus, General Zinni, Admiral Fallon and others warned us that such inexplicable support was contributing to terrorism against the U.S. and harmed our national security They were forced to back track and apologize.
Also, do not expect the president to publicly take any action that might upset the status quo such as an appeal to the American people. It will not happen. The Democratic Party will remind him of how much money it will cost the party. He will demur.
An alliance has developed between those who support Israel with vast sums of money, fundamentalist Christians, a compliant media, and our politicians. This alliance has obtained the status of a holy matrimony and that is why Netanyahu and Boehner can thumb their nose at the president and ignore our complaints.
Also, do not expect the president to publicly take any action that might upset the status quo such as an appeal to the American people. It will not happen. The Democratic Party will remind him of how much money it will cost the party. He will demur.
An alliance has developed between those who support Israel with vast sums of money, fundamentalist Christians, a compliant media, and our politicians. This alliance has obtained the status of a holy matrimony and that is why Netanyahu and Boehner can thumb their nose at the president and ignore our complaints.
24
Not without consequences, like PUBLIC OPINION man! President Obama has only 2 years left, but Americans don't take kindly to humiliation tactics, especially from foreign leaders. Weakening Israel even further with this really serious breach of ethics has enormous consequences far beyond just now politics.
6
I doubt this has been a gradual process, and would not be surprise to learn that Netanyahu was represented at the meeting republicans held in 2008 where the decision was made that Obama would be opposed at every turn.
Mr Netanyahu followed that script from the beginning, even making no secret of his preference to make Pres Obama a one-term president.
Netanyahu has to be one of the most untrustworthy allies America has had in recent times, unless you believe that a foreign leader's involvement in domestic American politics is cause for celebration.
Mr Netanyahu followed that script from the beginning, even making no secret of his preference to make Pres Obama a one-term president.
Netanyahu has to be one of the most untrustworthy allies America has had in recent times, unless you believe that a foreign leader's involvement in domestic American politics is cause for celebration.
85
Apparently republican motives of any opportunistic moment to leech onto have no boundaries, however disgraceful.
1
Really? And Obama has never interfered in Israel's internal affairs?
You have a very short memory.
You have a very short memory.
Wow! No leader of a state, let alone a little state, can treat our president with such contempt and get applauded! What has America come too? As an apology let us increase foreign welfare at the expense of our veterans.
22
Some may remember a roughly comparable event, when DeGaulle came to Canada and said "Vive le Quebec libre."
It is unfortunate that there are many Americans, both private and elected, who favor a foreign country, no matter how closely allied to the USA, over the interests of their own.
36
Obama and his minions can throw all the tantrums they want but perhaps they have forgotten that they recently lost an election and no longer control the House or Senate. Boehner, the majority leader can invite whomever he wants. Obama deliberately lied to the American people during his state of the union about his "progress" on Iran and his policies in the Middle East have been a complete disaster. Netanyahu will provide a much needed frank assessment of the Iranian danger - something the American people have a right to hear. Elections, as Obama said, have consequences.
13
Obama did not recently lose an election. The assertion he did is insane. He is the President. But, conservatives gotta work with what they have rather than deal with reality and support America.
15
The Times says the rift "reflects fundamentally different world views between the leaders of two longtime allies: an American president eager for a historic rapprochement with Iran and an Israeli premier nursing an existential fear of a nuclear-armed enemy."
The Prime Minister's fears seem to serve him very well: $10 million a day in aid from the U.S., war against "weapons of mass destruction" conducted by the U.S. (which gave birth to ISIS and more fear), settlements at the expense of peace and also at the expense of the U.S., misery for millions at the expense of America's honor, conscience, and reputation as an honest broker. (And when one notices out loud, one is labeled anti-Semitic.)
But today I take issue with the quote at the beginning: the connotation is that Obama is looking to score a legacy while Netanyahu is trying to protect a people. But what attempts at diplomacy does he have to show as his desire for peace? When has he ever reached for peace when land was on the table?
The Prime Minister's fears seem to serve him very well: $10 million a day in aid from the U.S., war against "weapons of mass destruction" conducted by the U.S. (which gave birth to ISIS and more fear), settlements at the expense of peace and also at the expense of the U.S., misery for millions at the expense of America's honor, conscience, and reputation as an honest broker. (And when one notices out loud, one is labeled anti-Semitic.)
But today I take issue with the quote at the beginning: the connotation is that Obama is looking to score a legacy while Netanyahu is trying to protect a people. But what attempts at diplomacy does he have to show as his desire for peace? When has he ever reached for peace when land was on the table?
20
For a little perspective let's consider our very long special relationship with the U.K.. The U.K. is richer, larger, and still more powerful on the world stage than Israel. It has a long history including some extraordinary international achievements far beyond the capabilities suggested by the size of its territory. All of this might nourish a bit of national arrogance. Has any leader of the U.K. during the past century ever openly courted the political opposition of a sitting U.S. President?
31
A more pertinent question would be: Has any UK leader had reason to court the political opposition of a sitting US president? If the answer is no, then your question is irrelevant. but while we are on the subject of snubs, you might want to check out the remainder of the article from which the following quote was taken.
""But rumors of Washington snubs had begun earlier that year when Obama was reportedly “too tired” to greet Brown during a visit.
The perceived snubs continued through scaled-down press availabilities, reaching a low of ignominy when Obama gave Brown a DVD set of American movies that could not even be played in a non-US DVD player. At the time, the UK’s Telegraph described Obama’s present as one that “looked like the kind of thing the White House might hand out to the visiting head of a minor African state.”
In stark contrast, Brown had thoughtfully presented Obama with a pen holder made from the timbers of a warship used to hunt down slave traders in the 19th Century. Obama’s desk in the Oval Office was made from the timbers of that ship’s sister ship."
http://www.timesofisrael.com/actually-a-us-president-did-host-an-israeli...
Pretty tacky of Obama.
""But rumors of Washington snubs had begun earlier that year when Obama was reportedly “too tired” to greet Brown during a visit.
The perceived snubs continued through scaled-down press availabilities, reaching a low of ignominy when Obama gave Brown a DVD set of American movies that could not even be played in a non-US DVD player. At the time, the UK’s Telegraph described Obama’s present as one that “looked like the kind of thing the White House might hand out to the visiting head of a minor African state.”
In stark contrast, Brown had thoughtfully presented Obama with a pen holder made from the timbers of a warship used to hunt down slave traders in the 19th Century. Obama’s desk in the Oval Office was made from the timbers of that ship’s sister ship."
http://www.timesofisrael.com/actually-a-us-president-did-host-an-israeli...
Pretty tacky of Obama.
This article lets the Republican congress of the hook way too easily. As noted, Netanyahu has always been intransigent toward the U.S. administration of the day, but has there ever been an opposition party in power that goes out of its way to insult the President as this one does in a million ways? I doubt the old "politics stops at the water's edge" adage was ever as sacrosanct as it seems, but for a congress to invite a foreign leader to address it without the courtesy of alerting the White House or State Dept. is stunning. Can you imagine the right-wing outrage if a Democratic congress had done that to Bush or Reagan?
17
John Boehner is doing but one thing here: brazenly attempting to use geopolitical diplomatic relations to increase Republican chances for the White House. It is a possibly illegal usurpation of State Department responsibilities, and yet another instance of Republican "dissing" the current President of The United States. After six years of watching this behavior from the current crop of obstructionist, possibly seditionist, Republican Congressmen, I am certain that there is a racial component in the GOP spew and bile against which President Obama has nonetheless had remarkable success. The President's own agenda items have been relentlessly harassed, but many goals have been met. President Obama's greatest achievements, however - and I hope people will begin acknowledging this fact broadly - have been in repairing the vast damages left behind by the last Republican administration: an economy in utter free-fall, a legacy of torture, a Veterans Administration overburdened by a taxing number of grievously injured warriors from a needless, triple-trillion dollar war debt from Iraq that we will be repaying for years to come, many needlessly dead US soldiers and Iraqi civilians, the amateurishly bungled response of Hurricane Katrina ... failures out to the horizon and beyond. The nerve to think that any among the Republican Party's current clown car of candidates has any business in the White House is astounding. Mr. Netanyahu should decline being so obvious a tool for the GOP.
22
we continue to sell ourselves short evertime we talk about common values. even assuming values had anything to do with foreign policy or congressional lobbying, what could we possibly share value wise with a country pursuing a colonisation policy and purporting to be a democracy while treating twenty percent of its people ( arabs) as second class citizens unfit to serve in its army. shared values with israel is a convenient myth, repeated long enough in the hope it sinks in.
12
I am convinced that the differences exposed here are a question of definition.
"Our ally", in the Likud sense of the word: one who does Likud bidding from the word go, refers to Likud in terms reserved previously for Raoul Wallenberg, and who merits being kicked in the groin whenever he does something the least bit displeasing to our most reactionary elements.
"Our ally", in the Obama sense of the word: one who gets their way 98% of the time, has a pretty free hand to keep on stealing Palestinian land, never gets a negative vote by me in the UN, receives all the military equipment they could possibly want, and has only to keep the personal insults against me to some modicum level.
"Our ally", in the Likud sense of the word: one who does Likud bidding from the word go, refers to Likud in terms reserved previously for Raoul Wallenberg, and who merits being kicked in the groin whenever he does something the least bit displeasing to our most reactionary elements.
"Our ally", in the Obama sense of the word: one who gets their way 98% of the time, has a pretty free hand to keep on stealing Palestinian land, never gets a negative vote by me in the UN, receives all the military equipment they could possibly want, and has only to keep the personal insults against me to some modicum level.
14
There is a simple way to rebalance this situation. The status of visitors to the USA is entirely in the hands of the administration. Bearing a diplomatic, official, special or whatever passport does not give you diplomatic or other special status under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities despite widely held beliefs to the contrary - it is always the receiving state which controls these prerogatives.
On arrival in the USA Mr. Netanyahu (not to be confused with Prime Minster Netanyahu) should be required to go through customs and immigration - like any other private visitor to the USA and be given a visitor status of duration appropriate to his entry as a private citizen to speak to a privately arranged meeting. As with other private visitors he should have access to the import privileges normally extended to visitors and be expected to provide for and pay for his own lodgings and any medical or security requirements beyond that which is extended to any other private visitor.
On arrival in the USA Mr. Netanyahu (not to be confused with Prime Minster Netanyahu) should be required to go through customs and immigration - like any other private visitor to the USA and be given a visitor status of duration appropriate to his entry as a private citizen to speak to a privately arranged meeting. As with other private visitors he should have access to the import privileges normally extended to visitors and be expected to provide for and pay for his own lodgings and any medical or security requirements beyond that which is extended to any other private visitor.
50
Doesn't work like that; when traveling Ina diplomatic passport you're either in or out. Bibi was invited to address Congess by the elected leaders of Congress; it's not like he invited himself, That's the way democracy works. As Obama said elections have consequences. Congress is an entirely independent branch of the government and one that has, by design, the most power. If Obama wanted to control what happened there he should have remained in the Senate.
3
I am appalled as an American as and as a Jew at Netanyahu is utterly wrong. Attacking Iran's nuclear facitilities would lead to a global conflagration. The US will not support it.
His best hope is a treaty along the lines that Obama is seeking.
But, Netanyahu, with his immoral expansion of settlements and his barbaric actions in Gaza, knows nothing of such sanity. He pushes everything to it's most violent and self serving conclusion. - self serving in the short term, as his long term strategy is one that will doom Israel.
His best hope is a treaty along the lines that Obama is seeking.
But, Netanyahu, with his immoral expansion of settlements and his barbaric actions in Gaza, knows nothing of such sanity. He pushes everything to it's most violent and self serving conclusion. - self serving in the short term, as his long term strategy is one that will doom Israel.
1
Are you kidding me? Go through customs and immigration? Provide for and pay for his own lodgings? At a time when millions of illegal criminals are getting driver licenses in CA? Why? The Obama administration doesn't remember anymore how such laws are enforced.
George Washington, from his farewell address: "So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation."
17
"In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated. "
2
Netanyahu is an opportunist in taking advantage of the Republican party's and leadership's endless activities to oppose anything that Obama might champion or tries to implement. He is using the invitation he obtained through his US ambassador to influence Israeli election and the GOP is a silent dummy for his election campaign.
From Economist 17 Jan 2015 quoting: America’s Bitter Pill: Money, Politics, Backroom Deals, and the Fight to Fix our Broken Healthcare System. By Steven Brill.
"....Mr Obama could be forgiven for proving more cynical than promised. The Republicans, after all, have tried to use lawsuits,
a government shutdown and the threat of sovereign default to derail Obamacare. The opposition began, quite literally, on day one.
Mr Brill describes a dinner attended by 20 Republican congressmen and about a dozen strategists and lobbyists on the night
of Mr Obama’s inauguration. “It was about stopping anything the new president championed and also stopping another big-government
programme,” writes Mr Brill. “No one mentioned that Obama was talking about a health-care plan like the one Romney, and Nixon before him, had espoused.”
From Economist 17 Jan 2015 quoting: America’s Bitter Pill: Money, Politics, Backroom Deals, and the Fight to Fix our Broken Healthcare System. By Steven Brill.
"....Mr Obama could be forgiven for proving more cynical than promised. The Republicans, after all, have tried to use lawsuits,
a government shutdown and the threat of sovereign default to derail Obamacare. The opposition began, quite literally, on day one.
Mr Brill describes a dinner attended by 20 Republican congressmen and about a dozen strategists and lobbyists on the night
of Mr Obama’s inauguration. “It was about stopping anything the new president championed and also stopping another big-government
programme,” writes Mr Brill. “No one mentioned that Obama was talking about a health-care plan like the one Romney, and Nixon before him, had espoused.”
13
If an American President had the mindset of Netanyahu we would be an expanding world power always involved in acquiring more land to dominate and declare these lands to be ours. Israels whole attitude about the west bank evolves from the biblical Judea at its height of power, just as Iran seems to seek the influence in this world based on the power and influence of a Persian empire or ancient times. If every country that was once great assumed that attitude, then where would we be if the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and Mongols declare that they are the rightful owners of all lands that their ancestors once ruled. --- That is ancient history and we live in today's reality.
Israel is merely looking to get rid of all non-Jews in their ancient lands. Having experienced the holocaust they should know better than displacing / deporting all who don't fit their views and culture.
Israel is merely looking to get rid of all non-Jews in their ancient lands. Having experienced the holocaust they should know better than displacing / deporting all who don't fit their views and culture.
26
As we near 1,000 comments, and some comments already have over 1,000 recommends, it is clear that American opinion here runs heavily against Netanyahu. It is about as one-sided as anything gets, which is especially remarkable considering it is about Israel and does not favor Israel.
Other sites are the same, remarkably so the more conservative sites that normally favor Israeli positions and normally attack Obama.
It is time for other Israeli leaders to step up and do something to protect Israel from the actions of Netanyahu. There are many good people there, and much reason to protect them, but in this they must first protect themselves.
Other sites are the same, remarkably so the more conservative sites that normally favor Israeli positions and normally attack Obama.
It is time for other Israeli leaders to step up and do something to protect Israel from the actions of Netanyahu. There are many good people there, and much reason to protect them, but in this they must first protect themselves.
31
"it is clear that American opinion here runs heavily against Netanyahu."
Given the obvious bias on these pages such a conclusion is likely inaccurate. If one looked only here during the 2014 election the conclusion would have been democrats were in for a blowout win.
Given the obvious bias on these pages such a conclusion is likely inaccurate. If one looked only here during the 2014 election the conclusion would have been democrats were in for a blowout win.
6
These comments also reflect a deep resentment toward republicans. Had Netanyahu not aligned himself with republicans, there probably would not have been half the outrage we're seeing in this incident.
5
Actually the opinion of prolific commentators who are auto approved to post, like you, runs heavily in favor of the Arabs. Of those who wait for approval or whose posts are censored -- that is, ordinary Americans -- we don't know. We do know however how they vote which is why the large Republican majority in Comgress invited Netanyahu. As much as I'm sure some would see the approved intelligentsia of the NYT comment board override national elections that's now how things work in the US, at least not yet.
3
U.S. taxpayers have provided the Israeli military with more than $121 billion since the state’s founding, subsidizing about 25% of the country’s annual defense budget in recent years. Aid to Israel represents more than half of the total U.S. annual budget for foreign military financing.
That subsidy has increased even as Israel’s economy has experienced a growth spurt and the country has discovered stores of natural gas, which in turn is allowing them to create a sovereign wealth fund!
Enough already. Why should we continue to subsidize Israel? What are we getting in return for this relationship?
That subsidy has increased even as Israel’s economy has experienced a growth spurt and the country has discovered stores of natural gas, which in turn is allowing them to create a sovereign wealth fund!
Enough already. Why should we continue to subsidize Israel? What are we getting in return for this relationship?
46
The US aid directly pays about 25% of the Israeli military budget. However, aid is much more, including other benefits. For example, we cut prices and offer terms. We stockpile vast amounts of "our" ammo and jet fuel in Israel so they do not have that considerable expense. We guarantee their supplies in time of war of fuel, parts, and ammo, which spares much expense to provide against those needs. We allow co-production we give few other allies, such as giving the code to the F-35 that we deny to everyone else.
When all of our help is included, we are increasing their defense by about half.
That is vastly important, because they have one of the highest %GDP defense budgets in the world. They could not possibly double it to make up the loss of that American subsidy.
When all of our help is included, we are increasing their defense by about half.
That is vastly important, because they have one of the highest %GDP defense budgets in the world. They could not possibly double it to make up the loss of that American subsidy.
18
Can we ask Israel to refund us...
Maybe letting Iran having some nukes may provide some leverage in this conversation...
We actually need some money for our broken school system, health care, and infrastructure - all of which Israel has on an order of magnitude better done than us.
So why are we paying them?
Maybe letting Iran having some nukes may provide some leverage in this conversation...
We actually need some money for our broken school system, health care, and infrastructure - all of which Israel has on an order of magnitude better done than us.
So why are we paying them?
8
Mr. Block, of the Israel Project, describes, in the last paragraph, the current tension as being "personality-driven." I suggest it is policy-driven. It is obvious, in fact. I am a liberal, a Democrat, and had always been a strong supporter of Israel's policies. But over the last 10-15 years I have increasingly "lost my faith." The unbridled arrogance of Netanyahu and the policies he chooses to pursue are distasteful to anyone with a modicum of balanced thought.
46
with a modicum of balanced thought?
Better said anybody with some sanity and honesty.
Better said anybody with some sanity and honesty.
2
The problem with Obama is that when it comes to Iran he's dealing with a country that has two Governments. The ruling religious and military Government and the elected Government. Obama is dealing with the wrong Iranian Government. He is doing exactly what the United States did in 1941. Roosevelt was negotiating with the elected Japanese Government when the Emperor and Military really ruled. Remember Pearl Harbor Obama. The Israelis know Obama is talking to the wrong Iranians and that the ruling religious leadership in Iran won't even talk to him. It's Israel that will pay the price for Obama's arrogance. So Bibi, talk to Congress, maybe this fool of a President will get the message.
16
Great that a foreigner can intervene in domestic politics to straighten America out. It is the right thing to do because the foreigner is right.
Of course. Israel is a world pariah, but that is because of Netanyahu's wisdom pursuing the agenda of about three million Israeli Jews, who have the real truth, not that fake Islam. Just ask them. They have no evidence, but why should they? They have The Truth and are entitled. Just like the fundamentalist they cozy up to who believe a day will come when God horribly massacres all Jews and who want that day to arrive sooner through I.S. Foreign policy. But it is impolite to acknowledge. Embarrassssingggg.
Muslims are supposed to stand up to Moslems I regularly read.
When are Jews going to stand up to expansionist fascism?
Just joking.
Of course. Israel is a world pariah, but that is because of Netanyahu's wisdom pursuing the agenda of about three million Israeli Jews, who have the real truth, not that fake Islam. Just ask them. They have no evidence, but why should they? They have The Truth and are entitled. Just like the fundamentalist they cozy up to who believe a day will come when God horribly massacres all Jews and who want that day to arrive sooner through I.S. Foreign policy. But it is impolite to acknowledge. Embarrassssingggg.
Muslims are supposed to stand up to Moslems I regularly read.
When are Jews going to stand up to expansionist fascism?
Just joking.
5
Sounds to me like our government. The Executive vs Congress.
1
Why doesn't Israel make peace with Iran instead of continually trying to pull our strings?
1
Surprise! The Republicans align themselves with an enemy of our president and try to bring him embarrassment. Bringing a foreign leader to speak here behind the back of our president fits right in with all the other near treasonous acts they have performed for the last 7 years.
Maybe all the democrats could move to one side of the country and all the Republicans can move to the other side and we can become two nations divided by hate and racism and money.
Maybe all the democrats could move to one side of the country and all the Republicans can move to the other side and we can become two nations divided by hate and racism and money.
25
The Republicans are behaving the way they've behaved throughout President Obama's second term. The Israeli PM and ambassador made a really stupid political mistake that could severely damage the nation of Israel.
2
I know that one does not combat bad manners, with more bad manners. But it would be interesting to see what would happen if Democrats walk out on Bibi and Boehmer when the former tries to deliver his message. Also, American born Ron Desner, Israel's Ambassador to the USA, should be stripped of his American citizenship and shown the door. I hope people realize that the situation created here, by Ron, Bibi and Boehner, has touched a nerve that extends further than the East coast where most Jews live in America. From what I've read and heard, many Israelis don't approve of what is going on either. Will they show up and vote against Bibi?
My take on Obama is that he is tired and bored with Israel. It is close to a "lost cause". However, Iran is a more intriguing and interesting country. The people may be mortified by the ayatollahs, but they don't carry with them a heavy history of persecution. They know who they are.
Winning the favor of Iran would be more meaningful and rewarding to America and Obama, and even the Middle East, than holding hands with an insecure Bibi.
My take on Obama is that he is tired and bored with Israel. It is close to a "lost cause". However, Iran is a more intriguing and interesting country. The people may be mortified by the ayatollahs, but they don't carry with them a heavy history of persecution. They know who they are.
Winning the favor of Iran would be more meaningful and rewarding to America and Obama, and even the Middle East, than holding hands with an insecure Bibi.
28
Any Dems who walk out on Bibis speech should make sure to take all their stuff with them. Because they will never get re-elected, and wont be coming back.
2
It is important to remember the way that Israeli elections work. Netanyahu will most likely become the next prime minister, but he will be able to do so by forming a coalition with only a 24-seat or so mandate. That is 24 out of the possible 120 seats in the Knesset. Netanyahu represents roughly 20% of Israel. He does not represent all of Israel and all Israelis. He just has the bully pulpit like any other leader. His party will actually probably garner fewer seats than the left wing Labor party. So before everyone posting here equates their disdain for a petulant foreign ally with hatred toward a good friend, think about how this hatred couldn't exist without democracy. Then ask where else democracy is in the region.
8
I find it extremely strange that this hostility began as soon as Obama took office and has degraded continually during his term. Unless and until you have been on "the point of the spear"... been threatened with extinction, and have been pushed around the planet for two thousand years,... you'll simply never understand. Your heart and your mind aren't large enough. These people are GOD'S Chosen. Obama's regime meets with The Muslim Brotherhood... Why not BiBi?... Obama is not a leader, rather he is an appeaser and protector of the Muslims, which he said he would be when the "winds shifted"... Clearly the winds shifted when Obama entered office.
12
Well, actually, Mr. Obama HAS met with "Bibi", many times. He does not approve of some of "Bibi's" policies, as many Republican do not approve of HIS plans for this country. The world is a larger stage than just Israel and the US, and calls for more holistic deliberations, without of course, throwing Israel under the bus.
Disagreements are one thing, outright truculence and strong-arm partisanship are another. Mr. Netanyahu may not be as popular in his own country as he obviously is in a large section of ours, and is using this contretemps to gain a political edge-at our expense.
Disagreements are one thing, outright truculence and strong-arm partisanship are another. Mr. Netanyahu may not be as popular in his own country as he obviously is in a large section of ours, and is using this contretemps to gain a political edge-at our expense.
3
May I suggest that the Democratic caucus of the American Senate and members of Congress and their office workers do not attend the meeting on March 3, when the Prime Minister of Israel lecturers the American people what kind of foreign policy the USA should conduct.
31
It is particularly unfortunate that our Speaker has elected to go outside the tradition of protocol and invite Netanyahu to adress Congress without seeing the President. I do not see how this helps anyone long term. In the end, the President conducts and controls foreign policy, and our Constitution is clear enough on that. And, Netanyahu may easily lose leverage with the U.S. if he chooses to diss its Head of State. One has to assume that he will oppose anything Kerry would produce with Iran, short of a permanent breakdown of the negotiations. We have enough challenges in the Middle East right now than to have Netanyahu play games with our political system.
14
Obama does not let BIBI run the foreign policy like he's used to.
18
Israel is estimated to possess several hundred Nuclear bombs. Given its history and military reputation, there can be little doubt that it would use them, if felt threatened. Iran would have to be led by lunatics to pursue a Nuclear weapons path. As far as history is concerned, Iran is not an aggressive country, and is unlucky to be the enemy of both the US and Israel at the same time.
The West, the USA in particular is to blame for much of the intransigence of the Israeli government. It has been allowed lee-way to use military means to expand its borders and to over-whelm the Palestinian People in a manner that would be unacceptable if used by other countries. Look at the way Russia is being sanctioned for its actions in Ukraine---why has Israel escaped this ?
As for Obama. He is the President of the US. If Congress cannot respect that, then it will eventually lead to a deterioration of political conduct within the US.
All for Netanyahu, a man with zero respect for others, only a desire for a Greater Israel.
The West, the USA in particular is to blame for much of the intransigence of the Israeli government. It has been allowed lee-way to use military means to expand its borders and to over-whelm the Palestinian People in a manner that would be unacceptable if used by other countries. Look at the way Russia is being sanctioned for its actions in Ukraine---why has Israel escaped this ?
As for Obama. He is the President of the US. If Congress cannot respect that, then it will eventually lead to a deterioration of political conduct within the US.
All for Netanyahu, a man with zero respect for others, only a desire for a Greater Israel.
28
Why is it ok for the President to usurp the legislative power with his flurry of executive orders; and not okay for Congress to usurp the President's role as the head of our foreign policy?
You can't have it both ways. Pick one.
I think we should go by what the Constitution says. Novel as that may seem.
You can't have it both ways. Pick one.
I think we should go by what the Constitution says. Novel as that may seem.
5
@Robert Dana: From what you write, you clearly show that you have no understanding or knowledge of the Constitution of the United States of America - no more than a large majority of the Republican Congress.
Not explained in this article is what congressional Republicans hope to gain from the Netanyahu event. Obviously their action is retaliation for President Obama's executive actions, as in "you act without us, we'll act without you". But unlike the constructive outcomes of the President's actions, the invitation to Bibi and the push to increase sanctions on Iran is reckless and destructive (which is typical Republican governance).
So if Republicans somehow manage to get the sanctions increased, what will they say if Iran backs out of negotiations altogether? Bomb Iran (we know McCain will say that)? That actually won't be too bad...it'll help defeat the Republicans in 2016.
So if Republicans somehow manage to get the sanctions increased, what will they say if Iran backs out of negotiations altogether? Bomb Iran (we know McCain will say that)? That actually won't be too bad...it'll help defeat the Republicans in 2016.
9
"Not explained in this article is what congressional Republicans hope to gain from the Netanyahu event.".....They will get to stick it to Obama to the delight of their Dixiecrat base; it is a whole lot easier than having to figure ought how to do anything useful for the country.
8
W.A. Spitzer
Amen and hallelujah.
Amen and hallelujah.
3
Obama can, and should, cause much mayhem for Israel at the UN, without approval or interference from Congress. He should do this and work whatever means available to the Executive to stop or slow American dollars flowing to Israel.
20
"Rafsanjani, former president of Iran once publicly mused that a nuclear exchange between Iran and Israel would leave 8 million Iranians dead, but that Israel would be totally destroyed." - (The common theme of Iran's threat to Israel, from one NYT reader)
Did Rafsanjani happen to further muse than in order to totally destroy Israel, whoever attack Israel thusly would also have to totally destroy Jordan, Lebanon, and Western Syria? Not to mention every Palestinian in The West Bank and Gaza, as well as 1.4 million mostly Muslim Arab-Israelis?
Check out the map, Desert Fox. Nuclear kill zones have a bad habit of being circular.
LIkewise, Israel supposedly has 200 deliverable nuclear devices whose accuracy we can assume for the usual reasons. Tehran alone has a population of 8 million. The largest six-dozen-odd cities in Iran contain some 30 million inhabitants. And after they were bombed and destroyed, how much of the rest of Iran would be habitable?
It would greatly serve the sanity, as well as the longevity, of both Israel, and those who protest that they love Israel, that they start to apply a lot less repetition and a lot more reason to Israel's security issues. Or Israel and "Israel lovers" are going to love Israel to death. At this point, the increasingly-most-likely of tragic endings for Israel will be self-destruction.
Did Rafsanjani happen to further muse than in order to totally destroy Israel, whoever attack Israel thusly would also have to totally destroy Jordan, Lebanon, and Western Syria? Not to mention every Palestinian in The West Bank and Gaza, as well as 1.4 million mostly Muslim Arab-Israelis?
Check out the map, Desert Fox. Nuclear kill zones have a bad habit of being circular.
LIkewise, Israel supposedly has 200 deliverable nuclear devices whose accuracy we can assume for the usual reasons. Tehran alone has a population of 8 million. The largest six-dozen-odd cities in Iran contain some 30 million inhabitants. And after they were bombed and destroyed, how much of the rest of Iran would be habitable?
It would greatly serve the sanity, as well as the longevity, of both Israel, and those who protest that they love Israel, that they start to apply a lot less repetition and a lot more reason to Israel's security issues. Or Israel and "Israel lovers" are going to love Israel to death. At this point, the increasingly-most-likely of tragic endings for Israel will be self-destruction.
22
What, exactly, does the US get out of the relationship with Israel? The US has given more aid to Israel than it has to all the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean combined.
31
Boehner and Bibi
2 arrogant bullies
birds of a feather flock together
2 arrogant bullies
birds of a feather flock together
31
Maybe it is time to find a new word for terrorism. It's war, a flatter, more fluid version of it than we have ever seen, but war none-the-less. We aren't fighting terrorists; we are fighting Muslims. One can say that because there are no moderate Muslims standing -- visibly, vocally, armed -- beside the US or - imagine - Israel. Until we see that, Israel has a right to be threatened by a nuclear Iran and to take precautions to protect itself. Netanyahu is rabid and dangerous/explosive, but he's probably also right. It's odd because it's clear what his motives are but Obama's/the US, not so much. Most Americans, including me, are spoon fed what to think about Obama and Kerry's long term strategies. I admit ignorance and can only respond to what seems like the truest threat, a shift of world power.
3
PS
I am so eager to learn the long term strategies of Kerry and Obama that I will pay to learn because I have yet to hear them despite reading every day's news looking for them.
Do tell.
It is remarkable how Obama is criticized for mutually exclusive faults that change by the day with absolutely no basis in reality. Racist sulkers have a nasty brain disease as lethal to America as mad cow disease is to rain eaters.
I am so eager to learn the long term strategies of Kerry and Obama that I will pay to learn because I have yet to hear them despite reading every day's news looking for them.
Do tell.
It is remarkable how Obama is criticized for mutually exclusive faults that change by the day with absolutely no basis in reality. Racist sulkers have a nasty brain disease as lethal to America as mad cow disease is to rain eaters.
1
Netanyahu is playing Boehner and the Congress as fools. He knows that the U.S. and our allies are not going to let Iran get nuclear weapons. No problem there.
The issue is the economic embargo of Iran...If Netanyahu plays the right fiddle to Congress, he can convince them to keep (and even increase) the economic sanctions against Iran. As long as those are sustained, Iran is weaker than it might be.
In short, Netanyahu's "No Nuke -- Ever!" rhetoric is equivalent to the Bush-Cheney "Iraq has WMD's!" ruse as a reason to go to war. If I were Obama, I'd blow the cover on that strategy right now -- and then see if Mr. N still wants to come to D.C.
The issue is the economic embargo of Iran...If Netanyahu plays the right fiddle to Congress, he can convince them to keep (and even increase) the economic sanctions against Iran. As long as those are sustained, Iran is weaker than it might be.
In short, Netanyahu's "No Nuke -- Ever!" rhetoric is equivalent to the Bush-Cheney "Iraq has WMD's!" ruse as a reason to go to war. If I were Obama, I'd blow the cover on that strategy right now -- and then see if Mr. N still wants to come to D.C.
17
This is not about Obama and Netanyahu, or even about Boehner finding another way to attack the President. It's about Iran continuing enrichment in there effort to acquire nuclear weapons. Since this has been known--and this goes back many years now--their strategy has been to engage the West with interminable negotiations, while they find ways to continue their enrichment.
This time, if there is any sincerity of a change, we would have known about it by now, and there would have been an agreement. They continue to use negotiations as a way to stall any real action by the West.
The Times could help by listing the sticking points in the present negotiations. What has been decided, and what has not. A little transparency here might expose their strategy of delay through negotiations.
This time, if there is any sincerity of a change, we would have known about it by now, and there would have been an agreement. They continue to use negotiations as a way to stall any real action by the West.
The Times could help by listing the sticking points in the present negotiations. What has been decided, and what has not. A little transparency here might expose their strategy of delay through negotiations.
10
Israel is a sovereign nation and can choose a path independent of the United States. However, to so openly dismiss the President of the United States while relying on $5B of funding from the US and continued policy support is unforgivable. I am no fan of this President nor of his foreign policy, but his treatment by the Israeli's makes it clear that every American including the Republicans should demonstrate their outrage by dramatically cutting Israeli financial aid.
With a combination of strong domestic oil and natural gas supply coupled with growing alternatives, the US need not support this region of the world with its military, financial resources and the lives of its citizens. It is time to let Israel make its own peace with its neighbors and not rely on the United States
With a combination of strong domestic oil and natural gas supply coupled with growing alternatives, the US need not support this region of the world with its military, financial resources and the lives of its citizens. It is time to let Israel make its own peace with its neighbors and not rely on the United States
28
Israel would accept that challenge in a second.
Obama has stopped Israel so many times from doing what they could and should have done to stop Iran from getting the bomb..
Obama instituted the Sanction to convince Netanyahu too rely on the USA
So if it is true they rely on us it is because Obama forced them too.
Obama has stopped Israel so many times from doing what they could and should have done to stop Iran from getting the bomb..
Obama instituted the Sanction to convince Netanyahu too rely on the USA
So if it is true they rely on us it is because Obama forced them too.
“It would be nice if a level of maturity kicked in ... ” said Josh Block. It would be a long overdue change if Israelis would understand how their settlement building angers thoughtful Americans, and puts the U.S. in a difficult stance. But there's not much chance that will happen. AIPAC and related groups are too indulgent of Israel.
17
That a tiny country that in the first place wouldn't exist without American recognition, including the annual financial and military support, spits in the face -- time and time again -- of its greatest patron and benefactor is nothing new.
Here's a quote and a link -- it is all the context you need. Israel has all the US lawmakers in its pocket and it knows it.
"“We, the Jewish people control America, and the Americans know it.” (Statement of Ariel Sharon, former prime minister of Israel, Oct. 3, 2001.)"
http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/sharon_words__206.html
Here's a quote and a link -- it is all the context you need. Israel has all the US lawmakers in its pocket and it knows it.
"“We, the Jewish people control America, and the Americans know it.” (Statement of Ariel Sharon, former prime minister of Israel, Oct. 3, 2001.)"
http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/sharon_words__206.html
28
Maybe it's time to cut Israel loose and see how they like going it alone.
32
Or maybe it is finally time to cut funding of their war crimes and put some money in our broken infrastructure or school system.
5
The arrogance of Netanyahu is one thing. The GOP's willingness to exploit it is another. As our country gets used to not just 'divided government' as in "checks and balances" but to deeply divided government, is it just possible that Congress controlled as it now is a deeply entrenched conservative majority will develop its own State Department?
Complete with traveling chairs of one committee or another, gathering data, making speeches and connecting alliances, the new Congressional foreign office will surely neutralize our chief executive and make his policies and personnel only one set of things the world will have to adjust to.
The incoherence and grid lock that characterize our domestic policy will then surely take hold in the foreign relations, too.
Complete with traveling chairs of one committee or another, gathering data, making speeches and connecting alliances, the new Congressional foreign office will surely neutralize our chief executive and make his policies and personnel only one set of things the world will have to adjust to.
The incoherence and grid lock that characterize our domestic policy will then surely take hold in the foreign relations, too.
11
Natanyahu and his American neocon lackeys are desperate to scuttle the talks with Iran over Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program, a program that two exhaustive reports released by US intelligence agencies in 2007 and 2012 concluded Iran abandoned years ago. Note that former CIA Director Petreous and NSA Director Clapper also testified to Congress in 2012 that Iran did not have a nuclear weapons program. My point is that Iran does not pose an existential threat to Israel, a nation with over two hundred nukes.
If Natanyahu and his congressional supporters succeed in sabotaging the negotiations, what will be tha alternative? Another bloody and bankrupting war against another Mideast nation over a fabricated nuclear weapons program. Haven't we been through this before with the Bushies lying the nation to war with Iraq to prevent Saddam from detonating mushroom clouds over American cities? Are we willing to sacrifice the lives and limbs and trillions in taxpayer dollars for another war of choice in the Mideast because Israel feels that Iran poses an existential threat to its existence?
If Democrats had any courage they would boycott Natanyahu's blatant attempt to scuttle the negotiations and lead the country into another war. Instead, Natanyahu will be greeted with standing ovations by members of both parties who will do what's in the best interests of AIPAC instead of what's in the best interests of the U.S.
If Natanyahu and his congressional supporters succeed in sabotaging the negotiations, what will be tha alternative? Another bloody and bankrupting war against another Mideast nation over a fabricated nuclear weapons program. Haven't we been through this before with the Bushies lying the nation to war with Iraq to prevent Saddam from detonating mushroom clouds over American cities? Are we willing to sacrifice the lives and limbs and trillions in taxpayer dollars for another war of choice in the Mideast because Israel feels that Iran poses an existential threat to its existence?
If Democrats had any courage they would boycott Natanyahu's blatant attempt to scuttle the negotiations and lead the country into another war. Instead, Natanyahu will be greeted with standing ovations by members of both parties who will do what's in the best interests of AIPAC instead of what's in the best interests of the U.S.
15
If Bibi has been at odds with the US for a quarter century, and given that Israel is dependent on the US for its wellbeing, then it seems time for the Israelis to vote him out of office.
18
Might be better to blame the house and senate leadership than Bibi. They issued the invitation...and unlike Bibi they swore to uphold the constitution of the US which places foreign relations in the President's hands.
11
Just for the heck of it, I started totaling the comments, pro (in favor of the Boehner-Netanyahu planned speech) or against it. I counted 43 "against" before I found a single arguably pro comment, and that one merely stated that Israel has reason to fear Iran. I then kept counting and got past 30 straight "against" comments before I decided to stop. Americans (OK, NYT readers), whether or not they support Israel, see this cynical, destructive political stunt for exactly what it is and they are NOT happy about it.
18
Don't think for a minute that this "invitation" to Netanyahu from Boehner doesn't have several ulterior motives, not the least of which is to peel off some Jewish voters in 2016. But Israel will do what it deems necessary to avoid another "final solution." If that involves bombing Iran, make no mistake, it will not matter who the head of Israel is at the time.
However, the essence of the GOP here, is the generation of anger, often through a lot of projection: accusing the Democrats of what the Republicans are doing. The silence of Democrats feeds into this baloney. Of course, when you feel angry or annoyed or fearful, you are less likely to use your cool "gray matter" to understand the situation and how it actually affects you or even how you are being manipulated. It is what allowed McCarthy to persecute people in the 50s and it is the technique of choice for all too many Republicans today: mostly accusation of the other Party, the insinuation of "evil," no constructive plans or policies of their own except those that make the rich richer. Consequence? Middle class men are angry and voting Republican but they remain economically dead in the water thanks to the intransigence of the party they believe is looking out for them. No effect whatsoever on the international stage. A sad joke all the way around.
However, the essence of the GOP here, is the generation of anger, often through a lot of projection: accusing the Democrats of what the Republicans are doing. The silence of Democrats feeds into this baloney. Of course, when you feel angry or annoyed or fearful, you are less likely to use your cool "gray matter" to understand the situation and how it actually affects you or even how you are being manipulated. It is what allowed McCarthy to persecute people in the 50s and it is the technique of choice for all too many Republicans today: mostly accusation of the other Party, the insinuation of "evil," no constructive plans or policies of their own except those that make the rich richer. Consequence? Middle class men are angry and voting Republican but they remain economically dead in the water thanks to the intransigence of the party they believe is looking out for them. No effect whatsoever on the international stage. A sad joke all the way around.
3
American supporters of Israel. Do you really want support of Israel to become a partisan issue in the United States? Do you understand the wacky right wing Christian basis for the current quasi support of Israel by Republicans? This insult by the Prime Minister of Israel will cause resentments among Democrats that will last far beyond the Obama Presidency. Mr. Prime Minister, for once in your life, think twice.
16
It is not that difficult to understand the Obama/Netanyahu feud. For centuries Islamists and Jews have been at odds, Netanyahu being a lover of jews vs Obama lover of Islamists just simply follows the age old pattern.
2
What a strange post.
5
What does an American ally really mean, receiving foreign aid - aee http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_foreign_aid , http://www.terrorism-research.com/state/countries.php
2
Mr Netanyahu has made a big mistake getting into bed with the current Republican-led Congress. In two years there will be a new president and new Congress who will remember how the leader of Israel got involved in American politics. Yes, Israel is existentially threatened by Iran, but publically flouting his disagreements with the American President will come back to haunt Israelis who owe their greatest support to the American voting public.
9
Most likely that next President even if that is Hillary Clinton or Elizabeth Warren
will not agree with you.
I like Obama but he has proven time and time again he is incapable of understanding International affairs and is very bad at making policy.
Neither does Congress.
Obama should have gone to Paris.
Why didn't he.
Maybe because no one mentioned it to him.
You know just like Bush didn't know what was happening in New Orleans.
will not agree with you.
I like Obama but he has proven time and time again he is incapable of understanding International affairs and is very bad at making policy.
Neither does Congress.
Obama should have gone to Paris.
Why didn't he.
Maybe because no one mentioned it to him.
You know just like Bush didn't know what was happening in New Orleans.
Israel is, and should be, a crucial ally. Despite its great failings, it is the best dog in the neighborhood by a long shot, and that is not a minor point. Bibi, however, is an unpleasant and divisive leader, and the Israelis should replace him.
8
Israel the dog is in the wrong neighborhood. That is the source of this problem. And it is a short lived dog, given the demographic time bomb
Why are we dissecting this relationship at this time? Why don’t we let history decide and discuss the impact of President Obama’s actions/policies on US position throughout the world with particular emphasis on Middle East? Netanyahu/Israel is one of the players in that part of the world. Syria, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are the other major players tied with our policies. Whether we like it or not other than Israel these countries do have an impact on our foreign policy in Middle East.
I do understand that Mr. Netanyahu is the PM of Israel hence he has to be an Israel Firster. His obligation and oath is to safeguard Israel. The President of the United States have taken an oath to lookout for the US Interest first and foremost. A similar oath was taken by the US Congress and they must also be looking out for US interest first and foremost. In some cases it seems paradoxical to note that quite a few of these members have provided a carte blanche to Israel to dictate our foreign policy preferences. I do not criticize any Israeli politician to take an advantage from us or anywhere else in the world for Israel’s benefit. My beef is with the Republicans and the Democrats whom we elected and sent to the Congress to be more eager to look for the interest of a foreign country instead of the US and I know that most of Americans oppose these policies.
We must respect the President of the US as it is the personification of the Presidency that we uphold.
I do understand that Mr. Netanyahu is the PM of Israel hence he has to be an Israel Firster. His obligation and oath is to safeguard Israel. The President of the United States have taken an oath to lookout for the US Interest first and foremost. A similar oath was taken by the US Congress and they must also be looking out for US interest first and foremost. In some cases it seems paradoxical to note that quite a few of these members have provided a carte blanche to Israel to dictate our foreign policy preferences. I do not criticize any Israeli politician to take an advantage from us or anywhere else in the world for Israel’s benefit. My beef is with the Republicans and the Democrats whom we elected and sent to the Congress to be more eager to look for the interest of a foreign country instead of the US and I know that most of Americans oppose these policies.
We must respect the President of the US as it is the personification of the Presidency that we uphold.
3
I agree we must respect the President.
We should also respect ideas even if those ideas conflict with the President's.
We live in a democracy and therefore the Republicans had the right to invite Obama to speak and he had the right to accept their offer.
We should also respect ideas even if those ideas conflict with the President's.
We live in a democracy and therefore the Republicans had the right to invite Obama to speak and he had the right to accept their offer.
Isn't it obvious. Netanyahu is one of the world's most popular leaders today. He exudes charm and modesty wherever he goes. He is always diplomatic. He never ruffles any feathers. His settlement policy in Israel draws widespread support from the world community. His recent excursion into Gaza and its aftermath was wildy acclaimed by the world press. His constant drumbeat message of taking out Iran's nuclear facilities is widely praised in world capitals. Yes, as the NYT headline implies, this strained alliance and rift must be equally shared by Obama. It's not like Netanyahu has angered the entire world.
15
Even the most liberal Israelis are starting to understand that Obama is no friend of their country. Our only real ally in the Middle East expects and deserves better from America and its president. Instead Obama snubs Netanyahu and refuses to endorse his state visit to the U.S. and an address to Congress. What more proof does Obama need that his recognition of the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas have backfired? They are more violent than ever, as the attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers this past week prove. Obama, the undeserving Nobel Peace Prize winner has failed again.
8
Netenyahu needs to stop meddling in US politics, stop bull-dozing his preferences for US foreign policy, stop defying well-established international diplomatic protocol and stop authorizing the construction of illegal housing on other people's territory. When he is either out of office or sees clear to behaving himself, there is every reason to expect a much improved relationship between the two governments.
13
Netanyahu has insulted America and especially Mr. Obama over and over again. I am no supporter of Israel's policies, I believe they have hurt others as they were hurt and I cannot respect that in any way. More settlements? I would fight them, too.
18
I wonder if President Obama could enter Israel and deliver a speech to Parliament without Netanyahu's approval ?
Yeah Right ... NO way ...
Yeah Right ... NO way ...
22
If Netanyahu's party were in the minority, as Obama's party is, of course he could. Elections have consequences.
1
Obama is only getting what he deserves. Normally public pay-back of this sort and the humiliation to the office of the Presidency that has resulted would be inconceivable, but Obama's rift with Congress and the sudden "cockiness" he is displaying as a lame duck and which is being so praised in liberal circles laid the groundwork for Boehner's invitation to Netanyahu which he has accepted for his own political purposes. The lesson is clear. If the President can go around Congress with his phone, his pen, and his executive orders, then Congress can go around him. So we should be spared all the pious pronouncements about "respect for the office" coming from Obama's faithful defenders when Obama himself started a losing game.
6
Bibi's playing the long game. US presidents come and go, the White House and Congress periodically shift party dominance, but the right-wing Israeli agenda marches on. Bibi's only issue now is looking "tough on terrorism" at home, and it's easy to play hardball with a lame duck Democratic president while cozying up to a newly-Republican Congress, who will likely soon be rolling out their pro-oil, pro-military, fear-based, austerity-demanding agenda.
2
The complete disrespect that Mr. Netanyahu has shown for Pres. Obama on more than one public occasion is not the attitude of an ally: it is closer to the behavior of Mr. Putin, a thug with a KGB background.
When Speaker Boehner chose to ignore all historic precedent and the Constitution and violated the Logan Act to bypass both the State Department and the president in inviting another head of state to formally speak to Congress, he entered the Republican Twilight Zone. There is only one Republican Jewish representative in all of Congress despite Sheldon Adelson's constant attempt to corrupt the system.
In disregarding the long bipartisan support for Israel, both Mr. Netanyahu and Speaker Boehner deserve nothing more than for his speech to be to his Republican partisans with no Democrats present.
When Speaker Boehner chose to ignore all historic precedent and the Constitution and violated the Logan Act to bypass both the State Department and the president in inviting another head of state to formally speak to Congress, he entered the Republican Twilight Zone. There is only one Republican Jewish representative in all of Congress despite Sheldon Adelson's constant attempt to corrupt the system.
In disregarding the long bipartisan support for Israel, both Mr. Netanyahu and Speaker Boehner deserve nothing more than for his speech to be to his Republican partisans with no Democrats present.
17
You make a good point with the Logan Act. If only our government rigorously followed the law beginning the the constitution. I am fine with applying the Logan Act to Boehner, and the constitution to the President. Are you for both, or just the Logan Act. Under the constitution, congress decides who has a legal right to be here, and the president faithfully enforces the laws of congress. Lets rigorously apply the Logan Act to Boehner, and the constitution to the President.
Logan Act:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_Act
Immigration Related Quotes from Consitution
Congress shall have the Power ...To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization,
All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States,
he [the President] shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,
Logan Act:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_Act
Immigration Related Quotes from Consitution
Congress shall have the Power ...To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization,
All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States,
he [the President] shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,
3
John
You proudly argue that Netanyahu is here to be naturalized.
This argument proves you are a conservative worthy of working for the Heritage foundation.
You proudly argue that Netanyahu is here to be naturalized.
This argument proves you are a conservative worthy of working for the Heritage foundation.
2
Netanyahu is arrogant, selfish, obnoxious and bullying. Trying to push around the President of the United States? Obama should publicly rebuke him, routinely condemn the occupation and threaten to withdraw at least some of the billions of dollars we send over there.
21
The president is not allowing himself to be pushed around. He is allowing his supporters to whip themselves up into a frenzy and exert pressure on republicans and Netanyahu. Big difference.
4
Ever since Begin double-crossed Carter the day after signing the Camp David agreements by announcing new settlements, Israel has shown that it can get away with ignoring the United States while continuing to take over Palestinian territory. It is time to stop. Can Boehner be prosecuted under the Logan Act?
21
"Existential threat". I had to practice jumping under tables and ducking and covering because of the existential threat the Soviet Union once posed to the United States. The Soviet Union was our mortal enemy and they had Nukes trained on us at all times. I am told that North Korean Nukes could hit west coast cities where I live. I have lived all of my life with the "existential threat" of nuclear annihilation, so why should the U.S. government protect the people of Israel from something they cannot protect their own people from.
The Israelis should do what the US did. Tell everybody you have nukes. Tell them that you will use them to defend your country, Pull the trigger if you must, but we are all dead through mutually assured destruction. The hypocrisy is we are trying to defend a nuclear armed nation from a non nuclear armed nation that is not a direct neighbor. We are defending a country that stole our own nuclear secrets, to build their still undisclosed nuclear program. I am almost at the point that I don't care if Iran gets a nuclear program. Ron Paul is starting to look like the only sensible politico on this matter.
The Israelis should do what the US did. Tell everybody you have nukes. Tell them that you will use them to defend your country, Pull the trigger if you must, but we are all dead through mutually assured destruction. The hypocrisy is we are trying to defend a nuclear armed nation from a non nuclear armed nation that is not a direct neighbor. We are defending a country that stole our own nuclear secrets, to build their still undisclosed nuclear program. I am almost at the point that I don't care if Iran gets a nuclear program. Ron Paul is starting to look like the only sensible politico on this matter.
11
Regardless of how we have gotten ourselves into one pickle after another, the net result of President Obama's six years of washy washy diplomacy has been to visit disaster on those we seek to "protect". There is no reason that this should be lost on Israel as it takes in the endless concessions and extensions of dead lines in our dealings with the Iranians - whose stated goal is to vaporize Israel.
5
The real question is does the Israeli electorate understand how dangerous Netanyahu is for the long term survival of Israel. At this point it is up to them to fix this problem. If they vote Netanyahu back in they will reap the consequences of the loss of a major ally for at least two years and probably more. If the Republicans try to make groveling support for Netanyahu a campaign issue in 2016 it will backfire on them and on Israel.
15
Netanyahu is a petulant child.
14
Congress clearly has a Boehner for Bibi
14
LOL - very good!
4
And I can't get my comments approved.
3
This contretemp only exposes the Americans who love Israel more than their own country. Let us remember what George Washington had to say about similar ones in his time that favored France:
"...a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils.
Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification.
...and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country,
...such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils...
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence... the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake..."
Washington's Farewell Address
"...a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils.
Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification.
...and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country,
...such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils...
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence... the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake..."
Washington's Farewell Address
20
So now it's un-American to support a visit to Congress by Netanyahu? Let me guess what's coming next. Treason?
4
Not treason, but childish petulance on the part of the GOP and Netanyahu.
3
Netanyahu has the unfortunate ability to get everyone's back up. Obama, Sarkozy, Hollande to name a few. Hopefully, this blustering ideolog will be curtains in March.
12
The 2013-2014 guest speaker season in Congress could be called - A closer look at war criminals - or maybe - The greatest American military industrial proteges.
We recently have Poroshenko, soon Netanyahu, who's next...
In reality we need to cut ties with both regimes. If anything they are too expensive to have them around.
We recently have Poroshenko, soon Netanyahu, who's next...
In reality we need to cut ties with both regimes. If anything they are too expensive to have them around.
8
It seems barely credible that had not B'nai Brith instructed Harry Truman's former business partner, Eddie Jacobson, in 1947, to persuade the then US President to change his mind about the partition of Palestine, then we would not be in the invidious position that we are today. That the stability of the Middle East should have depended on the political machinations of a lobby over 60 years ago, is difficult to comprehend
9
In the eyes of the Republican Party, having control of the US Government is a business opportunity.
They have no interest in governing "for the commin good". It's pretty obvious that they only want to gain control ala Bain Capital with Mitt Romney -leverage it, take the money, and leave an empty shell behind.
In that spirit, they will do anything and everything to bring down the President, no matter the consequences to the country.
They have no interest in governing "for the commin good". It's pretty obvious that they only want to gain control ala Bain Capital with Mitt Romney -leverage it, take the money, and leave an empty shell behind.
In that spirit, they will do anything and everything to bring down the President, no matter the consequences to the country.
16
Obama didn't like Muammar Gaddafy either and Libya is far worse off with a dead Gaddafy following his overthrow after US and Western Europe military intervention four years ago, just as the most of Iraq finds itself, 12 years later, tormented by the aftermath of sectarian strife from George W. Bush's intervention that led to Saddam's ouster and death. My advice to our presidents- just cool your jets and stop repeating history.
4
I propose a three state solution for Israel.
Specifically, I propose that Israel immediately grant self-governing status to: A) A Palestinian State within the 1967 borders of The West Bank and Gaza, and B) A United States of America, within the 1959 borders which incorporated Alaska and Hawaii.
Specifically, I propose that Israel immediately grant self-governing status to: A) A Palestinian State within the 1967 borders of The West Bank and Gaza, and B) A United States of America, within the 1959 borders which incorporated Alaska and Hawaii.
11
As a practicing Jew and as an elected public official (I am still in office), and a life long Democrat and supporter of Israel, I'm afraid I've reached the end of my patience with the Prime Minister of Israel and his Ambassador. I find it offensive and disrespectful to our President that these leaders of Israel have lied to our President and are meddling in our public affairs beyond the traditional boundaries of lobbying. I have cancelled an upcoming trip to Israel. I have not renewed my annual contributions to AIPAC. Most painfully Netanyahu's actions, and those of his ambassador, have opened a rift with my Rabbi and some of my cousins and their constant Facebook postings justifying Netanyahu's appearance before Congress. While I disagreed with most decisions of our Republican presidents, I have an enormous respect of the Office of the President. In their blatant exhibition of disrespect Netanyahu, his ambassador, Boehner, my rabbi and my cousins don't understand the importance of respecting our institutions. I sincerely hope the people of Israel recognize that their current leader is causing a number of Jews like me to lose hope for the promise of Israel.
37
American people lost patience with you guys a long time ago.
7
Kudos to you! It took great courage for you to post this comment, but you need to know that the great MAJORITY of Americans support you!
8
Looking forward to Bebe's defeat in March. Israelis appear to be turning on him (hooray for you,) and his attempt to insult our President will undoubtedly backfire on him. As much as he lacks understanding of diplomacy, as well he is protocol-defective.
21
Netanyahu gets his weekly allowance from his parents, yet stomps his feet and throws a tantrum! How is there peace when a parent enables a bully?!
20
I am SHOCKED and dismayed by the actions of the leaders of the Republican party to so blatently attack our President and its office by inviting Netanyahu, a staunch enemy of Iran, to address the Congress on Iran Is Boehner stupid? Does he think we are stupid?
What does Israel know that we don't ? Nothing. Israel will tell us nothing that we don't already know except give a biased version of what we already know. It serves no purpose other than to insult the office of President and by extension us. This affront by the Republican leadership begs the question to whom does their loyalty lie? Israel or the United States. It is not such an outlandish question. Ron Dermer current Israeli Ambassador to the United States and who is also a US citizen and a member of the Republican party helped arrange this whole fiasco. Where does his loyalty lie? One cannot serve two masters.
The question that should be asked is where is the respect that we in the United States deserve from Israel? How many times have we asked Israel to stop building settlements so that peace between them and the Palestinians can move forward. Israel doesn't care. It just keeps on building. It does not want us to have an agreement with Iran because it is not their interests. Whether it be Bush, Clinton, Bush or Obama Israel has shown no respect to us Americans in a long time This action by Netanyahu is a further finger in the face of the United States
What does Israel know that we don't ? Nothing. Israel will tell us nothing that we don't already know except give a biased version of what we already know. It serves no purpose other than to insult the office of President and by extension us. This affront by the Republican leadership begs the question to whom does their loyalty lie? Israel or the United States. It is not such an outlandish question. Ron Dermer current Israeli Ambassador to the United States and who is also a US citizen and a member of the Republican party helped arrange this whole fiasco. Where does his loyalty lie? One cannot serve two masters.
The question that should be asked is where is the respect that we in the United States deserve from Israel? How many times have we asked Israel to stop building settlements so that peace between them and the Palestinians can move forward. Israel doesn't care. It just keeps on building. It does not want us to have an agreement with Iran because it is not their interests. Whether it be Bush, Clinton, Bush or Obama Israel has shown no respect to us Americans in a long time This action by Netanyahu is a further finger in the face of the United States
28
For too long we have allowed Israel undo influence in this country. This is not the Unites States of Israel.
33
The US should cut off all aid to Israel immediately, as well as no longer veto sanctions in the UN Security Council. When Israel acts mature and gets serious about peace, we could possibly consider supporting them again, as long as Bibi has no position in government.
31
I always wonder where Jews like me fit into this calculus, or if we fit at all. I don't support Netanyahu, Likud or the settlements. I think I'm in the majority among American Jews in that respect, but it's the loud, militant minority that gets the attention. - I'm definitely in the minority in one respect. I'm old enough to remember when Israel had a rational, secular opposition and instead of dealing with them they chose to surreptitiously build up the radical-Islamist opposition. Now they've got what they apparently wanted, an opposition composed of a mass movement of superstitious fanatics. I firmly believe that until Israel and the Palestinians come to terms there won't be peace between the West and the Muslim world, so Obama's stance sends a good message. It would be a better message if he came right out and said that as Commander in Chief he would vigorously defend an Israel defined by the 1967 borders, but they are on their own in respect to everything else.
25
The big problem with the US is the control of the congress by AIPAC which is a big insult to the American people. This enables Netanyahu to be arrogant with the US president. As a non-American I do not understand that a powerful country like the US be under the control of a lobby. Many in Europe cannot understand that. I was told that AIPAC has a file for every member of congress containing the failures and they are blackmailed but this is difficult to believe . It is the duty of journalists to search for the reasons.
21
Who is the superpower?
12
This is the last straw for me. End the financial and diplomatic support of Israel until they stop their aggression and end their illegal occupation of Palestine. Netanyahu and his government are not our friends, not our ally.
35
I am done hearing about Netanyahu and his disrespect for the President and for America, the hands that feed him. As with the rest of the Middle East, I say get out and let them figure it out themselves. I have no interest in, and no use for, any of those countries who just can't seem to find a way to get along. Enough, alteady!!
19
The relationship between the US and Israel is not an alliance, it is parasitism.
32
True, the US does live off the fact that Israeli is their only strong Ally in the middle east. 3 billion a year to them does imply a certain parasitism on the US side.
2
Netanyahu is a demagogue, pure and simple. He is a puppet of conservative US political forces, used to portray any thoughtful policy development as anti-semitic and anti-Israel.
Israel is perceived as hostile and paranoid and that perception is the biggest threat to it's security.
Israel is perceived as hostile and paranoid and that perception is the biggest threat to it's security.
29
At least, Obama is not at the end of the pro-Israel lobby's string unlike so many our representatives in Washington.
18
Perhaps Congressional Democrats should stand up and "turn their backs" when Netanyahu begins his speech.
24
And the sad thing is that if that were to occur, American Jews would still vote Democratic in their desperate desire to be accepted by the WASPs.
4
Netanyahu owns our congress and Boehner is just his lap dog. When he tells Boehner to jump, it's just of question of how high. Bush let him dictate and he totally expects that to continue. Let's cut their funding.
23
You might call it a lap dog...I call it something else. Getting paid for services rendered...
2
If, after a charade of negotiations reaches its dismal and easily-anticipated end, Iran uses its nuclear weapon on Israel, will Netanyahu still be wrong?
9
Yes.
5
If Iran decides to build a bomb (and Israel's extensive nuclear arsenal, its posture, and its actions can only increase that chance), it will be able to do so, no matter what anyone does short of occupying the country. But why would Iran destroy itself to kill Israelis? Iran, as relevant Israeli security experts know and publicly state, is not a suicidal nation and would not attack Israel just for the hell of it.
Israel has been screaming about the imminent development of Iranian nuclear weapons (which both the US and Israel agree it IS NOT WORKING ON) for almost 20 years, and it has generated sanctions against Iran, as intended.
Sanctions are not a response to Iran's nuclear program. Invert the logic and you get the right answer: fear of Iranian nukes is cultivated in order to maintain in place the sanctions. Sanctions are the real goal, not curtailment of the nonexistent Iranian nuclear weapons program. Netanyahu knows that Iran is not going to attack Israel, but he also knows that sanctions against Iran are butter on Israel's economic and geopolitical bread.
Israel has been screaming about the imminent development of Iranian nuclear weapons (which both the US and Israel agree it IS NOT WORKING ON) for almost 20 years, and it has generated sanctions against Iran, as intended.
Sanctions are not a response to Iran's nuclear program. Invert the logic and you get the right answer: fear of Iranian nukes is cultivated in order to maintain in place the sanctions. Sanctions are the real goal, not curtailment of the nonexistent Iranian nuclear weapons program. Netanyahu knows that Iran is not going to attack Israel, but he also knows that sanctions against Iran are butter on Israel's economic and geopolitical bread.
2
Few recall that Eisenhower's insistence upon Israeli withdrawal from Sinai in 1956 was based upon false guarantees thereby setting up the next two wars.
No wonder so many Israelis - both Likud supporters and not - are highly
skeptical of the present talks with Iran. Netanyahu or not, this is certainly
of existential importance for Israel, something that a wiser President might
also take into consideration before ploughing the ground for yet another war.
No wonder so many Israelis - both Likud supporters and not - are highly
skeptical of the present talks with Iran. Netanyahu or not, this is certainly
of existential importance for Israel, something that a wiser President might
also take into consideration before ploughing the ground for yet another war.
9
Eisenberg
I feel so guilty over your nonsensical version of history.
Here is something with roots in reality. Israel supported Hamas. Sow. Reap. Then blame Eisenhower.
I feel so guilty over your nonsensical version of history.
Here is something with roots in reality. Israel supported Hamas. Sow. Reap. Then blame Eisenhower.
Ike also demnded that England and France withdraw with Isreal. Does that mean anything in particular of existentialism to our "other allies"? No and being paranoid of President Obama doesn't justify the behavior of US conservatives in congress and even less for any foreign leader, no matter how important or not. What, are you really expecting the American people to overrule their President because Bibi says so? No foreign leader has or ever will dictate policy to the American people, especially not their Presidents.
1
Well, it could be worse. Israel could seek to have Obama extradited for trial.
4
I bet AIPAC will be able to fund that.
5
I support the Jewish need for a secure and safe homeland; that need must not come with arrogance and disregard for their friends and neighbors. The notion that the whole of the West Bank "belongs" to Israel is unacceptable. To continue with settlements must come with penalties, like loss of support at the UN Security Council and loss of financial support. Benjamin Netanyahu's lack of respect for his only consistent supporter, the US government, has been apparent for decades and now needs consequences. President Obama's chilly but correct relationship with Bibi has been clearly apparent; it now needs to become clearly dismissive while we try to craft a nuclear deal with Iran. Like it or not, Bibi must obey orders.
15
Netanyahu your insistence on violating protocol and tradition is an insult to the Executive Branch of my government; and therefore an affront to me and the rest of the citizens of this country. I would strongly recommend that you not continue with your ill advised plans to address the US Congress. You do not have a blank check with the American people!
22
Even before the key event that undermined Obama's credibility -- his failure to act after Assad's use of chemical weapons -- few in Israel believed that he would act against Iran, and hat he was not a closet supporter of the "containment" theory -- i.e. of allowing Iran to get the nuclear weapon, and then "contain" it by pointing out that its actual use would lead to the "mutually assured destruction." Knowing mullah's mindset, Israelis simply don't see this as a deterrent.
So seeing the president whose talk of "all options on the table" is just talk, whose innate sympathies are with the Palestinians, whose realpolitik position makes him favor rapprochement with Iran, Israelis make there calculations -- to rely on those who they can rely on...
So seeing the president whose talk of "all options on the table" is just talk, whose innate sympathies are with the Palestinians, whose realpolitik position makes him favor rapprochement with Iran, Israelis make there calculations -- to rely on those who they can rely on...
8
There is a vast difference between American's foreign policy and Israel's. America has to take a balanced approach to Israeli-Palestinian conflict and also consider other players around the world. It is history that America has supported Israel more than Palestine. Israel should not be so selfish to expect America to be on its side always.
The allegation that America has given Iran, 80% of what it needs, is baseless. Iran is still seen as an axis of evil by the U.S. Maybe, the U.S. has mellowed down on its stand on Iran. The world is now facing a more deadly and brutal enemy in ISIS. ISIS is a menace not only to the U.S. but also the entire world. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in America accommodating Iran in certain issues, since Iran is also in the hit-list of ISIS.
Israel should understand the basic realities and try to relax its stand on Palestine and work with the new government to be formed in the U.S. shortly.
The allegation that America has given Iran, 80% of what it needs, is baseless. Iran is still seen as an axis of evil by the U.S. Maybe, the U.S. has mellowed down on its stand on Iran. The world is now facing a more deadly and brutal enemy in ISIS. ISIS is a menace not only to the U.S. but also the entire world. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in America accommodating Iran in certain issues, since Iran is also in the hit-list of ISIS.
Israel should understand the basic realities and try to relax its stand on Palestine and work with the new government to be formed in the U.S. shortly.
1
Until I lived in the UK for a few years, directly from a decade and a half in NYC, I thought everybody supported Israel unconditionally. Really, I did. Was that an eye-opener!
How dare Netanyahu announce 450 new settlements? Is he mad?
We're pretty lucky I'd say that we have Obama instead of another President who might lead America into acting in whatever way Netanyahu wishes. Israel deserves support but they don't deserve the destruction of the planet in the service of their ideal.
How dare Netanyahu announce 450 new settlements? Is he mad?
We're pretty lucky I'd say that we have Obama instead of another President who might lead America into acting in whatever way Netanyahu wishes. Israel deserves support but they don't deserve the destruction of the planet in the service of their ideal.
11
Netanyahu has always been a lover of war and oppression, that did not change for the better when he became prime minister of Israel.
16
Netanyahu is a jerk. The Obama Administration is toast if it gives an inch.
14
For all its failings in dealing with Palestinians, Israel is still the only democracy abs Western-oriented society in the Middle Eaat. It is like the canary in the coal mine and must be protected. That is why the American and Israeli political leadership must put aside their personality conflicts, hurt feelings, and petty differences and cooperate to move toward peaceful but secure resolution of all the problems faced there. A seemingly impossible task, but one that requires both sides to swallow their pride in order to move forward.
7
Israel is a theocracy, not a democracy. If you are not Jewish, you can not vote.
5
M
Israel is a theocratic state. You lie about voting by non Jews.
Arab Israelis vote and have representatives. The NYT just had an article about a new coalition.
Israel is a theocratic state. You lie about voting by non Jews.
Arab Israelis vote and have representatives. The NYT just had an article about a new coalition.
4
Israel is a democracy, the only one in the neighborhood; it is not a theocracy, the only one in the neighborhood; and Arab Israels not only have the right to vote, they do vote.
if this is indeed a crisis, the Israeli citizens have the power to end it at the election booth on 17 March.
5
More power to the Israeli electorate to show Bibi the door with the admonition that he not let it slap him in his backside on the way out.
2
Thank G-d that can be done with an election and not a military coup costing innocent civilian lives.
4
The President should invite Mahmoud Abbas to the White House on exactly the same day. That would be a nice reply to the insolent Mr. Boehner.
11
Someone tell me I'm not dreaming. President Obama doesn't want to start a war against Iran, and to some here that makes him the worst President in history. If these "Netanyahu as the greatest statesman ever" types are so desirous of a war with Iran, why don't they do a reverse Lincoln Brigades gesture and join the IDF where Netanyahu will see to it that they'll be fighting wars for the rest of their lives? Didn't Norway once criticize the settlements, that must have been existential threat no. 1988.
12
By addressing Congress and avoiding the POTUS, isn't Netanyahu simply filling the void left by Obama in his own new go-it-alone-without-Congress direction? Seems Obama has written off Congress anyway; why should he care who addresses the members?
4
A freeze in U.S.-Israeli relations is a start, hopefully followed by a total break. We've incurred enough terrorism for our slavish devotion to a nation that has abused Palestinians for over half a century.
11
There is a larger pattern here. Obama has seriously angered many traditional allies of the U.S. including Canada, the UK, and France. The issue isn't only his angering Israel. Obama is the problem ... He's out of sync with much of the West.
7
Angered Canada? Well maybe the Con government but not many Canadians.
5
I don't believe that Obama has seriously angered Canada, France or the UK, but if you want him to align himself with the aforementioned allied countries policies on Israel, then that would mean immediately recognizing a Palestinian state and requiring Israel to withdraw to it's pre-1967 borders.
4
Oh and when did he anger those countries, all of whose leaders have been falling over themselves to be seen in public with him. You must be a Fox News unreality TV fan.
Everyone should recognize who is really at fault here. Once Boehner made the offer to Netanyahu to address congress, it would have been suicidal for Netanyahu not to accept the invitation. In other words, Boehner bears full responsibility for this breath-taking breach in protocol. It's hard to imagine a more cynical, more brazenly partisan, more typically Republican move.
8
This is what happens when a country outsources its foreign policies to other country needs due to electoral gains.
4
Thinking of the future, hopefully Hillary is taking note of the many foreign policy positives of her predecessor because his job in dealing with Middle Eastern issues has been much more challenging than it was when her husband was the POTUS.
1
Dear Editor,
The President could simply refuse Mr. Netanyahu a visa, &/or declare him persona non grata.
The President could simply refuse Mr. Netanyahu a visa, &/or declare him persona non grata.
5
Israel 's political system and its policies in the west bank are putting it in danger. It Is also becoming A Jewish-ie ultra orthodox jewish state and does not accept the validity of American mainsteam Judaism. It is losing the support of the majority of US jews , including this one, as well as losing its relationshipw with a very very good US president. Its policies are destructive and deadly and it is now clearly under Bibi willing it self to become a pariah state...It is a sad day for those who attempt to support it one find it is alien to who they are--and many others.
12
Obama's position appears to rely on trust in the Iranians. Scary!
9
It will all blow over after the 2016 election since there is little statistical or social chance of a Democrat winning next time. Israel just has to hold on.
5
Let us be candid, we treat Israel as if it is the fifty first state, with the ability to interfere in our internal politics without impunity, congress has created this monster, my deepest respect to the Israel Lobby, job well done.
9
The utter hatred of Obama by the Republican party and its supporters has spilled over into the Israeli right leaning mind set. This invitation is just the culmination of and further proof of the desire to delegitimize the President. It should be a bedrock core value of all Americans to wholly support Israel and understand the concept of "Never Again". I do not waver in my support. That said, debate is critical, change is inevitable. Sadly, any criticism of policies or questioning of the degree and quality of support has been interpreted by the Right as an "attack" on Israel. There is a madness and paranoia growing that must be checked. It prevents those so blinded from reason. We do best when we debate, argue, grumble and think. Until the Right sees our President as the legitimate leader that he is, this assault on reason will continue.
14
Art II, Sec 3 of the Constitution tasks the President to "receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers;" this inherently empowers him to refuse to do so, and to require removal of "Ambassadors" he considers unsuitable. If the Administration considers Amb. Dorner antagonistic to U.S. interests, the President should demand his replacement. Undoubtedly, that would enrage both Bibi and his GOP satraps in Congress, but that's tough cookies.
13
This 'New Analysis' is just a hit piece, and here's why: the authors falsely portray the situation ans rooted in perso differences between Netanyahu and Obama. But in reality, Netanyahu's extreme overreaching has created a severe backlash in Israel itself, and has brought near universal condemnation (of Boehner and Netanyahu) in the US as well.
But to believe Baker and Rudoren's analysis, the problem at its core is an Obama-Netanyahu rift. Demonstrably False.
But to believe Baker and Rudoren's analysis, the problem at its core is an Obama-Netanyahu rift. Demonstrably False.
17
Regardless, the White House posture to the Israeli Right shall remain supine.
Go back to the start where HRC's strong denunciations of the settlements progressively weakened to a murmur at the end of her stint as secretary of state.
Go back to the start where HRC's strong denunciations of the settlements progressively weakened to a murmur at the end of her stint as secretary of state.
4
It's way past time for Mr. Obama to stand up to the (all of the) bullies & warmongers. We'll see what he will do after the defense industry & Wall St weigh in.
7
Outside of the PM of Britain, please list what significant leader and nation, this particular White House gets along with.
7
Republicans could lose their bid for the White House because of this as-seen-by-others dastardly move.
9
An outcome devoutly to be wished for.
3
A silver lining!
3
I resent Netanyanhu's meddling in American politics. Just as he seeks to represent Israel's viewpoint, Pres. Obama represents our foreign policy. Netanyanhu might not agree with it, and he doesn't have to, but he should criticize it from afar or in private. Not by accepting the opportunity to speak before the American Congress. Netanyanhu should be making more constructive plans to bring about a "two state solution" with the Palestinians. Netanyanhu's security solution of Israeli troops on Palestinian soil would never be accepted by an independent entity. Populating disputed land and creating a fait accompli is also not solution. He is only prolonging the current situation which will lead to a final solution which which will be less favorable to Israel. Angering the American public who will want retaliation by refusing to support Israel will only hasten an unfavorable solution.
12
Do American taxpayers understand that annually $3.1 billion of their hard-earned tax dollars goes to support a foreign state whose leadership meddles in US politics, insults the US President, and is responsible for obvious human rights abuse and possible war crimes.
25
Not to mention the one-off gifts as happened this summer by Congress to keep the bombing of Gaza going or the $2 billion/yr apecial income tax loophole for gifts to Israeli "charities" that end up building more illegal settlements on land stolen from the indigenous people of Palestine.
Change the US election campaign funding laws to end AIPAC from gaming the system.
Change the US election campaign funding laws to end AIPAC from gaming the system.
5
Is any American sick and tired of handing US tax payer funded aid over to Israel when there is so much here at home to be funded? Is there no sense that the political calculation of bibi is to always have a political partner to stoke it's war machine?
20
I have no problem stopping aid to Israel, but if we do that I want aid stopped to all foreign countries. I do not care how little or how much, it all stops. Why do you only care how much aid Israel gets? That's the real question in my mind.
2
"Efraim Halevy, a former head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, said that calculation was made clear in December when Israel offered no public support for Mr. Obama’s decision to resume diplomatic relations with Cuba, a move he attributed to a desire not to alienate Republicans."
I fail to see why anyone would think that Israel needed to comment on this at all. Did anyone ask all the other members of the international community to take a position on this?
I fail to see why anyone would think that Israel needed to comment on this at all. Did anyone ask all the other members of the international community to take a position on this?
10
Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal and I for one (who absolutely recognize Israel's right to exist) resent every single dime we give to them while they violate the Camp David Accords with the inflammatory and illegal settlements. Cut off the money...get a road to peace.
14
The road to peace opens wide as soon as the Palestinian Arabs acknowledge the right of the Jewish People to be sivereign in their historic homeland. Once that happens, the conflict does become one over territory and compromise is possible. It's the unspoken reality of the situation, because it's not considered polite to vocalize any expectations for the Arabs.
2
Obama is a deliberate thinker while netanyahu believes he can bully and bluster his way around the world and get what he wants!
Unfortunately for the US, the power of the jewish lobby, AIPAC, has meant a blank check for this reckless, right-wing ideologue in his efforts to ensnare us in a conflict with Iran!
It is time for the US to take a new look at this relationship and make some much needed adjustments to the dialogue and financial support of israel!
Unfortunately for the US, the power of the jewish lobby, AIPAC, has meant a blank check for this reckless, right-wing ideologue in his efforts to ensnare us in a conflict with Iran!
It is time for the US to take a new look at this relationship and make some much needed adjustments to the dialogue and financial support of israel!
11
Regarding the final paragraph:
It would have been "nice" if the reporter on this story had used a more even hand in discussing the "personality-driven issues" - focusing on the difficulties the Obama administration has with Netanyahu, rather than elucidating on the difficulties this Israeli leader has had with MANY American presidents is not particularly helpful or clarifying.
Mr. Netanyahu has a problem with THIS President because Obama stands up to him on the settlement issue; no longer can Americans simply sit back and allow Bibi to run roughshod over millions of Palestinians for the benefit of a few settlers.
President Obama and Mr. Kerry are perfectly justified in being upset at the "end run" Mr. Netanyahu is doing with the anti-Obama crowd in Congress. And John Boehner should be ashamed.
It would have been "nice" if the reporter on this story had used a more even hand in discussing the "personality-driven issues" - focusing on the difficulties the Obama administration has with Netanyahu, rather than elucidating on the difficulties this Israeli leader has had with MANY American presidents is not particularly helpful or clarifying.
Mr. Netanyahu has a problem with THIS President because Obama stands up to him on the settlement issue; no longer can Americans simply sit back and allow Bibi to run roughshod over millions of Palestinians for the benefit of a few settlers.
President Obama and Mr. Kerry are perfectly justified in being upset at the "end run" Mr. Netanyahu is doing with the anti-Obama crowd in Congress. And John Boehner should be ashamed.
21
"Mr. Netanyahu has a problem with THIS President because Obama stands up to him on the settlement issue..."
Oh ha ha ha ha.
Standing up?? Meaning.... lying down?
Oh ha ha ha ha.
Standing up?? Meaning.... lying down?
1
So if Mr. Netanyahu makes US relations a matter of domestic politics, would he be surprised if a reactive US presidential administration decides to openly back the Palestinian Authority's initiatives in the UN? I don't condone or even think such a course wise. But its one of those things that can happen when foreign policy just becomes an formerly unthinkable instrument of domestic politics. Both the US and Isreal deserve better. Let us hope that Bibi loses the coming elections and sounder heads again prevail.
4
This episode is as much about Republican in-your-face power grabbing as it is about the rift between Obama and Netanyahu. Speaker Boehner and the Republicans are using the Israeli leader to throw sand in the face of the U.S. President. Again. One might think that Mr. Netanyahu is a pawn in this game. This is not an "oops" moment in forgotten protocol. This is yet another deliberate snub of the president, and by extension, the 52 percent of Americans who chose him to lead. Twice.
15
Given the contemptible, wrong-headed, and obviously partisan motives for Boehner's conspiring with Bibi against the President, congresspersons should boycott Bibi's speech. Perhaps if he finds himself addressing a half empty chamber he will understand the gravity of this historical misstep in US/Israeli relations. Bibi's ascension to the speaker's podium should rightly be met with an exodus of American senators and representatives.
13
The Democrats should attend, and as Bibi begins to speak get up noisily and boisterously insulting Boehner walk out of the chamber.
1
A civil, quiet, polite departure would help the peacemakers maintain the moral high ground.
3
The responses by the New York Times readership about Israel are actually shocking to me, although maybe they should not be. The New York Times readership seems generally oblivious and unconcerned about the existential threats facing Israel every day - particularly Iran. Although I do not agree with Mr. Netanyahu's undiplomatic approach to things, or his ridiculous alignment with the Republican party, maybe he is reacting to views of Israel that are exemplified by the comments in this New York Times section. Unfortunately, Israel does not have massive amounts of oil under its sands like Saudi Arabia - which merited a very large delegation this week - including President Obama - despite its regular beheadings of its citizens, its massive human rights violations - and its propagation of Islamic extremism. So many readers say Israel runs America's foreign policy - which to me is an antisemitc trope. Oil runs America's foreign policy. Just look at the kowtowing in Saudi Arabia with its massive oil fields. Isis, after pulling out of Khobani, took a run at trying to control the Kurish oil fields. Putin is in power because of petrodollars. The Iranian thugs are in power because of petrodollars. Syrians are killing each other on Israels borders by the 100s of thousands. Iran regularly threatens Israel with extinction. Isis runs rampant. But the unenlightened New York Times readers seems to thinks Israel is the culprit.
12
Rick
I am shocked that you wrote a comment and posted a comment that argues that U.S. Interests are in conflict with Israeli interests but you are so loyal to Israels interests over U.S. Interests that you do not know you did so. Hopeless.
Kurds have terrible problems. Tibetans have terrible problems. Nigerian Hausa have terrible problems. All around the world, terrible problems for hundreds of millions. Post comments for sacrificing U.S. National interests and interfering with American internal politics in violation of constitutional authority to help them with their problems.
I am shocked that you wrote a comment and posted a comment that argues that U.S. Interests are in conflict with Israeli interests but you are so loyal to Israels interests over U.S. Interests that you do not know you did so. Hopeless.
Kurds have terrible problems. Tibetans have terrible problems. Nigerian Hausa have terrible problems. All around the world, terrible problems for hundreds of millions. Post comments for sacrificing U.S. National interests and interfering with American internal politics in violation of constitutional authority to help them with their problems.
5
Israel has enough proven offshore natural gas to power itself for 150 years.
1
Obama is more like a bad actor on a stage who forgot his part than a President of the USA.
Obama's historic legacy, only one - a bad one: selling a longtime true friend, the only true friend in the middle east, to untrusted Iran.
Iran threats against Israel with its nuclear, Obama threats against Israel with his veto selling Israel's security to Iran, and sending his agents to manipulate Israeli election.
Only the Israelis decide who will be their next leader!
Obama's historic legacy, only one - a bad one: selling a longtime true friend, the only true friend in the middle east, to untrusted Iran.
Iran threats against Israel with its nuclear, Obama threats against Israel with his veto selling Israel's security to Iran, and sending his agents to manipulate Israeli election.
Only the Israelis decide who will be their next leader!
8
Well its pretty obvious how much influence the state of Israel has over the United States. Its really pathetic how passive ordinary americans are on this issue. But then again any criticism of Israel no matter how justified earns you the dreaded anti-Semite label.
14
Just as any criticism of Obamas policies foreign or domestic label one a racist!
2
The breakdown of the relationship between Obama and Netanyahu is not just a personal disagreement. It is based on Netanyahu's belief that the Republicans will protect his defiance of the UN and its resolutions and that he may continue to extend Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory with impunity.
Obama needs neither the electorate nor the Republicans' support for his last two years. He is free to tell it like he sees it and I cannot believe he does not see the grave injustice that Israel has worked on the Palestinian people, with the US's support, over the last forty years.
The rift between Netanyahu and Obama is based on real issues, not personal animosity.
Obama needs neither the electorate nor the Republicans' support for his last two years. He is free to tell it like he sees it and I cannot believe he does not see the grave injustice that Israel has worked on the Palestinian people, with the US's support, over the last forty years.
The rift between Netanyahu and Obama is based on real issues, not personal animosity.
8
Infrequently reported in the mainstream media is Netanyahu's summation of Israel's relationship with America:
"I know what America is," Benjamin Netanyahu, then an opposition politician, told Israeli settlers in 2002. "America is something that can easily be moved. Moved to the right direction."
http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2036043,00.html
"I know what America is," Benjamin Netanyahu, then an opposition politician, told Israeli settlers in 2002. "America is something that can easily be moved. Moved to the right direction."
http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2036043,00.html
2
What is more distasteful: Israel's serial six-year display of contempt for a duly-elected US Administration while accepting billions in aid with the other hand, or the delegation of sensitive diplomacy to the former GOP partisan hack, Ron Dermer. Hard to decide.
A collaborating domestic GOP hack yesterday whined about the Obama Administration's "continual slighting of Netanyahu." Say what? He has everything right except the origin and destination of the public display of disrespect, which Israel initiated when VP Biden visited Israel near the biginning of Obama's first term. It has continued ever since.
Netanyahu has made clear since January 2009 that, to him, America is the Republican Party. The GOP is short-sighted enough to play along, putting Israel's interests above America's with no other evident purpose than to poke our President in the eye.
Thus, Netanyahu positions himself to alienate the whole world, including his sponsors and putative friends. The GOP reveals itself as the Party of treason. As for the Democratic Party, that bridge is on fire. Netanyahu's obtuse bet is hardly a sure thing.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
A collaborating domestic GOP hack yesterday whined about the Obama Administration's "continual slighting of Netanyahu." Say what? He has everything right except the origin and destination of the public display of disrespect, which Israel initiated when VP Biden visited Israel near the biginning of Obama's first term. It has continued ever since.
Netanyahu has made clear since January 2009 that, to him, America is the Republican Party. The GOP is short-sighted enough to play along, putting Israel's interests above America's with no other evident purpose than to poke our President in the eye.
Thus, Netanyahu positions himself to alienate the whole world, including his sponsors and putative friends. The GOP reveals itself as the Party of treason. As for the Democratic Party, that bridge is on fire. Netanyahu's obtuse bet is hardly a sure thing.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
10
Ending the article with a quote from Josh Block makes it look like both Obama and Netanyahu are immature and playing personality game. But the article has recounted only actions from Netanyahu that aroused irk. What has the US ever only do but seek a lasting diplomacy that safeguards Israel's security? Netanyahu has shown repeatedly of charging like a bull, taking his country and ours in the direction of war. His motto seems to be, "My way or high way," and counting on US complicity for military actions. No wander that he seeks friendship only with the Republican part of America. He is ultimately emboldened by those Americans and Israelis who don't know any better but think military threat is strength and diplomacy is weaknesses. When the mentality of "American Sniper" becomes the norm, what hope is there peace, in Israel or anywhere else?
8
How did Israel move from being internationally admired to internationally despised? Answer: Mr. Netanyahu.
13
plus for example Goldman Sachs employees structure...etc.
By "international" I assume you mean a Europe with a burgeoning and problematic Muslim population?
1
By "international" he assumes majority of American people and almost everybody in the rest of the world. And he is right.
1
In the cold calculus of geopolitics I cannot imagine why we are "friends" with Israel. They certainly do not treat us as friends. I struggle to find one incident where the interests of the United States were served by being their benefactor. One incident ever since 1947?! I cannot remember one.
11
The very idea that the leader of Israel, a small nation that we have propped up for years with money and talent, has the gravitas to spit in the face of the President of the United States, the most important nation in the world for the last 75 years, is disgraceful. Obviously, the Republicans have gone along with this travesty and shame on them. I for one no longer have any sympathy for Israel and will vote accordingly. I would not allow any American that emigrates to Israel to have citizenship in the US.
8
Evidently many people believe that, if Iran is able to make a nuclear bomb, it will strap it around its own waiste and blow up Jerusalem, thereby achieving immortality by its martyrdom.
Is this for real? What do Iran's ayatolllahs have to say about it?
Is this for real? What do Iran's ayatolllahs have to say about it?
2
No one seems to want to mention the idea that Netanyahu's attitude to Obama is very similar to that of many Republicans, and with the same reason behind it, namely, racism.
17
Netanyahu seems to think that the US will be there with unfaltering support regardless of his actions. He feels confident enough to blatantly disrespect our twice-elected President. He has jumped into a boldly disgraceful move of partisan showmanship by Boehner and the other boneheads running the GOP. Netanyahu's staff should be reminding him daily that he is an old, out of touch man, and his actions will have consequences that he can't imagine. The tide of public opinion eventually gets to all politicians and sooner or later even an oaf like Boehner will come around and go with what the people want. Americans are sick of watching Israel's bullying and violence. I find it a truly scary show of what Netanyahu can do...Chuck Schumer and Harry Reid are perhaps his biggest supporters, yet where does leave them? Many staunch Dems have issues with their backing Israel over their own constituents opinion and interests. What do they do now that Bibi has just spit in their faces?
13
Has it occurred to any so-called pundits in the media that Netanyahu doesn't make foreign or domestic policy for the U.S. ? That's the realm of the president, so I've been told. Apparently the GOP in congress hasn't received the message either.
7
Obama really doesn't get along with anybody, does he? Can't work with any of the repubs, didn't get along with Reid when the Dems held the Senate, despises Netenyahu on a personal basis. Doesn't seem to have any personal friends either....aside from the Rasputin-like Jarrett.
5
Stormfront, or World Net Daily?
It is time to let the Israeli ship, captained by Netanyahu, sail into its future so that the US can move forward and deal with allies that are willing to respect our country. Israel has been essentially attempting to dictate its rigid right wing agenda to the world and to the US in particular, while it moves to expand its settlements with little regard to international concerns. These are the decisions of a nation that has relied far too long on the largess of our unconditional financial and political support and throughout has deliberately created a hostile environment both at home and abroad. One can say without ay hesitation, enough is enough!
13
Mr. Netenyahu behaves like a man who is fighting for the survival of his nation. Mr. Obama behaves like it doesn't matter.
5
In none of these thoughtful comments made by the readers of the NYTimes is there any mention that Barak Obama gave his first interview as President of the United States to Al Jazeera and his first public address as President at the University of Cairo. His conduct made clear he was firing a shot across the bow of Israel's ship of state. His anti-Israel bias was obvious from the start regardless of who was in power in Israel and how many painful and desperate efforts Israel made toward insuring a peaceful existence with its "neighbors."
7
This is not the first time he has insulted our President. His conduct in the joint press appearance in the Oval office two years ago was a break with protocol when he openly disagreed with Obama on national TV.
Boehner has shown once again that the Republican party will go to any lengths to embarrass Obama. Can you imagine the reaction of Republicans if the shoe were on the other foot?
Boehner has shown once again that the Republican party will go to any lengths to embarrass Obama. Can you imagine the reaction of Republicans if the shoe were on the other foot?
13
Before you criticize Israel, think closely about the chaos that surrounds this country- a country the size of NJ. It has Hezbalah and Isis to the north in Lebanon and Syria, the sea on its one border, Jordan - which is struggling with its own issues of stability on another border, and Egypt which is dealing with an insurgency of its own on the southern border. It is surrounded by instability and what we in the US consider terror.
We, as the US, take diplomatic actions for many reasons, but they do not always have the best interests of the other Country at heart. In Israel's case , it can not afford to not hold firm on what it believes will keep its citizens safe.
This is not about a trade negation, or clean air act... this is about bombs landing on your house, sending your kids to school and not knowing if you will see them at the end of the day. We do not understand this. We don't live under this threat, and our neighboring countries are for the most part stable allies.
I have never been a fan of Netanyahu , but in these very troubled times, maybe he is who Israel needs.
We, as the US, take diplomatic actions for many reasons, but they do not always have the best interests of the other Country at heart. In Israel's case , it can not afford to not hold firm on what it believes will keep its citizens safe.
This is not about a trade negation, or clean air act... this is about bombs landing on your house, sending your kids to school and not knowing if you will see them at the end of the day. We do not understand this. We don't live under this threat, and our neighboring countries are for the most part stable allies.
I have never been a fan of Netanyahu , but in these very troubled times, maybe he is who Israel needs.
6
So now Obama is ready to throw Israel to the wolves because of Bibi. But the damage he does to Israel is far less and far less lasting than what he has done overall to the standing of the U.S. in the international arena. It is no accident that the rising belligerence of Putin, the escalation and proliferation of radical terrorism, the rousing of the Chinese nationalism and a move in Greece embracing Russia have happened on his watch, while putative allies of the U.S. edge away from us. The question now is as much whether we can get to inaugural day 2017 without a U.S. international calamity brought on by perceptions of U.S. weakness as it is whether Israel, abandoned by this U.S. administration can survive till then without attacks from all of its borders. Sad ending to "hope and change".
9
When will the trend of foreign powers leading America around by the nose end. It started with Iran costing Jimmy Carter the presidential election and continues today with Israel's conservative government trying to trip up President Obama.
7
The United States is not a client state of Israel. Mr. Netanyahu appears unaware of this. I, for one, am sick of him. We need to find the way to balance the just concerns of the Israeli people with those of the Palestinians.
10
Netanyahu thanked Obama for his unflinching support after the recent Gaza war. That support wasn't just limited to weapons. During this recent war, not one Arab nation came to the support of Hamas. Contrast this with the 1967 war, when Israel faced off against three Arab nations, Egypt, Syria and Jordan.
This American foreign policy accomplishment (by Obama and his predecessors) is a now a major factor affecting Israel's security.
This American foreign policy accomplishment (by Obama and his predecessors) is a now a major factor affecting Israel's security.
2
The fault lines engendered in this situation will have some very nasty long-term effects in USA politics. Segments of the electorate will not easily forget these episodes. For some it is the perception that the President is less than a hardline ally. For others it is the latest in a line of perceived "insults" to the President and the Presidency that harks back to such events as the Congressman who shouted "liar" to the President during a State of the Union speech. The resulting ill-will engendered among various citizen groups will only reinforce stereotypes and prejudices that will endure. Wisdom among all the players and parties to the issue is obviously lacking.
The president has made it perfectly clear that he intends to govern by what he considers to be executive orders, with or without the consent of congress. Respect and protocol are a two way street. His mantra - president - good; Republicans - bad. You reap what you sow.
As chief executive, the president has the duty to conduct foreign affairs, but Congress has the power of the purse and can decide whether to fund projects like foreign aid to the PLO or Israel. So, who better to listen to a speech by the Prime Minister of Israel than Congress.
The president is acting like a spoiled child.
As chief executive, the president has the duty to conduct foreign affairs, but Congress has the power of the purse and can decide whether to fund projects like foreign aid to the PLO or Israel. So, who better to listen to a speech by the Prime Minister of Israel than Congress.
The president is acting like a spoiled child.
4
Just remember that it was Cheney who espoused the doctrine of the all-powerful Unitary Presidency.
2
Let's hurry up and complete this nuclear deal with Iran. It is in the best interest of the US.
7
Yes let's rush into another historically bad deal, lie to the American people about what is in the agreement and we will all later find out about Obama's tragic diplomatic failure when Iran has achieved Nuclear capabilities. Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terror and destabilizing force in the Middle East. Iran only understands strength and this must be done through legislation mandating increased sanctions on Iran.
4
This is a simple matter for Obama to deal with. He just needs to announce that the United States no longer supports a Two State solution in the Middle East. That Israel should be allowed to build as many settlements as it wishes. And that he has requested congress to pass laws so the USA we always give Israel as many weapons and as many dollars as it asks for. With infinite support Bibi will go away, and Congress can go back to important things like the Keystone Pipeline.
7
What is it that scares the White House so much? Can it be that in our famous "marketplace of ideas" that President Obama has the weaker argument?
President Obama's strategic vision of where he believes Iran fits has never been articulated to the American people. Since Iran is supporting Assad's Syria, Hezbollah (which holds Lebanon hostage), Hamas (which holds the PA hostage - not that Abbas wants a real peace, but that's a separate story) and underwrites the Shia militias in Iraq and the Huthis in Yemen, all the while moving towards nuclear capability - I would think our President is the one who really owes us a speech.
What Prime Minister Netanyahu will say to Congress is no mystery. What President Obama thinks of Iran, however, is. We deserve better than having to guess at how our Commander-in-Chief perceives our national interest with Iran.
President Obama's strategic vision of where he believes Iran fits has never been articulated to the American people. Since Iran is supporting Assad's Syria, Hezbollah (which holds Lebanon hostage), Hamas (which holds the PA hostage - not that Abbas wants a real peace, but that's a separate story) and underwrites the Shia militias in Iraq and the Huthis in Yemen, all the while moving towards nuclear capability - I would think our President is the one who really owes us a speech.
What Prime Minister Netanyahu will say to Congress is no mystery. What President Obama thinks of Iran, however, is. We deserve better than having to guess at how our Commander-in-Chief perceives our national interest with Iran.
8
The crisis in the Middle East is larger than Israel and Netanyahu. It stems from a clash between the Christian colonial seizure and occupation of the region after World War I and "The Arab Awakening", so clearly described by the distinguished writer George Antonius in his 1939 book.
The Zionist occupation of Palestine is just an offshoot of western colonialism. However, Israel's large stockpile of nuclear weapons changes the equation. The United States should insist that if Iran were to give up its nuclear program, Israel should do the same.
Nevertheless, the Middle East will continue to be a cauldron of hatred and fear for next hundred years or more. The United States should avoid further entanglements there.
The Zionist occupation of Palestine is just an offshoot of western colonialism. However, Israel's large stockpile of nuclear weapons changes the equation. The United States should insist that if Iran were to give up its nuclear program, Israel should do the same.
Nevertheless, the Middle East will continue to be a cauldron of hatred and fear for next hundred years or more. The United States should avoid further entanglements there.
3
Benjamin Netanyahu and Republicans both see themselves as gods. It explains in part why the US continue to support Israel.
5
I have been following this story for several days now, and I have actually surprised myself with the depth of my rage. The *idea* that another country's prime minister would so obviously disrespect a sitting President is enraging. Who does "Bibi" think he is?
My rage has also extended to Boehner & Co., who will apparently stop at NOTHING to embarrass and undermine this President. Since when does the Speaker of the House have the right to negotiate with a foreign head of state, without any consultation whatsoever with the White House?
I want to see this episode implode on the participants. I want Netanyahu's supporters in Israel to realize how arrogant and RUDE he is, and how he has endangered a very long relationship. I am hoping his speech before Congress is stopped. If it is not, I am hoping it will be received with the sound of crickets.
My rage has also extended to Boehner & Co., who will apparently stop at NOTHING to embarrass and undermine this President. Since when does the Speaker of the House have the right to negotiate with a foreign head of state, without any consultation whatsoever with the White House?
I want to see this episode implode on the participants. I want Netanyahu's supporters in Israel to realize how arrogant and RUDE he is, and how he has endangered a very long relationship. I am hoping his speech before Congress is stopped. If it is not, I am hoping it will be received with the sound of crickets.
22
You are in a fury because Bibi dissed the president. Small thing considering Bibi is fighting to keep Israel from being destroyed by enemies surrounding her.
7
Rage at the free expression of ideas !? Boehner is not negotiating with BN, merely extending a platform. How about BO objecting to Congree having a say with the Iran nuke negotiations. Sen Menendez D, says talking points from WH sound like coming from Teheran
3
The main difference between Obama and Netanyahu is that Obama is a decent and thoughtful person who would like less, not more, war; Netanyahu is a bully and a jerk who is eager for a war with Iran, waged and paid for by the United States. The existential threat to Israel's security is not Iran, but leaders like Netanyahu.
21
I wonder if Boehner will show up sober for Bibi's speech. He was apparently quite crocked for the SOTU speech.
11
When have you seen Johnny Bar Fly show up sober for anything?
Enough of the tail wagging the dog already! Is there any other prime minister, president or king on earth who behaves the way Netanyahu does treating Washington DC like his home away from home where he can do whatever he pleases? It's insulting to the people of the U.S. that he feels he can just sashay over here whenever he likes, say whatever he likes and still hold out his hand and expect us to kiss his ring. Allies don't take billions in aid and then ignore the other side's concerns. Being Israel's biggest ally has done nothing but antagonize the entire Middle East toward us and make us the laughingstock of the rest of the world. What actual benefit have we derived from this close alliance with Israel? I'm so sick of Israel being treated as the third rail of politics that no one dare touch. Good for President Obama for not bowing and scraping the way Netanyahu wants.
Lastly, Boehner is nothing more than a contemptible piece of garbage the way he was played in this affair by Dermer. So eager to one up the president that he slapped all of us in the face instead. Both men should be disciplined for their role in this debacle.
Lastly, Boehner is nothing more than a contemptible piece of garbage the way he was played in this affair by Dermer. So eager to one up the president that he slapped all of us in the face instead. Both men should be disciplined for their role in this debacle.
19
Let's hope that, as even in strong marriages, there are times when there is disagreement and stress that must be confronted. But now that I've made my wish;
- Why does Israel announce 450 new settlements if indeed that is being don't to poke Obama in the eye?
- Why does Netanyahu insist the nuclear discussion with Iran be completed by June?
- And why does Obama essentially further distance himself from Netanyahu and Israel by trying to disrupt Netanyahu's wish to make his case to Congress? He should have informed the White House first? Why, so Obama could object?
There is a disagreement between two very close parties. Bibi gets the award for being most stubborn. Somewhat understandable given the history of the Jews and Israel. Obama gets the award for least likely to reach across the aisle and listen to the other guy if it isn't Obama's agenda. Exactly like what's gone on on in our government these past 6 years.
- Why does Israel announce 450 new settlements if indeed that is being don't to poke Obama in the eye?
- Why does Netanyahu insist the nuclear discussion with Iran be completed by June?
- And why does Obama essentially further distance himself from Netanyahu and Israel by trying to disrupt Netanyahu's wish to make his case to Congress? He should have informed the White House first? Why, so Obama could object?
There is a disagreement between two very close parties. Bibi gets the award for being most stubborn. Somewhat understandable given the history of the Jews and Israel. Obama gets the award for least likely to reach across the aisle and listen to the other guy if it isn't Obama's agenda. Exactly like what's gone on on in our government these past 6 years.
1
It's shamefully disrespectful to do that to a President who proclaimed at a campaign fundraiser that he had Israel's DNA in his blood.
6
And nobody believed him.
2
It was a false positive!
3
President Obama is a principled, intellectual, strategist who doesn't like to be bullied.
Mr. Netanyahu is a bully.
Mr. Boehner is neither an intellectual nor a strategist, nor a bully, but, instead a pawn. So far, he seems willing to do anything to retain his power. In this particular case, it is Mr. Netanyahu who has paid for his services..One wonders if Mr. Boehner has started to feel dirty yet.
Mr. Netanyahu is a bully.
Mr. Boehner is neither an intellectual nor a strategist, nor a bully, but, instead a pawn. So far, he seems willing to do anything to retain his power. In this particular case, it is Mr. Netanyahu who has paid for his services..One wonders if Mr. Boehner has started to feel dirty yet.
10
Obama and Netanyahu: two arrogant, stubborn, self-absorbed men. They deserve each other. The world will be a better place when both are out of the political arena.
2
Mr. Netanyahu is what he is. Mr. Boener is what he is. What they are is pretty well know by now. It must be what the people who vote for them want. So exactly who is surprised when they throw their respective country's interests under the bus in an attempt to advance their narrow political interests?
4
Focus is rightly on Netanyahu who ultimately answers but don't overlook the tinpot brutishness of Dermer, a hothead who no doubt sees himself following Bibi's path as American who becomes Israeli ambassador to U.S. and then prime minister. The only silver lining in this story is watching this ugly and cynical strong arm maneuver blow up in his face. The effort to ambush the President testifies to his character as an instinctive bully.
10
Poor Netanyahu, he's trying to work with the wrong party in this country; considering that Obama is in the Office for two more years, then H. Clinton will be for 8 years. That's a whole decade--literally. I wouldn't say that he's making smart moves to improve his relationship with the U.S.
2
I wonder if Netanyahu still has his Inspector Clouseau-like bomb graphic portraying Iran as an immediate nuclear threat. Its cartoonish character would be so appropriate for the wisdom of Boehner and Congress.
6
Reminders who those tempted to forget (or to ignore):
1. Barack Obama was elected president of the United States--twice. Netayahu? Never.
2. American government policies on all subjects are formulated in Washington, D.C., not Jerusalem.
3. American military power is provided by, and financed by, the government of the United States. Not Israel.
4. Israel is NOT the 51st state.
5. The biggest threat to Israel's security is Benjamin Netanyahu. Why? Because once the "special relationship" is broken, it won't be easy to restore.
1. Barack Obama was elected president of the United States--twice. Netayahu? Never.
2. American government policies on all subjects are formulated in Washington, D.C., not Jerusalem.
3. American military power is provided by, and financed by, the government of the United States. Not Israel.
4. Israel is NOT the 51st state.
5. The biggest threat to Israel's security is Benjamin Netanyahu. Why? Because once the "special relationship" is broken, it won't be easy to restore.
9
And why should we care about this rift? Boehner and Netanyahu brought it on themselves. Whatever happens, they get the credit--good or bad. Israel has to sort itself out. It is time for the US to stay completely out of it. Not all friendships or relationships last forever. This one has come to a fitting end.
3
I believe both Netanyahu and Obama have benefited from this strained alliance. Obama doesn't look like a pawn of Netanyahu and Netanyahu has an excuse to steel more land for Israel.
Looking at the picture Netanyahu looks like an actor playing a petulant child and Obama is trying not to laugh. From body language it looks more comical then strained. This good cop/bad cop act is nothing more than an act that benefits both of them.
Looking at the picture Netanyahu looks like an actor playing a petulant child and Obama is trying not to laugh. From body language it looks more comical then strained. This good cop/bad cop act is nothing more than an act that benefits both of them.
The Jerusalem Post reported that former Israeli Defense Force (IDF) Commander-in-Chief Gabi Ashkenazi reported that U.S. taxpayers contribute more to the Israeli military than Israeli taxpayers. Given that the Pro-Israeli lobby pours millions into U.S. election campaigns, why shouldn't Netanyahu address his congress?
5
Surprised the article didn't point out the original problem between the two: Netanyahu's too obvious show of scorn for what he saw as the naivete of Obama's views of Middle East realpolitik.
2
This latest episode is all on Netanyahu. He is reaching down into US internal politics to better his chances in Israeli internal politics. This is not how it's done, and suggests that he is either desperate or a complete narcissist.
4
Netanyahu should never have agreed to participate in the coup staged by Boehner!
Meanwhile, the world is watching as Netanyahu continues to build illegal settlements! Further substantiating the fact that he has no regard for the Rule of Law or Human Rights!
Meanwhile, the world is watching as Netanyahu continues to build illegal settlements! Further substantiating the fact that he has no regard for the Rule of Law or Human Rights!
9
Bet my hat, poncho and boots that Boehner couldn't care less about what Bibi is going to say. Methinks he is just using the PM to undermine the POTUS. I'll bet even odds that this will backfire for both.
7
Instead of focusing on this relationship as some how unique. Why not look at the Man in a broader scope.
Obama has major well known communications and trust problems with the Saudi relationship, same with Erdogan in Turkey, as well with Russia and Putin. Orban in Hungary ... and many, many, more
Very few people trust this guy. They expect him to lie about anything In fact they go out of their way to protect themselves from his actions. Most will not do a deal with him.
Same domestically from the right or left. Jonathan Gruber said they got the ObamaCare thru by using lies because the American people are stupid
He is an ego centric decision maker who cant make deals or be trusted
Obama has major well known communications and trust problems with the Saudi relationship, same with Erdogan in Turkey, as well with Russia and Putin. Orban in Hungary ... and many, many, more
Very few people trust this guy. They expect him to lie about anything In fact they go out of their way to protect themselves from his actions. Most will not do a deal with him.
Same domestically from the right or left. Jonathan Gruber said they got the ObamaCare thru by using lies because the American people are stupid
He is an ego centric decision maker who cant make deals or be trusted
8
So, when the foreign leader of a pariah nation decides the twice majority elected president of the U.S. is not up to the job, he should work with the speaker of the house to undermine the president, all for the good of the U.S.
As a constant critic of Obama for having no foreign policy, even i can identify those who hate and undermine America sheeplewatch. Bleat on.
As a constant critic of Obama for having no foreign policy, even i can identify those who hate and undermine America sheeplewatch. Bleat on.
5
Israel is a good Allie as was Iran up until the 1950's when we overthrew there government. Israel wants to keep things as they are now without us becoming friends with Iran... https://lstrn.us/1kc0sHa
Improving relations with Iran is in our best interest.
Improving relations with Iran is in our best interest.
3
Netanyahu should never have agreed to participate in the coup staged by Boehner! President Obama has every right to take umbrage with that!
Meanwhile, while the entire world is watching, new illegal settlements are being established to further substantiate the fact that Netanyahu has no regard for the law or human rights!
Meanwhile, while the entire world is watching, new illegal settlements are being established to further substantiate the fact that Netanyahu has no regard for the law or human rights!
4
How about this: the White House should cash in some of our many, many chips with Israel & engineer an invitation from the Knesset for President Obama to address it at the same time Mr. Netanyahu is lecturing our Congress.
President Obama could inform the Knesset that we are ending our annual stipend of some $3.5 billion and have decided instead to spend the funds fixing up our own roads & bridges. He could point out how duplicitous it is for Israel’s Prime Minister to attack an agreement with Iran to restrict its atomic energy program to peaceful objectives when Israel itself has a covert arsenal of at least 200 nuclear weapons, won’t sign the NPT and refuses to join the IAEA.
President Obama could inform the Knesset that we are ending our annual stipend of some $3.5 billion and have decided instead to spend the funds fixing up our own roads & bridges. He could point out how duplicitous it is for Israel’s Prime Minister to attack an agreement with Iran to restrict its atomic energy program to peaceful objectives when Israel itself has a covert arsenal of at least 200 nuclear weapons, won’t sign the NPT and refuses to join the IAEA.
7
I am a supporter of Israel--which is to say I have always thought Israel was a loyal ally standing for democracy and freedom in the middle of a sea of hostile tyrannies. True, my support has lessened ever since Netanyahu came to office--particularly because of the way he aggressively supports settlement extensions--but to my friends (probably I'm alone in this), I've continued to staunchly defend Israel, even under Netanyahu.
But now this. This blatant insult to Obama--deliberately undermining the man and his office--raised all my American hackles and left my support for Israel shaken. Perhaps Mr. Netanyau forgot that many supporters of Israel are like me--first and foremost, Americans. And though I am angry at Ron Derner, Boehner and the Republicans who supported bypassing the President with this invitation, that is nothing, really, This insult falls squarely at the feet of Israeli's leader, for deciding to have the invitation arranged (for all I know, he instigated it).
Is this what Netanyahu really wanted--to alienate thousands of American supporters of Isreal like me? Probablyl not. But in his pigheadedness, his arrogance, and his treatment of my president, this is what he's achieved.
But now this. This blatant insult to Obama--deliberately undermining the man and his office--raised all my American hackles and left my support for Israel shaken. Perhaps Mr. Netanyau forgot that many supporters of Israel are like me--first and foremost, Americans. And though I am angry at Ron Derner, Boehner and the Republicans who supported bypassing the President with this invitation, that is nothing, really, This insult falls squarely at the feet of Israeli's leader, for deciding to have the invitation arranged (for all I know, he instigated it).
Is this what Netanyahu really wanted--to alienate thousands of American supporters of Isreal like me? Probablyl not. But in his pigheadedness, his arrogance, and his treatment of my president, this is what he's achieved.
9
Shame on Americans who would rather support a foreign leader than their own President. This is how the world looks upon these timid US politicians. Israel barks and US grovels. Israel says jump and US asks "How high." A great country laid low by a shameless middle east politician and his lackeys in Congress.
9
His Republican lackeys in our congress!!!
1
Too many cooks stirred this controversy. That the speaker invited a PM, any PM, to address Congress is an insult to a sitting president. Then again, that is what the Republicans have been doing for years. The PM should have cleared the appearance with the White House. That said, Israel faces a nuclear threat next door and is fighting for its very survival. The U.S. thinks it can turn an enemy into an ally to fight ISIS. Iran has its own self interests working. Different goals.
1
Bibi should tread carefully. The American people are growing tired of America's constant unquestioning support of Israel including the billions of taxpayer dollars we pour into that country annually. If Netanyahu continues to manipulate our political system it won't matter how we vote, Republican or Democrat, we will turn on him and begin to question our relationship with Israel.
7
It is not in the interest of Israel or Prime Minister Netanyahu to widen the dichotomy between the President of the US and Israel. Without the deterrent effect of the US, Iran may be tempted to annihilate Israel with nuclear weapons. With US nuclear weapons targeted on Iran it may be difficult for Iran to accept the consequences of the destruction of Israel. Netanyahu should remember it is only the POTUS who has the authority to release the nuclear codes on our nuclear arsenal onboard our Ohio class boomers.
1
The US really has no use for Ambassador Ron Dermer, who was one of the co-writers of Gingrich's "Contract with America". He was a party hack then - before having to give up his American citizenship to become the economic envoy from Israel at the embassy in DC - and still is as ambassador.
He now denies having brokered the deal with Mr. Boehner of inviting Bibi to address the new Republican ever more right-wing majority in Congress.
Bibi has inserted himself into the 2012 election of its supposed strongest ally as no foreign leader ever did before. Now he is actually campaigning from the hallowed halls of Congress for his own election. Now that is called chutzpah.
He now denies having brokered the deal with Mr. Boehner of inviting Bibi to address the new Republican ever more right-wing majority in Congress.
Bibi has inserted himself into the 2012 election of its supposed strongest ally as no foreign leader ever did before. Now he is actually campaigning from the hallowed halls of Congress for his own election. Now that is called chutzpah.
10
When multiple religions claim the same land to be holy and they don't want to share it, there's no chance for peace. The situation in and around Israel is a mess today and it will still be a mess 100 years from now. It really doesn't matter who runs Washington or Jerusalem.
I often wonder if these world leaders actually enjoy strife.
I often wonder if these world leaders actually enjoy strife.
2
Israel will likely rue the day that their leaders chose to cast their lot with a political party rather than a country. It's high time he U.S. realized that real peace in the region -- one that works to the advantage of every party, including our corporations for whom the peace process is clearly designed currently to benefit -- requires Israeli and Palestinian leaders who want to engage, as the ones in power right now clearly do not.
Cut Bibi loose, and see what happens. My guess is that there will enough noise over there on both sides that Israel and Palestine (and Iran) all come to their senses, REAL quick. Netanyahu is just too dumb to see this.
Cut Bibi loose, and see what happens. My guess is that there will enough noise over there on both sides that Israel and Palestine (and Iran) all come to their senses, REAL quick. Netanyahu is just too dumb to see this.
4
Anyone else (American) tired of the Israeli tail wagging the American dog?
22
Israel is a very civilized country supporting western freedoms and the rule of law. We share common enemies. Considering what they are up against, I believe we should be supporting them far more.
Perhaps their fault is that many of their neighbors hate them on religious grounds, and they achieved so much in an area where many have not.
Perhaps their fault is that many of their neighbors hate them on religious grounds, and they achieved so much in an area where many have not.
3
Barry is the man who started this! Look at his track record ALL over the globe. The USA is in a more dire position b/c of Barry. No doubt about it!
5
One word: boycott.
8
Netanyahu has chosen to be a political pawn in the nasty and dysfunctional battle between a Republican Congress and Obama. This is unfortunate. However, the issue of negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran is rightly an existential concern to Israel and therefore to Netanyahu. Let us not forget, as exemplified by Obama's attempts to negotiate with Republicans in the past, that he is a terrible negotiator. It is not hyperbole to suggest that he opens by giving away the farm for free and then asks for something in return. Obama has an unshakeable faith in the goodness of people even when they have already provided abundant evidence that they are not good people and that they are determined to harm him. It is an unfortunate personality flaw. Knowing this trait, can one really blame Netanyahu for wanting to give Congress some additional cover to vote against assisting Iran in its nuclear program? I've supported Obama for six years despite his many enormous mistakes, but even I do not trust him not to sell Israel down the river.
3
Negotiator and Obama in the same sentence is oxymoronic. No need to go any further than five terrorists for Bergdahl.
3
Obama's disdain for Israel is worn on his sleeve. What he has deeply ingrained in him is the peculiarly liberal view that since the Palestinians are the underdog they get a pass on anything they do including start conflicts with Israel knowing they will get pummeled just to stir up sympathy from the American left, hide weapons in mosques, deliberately shield fighters and weapons in areas populated with civilians and deliberately sabotage peace negotiations because they know no matter how bad their behavior is they will receive a pass from liberals the world over. And Democrats are shocked and appalled that Netanyahu doesn't want to work with liberals? Unless and until the left shakes off the notion that Palestinians, like spoiled children, get anything they they want of course Israel will consider Republicans as friends and Democrats as a party to be put up with out of necessity.
10
I think it treasonous for the republican party to in effect pledge fealty to a foreign head of state. We need to cut any and all funding to israel and stop doing their dirty work in the un.
18
Well, the Republicans, particularly those elected to federal office, who've pledged under oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, have already pledged an oath to Grover Norquist, the Koch Brothers, Sheldon Adelson. And they pledged not just to defeat President Obama politically, but to do everything in their power to make sure President Obama failed as a President. Are you surprised for some reason that they continue along this path? The only tragedy is that so many Americans see the Republicans as true patriots, instead of the most dangerous and harmful of all domestic terrorists - more dangerous than al Qaeda, than ISIS - and operating in broad daylight.
Treasonous? Please...
Netanyahu is obviously trying to manipulate the USA to further his personal political agenda. Rather than working for a united front behind the executive branch, Congress is being played by Netanyahu, failing miserably at it's job to work for the best interests of this country. It appears that the republicans would throw foreign policy, diplomacy and the executive branch under the bus for the purpose of undermining the presidency. I am so embarrassed by this lack of congressional integrity as they give Netanyahou a forum to influence
our government by trying an end run around the executive branch, a frightening prospect for any future stability in foreign policy development.
our government by trying an end run around the executive branch, a frightening prospect for any future stability in foreign policy development.
6
“It would be nice if a level of maturity kicked in and we did not allow the personality-driven issues and political issues to overwhelm what are incredibly important common global issues,” said Josh Block, president of the Israel Project, a pro-Israeli education group in Washington."
I cannot believe Israel cannot perceive her essential needs; the continuation of Likud's willingness to alienate the American public is a death sentence...not today, but these things move gradually, like glaciers, overwhelming all in their path.
I cannot believe Israel cannot perceive her essential needs; the continuation of Likud's willingness to alienate the American public is a death sentence...not today, but these things move gradually, like glaciers, overwhelming all in their path.
2
Among other hopes we had, American people elected Obama to end this bizarre partnership with a terrorist state of Israel. Funding we provided them over the last 40 years was essentially wasted - we have no money and guts to fund their war crimes.
8
Bravo!! You stole my thoughts.
2
Let's put personalities aside for a moment. The Iranian relegious dictatorship has a mandate to destroy Israel. Hezbollah is a proxy Iranian army with missles aimed at Israel, not a sign of moderation. Do not be be distracted by the thin veneer of new diplomats and politicians who have replaced the bullhorns calling for the destruction of Israel. Does anybody believe that common sense policy will result in resonaable outcomes in the Middle East? All of our politicians past and present have made a long line of mistakes and this will somehow follow suit.
Having the Israelis take a back seat on the Iranian nuclear situation is forcing some difficult outcomes. Israel has no margin of error. Focusing on personalities and political infighting is a distraction.
Having the Israelis take a back seat on the Iranian nuclear situation is forcing some difficult outcomes. Israel has no margin of error. Focusing on personalities and political infighting is a distraction.
8
"Israel has no margin of error".......And they seem hell bent on making them. Not the least of which is spitting in the face of the U.S. President.
5
The real distraction for ZJB is any focus on, or respect for, america's national interest.
You failed to mention how critical President Obama was to PM Netanyahu at their first meeting. The President came in with a clear opinion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that had Netanyahu in the wrong. Also you failed to mention that President Obama used a trip to Israel in his re-election campaign.
5
Why doesn't Israel start providing the US $ billions annually for the security guarantee we provide?
Why doesn't Bibi ever thank the US for its support? Is he not appreciative?
Why is Bibi in bed with Mitchell and Boehner who have presided over the most ineffective an unaccomplished Congress in US history?
Why does Bibi choose to dispense with diplomatic protocol and poke a Nobel Prize winning US President in the eye?
Why is Bibi ordering more construction of Jewish settlements to thwart any peace process with the Palestinians.?
Why do Israelis tolerate his behavior?
Why doesn't Bibi ever thank the US for its support? Is he not appreciative?
Why is Bibi in bed with Mitchell and Boehner who have presided over the most ineffective an unaccomplished Congress in US history?
Why does Bibi choose to dispense with diplomatic protocol and poke a Nobel Prize winning US President in the eye?
Why is Bibi ordering more construction of Jewish settlements to thwart any peace process with the Palestinians.?
Why do Israelis tolerate his behavior?
16
The U.S. must stop allowing Israel to dictate to us. We must stop standing up for Israel in the U.N. and begin standing up for what's right.
20
Will someone please explain to Bibi that the United States political system is based around a polarized, zero sum, two party electorate... where convergency rarely occurs and contentious opposition is the norm. We do not have a more nuanced parlimentary system where multiple parties and different coalitions can be arranged willy nilly as expedience dictates. Here, memories are long, party adherence is strong, and vengence is all but certain once power shifts. Furthermore, we are roughly evenly divided which means no party stays in power for very long. Any meaningful party distinction that emerges will be embraced. By taking Israel from a neutral bi-partisan non-issue directly into the political frey, Bibi is not only playing with fire... he is dosing himself (and unfortunately Israel along with him) in gasoline. In other words, he is a complete fool. If Israeli voters are as smart as we all hope they are, and they care at all about the future relationship with the United States and just the GOP, they will kick him out on his tuckus.
8
Bibb is playing along with an American republican hack. This is just domestic republican hate exported with no real consequence because the pro Israel democrats in congress will always put Israel first as will the NYT.
Why do you think there was this devilish, both sides are at fault, article?
Why do you think there was this devilish, both sides are at fault, article?
Jason, he is hard of hearing and does not know the sign language. What to do?
1
“It would be nice if a level of maturity kicked in and we did not allow the personality-driven issues and political issues to overwhelm what are incredibly important common global issues.” Oh really, Josh? Well it would also "be nice" if your friend, Benjamin, were to peel away the many layers of hubris and arrogance and halt his Zionist campaign to drive out all Palestinians from their land and territories. It would also "be nice" if Benjamin would end Israel's 47 years of unlawful forced military occupation of what is left of Palestine, remove all those military checkpoints and that 95-mile serpentine concrete wall and all the other barriers in Palestine's West Bank to restrict travel and farming by Palestinians in their own territories, and immediately halt his unlawful "settlements" in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Now how's that for starters in "being nice", Josh!
19
Palestinians "own territory"? There was never a "Palestinian" state in the region you refer too. Anti- Israel revisionist history is not equivalent to fact.
2
Here's hoping the people of Israel vote with their head and reject the greatest thereat to their country from within. No more for Israel until Boo Boo is out. His election reflects poorly on all Israelis. His chicken little act has been tolerated too long.
9
The President was afraid that Bibi was not his friend or might be even worse -- a closet Republican.
Obama remains a petulant community organizer that isn't getting his way. This WH just doesn't get it that Congress is a co-equal branch of the US government and controls the purse strings. He and his policies just lost big with the electorate and he has to negotiate on all things. Running the country is not about getting more Democrat votes for next time. His own Democrat Senate foreign policy leader Menendez is against him on Iran. As for Bibi, he will do what he and his Government see as best for their country. The Israeli's known extended Iran talks every 6 months for 5 years is a failure.
39
Just remember that James A. Baker III, Bush Sr.'s Secretary of State, hated Netanyahu even more than Obama does.
The problem isn't Obama.
The problem isn't Obama.
5
"Democratic Senate foreign policy leader Menedez?"
hysterical.
2
I do not want to put myself in a position where I would have to defend Netanyahu or even Israel. Any country and any leader can be criticized for something they have done or are doing, including the United States and Obama. However, I would take Israel any day over any country in that region for an ally and a friend. Who says friends must be perfect.
And there is something else. It is becoming increasingly clear that American liberals want to betray Israel and moreover they want to put the blame for their betrayal on Israel; they want to add insult to injury. The problem is that the liberal era is coming to the end. America is in birth pangs of a new vision. Liberals refuse to accept this fact. They are ready to blame anything or anyone for their woes, as long as they do not have to take a critical look at themselves.
And there is something else. It is becoming increasingly clear that American liberals want to betray Israel and moreover they want to put the blame for their betrayal on Israel; they want to add insult to injury. The problem is that the liberal era is coming to the end. America is in birth pangs of a new vision. Liberals refuse to accept this fact. They are ready to blame anything or anyone for their woes, as long as they do not have to take a critical look at themselves.
6
Prime Minister Netanyahu has no world view---he does have an Israel view, that's it.
6
The belief exists in diverse corners that bombing will become a necessity to halt an already fixed Iranian plan for a nuclear weapon. Justifying the belief propels some actions more than does the belief.
Obama's commitment is first and foremost to examining not justifying. Perhaps to excess.
Netanyahu is a believer above all and beyond all. He is thus untroubled riding belief to points of no return. He needs a Cromwell to beseech him.
Obama's commitment is first and foremost to examining not justifying. Perhaps to excess.
Netanyahu is a believer above all and beyond all. He is thus untroubled riding belief to points of no return. He needs a Cromwell to beseech him.
1
Any time there is even a hint that peace might happen, Bibi steps in with ANOTHER announced West Bank 450 house settlement project. More gasoline thrown on the flames.
14
're: comments - so for all you Liberal Jews reading above and below, see what your brethren Goy's actually think of you and your only distinguishing display of a homeland. As an American non Jew, I as many American's see Israel as a beacon of light in a sea of storm and a faithful Democratic partner to this United States, and view Netanyahu as a saviour willing to stand up to those that would prefer to see both diminished much to their ignorant peril. Shame on you as if 9/11 never happened, and couldn't happen again. Let Iran have a nuclear weapon and witness what the naive will disclaim in it's aftermath - much the same as after the Holocaust.
5
It has long been clear to me that the only solution to the Mideast crisis is for the UN security council to ban all settlement activity immediately. Israel show little interest in peace. If Israel doesn't back down, then the council should do as 135 of the 190 UN members have already done. That is to recognize Palestine within its internationally accepted borders. The US has always been the problem in allowing this sustained and ongoing status quo. It is time for the US to stop babying Israel.
7
If Bibi is foolishly re-elected in Israel, Mr. kerry shoukd definately take the Israeli-Palistinian peace talks to the United Nations.
8
The entire debate hinges upon a particular set of assumptions. If one believes that Iran's acquisition of nukes is a major national security risk to the United States then this dictates one logical position, if on the other hand one does not believe it to be the risk its cracked up to be then there is another. The problem is that the President has state clearly that he believes that it is a major security risk to the United States but then takes actions that seem to bely that belief. If it is a major national security risk then we must be prepared to go all the way to stop it from happening, including using our military. If you believe in the possibility of containment then a strategy similar to the one the president is working on is called for.
Israel merely wants to point out the obvious, the capability to produce Nuclear weapons at ones discretion makes one a Nuclear power even if the bomb is not built until later. Perhaps it was a ham handed way to get the message out but this should not be about niceness it should be about substance and the administration owes more to the country than vague assurances that this will work when there is more evidence than not that it wont.
Israel merely wants to point out the obvious, the capability to produce Nuclear weapons at ones discretion makes one a Nuclear power even if the bomb is not built until later. Perhaps it was a ham handed way to get the message out but this should not be about niceness it should be about substance and the administration owes more to the country than vague assurances that this will work when there is more evidence than not that it wont.
3
If Be Be wants to play hardball, the President should get out the Louisville Slugger and belt a homer by denying him entry to the country to make that speech. Let Israel know who is boss.
8
While the Iran nuclear issue is the latest rift between hard-right Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and center-left President Obama, the real source of their "strained alliance" is the issue of the proposed "two-state" solution and the numerous failed attempts at a U.S. brokered solution. As opposition candidate Tzipi Livni said in a recent Times article, Mr. Netanyahu opposes such a solution and has been moving steadily toward the right's vision of a "Greater Israel." The Administration has been tethered to its historic pro-Israel--no matter what--stance while Netanyahu undermines any attempt to forge peace in the region. Mr. Obama should follow the example of President George H. W. Bush and take a VERY hard-line with Israel that if it doesn't stop its settlement expansion policy it will join other European nations in recognizing a State of Palestine. I say this with a sad heart as an American of Jewish background from a Holocaust family who remembers the joy we felt when President Truman courageously recognized the State of Israel in 1948. As with Cuba, it's time for the newly emancipated President Obama to forge a new relationship with Israel and earn his Nobel Peace Prize.
150
Let us be clear, the bonds between Israel and the US are strong and unbreakable. Both want peace in the region by ending terrorism and its root causes. Unfortunately, each nation has a different plan on how to achieve the two objectives.. The current rift is between two individuals; both having a mistrust and disdain for each other. To President Obama, Netanyahu's is a foreign version of the US republican congress, uncompromising, intransigent and mistrusting of the president. To Netanyahu, the president is seen as anti-Israel, soft on Iran and too compromising. Bibi is in the middle of re-election bid and any cooperation with the President would be viewed as weakness and political poison to him. The US has been engaged in a 14 year war in Afghanistan and Iraq; yet terrorism is alive and well. For the President to criticize Netanyahu's political approach against Iran and Gaza and to equate it as anti Israel is disingenuous and should be viewed as an American attempt to avoid another unnecessary war.
17
How ironic that you should say, " an American attempt to avoid another unnecessary war" as if it's a bad thing to avoid war when it is unnecessary.
The bonds between Israel and the US are indeed breakable and Netanyahu is in the process of weakening them at this very moment.
It is time to stop our funding of their war efforts. Let them pay the full cost and we will see a real interest in peace.
If Israel effectively votes Republican in our electoral process, I say ditch them. Terminate their aid. Fend for yourself. You're taking the West Bank, keep off Washington DC. But of course that's an over optimistic scenario. The truth is closer to what Mearsheimer argued in the Israel Lobby: our money grubbing Congress has already sold the country down the river to Israel.
9
Bibi is a much greater threat to Israel than to the US. He has managed alienate not only Obama, but the entire spectrum of Israeli voters, from left to right. So why, you may ask may he be re-elected? Israel has an extremly complex election system that can only be changed by - you guessed it- Bibi. Bibi has the backing of Sheldon Adelson, an American citizen whose support has done much to keep him in power. Bibi does whatever it takes to topple anyone who has a chance of succeeding in politics. In Israel, we say that even grass can't grow beside him. Bibi does not represent the Israeli people. If he is re-elected, he may well be the downfall of Israel. We are not amused.
7
Bibi and Boehner have one thing in common; their use of the temper tantrum. If you disagree with either they will retaliate by making life miserable for you. It's a trick learned in early childhood. They know that people will succumb rather than resist because it's easier than having to put up with the ugliness. Bibi and Boehner never grew up because they didn't have to.
6
The nub of the matter is that Israel (a country I admire in most respects) is beyond reproach, criticism or even questioning in American political circles. Netanyahu knows this and takes full advantage. Obama knows it too, and bridles. Republicans can then portray Obama as anti-Israel, and so it goes.
Some might argue that Netanhayu at least has his own country's best interests at heart. The same cannot be said for Boehner and his ilk.
Some might argue that Netanhayu at least has his own country's best interests at heart. The same cannot be said for Boehner and his ilk.
6
Once again I am pleased to have supported President Obama in his runs. It's about time someone stood up to Likud and Bibi.
9
Supporting Israel should not be confused with supporting Netanyahu.
The GOP fails to recognize this distinction.
The GOP fails to recognize this distinction.
11
Benjamin Netanyahu and John Boehner may have permanently changed the relationship between the US and Israel. Islamic extremists would love to drive a wedge between the US and Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu and John Boehner are giving Islamic extremists an achievement that they could not achieve without Benjamin Netanyahu and John Boehner's foolish choices.
4
"Mr. Kerry, .......... may be emboldened to pursue an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan through the United Nations or outside powers without waiting for Mr. Netanyahu’s assent."
Now that would be refreshing; an American foreign policy by Americans rather than by AIPAC.
Now that would be refreshing; an American foreign policy by Americans rather than by AIPAC.
13
I am an American Jew - an AMERICAN Jew, in that order. I will always support Isreal, and I have concerns about the implications of America's initiative in Iran, but I am embarrassed and ashamed by Prime Minisister Netanyahu's public and unprecedented rebuke of my country's president. When Netanyahu addresses congress, I will not be watching.
6
I hope Democratic members of Congress show their disapproval of the invitation by boycotting the address.
13
They aren't that stupid.
1
Understanding this matter and where the fault clearly lies is available in very simple terms. IMAGINE Obama going to speak to the Israeli Knesset without notifying Netanyahu and further Obama going to the Knesset to oppose Netanyahu's position on Iran.
You are right you can NOT imagine that scenario. It would never happen.
You are right you can NOT imagine that scenario. It would never happen.
258
Because it never did. Netanyahu accepted the invitation after the Obama Administration had been notified.
It was reported here in The Times in a "correction" to the 1/29/15 article, "Netanyahu Is Talking to Leading Democrats to Little Effect So Far," and stated:
"Correction: January 30, 2015
An earlier version of this article misstated when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel accepted Speaker John A. Boehner’s invitation to address Congress. He accepted after the administration had been informed of the invitation, not before."
*****
*http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/us/politics/benjamin-netanyahu-is-talk...
It was reported here in The Times in a "correction" to the 1/29/15 article, "Netanyahu Is Talking to Leading Democrats to Little Effect So Far," and stated:
"Correction: January 30, 2015
An earlier version of this article misstated when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel accepted Speaker John A. Boehner’s invitation to address Congress. He accepted after the administration had been informed of the invitation, not before."
*****
*http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/us/politics/benjamin-netanyahu-is-talk...
1
It would never happen that any leader from any country would make such a move.
No other legislative body or leader on earth would dare invite this.
No Ambassador from any nation anywhere on earth who attempted to facilitate this move would be allowed to remain in the country.
No other legislative body or leader on earth would dare invite this.
No Ambassador from any nation anywhere on earth who attempted to facilitate this move would be allowed to remain in the country.
1
Israeli leaders would never endanger US security the way Obama is doing to Israel. You can keep pouting about "protocol" - Boehner and our ELECTED Congress have bigger issues on the table
How can America allow a possible war criminal to address US Congress with impunity?! Its nonsense and purely humiliating. Who is allowing such demeaning of America?
10
Two thin-skinned personalities, both having little or no diplomatic skill, both out of their depth in complex foreign policy, both trying to preserve some legacy while facing extremists on their right, both trying to impose their disparate wills in an increasingly confusing and volatile region. What could possibly go wrong?
Foreign policy may be the product of committee, but it is executed by individual leaders, and its efficacy depends upon trust and respect between leaders. Israel and the United States find themselves in a spot that neither wants to be, because of lack of trust and respect between these two men, and neither leader is big enough to salvage the relationship.
Lack of maturity is a good description, not just for Obama and Bibi, but for the extremists who have taken advantage of their weak personalities. This recent breach of diplomatic protocol is by itself serious, and makes me pessimistic that there are any adults ready to take charge when these leaders are gone.
Foreign policy may be the product of committee, but it is executed by individual leaders, and its efficacy depends upon trust and respect between leaders. Israel and the United States find themselves in a spot that neither wants to be, because of lack of trust and respect between these two men, and neither leader is big enough to salvage the relationship.
Lack of maturity is a good description, not just for Obama and Bibi, but for the extremists who have taken advantage of their weak personalities. This recent breach of diplomatic protocol is by itself serious, and makes me pessimistic that there are any adults ready to take charge when these leaders are gone.
26
Wow. Boehner, without consulting the White House, invites Netanyahu to address the new Republican Congress. Netanyahu, without consulting the White House accepts the invitation. You have to have a vivid imagination that allows you concoct a scenario where the actions of Obama and Netanyahu are somehow coequal.
2
Can you tell me what Obama has done in the past six years that shows a "lack of trust or respect" for Netanyahu? Something equivalent to Netanyahu's openly campaigning for Romney? Or now agreeing to speak to Congress?
1
TWO thin skinned personalities?
Kindly remember that James Baker III went so far as to ban Netanyahu from the State Department. Clinton hated him too.
The problem here is Netanyahu.
Kindly remember that James Baker III went so far as to ban Netanyahu from the State Department. Clinton hated him too.
The problem here is Netanyahu.
As a supporter of Israel, I am appalled at the audacity of Netanyahu in bypassing the president of USA and addressing a joint session of congress. Boehner and his ilk need to be ashamed about playing such partisan politics even when it involves foreign affairs where the president has full authority to conduct affairs and would be advised to call off this ill conceived idea. Netanyahu comes out as a bully and megalomaniac not serious about the long term interests of Israelis. The republicans are sinking into new lows everyday in their blind hatred of the president who is thoughtful and has achieved so much in the last 6 years
305
Netanyahu's mistake was in not realizing how fragile the president's image is here in the US. Americans have dutifully fulfilled their role of protectors for years. If it's not from republicans, it's from his critics. They will circle the wagons and protect their sensitive president.
If anything, Netanyahu should show that he's not going to damage our frail president's ego.
If anything, Netanyahu should show that he's not going to damage our frail president's ego.
4
The fact that Netanyahu has behaved like an ass does not reflect on the Obama Administration.
2
It is Netanyahu who does not realize how fragile his support is. The President who gets the job done despite having to work through the largest partisan rift ever, and an unprecedented "scorched earth" policy by Republicans who will stop at nothing to attempt to shut him down. Obama's support is the highest its been in years, even higher now since the last election, at about 50%. Meanwhile, Congressional approval rating remains at 13%. Netanyahu has made a major misstep here.
W.A. Spitzer:
Netanyahu is indeed that person, but witness all the indignant posts about our poor president being dissed. As if the president of the US cannot withstand such an act. The infantalization of this president is so tedious.
Netanyahu is indeed that person, but witness all the indignant posts about our poor president being dissed. As if the president of the US cannot withstand such an act. The infantalization of this president is so tedious.
2
"the fundamentally different world views are"
The Obama view- look politically good while accomplishing nothing
The Netanyahu view- preserve the existence of Israel.
The Obama view- look politically good while accomplishing nothing
The Netanyahu view- preserve the existence of Israel.
6
One of the most important lessons in life is you don't break protocol. By Isreal getting involved with US Politics is way out of bounds. Bibi should have met with our president whether you support him or not then meet with congress, We as Americans should respect that office no matter it be a Repulican or Democrate especially from a so called country. isreal has lost all of my support.
7
Revoke permission for that miserable troublemaker Netanyahu to enter the USA at all. He is a divisive character dedicated to creating a totalitarian Israel
18
At the end of the day, the US will continue supporting Israel with guns and money no matter what Israel does. Netanyahu can slap Obama in the face as much as he likes. Indeed, he has done as much so often now that it is embarrassing. But Obama leans over and takes it because he has no choice; his own party is terrified of losing the financial support of Israel's strongest supporters in the US. This came out when Obama met with Democrats supporting ill-conceived sanctions against Iran and specifically referenced their concern with "donors." One hopes that, now that his own term is coming to an end, Obama may deal with Israel in the way that he has probably always wanted to -i.e., fairly. But his party will need to live with what he does, so that won't happen.
Obama will pursue his diplomacy with Iran. This controversy has strengthened his hand. But, at the end of the day, the US is incapable of being an "honest broker" when it comes to dealing with the true threat to Israel's existence - i.e., its continued brutalization of the Palestinians and its theft and settlement of their land. The US will continue to implicitly support this, Israel will continue to dig itself a deeper and deeper hole, and the Palestinians will continue to suffer. The fact that the US could end this by actually getting tough with Israel rather than enabling its self-destructive tendencies will continue to drive hatred and suspicion of the US in the rest of the world, especially the Middle East.
Obama will pursue his diplomacy with Iran. This controversy has strengthened his hand. But, at the end of the day, the US is incapable of being an "honest broker" when it comes to dealing with the true threat to Israel's existence - i.e., its continued brutalization of the Palestinians and its theft and settlement of their land. The US will continue to implicitly support this, Israel will continue to dig itself a deeper and deeper hole, and the Palestinians will continue to suffer. The fact that the US could end this by actually getting tough with Israel rather than enabling its self-destructive tendencies will continue to drive hatred and suspicion of the US in the rest of the world, especially the Middle East.
8
Thank you, well said.
1
The unexamined premise of 'A Strained Alliance' is that Netanyahu's convictions concerning the existential nature of the Iranian nuclear threat explain his willingness to jeopardize relations with an American administration. It is time for American observers of Israeli politics to consider that something else is going on here. Without for one instant minimizing the potential threat of a nuclear Iran, Israeli observers of the regional strategic picture have long observed that Netanyahu practices an endless politics of existential threats --repeatedly invoking states of crisis in order to advance further episodes in a politics of existential threats. Whether Netanyahu is sincere in his practice of a politics of Israeli fear or entirely cynical is less important than the following fact: Israelis of all political stripes are sick of it. To see this 'crisis fatigue' at work, all one needs to do is to review episodes of Israeli TV's satirical comedy shows, which regularly parody this behavior mercilessly. In them, farce points to the true and tragic state of affairs: masking itself as a species of security realism, Netanyahu's politics of existential fears actually constitutes an existential fear of politics. The lampoons on the show Eretz Nehederet (A Beautiful Country) are nearly documentary in their assessments, as they present Netanyahu a man who invokes action for the sake of inaction on all fronts: peace, security, etc. You can actually learn something from TV.
2
I am fundamentally a supporter of Israela and think that most Americans are naive about the middle east's unsolvable problems, including Israel's lose/lose prospects whether open to negotations or intactable.
That said, among Obama's many mistakes dealing with his enemies was to allow Bibi to walk all over him, be disdainful publicly and not be brought to heel. Maybe someone should remind Israel who is the client state and who protects whom and if the Israeli people don't like it, then they can vote Netanyahu out of office. I can only lament that LBJ isnt around today to teach dems how to play hardball because the thought of Bibi daring to test LBJ too funny to imagine.
My support for Israel remains strong but Likud had been a disaster, pulled well to the right by the religiuous and zealous right in Israel and otherwise just let an admittedly imossible dilemma get worse, without ever negotiating in good faith.
That said, among Obama's many mistakes dealing with his enemies was to allow Bibi to walk all over him, be disdainful publicly and not be brought to heel. Maybe someone should remind Israel who is the client state and who protects whom and if the Israeli people don't like it, then they can vote Netanyahu out of office. I can only lament that LBJ isnt around today to teach dems how to play hardball because the thought of Bibi daring to test LBJ too funny to imagine.
My support for Israel remains strong but Likud had been a disaster, pulled well to the right by the religiuous and zealous right in Israel and otherwise just let an admittedly imossible dilemma get worse, without ever negotiating in good faith.
5
lbj is not a good example of showing courage in foreign policy. he was so terrified of being accused of being soft on communism that he escalated an insane war he completely hated.
Gary, it was LBJ that made Israel a 'special' ally. It was after the Liberty incident, when LBJ for some mysterious reason, not only decided to cover up the intentional murder of Americans, but he increased aide to israel by many folds. I would love to know what they had over him to force his hand.
"American president eager for a historic rapprochement with Iran and an Israeli premier nursing an existential fear of a nuclear-armed enemy." is indicative of the loyalty of these authors to Israel and absolute disrespect they have for our government, our "checks and balances", our foreign policy, our President. It appears that this characterization is what Netanyahu wants Americans to read.
Israel's right to have nuclear weapons must be questioned. Why should Israel have these weapons? They feel threatened? Does Iran feel threatened? Does Saudi Arabia feel threatened? Does North Korea feel threatened? Should feeling threatened permit nuclear weapons?
We have a special relationship with Israel and guarantee Israel's existence. Without our support Israel may not exist. How then does Netanyahu dare speak against our President in our Congress. Does he imagine that he can be rude, disrespectful, insulting to our President? Unlike the leaders of the Republican Party, does Netanyahu imagine that Americans will tolerate a foreign leader to disrespect the President? He should realize that President Obama can simply revoke his Visa and deny him the privilege of visiting? Is it because President Obama is Black and has been disrespected as the policy of the Republican Party that he can disrespect President Obama? Even the racists in our country will not tolerate a foreign leader deliberately humiliating our Country and our leader.
Israel's right to have nuclear weapons must be questioned. Why should Israel have these weapons? They feel threatened? Does Iran feel threatened? Does Saudi Arabia feel threatened? Does North Korea feel threatened? Should feeling threatened permit nuclear weapons?
We have a special relationship with Israel and guarantee Israel's existence. Without our support Israel may not exist. How then does Netanyahu dare speak against our President in our Congress. Does he imagine that he can be rude, disrespectful, insulting to our President? Unlike the leaders of the Republican Party, does Netanyahu imagine that Americans will tolerate a foreign leader to disrespect the President? He should realize that President Obama can simply revoke his Visa and deny him the privilege of visiting? Is it because President Obama is Black and has been disrespected as the policy of the Republican Party that he can disrespect President Obama? Even the racists in our country will not tolerate a foreign leader deliberately humiliating our Country and our leader.
6
Describing American policy as being built on a "foundation of distortion and lies?"
Aggressive settlement expansion in defiance of American requests?
Intentional snubbing of the White House by arranging a speech through Congress?
Is Netanyahu putting together some kind of guide book on "How to Insult Americans in Ten Easy Lessons?"
Aggressive settlement expansion in defiance of American requests?
Intentional snubbing of the White House by arranging a speech through Congress?
Is Netanyahu putting together some kind of guide book on "How to Insult Americans in Ten Easy Lessons?"
8
The differences between the views of Mr. Obama and Mr. Netanyahu are based upon two different paradigms. Mr.Obama sees the differences as legal and political differences that can be solved by negotiation and treaty. He believes that the rule of law is binding and is a surer path to peace. Mr. Netanyahu
sees the world from the realities of the past and present. Treaties can be broken and negotiating without military security will lead to an inevitable bloodbath. A deal with Iran cannot be reached as long as they retain the capacity and the willingness to use that capacity to obtain nuclear weapons. Iran's involvement in Syria and other parts of the world as well as it's totally inability to disavow the long sought destruction of Israel is proof of their intent. Netanyahu lives in a dangerous neighborhood. Obama is making every effort to get out. The criticism of Israel during it's recent attack on Gaza and the White House intervention as Israel replenished weapons from American stores made the Israelis even more nervous. Mr. Obama looked on with horror as he saw civilian casualties mount but the Israeli horror of facing tunnels and thousands of rockets launched was not enough to elicit a response from him. Israel and Netanyahu feel betrayed and vulnerable. Mr. Obama sees moral, political and legalistic problems as the Israelis were running for cover. The Israelis know that Iran will continue to seek the annihilation of the Jews and Israel. Mr. Obama can't fathom that.
sees the world from the realities of the past and present. Treaties can be broken and negotiating without military security will lead to an inevitable bloodbath. A deal with Iran cannot be reached as long as they retain the capacity and the willingness to use that capacity to obtain nuclear weapons. Iran's involvement in Syria and other parts of the world as well as it's totally inability to disavow the long sought destruction of Israel is proof of their intent. Netanyahu lives in a dangerous neighborhood. Obama is making every effort to get out. The criticism of Israel during it's recent attack on Gaza and the White House intervention as Israel replenished weapons from American stores made the Israelis even more nervous. Mr. Obama looked on with horror as he saw civilian casualties mount but the Israeli horror of facing tunnels and thousands of rockets launched was not enough to elicit a response from him. Israel and Netanyahu feel betrayed and vulnerable. Mr. Obama sees moral, political and legalistic problems as the Israelis were running for cover. The Israelis know that Iran will continue to seek the annihilation of the Jews and Israel. Mr. Obama can't fathom that.
6
Why is the Likud, whose policy is "land not peace", more important than our European allies, whose policy is just the opposite? The White House can't be under any illusion that the Likud aims to incorporate the West Bank into Israel and give every "incentive" for the Palestinian residents there to pack up and leave for Jordan. So why do we not vote with Europe in the UN to condemn this ongoing land grab that makes Netanyahu and Putin virtual soul brothers and thereby demonstrate that the Likud is not in charge of American foreign policy?
7
This article frames the issue as if Netanyahu and President Obama are equals, they aren't, Netanyahu doesn't even come close. Netanyahu is a tiny man, from a tiny country, who should learn to mind his manners.
14
There is a direct way for the Obama administration to deal with this. Revoke Netanyahoo's visa to visit the US.
8
One thing that sticks out is whether there is more one president of the US at any given time. This is in view of the scant recognition of president Obama by the Israeli PM BB Natenyahu perhaps encouraged by a belligerent House leadership. Policy differences occur in any relationship but the prerogative of each nation to conduct its own Foreign Polocy must be respected which is what the Natenyahu administration seems lack for the Obama administration.
1
Netanayu has poisoned relations with the United States. He is the Putin of the Middle East. He is insufferable and a serious danger to the continued existence of Israel. He dares to say that "Israel protects its own" --- a complete lie. Without billions and billions of military aid for U.S. taxpayers, he'd have no defense at all. Well, U.S. taxpayers are sick of it. We are sick of his policies; we are sick of his arrogance and his distorted vision of history and reality.
He wants war with Iran. Fine, Bibi. Go for it. But without any help from us. No matter how much he panders to the political ambitions of the GOP congress, he will never get past our President, who quite rightly loathes and distrusts him. So do a growing majority of Americans -- including Jews.
He wants war with Iran. Fine, Bibi. Go for it. But without any help from us. No matter how much he panders to the political ambitions of the GOP congress, he will never get past our President, who quite rightly loathes and distrusts him. So do a growing majority of Americans -- including Jews.
19
Our pres lacks any form of leadership, statesmanship or world recognition. These three points seem to be glossed over by the media then the ignorant huddled masses.
For our Pres to not be in the US when the leader of one our best allies is in town, is unforgiveable. Instead, he hobnobs with terror ridden rulers and jokes about it. His lack of grace, ie not having ms pres, wear a respectful head scarf while clearly exercising a rebuff to Netanyahu, makes my vote fot the biggest world buffoon go to......................Obama the puppet king.
For our Pres to not be in the US when the leader of one our best allies is in town, is unforgiveable. Instead, he hobnobs with terror ridden rulers and jokes about it. His lack of grace, ie not having ms pres, wear a respectful head scarf while clearly exercising a rebuff to Netanyahu, makes my vote fot the biggest world buffoon go to......................Obama the puppet king.
4
The dislike and distrust of Bibi runs deep. Neither President Clinton, nor President Bush could stand him and both found him impossible to trust.
Had Romney been elected I dare to say that he soon would have become a fourth member of the group.
Had Romney been elected I dare to say that he soon would have become a fourth member of the group.
7
It is the responsibility and sole prerogative of American presidents to formulate and manage foreign policy. Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly tried to circumvent the presidency to advance his tireless effort to block any peace between Israel and the Palestinians. To the everlasting shame of the Republicans, they gave aid and comfort to a foreign leader attempting to subvert the conduct of American foreign policy.
The New York Times performs a disservice by characterizing this serious transgression by Netanyahu and the Republicans as merely some sort of personal rift between the electioneering Israeli Prime Minister and President Obama.
The New York Times performs a disservice by characterizing this serious transgression by Netanyahu and the Republicans as merely some sort of personal rift between the electioneering Israeli Prime Minister and President Obama.
7
3.2 billion in military aid goes to Israel each year from the U.S. PLUS, another 1 billion. WHAT? That's immense to a country that most probably has the military it needs. BUT, more importantly, the US has upheld it's vow to protect Israel from any United Nations sanctions or damages based on their violations of international laws! Both our funding, and our "vow" should be negated. It's time for Israel to abide by decency, honor, and respect to the rest of the world...as they want the rest of the world to treat them.
20
Israel has not violated international law.
2
Why do we condemn Russia for taking land that does not belong to them and do not condemn Israel for doing the same? Why do we let Israel , with the help of Congress, insult the office of the President of the United States?
Israel is a prime example of the victim of being bullied becoming the bully. I have and continue support Israel as a state and believe it has the right to defend itself. This is way beyond that.
Israel is a prime example of the victim of being bullied becoming the bully. I have and continue support Israel as a state and believe it has the right to defend itself. This is way beyond that.
12
America has hardly behaved like an ally to Israel these past few years. Negotiating with a neighbor that essentially puts the bullets in the guns of Israel (and soon the world's) enemy isn't how "friends" behave. But Obama has made it clear that America is no friend to Israel - Obama is only as polite as he has to be because there are voters who still favor an ally to the only democratic country in the Middle East. To say Netanyahu and Dermer shouldn't be trusted and that they are ambitious and self motivated is a pot calling a kettle black - replace their names with any politician - Obama and Kerry included - and the sentence still reads true.
7
>
Good because the U.S. needs to move itself as far away from Netanyahu as possible, because his goal is to get your children to do what Israeli children should do, if a war with Iran is started. A war that he claims to be inevitable.
The upcoming war with Iran will make our last two look like child's play. If you think we have Veteran and debt problems now, wait until the bill comes due for that war, and if the GOP gets the WH it will come to be.
A nuclear Iran will be no worse than a nuclear Pakistan.
Netanyahu is creating a "stand your ground" philosophy for this war. That is, he feels or thinks Israel is in danger, therefore, he can take actions prior to his "perceived" enemy's actions. Better safe than sorry, which is the basis of stand your ground ideology.
Good because the U.S. needs to move itself as far away from Netanyahu as possible, because his goal is to get your children to do what Israeli children should do, if a war with Iran is started. A war that he claims to be inevitable.
The upcoming war with Iran will make our last two look like child's play. If you think we have Veteran and debt problems now, wait until the bill comes due for that war, and if the GOP gets the WH it will come to be.
A nuclear Iran will be no worse than a nuclear Pakistan.
Netanyahu is creating a "stand your ground" philosophy for this war. That is, he feels or thinks Israel is in danger, therefore, he can take actions prior to his "perceived" enemy's actions. Better safe than sorry, which is the basis of stand your ground ideology.
8
The Obama administration made it clear this week that it no longer has any use for Mr. Netanyahu’s ambassador in Washington. Israeli officials defied American opposition on Friday to announce 450 new settlement units in the West Bank and privately whispered to their media that Mr. Obama had given Iran 80 percent of what it wants."
Israel ambassador to USA should be declared "Persona non grata" and expelled from USA for meddling in internal and external policy of USA what is action and behavior incompatible wit his diplomatic status.
Israel is persisting in committing war crimes by building illegal settlements on occupied territories in East Jerusalem and West Bank.
Instead of building new settlements.Israel should already start with planing for they resettlements to Israel proper from settlements in occupied East Jerusalem and Wes Bank. Soon they will have to move or become citizens of Palestine State. Some may stay as foreigners, providing to be granted residents permit. Excellent perspective for them! They should be especially grateful to Netanyahu and his government for encouraging them to settle in illegal settlements on occupied Palestine land.
Israel ambassador to USA should be declared "Persona non grata" and expelled from USA for meddling in internal and external policy of USA what is action and behavior incompatible wit his diplomatic status.
Israel is persisting in committing war crimes by building illegal settlements on occupied territories in East Jerusalem and West Bank.
Instead of building new settlements.Israel should already start with planing for they resettlements to Israel proper from settlements in occupied East Jerusalem and Wes Bank. Soon they will have to move or become citizens of Palestine State. Some may stay as foreigners, providing to be granted residents permit. Excellent perspective for them! They should be especially grateful to Netanyahu and his government for encouraging them to settle in illegal settlements on occupied Palestine land.
10
Interesting that our Congress willingly supports Israel's interest over the President of the United States'. Speaks volumes, really.
The sad thing is, Israel is on a path that is unsustainable. It will eventually end badly, and probably horrifically. Too clever by half is the expression that comes to mind.
The sad thing is, Israel is on a path that is unsustainable. It will eventually end badly, and probably horrifically. Too clever by half is the expression that comes to mind.
21
Theocrats in Iran are a huge problem/existential threat and Obama should and will drive a very very hard nuclear bargain. But so are radical extremist theocrats of the Likuditte right wing in Israel who prevent even the chance of peace via their support of illegal "settlements" in the West Bank ("Judea and Samaria"). And so are end-of-times theocrats in the USA who ignore our earthly self-interests by providing a blank check and veto cover that is in direct opposition to the real best interests of all of the world. Where are the Abrahamic moderates of all branches?
5
So many people who expect to become immortal by blowing themselves up in the midst of crowds. How did this come to pass?
1
Benjamin Netanyahu is the only foreign leader in the world to come to Washington DC uninvited and give President Barack Obama a public dressing down on his Middle East policy impacting Israel.
The humiliation never ends. Now, the GOP invites Netanyahu to address the Congress on the American-Iranian nuclear agreement, fiercely opposed by Israel.
In the past, no foreign leader would dare to provoke America and particularly its president. Netanyahu has changed that. He is the first foreign leader to humiliate the United States president without fear of reprisals.
Foreign policy used to be exclusive dominion of the executive to exert America's global leadership. President Obama is being thwarted in his effort to normalize relations with a foreign country enemy of Israel. This time is personal.
The humiliation never ends. Now, the GOP invites Netanyahu to address the Congress on the American-Iranian nuclear agreement, fiercely opposed by Israel.
In the past, no foreign leader would dare to provoke America and particularly its president. Netanyahu has changed that. He is the first foreign leader to humiliate the United States president without fear of reprisals.
Foreign policy used to be exclusive dominion of the executive to exert America's global leadership. President Obama is being thwarted in his effort to normalize relations with a foreign country enemy of Israel. This time is personal.
17
How many leaders in the world are negotiating with Iran right now and in a position to put Israel at great risk (in his view)? It would appear that Netanyahu is exactly where he believes he needs to be.
5
Uzi Nogueira,
Never mind if Mr. Netanyahu's intent is to humiliate the President by coming on a visit without his invitation. Mr. Obama doesn't get flustered easily, and he's more than a match for this leader of Israel, who has been the cause of embarrassment, and possibly grave damage to his country and its strong cordial political ties with America. A great shame, which could have been averted.
A lot depends on us now as to how we react, regardless of our party affiliation. It's time to look at the big picture again, and if anyone is going to be able to diffuse this potentially awkward and serious situation, it is the President as usual, with his dignity and sobriety, his vision and his seasoned knowledge of the world and its people, while the Leader of the House blushes and fumbles, and Mr. Netanyahu has trouble pretending that he's not in the best of company, giving Congress a gentle reprimand on how America should conduct its policy on Iran, and renew its support for the Holy Land.
Never mind if Mr. Netanyahu's intent is to humiliate the President by coming on a visit without his invitation. Mr. Obama doesn't get flustered easily, and he's more than a match for this leader of Israel, who has been the cause of embarrassment, and possibly grave damage to his country and its strong cordial political ties with America. A great shame, which could have been averted.
A lot depends on us now as to how we react, regardless of our party affiliation. It's time to look at the big picture again, and if anyone is going to be able to diffuse this potentially awkward and serious situation, it is the President as usual, with his dignity and sobriety, his vision and his seasoned knowledge of the world and its people, while the Leader of the House blushes and fumbles, and Mr. Netanyahu has trouble pretending that he's not in the best of company, giving Congress a gentle reprimand on how America should conduct its policy on Iran, and renew its support for the Holy Land.
1
aacny, i beleve the answer is five. our relationship with them will also be hurt by this stunt.
1
israeli insolence is way beyond any imagination. but do we have here Amrica the great, or America the soft?
4
The Israelis murdered dozens of US sailors on the Liberty (if you doubt it was murder, consult the exhaustive reporting on the matter by James Bamford in "Body of Secrets"). An Israeli killed Rachel Corrie, perhaps deliberately. Yet the US Congress bows down slavishly before Netanyahu. It's disgusting.
9
The differences, or even the background for the differences, are irrelevant. A United States official made an invitation to a foreign leader to speak to the highest political and legislative (elected) bodies of this country without consulting the White House. That is a despicable act that shows extraordinary disrespect for the office of the President - regardless of the president. The fact that Mr. Netanyahu accepted just shows he would not miss the opportunity to embarrass the office of the presidency. When they do it to President Obama, they do it to the United States - that is what is relevant.
28
Observations on the Obama/ Netanyahu Imbroglio:
1. Mr. Netanyahu is currently dealing with the question of whether he may have to take his country to war with Iran, an issue with many similarities to the problem that confronted John F. Kennedy when the Soviet Union attempted to place nuclear missiles in Cuba. To me, it is completely understandable that he would be doing everything he could to avoid having to go to war with Iran, even if that involves confronting the President of the United States.
.
2. If I was an Israeli worried about a nuclear-armed Iran, I'd prefer Mr. Netanyahu's dogged insistence that Iran never be allowed to obtain them, over President Obama's vague assurances that any agreement reached with Iran will include sufficient safeguards to prevent Iran from obtaining such weapons.
3. I don't see how Mr. Netanyahu could do anything other than what he is doing. He obviously believes, as many other people do, that President Obama is heading in a direction that may well spell disaster for Israel and the Jewish people. So when an offer to speak to Congress is made to him, he accepts it. What else would anyone expect a Prime Minister of Israel to do? Remain silent? Would President Obama do that if he were in Mr. Netanyahu's shoes?
4. Judging by press accounts, President Obama and his supporters seem to dislike Mr. Netanyahu much more than they dislike Bashar al-Assad. Apparently, Mr. Netanyahu gets in people's faces too much. Excessive chutzpah, no doubt.
1. Mr. Netanyahu is currently dealing with the question of whether he may have to take his country to war with Iran, an issue with many similarities to the problem that confronted John F. Kennedy when the Soviet Union attempted to place nuclear missiles in Cuba. To me, it is completely understandable that he would be doing everything he could to avoid having to go to war with Iran, even if that involves confronting the President of the United States.
.
2. If I was an Israeli worried about a nuclear-armed Iran, I'd prefer Mr. Netanyahu's dogged insistence that Iran never be allowed to obtain them, over President Obama's vague assurances that any agreement reached with Iran will include sufficient safeguards to prevent Iran from obtaining such weapons.
3. I don't see how Mr. Netanyahu could do anything other than what he is doing. He obviously believes, as many other people do, that President Obama is heading in a direction that may well spell disaster for Israel and the Jewish people. So when an offer to speak to Congress is made to him, he accepts it. What else would anyone expect a Prime Minister of Israel to do? Remain silent? Would President Obama do that if he were in Mr. Netanyahu's shoes?
4. Judging by press accounts, President Obama and his supporters seem to dislike Mr. Netanyahu much more than they dislike Bashar al-Assad. Apparently, Mr. Netanyahu gets in people's faces too much. Excessive chutzpah, no doubt.
78
In response...
War with Iran - even a nuclear-armed Iran - is by no means a certainty. In fact, it's highly unlikely. The elephant in the room is Israel's nuclear deterrent - something that everyone knows about and about which is never spoken. In fact, if Iran has a desire to have a nuclear weapon, it could reasonably be deduced that Israel's possession of one is motivation enough for Iran to want one as well. It needs to be remembered that the Middle East is hardly a nuclear-free zone. Were it one, there would be no such argument.
Regardless, Obama has resolutely continued longstanding U.S. policy that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon. If the words and deeds of an ally - indeed sometimes Israel's only ally despite the latter's government's evident damage to its own cause at times (settlements, questionable acquisitions of Palestinian property, etc.) -- are not enough to assure the Israeli PM and drives him to such lengths that involves him to ungraciously and so blatantly choose sides in U.S. internal politics, perhaps Mr. Netanyahu's own psychological make-up needs to be evaluated.
War with Iran - even a nuclear-armed Iran - is by no means a certainty. In fact, it's highly unlikely. The elephant in the room is Israel's nuclear deterrent - something that everyone knows about and about which is never spoken. In fact, if Iran has a desire to have a nuclear weapon, it could reasonably be deduced that Israel's possession of one is motivation enough for Iran to want one as well. It needs to be remembered that the Middle East is hardly a nuclear-free zone. Were it one, there would be no such argument.
Regardless, Obama has resolutely continued longstanding U.S. policy that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon. If the words and deeds of an ally - indeed sometimes Israel's only ally despite the latter's government's evident damage to its own cause at times (settlements, questionable acquisitions of Palestinian property, etc.) -- are not enough to assure the Israeli PM and drives him to such lengths that involves him to ungraciously and so blatantly choose sides in U.S. internal politics, perhaps Mr. Netanyahu's own psychological make-up needs to be evaluated.
1
John Figliozzi:
The words of this particular president are not enough. He, personally, has not behaved as a strong ally. That is the crux of the matter.
The words of this particular president are not enough. He, personally, has not behaved as a strong ally. That is the crux of the matter.
4
This President was elected to represents the interest and people of The United States of America.
4
I wonder what would happen if Obama suddenly wants to visit Israel next week! That would be interesting. He is unpopular there but he can turn some tables and that is all it takes to have another hung parliament in Israel.
7
Reading the comments, I get the impression that Boehner has done Netanyahu a disservice, joining Netanyahu who has been doing the same for years.
2
We should all remember that, from the very moment Mr. Obama was first elected president, the Republicans vowed to do everything they could to make his presidency a failure. They have been good to their word. We used to call any group who would purposely do that traitorous. Now we vote them into control of the House and Senate. But those of us on the other side should remember what the Republicans have become. It's our country they are trying to destroy.
25
I'm a bit more optimistic about Obama's presidency: he ended what for years felt like endless unnecessary wars during the previous government, and now our economy is solid, strong, we've made it through the crisis. Let's see what will happen in 2016; I'm very confident that Hillary will win and be a great president, while Republicans will keep playing their minor role trying to undo the great things this great nation has built.
The rift is due to America's search for order while Israel's pursuit for chaos in the Middle East.
22
Amen
1
When/if we become energy independent, how will our support of Israel effect our Middle East hypocrisy? Will Israel be able to defend herself against the entire surrounding which wants to see her gone? To what degree will our foreign policy be dictated by Bibi and those that follow him? Already Bibi wants us to do something against Iran and their nuclear weapon development. Just like Micael Corleone, who wanted out but kept getting drawn back in. American Jews will not let us loose from that area of the world. Not much has changed in the Middle East in thousands of years. In the major US conflicts with Europe and Japan, much has changed where enemies have become allies. Not so in the age old my God is the only true God world. Technology, sophisticated weaponry, Internet, etc. has not changed a belief system that controls its adherents with an iron hand.
3
The one word that neither leader seems to use when they hold joint press conferences is "trust." Netanyahu over the years has praised Obama with different words. But he has never said that he "trusted" Obama, never said that he trusted our Congress, never said that he trusted the Republicans or that he trusted the American people. For at some point he must recognize that the national interests of Israel and the U.S.A. can not be the same. To his credit, Obama, with good reasons, doesn't trust Netanyahu either.
111
It is interesting to see which members of Congress take the side of Netanyahu over the side of the US President. Last I checked we pledge allegiance to the United States of America not to the State of Israel. It is an abomination for Mr Boehner and members of Congress to try and antagonize and create tensions by circumventing a diplomatic process that has been in place in this country since our Constitution was first ratified; a process by which the Constitution gives the power to make treaties and interact with foreign governments to the executive branch, not the legislative branch.
10
The US is under God, so it is obliged to represent the almighty.
This is no way to treat our most trusted ally. Obama's "chip on his shoulder," about Israel/Netanyahu, is forging a rift, that is unwarranted and unwise.
5
The problem is Netanyahu thinks he's the President of America while being the Prine a Minister of Israel.
19
He's very stuck-up, and that's not good for his nation.
Don't blame Mr. Netanyahu...put the blame where it belongs...on House Speaker Boehner, who concocted this scheme by circumventing the Oval Office. The Speaker has been consistently focused on obstructive, uncooperative, and uncompromising behavior, and now he has the attention of the worst Congress in history. Obviously, they all need to grow a pair.
3
Evidenly Boehner will have to get the DTs in public before people realize the guy is practically already embalmed.
1
O has already giveaway the store to Iran, and has no idea that he has backed Israel into a corner. Sadly, once the deal is exposed, Israel will start a military action. O just does not understand that as King, his actions will start a war.
5
Baloney, just what has the prez given away???????
1
Israel is the ONLY stable country in the Middle East. Sure there are disagreements, personality clashes and personality clashes but ultimately the values of the US and Israel are the same. However with shale oil Israel is not as important to the US as it was. Arab Oil is less important strategically now. The cold relationship with Russia makes Israel a little more important to the US as every other state in the Middle East is just a step away from implosion, including Saudi, Jordan, Bahrain. The only seemingly stable places are the UAE, Oman and Qatar. Netanyahu needs to eat some humble pie. Obama should be more cognoscent of Israel and Europes concerns over the extremist Islamic threat.
3
Netanyahu is an opportunist thug who has been improperly directly intervening in US politics for years and this is just latest example of his contempt for US institutions. He's appointed a former Republican political operative as his ambassador in the US which in itself is a move that is both provocative and stupid. Sure a Democratic president who received nearly 80% of the Jewish vote has to pay attention to this constituency but he's not going to accept foreign policy dictation from Netanyahu. My suggestion for Democrats in congress is to have urgent other engagements in their districts and states on the day of his speech.
24
It's to Obama's credit that he can't stand Bibi.
21
It is time to step away from Israel. We might be their ally, but they are not ours. Mr. Obama has a world view. Netanyahu has an egocentric view that includes only Israel. We are bound to clash and clash we are. The war was in 1968 and still no peace, but a lot of settlements. It should be obvious to everyone that Israel is now the agressor and should not be defended as such. There is no reason for the USA to sacrifice its standing in the world to maintain an ill formed relationship with a partner, when there are such disparit views.
22
The way I read it is that Bibi has more power in the US than Pres Obama.
Or did I miss something?
Or did I miss something?
3
What are the chances of Israel nuking America? Wouldn't that be the greatest story ever? Judging by their behavior these days, it wouldn't be that weird.
3
far higher than Iran
We created,fed,and armed this ugly Zionist monster.
Why complaining? We only reaping what we sow for sixty+ years.
Enjoy America!
Why complaining? We only reaping what we sow for sixty+ years.
Enjoy America!
8
Netanyahu is creating a little crisis which he evidently hopes will scare people in Israel into voting for him. I think he underestimates the anger people feel for his partisanship. Netanyahu, and others in Israel,, think they can control our country, no matter what we, the citizens want. We will see.
7
Bibi is being Bibi. Bibi has always been Bibi. Bibi will continue being Bibi. Que sera, sera. Buddy and settlement financier Sheldon Adelson in LV can be a bully at times too. Doesn't want to give a deposition to a LV Judge? No problem. He just sits there and crosses his arms and defers to the attorney, in contempt. I completely agree with the statement from the former Mossad leader expressed in the article. Short of all out World War, where Bibi becomes your closest friend and really shines, he is simply not the type of person who is going to compromise with other nations. He is in it for all out, all for one events- winner take all. Witness settlements activity during his elected years. The US-Israel relationship is solid and will live through it.
3
Netanyahu is inserting himself into US politics without fear because Israel has never had to suffer any inconvenience for acting against US interests. Netanyahu believes that it is in the best interest of Israel to never yield one inch in dealing with Palestinians and that a bellicose posture towards Iran is the only way to deal with Iran. If that leads to a war with Iran does not bother him as long as it happens before Iran acquires nuclear weapons. That such a war would be more than just an inconvenience to the US is not important to him. Republicans are doing a tremendous disservice to the US by trying to profit politically from this man.
16
The Democrats in Congress should boycott Netanyahu's speech to Congress, essentially treating the event as a speech to the Republican majority. If Netanyahu were to come as a private citizen and speak to other groups, that's a different issue. But, he has chosen to ignore the administration. That's a big mistake on his part.
16
Netanyahu has aligned himself with the right wing tea party Republicans and he interfered in the last election by supporting Republican Mitt Romney. Netanyahu has chosen his party in the US and has thumbed his nose at this American president. I have been reading some of the articles in Haaretz, a newspaper in Israel, who are upset with the extreme partisanship of Netanyahu. He has picked his side and now he has to live with the disdain a lot of Americans have for him for disrespecting the president of the United States of America.
19
Why should Israel always become a slave of USA and gets the bad words from American public. Leave USA dependence and become close to Russia and China and give the intelligence and technology to those countries. All the best Israel
2
this couldn't happen soon enough for me, and i'd love to see aipac move to china too.
Maybe there is a silver lining to this latest (but really ongoing) crisis: the US will have to control its recalcitrant client state. Netanyahu behaves like a naughty unruly child who is totally dependent on his parents but has temper tantrums. The national interests of the US are not aligned with the vision the far right has in either Israel or the US. Working for peace means making deals with enemies or countries one does not like. Iran is a key factor in the ISIS fight. Peace in Palestine would solve many problems linked with terrorism. The US should bolster the small but articulate peace camp in Israel. Netanyahu banks on permanent conflict but this puts Israel and its neighbors at risk. There are other stubborn leaders in the region but they must all be pushed toward peace. The US shows it is the only remaining super power in many situations why can't it discipline its wayward childish bully of a client? Resisting the tantrums of the bully would be good for everyone. The US, Israel, Palestine, peace at last.
5
I don't really understand, what does Israel do for the US? And why is the leader of a foreign country allowed to criticize our commander in chief in front of the our elected officials? Meanwhile we continue to pour money and aid into Israel every year. This is the thanks we get? I think the US is getting the raw end of this alliance.
21
If Netanyahu does address the Congress in circumstances of flagrant disrespect for President Obama (a disrespect mirroring that of the Republican majority), I hope that every Democratic member of Congress will boycott his address. As the leader of the Democratic Party, elected for two terms, Obama deserves the support of his party in the face of an insult by both Netanyahu and the Congressional Republicans. Let him speak to empty seats.
16
Obama kisses the Arabs ashes and accomplishes nothing. His diplomatic staff meet with the Muslim Brotherhood, and they immediately declare Jihad against the West. Obama is a clueless, ineffective, egomaniacal bozo. Though Vladimir Putin is as mentally ill as Stalin, he sees Obama for what he is.
Netanyahu's job is to protect the lives and property of Israeli citizens. Netanyahu and his cabinet will do what they think best for their citizens' interests. He, too clearly understands that Barack Obama is useless, if not an outright hindrance to Israel's basic goal of self preservation of the Jewish state.
I have no doubt that most of Europe's leaders see Barack Obama as ineffectual, self-centered and ill-informed.
With such broad agreement among European leaders on Barack Obama's uselessness, I believe that the Israelis are doing what every other country's leaders are doing: Ignoring Obama and hoping the next 2 years pass quickly, without World War III commencing became of something the idiot does or refuses to do.
Netanyahu's job is to protect the lives and property of Israeli citizens. Netanyahu and his cabinet will do what they think best for their citizens' interests. He, too clearly understands that Barack Obama is useless, if not an outright hindrance to Israel's basic goal of self preservation of the Jewish state.
I have no doubt that most of Europe's leaders see Barack Obama as ineffectual, self-centered and ill-informed.
With such broad agreement among European leaders on Barack Obama's uselessness, I believe that the Israelis are doing what every other country's leaders are doing: Ignoring Obama and hoping the next 2 years pass quickly, without World War III commencing became of something the idiot does or refuses to do.
12
I think many people in the rest of the world see President Obama as a man beset by mad dogs.
2
No, Steve, the president has earned his own reputation among world leaders Blaming republicans for his missteps is a domestic habit.
1
Bebe is an old, very old, man. Obama is younger. This is the issue. Bebe doesn't want to let his "world" go--like King Lear--but he's going to have to, because he's just too old to do anything, anymore.
1
Democrats should boycott Netanyahu's paid political broadcast, I mean address, to Congress. A total boycott will erase any credence Boehner and Netanyahu think they're gaining via this boneheaded and purely political stunt.
13
This mess is about what we should have come to expect from these two yahus. More disappointing is the cluelessness of the Department of State through its spokesperson's statements about further isolation for Israel as the US tries to treat and empathize with Iran. Most disappointing, and dangerous and lost, is how Iran is benefitting.
2
Funny that the U.S. and China should each find itself in the same situation; unable to control a rogue client state.
5
Name one world leader who wants to talk with Obama. After the 4th red line in Syria, Saudi Arabia refuses to talk with him. Merkel and Hollande deal with Russian sanctions and by pass the idiot in the White House and I don't mean Biden. The only leaders who like Obama are Iran and Cuba. They know they can sucker him into relaxing sanctions without giving anything in return. What an idiot of a President Obama is.
6
Why, again, do we care more about that geopolitically worthless strip of sand than our inner city schools?
19
Because it is the "Holy Land", i.e. the focus of God's attention.
2
The Carter Center for Peace has been strangely silent with regard to Israel's election and the unprecedented, unacceptable actions of Netanyahu.
Or is it that the media is not reporting all efforts by our government to achieve an agreement with Iran? I would hope that our administration is reaching out to former President Carter for his long and important understanding of the issues confronting the U.S., Israeli, and Palestinian attempts at finding peace in the middle east.
A nuclear deal with Iran is at the root of this effort. Even the Saudi's understand that.
Or is it that the media is not reporting all efforts by our government to achieve an agreement with Iran? I would hope that our administration is reaching out to former President Carter for his long and important understanding of the issues confronting the U.S., Israeli, and Palestinian attempts at finding peace in the middle east.
A nuclear deal with Iran is at the root of this effort. Even the Saudi's understand that.
2
Israel: your existence depends on the charity of the United States. Act like it.
20
Let's not dignify Mr. Netanyahu's sneaking behind the back of an American president as a matter of "world views."
21
The Republicans and Netanyahu are completely out of line on this. The Republicans are acting like schoolchildren that need to be disciplined. This is disgraceful
19
Who needs enemies when you have friends like these?
On the day Netanyahu gives his speech, the Obama administration should declare the Israeli ambassador to the US persona-non-grata.
Democrats who don't have a large Jewish constituency should boycott his speech.
On the day Netanyahu gives his speech, the Obama administration should declare the Israeli ambassador to the US persona-non-grata.
Democrats who don't have a large Jewish constituency should boycott his speech.
9
Any Congress person who boycotted Netanyahu's speech, would be targeted and defeated in the next election. Think AIPAC and Sen. William Proxmire.
2
Until 1989, the foreign policy of the US and Israel overlapped completely. Since then, it no longer overlaps entirely. This is a matter of foreign policy and not personal feud. Yet bringing this out in the open seems counterproductive, particularly now. It also results from the ongoing blatant disrespect for the president from the Republicans.
Let's face it, what to do about Iran and how to counteract their nuclear program is obviously very complicated and has huge repercussions on way or the other. But public behavior with intent to humiliate is unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable.
Let's face it, what to do about Iran and how to counteract their nuclear program is obviously very complicated and has huge repercussions on way or the other. But public behavior with intent to humiliate is unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable.
11
Why hasn't anyone compared Netanyahu to acting-like a Vladamir Putin-type, but over a course of many more years?
7
We must remember - when Bibi and Boehner concoct this ill-designed public relations event in Congress - that many Presidents, Democratic and Republican - have described our relationship with Israel as "special." If that's true then this public relations stunt shouldn't be seen as such but simply another manifestation of Israel's "specialness." We know, though, that being special might not be all that positive (as in "special education").
Mr. Obama, to his credit and with the arrogance of Bibi, decided to take that special relationship on and seek some sort of peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Israel (like the US) foolishly believes that it's ok for it to have hundreds of nukes while denying other nations theirs. I hope, of course, that Israel and the US both destroy all their nukes).
Obama with Bibi's "aid" is challenging the status quo of subservience to Israel by US Presidents. Thanks, Mr. President, for working on one of your many campaign promises.
Mr. Obama, to his credit and with the arrogance of Bibi, decided to take that special relationship on and seek some sort of peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Israel (like the US) foolishly believes that it's ok for it to have hundreds of nukes while denying other nations theirs. I hope, of course, that Israel and the US both destroy all their nukes).
Obama with Bibi's "aid" is challenging the status quo of subservience to Israel by US Presidents. Thanks, Mr. President, for working on one of your many campaign promises.
14
Israel (and its lobbyists) know that they can do and say whatever they want, and that Uhmurica will just go along with it like a little lapdog.
Just ask Helen Thomas.
Just ask Helen Thomas.
14
As an American Jew, I am scared by the rift between Israel and the U.S. Israel needs America to safeguard its very existence. America's interest in Israel is substantially less crucial. So, whatever the reason, Netanyahu's sticking his thumb in Obama's eye is, to my view, short sighted, not to mention disrespectful to the man Americans elected as President.
At best, Netanyahu's "victory" is Pyrrhic, at worst self-destructive to the country he represents. Whatever his calculation, this looks like an act of terminal stupidity.
I also have a hard time with Boehner et al allowing partisan differences to lead to an invitation to Netanyahu over the obvious objections of our President. Resentment and anger by Republican leaders and the Israeli one have made for a very poor policy. I only hope the invitation is rescinded, or Netanyahu decides not to come. It is the only way out of this mess - and even that solution is a bandaid on a very messy relationship.
At best, Netanyahu's "victory" is Pyrrhic, at worst self-destructive to the country he represents. Whatever his calculation, this looks like an act of terminal stupidity.
I also have a hard time with Boehner et al allowing partisan differences to lead to an invitation to Netanyahu over the obvious objections of our President. Resentment and anger by Republican leaders and the Israeli one have made for a very poor policy. I only hope the invitation is rescinded, or Netanyahu decides not to come. It is the only way out of this mess - and even that solution is a bandaid on a very messy relationship.
361
I guess you prefer Mr. Obama's preference for the former Eygyptian President, Mr. Morsi. I may not agree with the current Israeli policy on settlements and some other issues, but when it comes to Iran I have no issues with Bibi addressing Congress. If the president can have the British PM lobby Congress for the deal why not hear the other side of the argument. Or is that too much to ask?
3
Charles, Netanyahu and his cabinet members and MKs have been hysterically voicing their opinion publicly for the last 5 years. It's not like we don't know his views. He has no business meddling with our policies, agreements or what we consider to be IN OUR NATIONAL INTEREST.
2
one must give to receive...just sayin'...
Put personalities and politics aside. Iran is run by relegious leadership that has a mandate to destroy Israel. Covered by a thin veneer of moderate front men diplomats and poloticians who have replaced the previous bullhorns for the destruction of Israel is not a policy change. It is a ruse. Iran keeps a proxy army Hezbollah on the northern border of Iran with thousands of missiles, certainly not a sign of moderation. Is there anybody who would trust any situation from the middle east in terms of planned resonaable outcomes from common sense expectations? All of our previous leaders as well as current have made a long line of Middle East mistakes and somehow this will follow suit. Telling Isreal to take a back seat to these negotiations is forcing a diplomatic relationship showdown.
Focusing on the personalities is loosing site of what is causing the rift. Israel has no margin of error.
Focusing on the personalities is loosing site of what is causing the rift. Israel has no margin of error.
8
"Israel has no margin of error." A luxury is worrying about protocol and bruised egos.
5
One way to straighten out Netanyahu and Co. would be for the US to withhold a few of the welfare payments we dole out to them.
Better yet, cut the cord and let Israel go it alone. Let's see how long it takes them to come crawling back… looking for a hand out.
Better yet, cut the cord and let Israel go it alone. Let's see how long it takes them to come crawling back… looking for a hand out.
19
The difficulties between the US and Israel are based upon the fact that we do not have shared common values as the article suggests. Instead, the opposite is true. Israel is dedicated to the principle that it is fair and right for civil and political rights to be founded upon an ethnicity or religion; the US is founded upon the opposite principle, that basing right upon ethnicity is fundamentally wrong. This principle is something Obama feels on a very personal level. In the end the two principles cannot be reconciled.
17
My basic instinct told me I must defend my President against Netanyahu... But sometimes on'es basic instinct can mislead one. So I gave it some more thought and concluded that , on the Iranian issue, I must take Netanyahu's side. Netanyahu has every reason to distrust Obama. Here's why: Obama failed in Iraq. Obama failed in Egypt when he supported and continues to support, the Islamic Brotherhood. Obama failed in Syria. Obama failed in Yemen. Obama failed in Lybia. Obama refuses to use the term Islamic Terrorism. From Netanyahu's perspective, President Obama does not have any understanding of the issues. It seems the even Saudi Arabia is uneasy. Egypt's mistrust of Obama lead it to make its next combat plain purchase from Russia... Mig35 and not F16. This is seripous. Clearly Obama does not get it. In two years time, Obama will retire... he will never have to face the consequences of his policies. But Egypt will... Saudi Arabia will... Israel will...
7
Cut 'em loose, should have been done a while ago. There are enough people right here, right now, who need the aid.
13
I recall not too long ago Mr. Obama invited the President of Mexico to come and lecture our congress about how unfair America's immigration laws were. It was the height of hypocrisy as Mexico's immigration laws are 10 times stricter. Every senator should have stood up and turned their back on the Mexican President. Mr. Obama's chickens are coming home to roost.
9
Netanyahu wants to fight and die to to the last American. Obama is right to think of what's in the interest of US. Far better to explore every possibility of making a deal with Iran.
11
So far, it is only Arab countries that have gotten us to fight and die for them - although Saudi Arabia was "generous" enough to reimburse us for the first Iraq War. Israel, in contrast, has never made such a request nor would it. It doesn't outsource its security nor, to the extent possible, will it out stock in any guarantees by others. Just look how Muslims treat each other and consider the image of the "Jew" in the Qur'an, and the Muslim rhetoric about Jews (not Israelis), and you might understand better why. Israel's very existence is a consequence of the historical truth that no country will ever fight to save Jews.
4
Enough of this idiocy... Obama is a child when it comes to world affairs and if allowed to continue on his present course of appeasement of Iran it will result in a disaster for Israel, America and the world. Obama must go! Now! Impeach him for treason!
7
I hope Bibi loses and we never hear another word from him!
9
Netanyahu's congressional visit is a huge mistake.
Turning the US/Israel relationship into a Republican/Israel relationship is a shortsighted, foolish move. Netanyahu should have the diplomatic sense to tactfully decline the invitation to participate in the Republican's spiteful jab at the President.
Turning the US/Israel relationship into a Republican/Israel relationship is a shortsighted, foolish move. Netanyahu should have the diplomatic sense to tactfully decline the invitation to participate in the Republican's spiteful jab at the President.
7
US citizens need to let Netanyahu know we consider this a major insult to all of US, not just to our twice-elected President, reminding Bibi that We the People own this joint, not our rigged CONgress. We shouldn't take this flagrant insult from any leader of any country, much less one that ceases to exist without our largess. How about we stage a little American-style party on our national mall on March 3, 2015, and not hope against reality that our wholly-owned by AIPAC Congress will stand up to the "one who mows the grass"? I will be wrapped in a Palestinian flag. BDS.
8
Netanyahu has repeatedly insulted US presidents... both Bill Clinton and Obama and he always gets away with it. Netanyahu was arrogant and contemptuous when he met Obama in his official visit to USA; in a couple of days he got more than 30 standing ovations in the joint session of congress. Its quite derogatory that a PM of a small country bullies the presidents of USA. Ironical; isn't it!!!!
19
It all sounds like more incentive to support the candidacy
of Jim Webb for the 2016 Democratic nomination..
As others have pointed out, Obama still supports Israel
on about 90 percent of their agenda but apparently even
that is not enough for Bibi and AIPAC - no dissent will
be tolerated and you will see little daylight between Israel's
positions and those of nearly all the Demopublican field.
With the exception, it seems, of Webb, about whom a former
top Zionist lobbyist had this to say:
"According to Morrie Amitay, former executive director of AIPAC, Webb’s Israel record “has to be the worst” he’s ever seen “in 40 plus years following Congress.”
“Whether it was Iran, Israelis/Palestinians or the US-Israel relationship, Webb was positive only on four of eighteen pro-Israel initiatives, with two of these four having 100 cosponsors, i.e every single Senator,” Amitay said in a statement sent to the press."
http://jpupdates.com/2014/11/21/2016-webbs-israel-record-alr...
I'll just take that as an endorsement. If I have to switch back from Republican to Democrat to vote for Webb it seems like a small enough
price to pay to actually have real choice of candidates it seems like
a small enough price to pay.
of Jim Webb for the 2016 Democratic nomination..
As others have pointed out, Obama still supports Israel
on about 90 percent of their agenda but apparently even
that is not enough for Bibi and AIPAC - no dissent will
be tolerated and you will see little daylight between Israel's
positions and those of nearly all the Demopublican field.
With the exception, it seems, of Webb, about whom a former
top Zionist lobbyist had this to say:
"According to Morrie Amitay, former executive director of AIPAC, Webb’s Israel record “has to be the worst” he’s ever seen “in 40 plus years following Congress.”
“Whether it was Iran, Israelis/Palestinians or the US-Israel relationship, Webb was positive only on four of eighteen pro-Israel initiatives, with two of these four having 100 cosponsors, i.e every single Senator,” Amitay said in a statement sent to the press."
http://jpupdates.com/2014/11/21/2016-webbs-israel-record-alr...
I'll just take that as an endorsement. If I have to switch back from Republican to Democrat to vote for Webb it seems like a small enough
price to pay to actually have real choice of candidates it seems like
a small enough price to pay.
5
Touted as the only true democracy in the Middle East.
Well, I hope turnout is highest it's ever been.
Let's find out where the People of Israel stand.
Then we can be sure we're dealing with the whole rather than an aberration.
Well, I hope turnout is highest it's ever been.
Let's find out where the People of Israel stand.
Then we can be sure we're dealing with the whole rather than an aberration.
4
Yesterday it was 50 years since Churchill died and there was a commemorative ceremony here in London to mark this occasion. Churchill regarded it as an absolute honour when he addressed the Joint Congress three times always speaking about things of general human importance. If he had lived today I am quite sure he would have been surprised to see that this once unique occasion has been reduced to a simple platform for foreign countries domestic party politics.
8
It's refreshing to see a US President do something other than pacify Israel, although Obama strategically waited until the second half of his second term to do so. For a nation so dependent on US support and leverage, there is an incredible amount of public disrespect and defiance. The seemingly blatant manner in which Israel manipulates US foreign policy lowers our standing across the region, and only serves to exacerbate the problems we're having to find peace in a tumultuous region.
16
Perhaps Mr. Netanyahu's existential fear would be lessened if he abandoned his illegal, neo-colonial annexation of Palestinian property and offered to swap his own nuclear weapons for a nuclear-free Iran.
But, eating your cake has no down side as long as the United States continues to run a responsibility free bakery.
But, eating your cake has no down side as long as the United States continues to run a responsibility free bakery.
13
Hooray for President Obama for standing up to Israeli bullies. For too long, Israel has interfered in American internal and foreign politics believing that somehow Israelis are entitled to do so. And shame on the American Congress for pandering to Israel and squandering foreign aid money on a country that needs no support.
I have been to Palestine and I have seen firsthand the inhuman, oppressive treatment of Palestinians by Israel. The world needs to take a much more balanced view of that situation and ask why Israel continues to press its territorial ambitions while at the same time giving lip service to a peace that Israelis have no intention of helping bring about.
I have been to Palestine and I have seen firsthand the inhuman, oppressive treatment of Palestinians by Israel. The world needs to take a much more balanced view of that situation and ask why Israel continues to press its territorial ambitions while at the same time giving lip service to a peace that Israelis have no intention of helping bring about.
19
Why are we surprised ?
The final piece of legislation the republican house passed before their much needed summer vacation was to approve a payment to Israel to replenish the ammunition used up during their recent interactions with the Palestinians - I think the amount was a mere 400 million. Didn't get much press, and of course these hardworking folks deserved a vacation. We could have given a million dollars to 400 people, based on any number of requirements ...
Mr. Netanyahoo is hoping he will get reelected on 3/17 - St. Patricks day -
He also hopes he can get through the next two years with Obama: not so fast: the president is done putting up with nonsense from fools who curry favor by disrespecting him at every chance - the state of the Union address and his recent initiatives is proof of that -
And finally, BiBi hopes he will have another knee jerk repub president to hustle in 2 years - We will see !
Netanyahoo is hoping his pampered little strut will get him elected on 3/17 (St Patrick's day) - The other part of his gamble is that he can get thru the next few years and
The final piece of legislation the republican house passed before their much needed summer vacation was to approve a payment to Israel to replenish the ammunition used up during their recent interactions with the Palestinians - I think the amount was a mere 400 million. Didn't get much press, and of course these hardworking folks deserved a vacation. We could have given a million dollars to 400 people, based on any number of requirements ...
Mr. Netanyahoo is hoping he will get reelected on 3/17 - St. Patricks day -
He also hopes he can get through the next two years with Obama: not so fast: the president is done putting up with nonsense from fools who curry favor by disrespecting him at every chance - the state of the Union address and his recent initiatives is proof of that -
And finally, BiBi hopes he will have another knee jerk repub president to hustle in 2 years - We will see !
Netanyahoo is hoping his pampered little strut will get him elected on 3/17 (St Patrick's day) - The other part of his gamble is that he can get thru the next few years and
13
Why not bring all parties involved for better resolution...
Pull in the All Biggies, China, Russia, UK, Germany...
Don't let the Israel and Palestinian So Called Leaders know about it until they Arrive at the meeting...
Pull in the All Biggies, China, Russia, UK, Germany...
Don't let the Israel and Palestinian So Called Leaders know about it until they Arrive at the meeting...
1
If the Israelis get pushed into the sea and Republicans lose the presidency in 2016, not only will there be serious thinking about whose side God is on, but whether he exists at all. What a foolish alliance of stubborn right-wing ideologues Boehner and Netanyahu make. Israeli would be wise to elect a government that values security and prosperity through respect and diplomacy. Barack Obama is just the kind of parent this misbehaving child really wants and needs.
10
Netanyahu, confident that he has the American Congress in his pocket, has defied Obama from the outset, beginning with the 2008-2009 onslaught of Gaza just as Obama was taking office. But Obama has lacked the courage to confront this war criminal. Instead, as Netanyahu accelerated Israel's aggressive expansionist program, bombarded Palestinian homes, confiscated Palestinian land, and sabotaged any hope of a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Obama simply stepped aside. As a result, we face more decades of violence and massive amounts of American tax dollars devoted to funding this violence. Obama should return the Nobel prize for peace that he was prematurely awarded.
4
Brat Stevens of WSJ wants a "shock and awe" campaign against ISIS. From Newshour, to Charlie Rose, the media is trumping Netanyahu's messaging. Quite unreal.
7
The Iranian military has produced a computerized video available online which shows a nuclear attack on Israel. Only someone who is blind to reality could think that Iran only wants to produce nuclear energy and not weapons. Iran is one of the largest sponsors of terrorism in the region and Israel has every right to be nervous.
5
Netanyahu has always had a thug's mentality. President Obama has seen from the beginning that US interests are not congruent with those of Israel and is determined to act in the best interests of the US. Netanyahu has reacted by insulting behavior toward Biden, Kerry and indeed the US itself with deference only to his backers and funders in AIPAC. This is an ideal time for the US to reassert itself as a true honest broker in the Mid East.
7
The problem is that the president has no idea how to work with others and negotiate with those who do not agree with him. Not a team player (even the Dems know this) and he can only blame himself. BIbi can be a tough hombre, but he lives among countries that would prefer Israel goes away. BO is a petulent kid.
5
This is crazy, everyone seems to feel Israel is important, a democracy. THEY ARE NOT EITHER. They are a tiny enclave in the middle east, a growing thorn in the side of their neighbors and the world.
I support our President 100 % because he is our leader. The Israeli's should beg forgiveness from him not the other way around.
For years they Israeli's made committments which they broke, let us not forget the squalor and poverty the Palestinians live each and every day. The nuclear armed Israeli's argue no one else should be permitted self determination, yet it would be Israel that would use these weapons. They make thinly veiled threats and use US made weapons to intimidate the region.
I say Bibi should get real and wake up, he needs us (US) not the other way around. The Republican leadership in our congress is divisive and apparently getting more small minded as the days roll by. The President was completely disrespected by them in this and other cases.
I voted Republican in the last two elections, however I respect the office of the President and stand behind him.
I support our President 100 % because he is our leader. The Israeli's should beg forgiveness from him not the other way around.
For years they Israeli's made committments which they broke, let us not forget the squalor and poverty the Palestinians live each and every day. The nuclear armed Israeli's argue no one else should be permitted self determination, yet it would be Israel that would use these weapons. They make thinly veiled threats and use US made weapons to intimidate the region.
I say Bibi should get real and wake up, he needs us (US) not the other way around. The Republican leadership in our congress is divisive and apparently getting more small minded as the days roll by. The President was completely disrespected by them in this and other cases.
I voted Republican in the last two elections, however I respect the office of the President and stand behind him.
8
Even allowing for the ideological footprint of the NYT readership, the resentment expressed here is indicative of the risk Bibi is running. Undercutting support for Israel in the USA is just reckless.
7
This does not undercut support for Israel; rather it seems to be political move by Netanyahu and Boehner to undercut support for Obama. If it is indeed reckless, for whom is it reckless? What does the US get out of its unquestioning support for Israel in the UN and the billions of dollars (per capita, probably the highest amount) poured into that country?
Israel, receives more grant money free, year after year (over 3 Billion $) from the United States government, than some States within the Union.
The government and the people of Israel, take the United States for granted,
the security of Israel is granted, by the United States, which means, Americans could spill blood, and die, defending Israel, and the powerful, super wealthy Israeli lobby, and the jewish pro Israel control, within several key positions, inside The United States Government, takes very good care indeed, that Israel gets unconditionally, anything it wants, from The United States, with not attachments or questions asked.
asked.
The government and the people of Israel, take the United States for granted,
the security of Israel is granted, by the United States, which means, Americans could spill blood, and die, defending Israel, and the powerful, super wealthy Israeli lobby, and the jewish pro Israel control, within several key positions, inside The United States Government, takes very good care indeed, that Israel gets unconditionally, anything it wants, from The United States, with not attachments or questions asked.
asked.
8
Reading your comment brings to mind Mary McCarthy's observation about Lillian Hellman: "everything she wrote was a lie including 'and' and 'the'."
4
Netanyahu is a religious fundamentalist and is trying to bring Israel all the way to a theocracy (though there is not much farther to go). How could Obama not have a strained relationship. We should be calling for Netanyahu's removal from office and a restructuring of Israels constitution to separate church and state. Isn't that what we are calling for in, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and the rest of the Mid-east.
2
Let's get this right. I had some probs with this machine, so my edit didn't get done as needed.
Bebe would never behave this way if he didn't have the hearts, minds and certainly a path to the wallets of the gop.
It is too simple. The gop with it's religious outlook toward the middle east and in particular Israel wake up every morning with the need to get to Jerusalem. They in short damn the needs of the USA because afterall they are saving souls, certainly not the lives of Americans, Israelis, and Iranians.
Remember voters, you most certainly will get what you vote for and in this case it could be considered treason with the slavish behavior of the gop toward what is not a part of the USA. That last part, not part of the USA, probably comes as a surprise to all too many republicans.
Bebe would never behave this way if he didn't have the hearts, minds and certainly a path to the wallets of the gop.
It is too simple. The gop with it's religious outlook toward the middle east and in particular Israel wake up every morning with the need to get to Jerusalem. They in short damn the needs of the USA because afterall they are saving souls, certainly not the lives of Americans, Israelis, and Iranians.
Remember voters, you most certainly will get what you vote for and in this case it could be considered treason with the slavish behavior of the gop toward what is not a part of the USA. That last part, not part of the USA, probably comes as a surprise to all too many republicans.
3
Bibi Netanyahu has once again proven himself to be a short-sided, ignorant, reactionary, paranoid fool, intent on destroying Israel under the guise of protecting it.
The USA has long been supportive of Israel, although in many ways it has made American diplomacy with the rest of the world, a difficult endeavor.
Israel has always been totally dependent on the good intentions of the Presidents of the USA, as the USA protects Israel from the effects of Israel's often-self-destructive domestic and foreign policies. The Prime Minister of Israel will soon learn that the USA is not obligated to Veto UN Security Council decisions that benefit Israel but conflict with Netanyahu's paranoia.
If Bibi Netanyahu continues on his current course, the UN Security Council will condemn Israeli West Bank Settlements and recognize and enforce a sovereign Palestine Republic where many of those settlements are.
It would be far better if Israel itself was the benefactor of Palestine, and not the antagonist. If Bibi Netanyahu and his Party are soundly rejected by Israel's voters in this March's election, that would go along way towards the possibilities of peace and understanding. I hope most Israeli voters will realize this.
The USA has long been supportive of Israel, although in many ways it has made American diplomacy with the rest of the world, a difficult endeavor.
Israel has always been totally dependent on the good intentions of the Presidents of the USA, as the USA protects Israel from the effects of Israel's often-self-destructive domestic and foreign policies. The Prime Minister of Israel will soon learn that the USA is not obligated to Veto UN Security Council decisions that benefit Israel but conflict with Netanyahu's paranoia.
If Bibi Netanyahu continues on his current course, the UN Security Council will condemn Israeli West Bank Settlements and recognize and enforce a sovereign Palestine Republic where many of those settlements are.
It would be far better if Israel itself was the benefactor of Palestine, and not the antagonist. If Bibi Netanyahu and his Party are soundly rejected by Israel's voters in this March's election, that would go along way towards the possibilities of peace and understanding. I hope most Israeli voters will realize this.
7
"The diplomatic break touched off by Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to negotiate an address to Congress without first telling President Obama reflects their fundamentally different world views."
Peter Baker and Jodi Rudoren should not have stated that Netanyahu's decision to address Congress without first telling President Obama reflects 'their fundamentally different world views"! Actually, it was a decision by Netanyahu and Boehner to clearly undermine diplomatic decorum and should be seen as an offensive act towards all Americans as well as President Obama and Secretary Kerry.
Israelis claim to be one of our closest allies; however, this particular act, along with some other instances that have occurred during the past six years, should have any intelligent, open-minded American wondering that if Netanyahu is a "friend" why does he continuously act like a leader who has shown so much contempt for the President who was elected twice by the American people?
The ultimate tragedy created by Boehner, Netanyahu, and Dormer is that more and more Americans no longer support Israel and its people because they view our relationship as becoming more and more one sided - i.e., we do everything to help Israel and the more we give, the less we seem to be respected.
Peter Baker and Jodi Rudoren should not have stated that Netanyahu's decision to address Congress without first telling President Obama reflects 'their fundamentally different world views"! Actually, it was a decision by Netanyahu and Boehner to clearly undermine diplomatic decorum and should be seen as an offensive act towards all Americans as well as President Obama and Secretary Kerry.
Israelis claim to be one of our closest allies; however, this particular act, along with some other instances that have occurred during the past six years, should have any intelligent, open-minded American wondering that if Netanyahu is a "friend" why does he continuously act like a leader who has shown so much contempt for the President who was elected twice by the American people?
The ultimate tragedy created by Boehner, Netanyahu, and Dormer is that more and more Americans no longer support Israel and its people because they view our relationship as becoming more and more one sided - i.e., we do everything to help Israel and the more we give, the less we seem to be respected.
12
The president is angry over Netanyahu's plan to speak to Congress in March and says he won't meet with him, and John Kerry is reportedly livid. Sure, they hate each other, but don't you think that if Netanyahu shows up, Obama will come under strong political pressure to meet with him to show that the US-Israeli relationship is "unshakable." And angry as he will be, he will probably do it for the same reason he has always done it. And the same reason that has let Bibi think that he can take on the president, for whom he has nothing but contempt. We can only hope that this time Bibi has overstepped his bounds, and that the president and the Secretary will discover their spines.
2
We're among those overjoyed that Obama decided to not play Steppin Fetchit to Bibi N.
13
As mentioned in the article it is a bad bet for Netanyahu to place all his eggs in one basket, the Republicans. Surely the Obama administration has a few years left, but make no mistake Obama has a lot of vigour left in him. Furthermore, I and probably many others are glad he stands up to Israel. The Israeli government has been wrongly antagonising the Palestinians and the US by pushing ahead with settlements, and breaking boarder agreements. Therefore, it is about time a US president speaks out against this and discontinues Israel's no questions ask carte blanch support. It's time to stop full support for what is wrong and support what is right, such as consensus agreements that are abided by allowing two countries, Israel and Palestine to prosper.
9
Seems like everyone wants to jump on the "Israel behaving badly" bandwagon. But before you do, consider this; Israel is on the real front line of terrorism and war in the Middle East. Since before its actual creation in 1947 by the United Nations Israel has had "allies" make and break promises of land, diplomacy and security over and over again, starting with the original Balfour Declaration by Britain in the early 1900's which promised land and security and then took it away. And while all that happened Jews were being systematically murdered by the millions. Israel has always been the dream of a people desperate for something we Americans take for granted despite our constant military involvement around the world; safety in our own homes. Don't for a second think that if we felt as constantly unsafe as Israelis are made to feel by terrorists, their Muslim neighbors, and their finicky "allies" that we would act any better. In fact, we proved that by invading much more land and killing many more civilians in Afghanastan and Iraq than Israel ever has when we experienced terrorism on 911. Take a good look in the mirror before you point a finger at Israel or Netanyahu. Also, ask yourself; would you trust this President to have your back in a crisis?
97
Yes.
4
@local guy: I trust President Obama a lot more than I would ever trust Ron Dermer
5
Point taken. But how does Netanyahu expect to advance the interests of Israel by sneaking into the U.S. Congress behind our President's back, and at the invitation of a group of men who are congenitally more interested in making the President look weak than in hearing anything the Israeli Prime Minister might have to say? Nearly half U.S. Jews live in just two states: New York and California, neither of which embrace the conservative ideology of those who invited Netanyahu.
3
An even-handed assessment of the situation. But before even reading the comments, I'm sure it will be Netanyhu bashing, oh, say about 15 to 1.
6
Methinks you an optimist. But consider the audience
3
Israel not only went under the bus but was cut off for being too damn uppity.
3
Netanyahu is, understandably, viewed as a Bully my most heads of state, including ours. His arrogance and self righteousness would put off Attila the Hun, never mind the Obama Administration.
And it is not just a matter of personality. Israel's most recent murderous escapade into blockaded Gaza has begun a new era of recognition. Belated.
And it is not just a matter of personality. Israel's most recent murderous escapade into blockaded Gaza has begun a new era of recognition. Belated.
7
Netanyahu suffers from a messianic complex without doubt . He not only needs to be our leader he needs to be our savior . Sadly he may be leading Israel to disaster to satisfy his ambition. In Israel he is also heavily stained by a number of corruption issues involving himself, his immediate family, and his political allies. It is time for him to go and to allow us to extricate ourselves from his catastrophic policies.
338
Where would Israel be without the enormous degree of aid from American taxpayers--and, more so, USA soldiers. Factor in the Iraq war and ultimately we are talking not just billions but trillions maybe. It is essential to recall that before he became incapacitated Ariel Sharon not only left Gaza (perhaps too hastily) but was going to exit the more implausible settlements in West Bank, and departed the party he helped found. As a leader, even he could see from a President standpoint that Israel's current course was unsustainable. Does Netanyahu think that his wealthy backers and Christian backers can buy the American political process?
1
As another Israeli I agree with you totally! (Blair, Ramat Gan)
The United States does not benefit from a close relationship with Israel. In fact it's detrimental in most ways to be their biggest ally. Their government gives us nothing but grief and disrespect. I would distance myself completely from Netanyahu if I were Pres. Obama, and return the disrespect. I hope he will do something big to divert all attention away from Bibi on the day Bibi tries to manipulate the US Congress with an arrogant political speech.
440
Maybe he'll play golf in The Masters ???
1
I hope there will be members of Congress who do not attend the session planned for Netanyahu to speak. That move would speak volumes. Would that some Republicans joined Democrats in this visible rebuke of Netanyahu (and Boehner) for pulling off such an arrogant stunt.
1
Yes! What we need is some sporting event--perhaps team owners could organize a special post season professional football game between 2 teams that did not quite make the final bowl game to determine the runner up.
I don't care what your worldview is, you don't get to come here and lecture a sitting President. You also don't serve as an Ambassador in our country and conspire behind the back of the President.
Netanyahu shouldn't be allowed to visit, and his ambassador should be sent home.
Netanyahu shouldn't be allowed to visit, and his ambassador should be sent home.
801
When that president is negotiating with your enemy and is inclined to forsake your security for the sake of his own legacy, well, maybe you do.
3
Yes, but what about Boehner? He must pay for inflicting his peevish, bullying, poor sportsmanship on the country. Can we impeach him? He's a disgrace to the nation.
4
Perhaps Obama should visit Israeli and address Knesset while Bibi is in town, LOL...or make a surprise trip to Cuba.
4
Bibi is courting the party of warmongers that shriek "Bomb Iran" 24/7.
Every nation wants the United States to do it's dirty work.
Every nation wants the United States to do it's dirty work.
31
Netanyahu ignors resolutions concerning his illegal land grab policies in West Bank settlements and the veritable strangulation, seige, and starvation of Gaza, shirking world opinion. He doggedly persists in the execution of these policies, emboldened by intractable US support, even though he is clearly stoking the fires of bitter entrenched hatred amongst the palestinians and arabs at large spanning generations. Israel is effectively a hegemonistic colonizer and a brutal occupation force having no right to exist, yet incredibly insisting on being formerly recognized as such. This dogged treachery and arrogance is the driving force behind the Hamas missle attacks and Iran´s push for nuclear weapons, no question.
21
More settlements, just what the Palestinians need. Settlements are against the law, international law, but who cares in Israel.
Why doesn't Mr Boehner invite Vladimir Putin to address the Congress?
"Mr. Kerry, who has invested a lot in building a relationship with Mr. Netanyahu, is said to be especially livid at the planned speech because of what he sees as a violation of a doctrine of no surprises. As a result, he may be emboldened to pursue an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan through the United Nations or outside powers without waiting for Mr. Netanyahu’s assent."
Nothing would make me happier than if Secretary Kerry chose to pursue a peace plan directly through the United Nations.
Why doesn't Mr Boehner invite Vladimir Putin to address the Congress?
"Mr. Kerry, who has invested a lot in building a relationship with Mr. Netanyahu, is said to be especially livid at the planned speech because of what he sees as a violation of a doctrine of no surprises. As a result, he may be emboldened to pursue an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan through the United Nations or outside powers without waiting for Mr. Netanyahu’s assent."
Nothing would make me happier than if Secretary Kerry chose to pursue a peace plan directly through the United Nations.
47
Right now Iran is helping us with air strikes, intelligence and maybe even actual ground fighting against the biggest threat in the Middle East, ISIS. Obama wants to keep that going. He might also see that Iran is very interested in opening up relations and doing business with the U.S.... Netanyahu is so selfish and blind he doesn't care. And that goes for most of our Congress. I said it before and I'll say again, the best way to keep good relations is to do hundreds of billions of dollars in trade and business. Then no one will want to start wars with one another. And anyone who thinks a war with Iran will be like Iraq, forget it. This would be 100 times worse. The powers that be know that at least, or else they would have done limited airstrikes already.
24
What's so dangerous for Israel about Netanyahu's despicable arrogance is that it's making Americans to ask how this man gets to afford belittling a sitting American president. The answer, of course, is AIPAC and its disturbingly outsize influence on American politics. Netanyahu is forcing Americans to focus a profoundly wary eye on this highly corrosive organization, and that ultimately weakens the state of Israel.
61
Seeing the appalling decline in American leadership strictly through the U.S.-Israeli relationship is missing the point. Mr Obama has managed the world stage about as well as he has been a uniter in Washington, which is to say,disastrously he is unique among not only American leaders, but among men in general, for his petulance, narcissism, and conviction, in spite of evidence to the contrary, that he is always the smartest guy in the room.
Of course this is an egg thrown his way by Republicans and Israel. He's been taunting both for six years, and now is shocked there is yolk on his face
Of course this is an egg thrown his way by Republicans and Israel. He's been taunting both for six years, and now is shocked there is yolk on his face
3
MFW, your statement strays from actual fact. President Obama's foreign policy has been a salve to decades of mismanagement. We are becoming untangling ourselves in areas that we should not be involved with.
We have energy independendence and less reliance on the Middle East then in the past century. Putin has been severely weakened and Russia has collapsed.
Assad has no country to govern. Iraq is finally rallying themselves after being dependent on others.
Cuba is now opening up.
Venezuala is crashing.
India is open arms to us.
We have greater influence in Asia then ever before.
China has finally agreed about global warming.
Our sphere of influence has grown in Europe as it weakens.
Northern Africa is evolving without our need of military support and intervention.
Less soldiers are dying and more mothers are spared of devastation.
Is this what you call a failed Foreign Policy? Do you harken back to Bush's multi war campaign that degraded our reputation?
We have energy independendence and less reliance on the Middle East then in the past century. Putin has been severely weakened and Russia has collapsed.
Assad has no country to govern. Iraq is finally rallying themselves after being dependent on others.
Cuba is now opening up.
Venezuala is crashing.
India is open arms to us.
We have greater influence in Asia then ever before.
China has finally agreed about global warming.
Our sphere of influence has grown in Europe as it weakens.
Northern Africa is evolving without our need of military support and intervention.
Less soldiers are dying and more mothers are spared of devastation.
Is this what you call a failed Foreign Policy? Do you harken back to Bush's multi war campaign that degraded our reputation?
I wish Netanyahu were our president.
6
Apparently, the GOP thinks he is.
3
I agree. Then we could impeach him.
3
Yeah, you and maybe a dozen others. This whole affair tells me that the House GOP is impotent and has to call in a foreign leader to accomplish undermining the POTUS. Ever hear of the Smith Act?
1
Israel has had far too much power and influence over the US Government and its policy making apparatus. It has used US political power, money, military resources and weapons to serve its own ends and to the detriment of US interests. Our politicians need some back bone.
57
The US ought to pursue its own interests, and assist Israel as an important and separate issue. For too long Israel and its lobbies here have involved themselves in domestic US politics. The sight of a US Presidential candidate fawning before AIPAC and then a newly elected President going first to AIPAC is unseemly. How is it that AIPAC holds its meeting at such a convenient time that a President makes that his first port of call after being elected. It is one thing to support the government and people of Israel; it is another having to deal with an arrogant Prime Minister and his Congressional supporting cast.
27
Amiran Nir, an Israeli officer and journalist who once served as Menachem Begin's counter-terrorism adviser and later died in a mysterious plane crash said approval ratings for a prime minister is high during a major military operation.
As Bibi Netanyahu is facing tough opposition ahead of the election and he has taken a nose dive in recent polls, he needs to create a crisis to garner domestic support. Throughout his career as Israel's head of state, there has hardly been a world leader, who likes him! It doesn't do any good to Israel's international standing!
As Bibi Netanyahu is facing tough opposition ahead of the election and he has taken a nose dive in recent polls, he needs to create a crisis to garner domestic support. Throughout his career as Israel's head of state, there has hardly been a world leader, who likes him! It doesn't do any good to Israel's international standing!
12
please read: approval ratings......were always high.........
Hmm. Kinda like W and Iraq....
At the risk of condemnation from all quarters I shall say, of the Obama-Netanyahu feud, a plague on both your houses. Both are wrong. Both are war-mongers. Both have pursued policies in violation of international law and, in a morally upright world, would be charged as WAR CRIMINALS. Netanyahu on Gaza and settlements (for starters), Obama on drone assassinations and confrontation with Russia and China (for starters), deserve contempt and scorn for betraying civilization's ethics of humanity. And behind them, reflecting their policies, are two nations which by their respective hegemonic claims and aspirations, threaten world peace.
Deeply to be regretted, both nations are also nuclear powers and hardly to be trusted in not bullying their respective spheres of interest, for Israel, an increasingly large take on the Middle East, for the US, the world itself. Here Iran is code for much else; neither Netanyahu nor Obama has a constructive posture--both are gunning for war.
Netanyahu is short-sighted. In America the bipartisan consensus on global Reaction and counterrevolution is obvious, mirroring Israel's own international policy. So, why fight? Kiss and make up, with AIPAC and Adelson, among others, bridesmaids at the new wedding. The rallying cry: Down with TERRORISM. Down with Muslims. Up with "democracy"--for both Israel and America boast of being the leading world democracies. Dissent is nonexistent in one, massive surveillance takes care of the other.
Deeply to be regretted, both nations are also nuclear powers and hardly to be trusted in not bullying their respective spheres of interest, for Israel, an increasingly large take on the Middle East, for the US, the world itself. Here Iran is code for much else; neither Netanyahu nor Obama has a constructive posture--both are gunning for war.
Netanyahu is short-sighted. In America the bipartisan consensus on global Reaction and counterrevolution is obvious, mirroring Israel's own international policy. So, why fight? Kiss and make up, with AIPAC and Adelson, among others, bridesmaids at the new wedding. The rallying cry: Down with TERRORISM. Down with Muslims. Up with "democracy"--for both Israel and America boast of being the leading world democracies. Dissent is nonexistent in one, massive surveillance takes care of the other.
1
Norman pollack, I usually agree with all your posts, but not this time. I hope Your usual wisdom returns soon.
Netanyahu acts like a man desperate to protect his country, while the president and Kerry, who seems to be in search of a Nobel Prize, act like men interested in their legacy.
It's not hard to understand why Netanyahu might be insufferable. He's got the most to lose. The president, on the other hand, is experiencing some disrespect, hardly a comparable situation.
It's not hard to understand why Netanyahu might be insufferable. He's got the most to lose. The president, on the other hand, is experiencing some disrespect, hardly a comparable situation.
14
When a foreign leader is under pressure it is understandable he should use his republican hack ambassador to conduct foreign policy through the speaker of the house and it is rude of the president to find a problem in violating fundamental constitutional principles to advance the agenda of a pariah nation and its zealot, minority, leader.
Conservatives are such faithless, manipulative, trash.
Conservatives are such faithless, manipulative, trash.
43
Query:
Partisans will be furious, of course, because they despise republicans, and this is just one more reason to do so.
As for the outrage over the "insult" to Obama, I assure you that a US president can handle it.
Partisans will be furious, of course, because they despise republicans, and this is just one more reason to do so.
As for the outrage over the "insult" to Obama, I assure you that a US president can handle it.
7
It's worse than that. Even as Obama whines about 'a breech of protocol' he uses Prime Minister Cameron to lobby for his Iranian 'let them have nukes' deal and the State Department meets with officials of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Obama prefers the Muslim Brotherhood, Turkey, and Iran to Israel. It's really just that simple. Obama scarcely bothers to hide his inclination. What the NYT omits to mention is that if Israel has given up on Obama, the Gulf Arabs are going ballistic over their abandonment by the USA. Literally, as in taking their defense into their hands for the first time.
Obama prefers the Muslim Brotherhood, Turkey, and Iran to Israel. It's really just that simple. Obama scarcely bothers to hide his inclination. What the NYT omits to mention is that if Israel has given up on Obama, the Gulf Arabs are going ballistic over their abandonment by the USA. Literally, as in taking their defense into their hands for the first time.
3
The hundreds of billions of dollars the US has given to Israel over the years could have instead paid for helping a lot of Americans. It's time to rethink this one-way relationship.
97
The thing that is most galling about Netanyahu's push for war is that he wants us, not Israel, to fight it. He will hold our coats.
105
Oh it's MUTUAL.
Ahhh, divided loyalties and hacks can work wonders.
Ahhh, divided loyalties and hacks can work wonders.
4
Using a foreign country's official, no matter which one and which country, for one of at least two political foreign policy viewpoints within the US is an unjustified, unwarranted, disrespectful intrusion into our country's business.
To attempt to clothe it with propriety is absurd. It would be wrong if we would likewise do so. Our constitution expressly provides for the Executive to conduct foreign policy; and the House of Representatives has no authority, whatsoever, in this particular facet of conducting our foreign policy.
To attempt to clothe it with propriety is absurd. It would be wrong if we would likewise do so. Our constitution expressly provides for the Executive to conduct foreign policy; and the House of Representatives has no authority, whatsoever, in this particular facet of conducting our foreign policy.
72
Well then, why not impeach Boehner?
"that calculation was made clear in December when Israel offered no public support for Mr. Obama’s decision to resume diplomatic relations with Cuba"
I think the Israelis didn't offer any support because they can see all too well the parallels between the Cuban case and their own. Small minority group holds US foreign policy hostage because of its importance in a key state or states. In one case, it was Cuban exiles in Florida; in another it is pro-Israelis in New York and Florida.
The American support of Israel makes no more sense than the American embargo of Cuba. Both are just a result of historical madness and the idiosyncrasies of American politics.
I think the Israelis didn't offer any support because they can see all too well the parallels between the Cuban case and their own. Small minority group holds US foreign policy hostage because of its importance in a key state or states. In one case, it was Cuban exiles in Florida; in another it is pro-Israelis in New York and Florida.
The American support of Israel makes no more sense than the American embargo of Cuba. Both are just a result of historical madness and the idiosyncrasies of American politics.
103
Actually, the Jews in NY are more on Obama's side than Netanyahu's. The problem is more in places like Phoenix, Las Vegas and DC (lobbyists). I don't know about Florida; probably a mix of both.
Yup- New York is a key swing state!
While personalities enter into the situation, it is much more than that. Netanyahu does not want to come to a solution of the Palestine problem unless it is on his own terms. Israel gets control of what it has appropriated, gets control of Palestine's borders, etc. Since he can't get that, he is banking on his overwhelming military power to keep the status quo. He is afraid that an armed Iran would pose a counterweight to his predominance. He is willing to keep the friction, as long as he can keep control of Palestine, mindless of the consequences it has for us. The fact that all US presidents have surrendered their authority in fear of domestic political reversals, and have been willing to suffer humiliations that would not have been tolerated from anyone else, is part and parcel of the problem. What Netanyahu is doing now is a direct challenge to the presidency of the US and Republicans are collaborating in bringing down a key institution of our country, no matter which party represents it. It's a sorry consequence of the power, real or mythical, of lobbies whose interests are not necessarily those of our country.
95
A deal to prevent Iran, a nation with roughly 80 million people, from obtaining nuclear weapons in obviously in everyone's interest. But such is deal is made infinitely harder while it remains an open secret that Israel, a nation with roughly 8 million people that is seen as a pariah in much of Islamic world due to their toxic relationship with the Palestinians, retains such weapons.
As one of many Americans who would like to see his nation surgically back away from the perpetually chaos of the Middle East, I find Benjamin Netanyahu's continual efforts to get the United States to fight his nation's battles AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT to our peace and domestic security.
Moreover, what Netanyahu is attempting has a shameful precedent, the infamous Citizen Genet incident of the 1790s - in which the then French Ambassador attempted to undermine George Washington's sage decision to keep our nation out of the French revolutionary wars, by attempting to go directly to the American people. Such an attempt was shameful then and it is shameful now - and must not go unpunished.
Moreover, if Israel is so committed to keeping Iran from developing a nuclear arsenal, then perhaps it should be willing to relinquish its weapons as part of a larger pact that would make and keep the Holy Land free of all WMDs.
When even American Jews are becoming exasperated by Netanyahu's existential fears and obsessions, perhaps it is time for him to consider either therapy or other gainful employment.
As one of many Americans who would like to see his nation surgically back away from the perpetually chaos of the Middle East, I find Benjamin Netanyahu's continual efforts to get the United States to fight his nation's battles AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT to our peace and domestic security.
Moreover, what Netanyahu is attempting has a shameful precedent, the infamous Citizen Genet incident of the 1790s - in which the then French Ambassador attempted to undermine George Washington's sage decision to keep our nation out of the French revolutionary wars, by attempting to go directly to the American people. Such an attempt was shameful then and it is shameful now - and must not go unpunished.
Moreover, if Israel is so committed to keeping Iran from developing a nuclear arsenal, then perhaps it should be willing to relinquish its weapons as part of a larger pact that would make and keep the Holy Land free of all WMDs.
When even American Jews are becoming exasperated by Netanyahu's existential fears and obsessions, perhaps it is time for him to consider either therapy or other gainful employment.
152
Fighting Israel's wars? It's time we retired that tired canard. Not one American soldier has ever shed an ounce blood fighting a war on behalf of Israel. Ever. On behalf of the French? Twice, South Vietnamese, South Koreans, Philippinos and Kuwaitis, much blood, Israel's, again, not a drop. The US is negotiating with Iran on its own for its own reason, Bibl's point of view and intentions, legitimately advancing them on behalf of the country he was elected to lead is both laudatory and necessary.
2
What would have happened if the French decided not to intervene in the American Revolutionary war on the side of the rebels (Americans). Can't you see that it is not Israel who is the EXISTENTIAL THREAT, it is a nuclear armed Iran, and an arrogant, belligerent Putin. Iran is loving this and is feeding into it's policy of destroying Israel and annihilating the Jewish people.
3
Citizen Genet!? And they say memories are long in the Middle East!
This just seems cover. Obama's policy has been 90% congruent with Israel. His real secretary of state is Robert Kagan. Like Bush in Iraq, he has overthrown the secular anti-Islamic stabilizing regime of Kaddafi and tried to do the same with Assad. He is in a wholly stupid conflict with the anti-Islamic Putin over the policy of Kagan's wife. He has made no meaningful concessions to Iran and just gave the most degrading homage to the fundamentalist Saudis who created ISIS. The only thing he has not agreed to--yet--is to have a massive bombing campaign against Iran, but this is just a set-up for letting Israel do it--if Russian airplanes will let them.
The Republicans were always the most anti-Communist in their rhetoric and from Eisenhower on always were the ones who reconciled with Moscow. I cannot believe that Christie--already the de facto Republican nominee and next President--has the personality to take this nonsense any longer. Let us pray that he drops a bridge on Netanyahu types.
The Republicans were always the most anti-Communist in their rhetoric and from Eisenhower on always were the ones who reconciled with Moscow. I cannot believe that Christie--already the de facto Republican nominee and next President--has the personality to take this nonsense any longer. Let us pray that he drops a bridge on Netanyahu types.
6
Send the ambassador home now. Time for a deep freeze. Israel needs the USA a hell of a lot more than we need Israel.
186
A simple solution.The question is why do we,as American citizens put up with this yahoo interfering in our Country's business?Why have we allowed this to continue for almost a century?You are correct.We do not need them.Cut them loose.Let them sink or swim.
2
This guy is a former Republican operative in the U.S. (Although this fact seems to be currently missing from the Wikipedia article about him.)
It would appear that he still is. (See for example http://www.thejewishweek.com/blogs/political-insider/confusing-partisan-... .)
This strikes me as totally inappropriate for an ambassador from another country, and I think he ought to be declared persona non grata in the U.S.
It would appear that he still is. (See for example http://www.thejewishweek.com/blogs/political-insider/confusing-partisan-... .)
This strikes me as totally inappropriate for an ambassador from another country, and I think he ought to be declared persona non grata in the U.S.
1
It is about time US has a foreign policy that is in the best interest of US
and not Israel. President Obama does not need votes from Florida (or NY)
to formulate his policy for the next two years. Netanyahu is a disgrace!
It has to be made clear to Netanyahu that US support for Israel is not
guaranteed under any and all circumstances. President Obama needs to break
ranks with Netanyahu publicly.
and not Israel. President Obama does not need votes from Florida (or NY)
to formulate his policy for the next two years. Netanyahu is a disgrace!
It has to be made clear to Netanyahu that US support for Israel is not
guaranteed under any and all circumstances. President Obama needs to break
ranks with Netanyahu publicly.
145
rughani,
You are among the first to offer a solution to this potentially dangerous move on Mr. Netanyahu's part. It does make this American wonder what would happen if President Obama were to openly declare that this leader of the Holy Land is not welcome to come near our shores.
You are among the first to offer a solution to this potentially dangerous move on Mr. Netanyahu's part. It does make this American wonder what would happen if President Obama were to openly declare that this leader of the Holy Land is not welcome to come near our shores.
2
When the Republicans use Israel and Netanyahu as a political football in their scheming against Obama, they are playing with fire. It's a dangerous game, something Boehner doesn't seem to understand.
If the Congress, led by Netanyahu, actually succeeded in the effort to derail the nuclear negotiations with Iran, the inevitable outcome will be another US war in the Middle East. No different from the war against Iraq, the war against Iran will be waged in Israel's interest but will prove disastrous for the U.S and the rest of the world.
But the blatant hubris of Boehner and Netanyahu carries with it a magnificent opportunity for Obama. Now, now is the time for the President to leverage the growing disgust felt by many Americans at Congress's kowtowing to the likes of Netanyahu, and take concrete steps to distance the U.S. from Israel.
Imagine if Obama gave a live address to the American people and to the world where he announced the end of the "special relationship". No more tax exemption for "charities" whose real purpose is to support the state of Israel. No more automatic vetoing of UN resolutions which go against Israel's wishes. No more letting AIPAC ignore the law requiring registration of agents of foreign governments. No more free tickets into NSA databases. And please, after Gaza 2014, no more talk of "shared values".
It would be one of the greatest days in American history, remembered and admired for generations to come.
If the Congress, led by Netanyahu, actually succeeded in the effort to derail the nuclear negotiations with Iran, the inevitable outcome will be another US war in the Middle East. No different from the war against Iraq, the war against Iran will be waged in Israel's interest but will prove disastrous for the U.S and the rest of the world.
But the blatant hubris of Boehner and Netanyahu carries with it a magnificent opportunity for Obama. Now, now is the time for the President to leverage the growing disgust felt by many Americans at Congress's kowtowing to the likes of Netanyahu, and take concrete steps to distance the U.S. from Israel.
Imagine if Obama gave a live address to the American people and to the world where he announced the end of the "special relationship". No more tax exemption for "charities" whose real purpose is to support the state of Israel. No more automatic vetoing of UN resolutions which go against Israel's wishes. No more letting AIPAC ignore the law requiring registration of agents of foreign governments. No more free tickets into NSA databases. And please, after Gaza 2014, no more talk of "shared values".
It would be one of the greatest days in American history, remembered and admired for generations to come.
162
Thank you, FB, and read your thoughts on this growing conflict with interest. It does sound plausible that President Obama is going to address the Nation on what may be considered as a major security breach to America and its possible ramifications in the long-run. He is never 'Shy' when it comes to redressing such sly and foolish moves on the part of "Mr. Stupid" who occasionally shows up in our midst.
1
I get it - a Declaration of Independence.
Good idea.
"I'd dump the Israelis tomorrow..."
Michael Scheurer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHSB3lmvYjw
FWIW - he would dump the Saudis, too.
Good idea.
"I'd dump the Israelis tomorrow..."
Michael Scheurer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHSB3lmvYjw
FWIW - he would dump the Saudis, too.
1
I think you have the wrong end of the stick entirely. Obama has made it obvious that he wants a deal with Iran far more than the mullahs do; therefore, any deal will be made on the mullahs' terms and will permit them to get the nuclear weapons they are committed to obtaining.
Any deal like that puts the Mideast arms race into high gear and makes a Mideast nuclear exchange more likely, not less likely.
Any deal like that puts the Mideast arms race into high gear and makes a Mideast nuclear exchange more likely, not less likely.
Rift schmift. Our government has been kowtowing to the Israeli right wing, far beyond what most of us would tolerate if we had the power, for far too long.This little report is an insult. Wake and smell the, "we are sick of how Israel behaves" coffee.
89
The disrespect the Republicans display against President Obama is indefensible and appalling. Their childish behavior at the State of the Union Address is an embarrassment, and the stunts they are pulling now with Netanyahu are pathetic. No other US president has had to endure the constant humiliation and downright cruelty that Mr. Obama experiences on a regular basis. And yet he remains calm and dignified, and never sinks to the murky low levels of existence where his foes seem to thrive. Every time I think Republicans and their Tea Party brethren can't sink any lower... they do something even more despicable and evil. I have so much respect for Obama, and I appreciate his contributions to society and the well being of ALL people, not just those who can do something for him.
132
By circumventing President Obama, Netanyahu is insulting not only the president personally but the presidential office. Increasingly, that will not sit well with the American people. It's like biting the hand that feeds you. The repercussions will tarnish Netanyahu's reputation and cripple U.S.-Israel relations.
91
There are Americans who already view the president's poor relationship with the very difficult Netanyahu are just one more in a series of weakening relations.
5
AACNY - and these are the same Americans that believe President Obama can do no right.
I not only think this relation with Israel should be weakened, it should in fact be forcefully severed.
I not only think this relation with Israel should be weakened, it should in fact be forcefully severed.
5
Gonzo,
Mr. Netanyahu's reputation is already severely tarnished and is about to turn sordid. U.S. - Israel relations will most likely be cordial again when he is out of office but never quite the same again.
Mr. Netanyahu's reputation is already severely tarnished and is about to turn sordid. U.S. - Israel relations will most likely be cordial again when he is out of office but never quite the same again.
1
Open message to Benjamin Netanyahu: Please do not visit the U.S. again.
103
The arrogance of this Foreigner who lives and survives on our generosity Insulting our country, a complete lack of respect for our President, breaking protocols, breaking international laws with abandon like Stealing others' land and mowing down almost an entire population. And all we do is condemn them. We should just pull the rug from under their legs and save our Security Council veto to allow this country committing atrocities to it's own devices. Why are we doing their heavy lifting? What are we getting in return? Nothing but an attitude that they are entitled to our wealth and blood. Does Boehner have kids. He should sent them to fight for Israel. I wonder if he would then have extended the invitation. But it would still be treachery.
87
Come on, think. Think! Why does the US have enemies in the Middle East? Think! Why is the Middle East so torn apart; how many American neo-cons reinforcing the American notion of 'control the Middle East' fit on the head of a pin? What sort of loyalty are those neo-cons working with? Think!
Please do not say .. Oil! It's not oil. Hasn't been for 40 years or more.
Please do not say .. Oil! It's not oil. Hasn't been for 40 years or more.
37
The real problem is that Mr. Netanyahu seems to think that his demands will be met with a blank-check from the United States without any question or reprieve... In this regard, the arrogance of both Mr. Netanyahu, and the Republican Representatives of Congress is particularly galling, especially given that the fact that the most basic of all diplomatic protocols were overstepped in order to make a political point which in the meantime, has surely been lost.
63
Cut a few billion from Israel's aid. That might get Bibi's attention.
74
Frankly, and sadly -- I have lost patience with Israel and its supporters in our Congress and our news media. I am fed up with their settlement policies and how those in the US Congress seem to ignore the greedy reasons for this land grab. It seems that Israel is the embodiment of our Tea Party gone amuk in their country.
98
We might have shared interests with Israel such as Iran and terrorism but lets stop the incessant charade about "shared values." Anyone who has taken a first hand look at what Israel has been doing in the West Bank for the last 50 years knows that is total farce. Under Netanyahu the values and practices of the two "friends" are increasingly divergent. The Republican's blind eye support of Israel at any price has only made US foreign policy goals that much harder to achieve.
75
Right. Our real friends are the Saudis and the Cubans and the Iranians. Right.
6
A lot has been written about the bad relationship between President Obama and Netanyahu. We should remember, that it is not just with President Obama that Netanyahu has a bad relationship with; it is the entire civilized western world. In 2011, Chancellor Merkel told Netanyahu "You haven't made a single step to advance peace." The same year, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said about Netanyahu,"I can't stand him. He's a liar". Last year, Der Spiegel reported that relations between Germany and Israel are "at a nadir". Sweden has recognized Palestine; the French are about to do so. Everyone dislikes Netanyahu (except Republicans and probably most Democrats) and as a result, people don't like Israel. Though Netanyahu has led Israel off a cliff, he knows that support from the United States Congress is unflagging. Boehner will not withdraw the invitation, and Netanyahu will appear. And every seat in the House will be filled, with Democrats and Republicans jumping up and down, showing that their support for Israel is undiminished. For me, it will be a disgusting sight.
112
Michael;
"...jumping up and down". Spot on!!!
That would be a repeat show of Netanyahu's last address to congress. How many standing ovations you expect in his proposed address to congress....Democrats and Republicans alike!!!
"...jumping up and down". Spot on!!!
That would be a repeat show of Netanyahu's last address to congress. How many standing ovations you expect in his proposed address to congress....Democrats and Republicans alike!!!
Yes, the "civilized world" who brought us Auschwitz, Warsaw and Rwanda along with Srebrenica among other acts of neglect and depravity can't stand strong Jewish leaders, they much prefer Jewish victims. Sorry, we paid those dues already, many times over. "Never again" means never again.
3
I have watched Churchill's address to Congress after Pearl Harbor. Wow! What a speech!
Bibi is no Winston.
Bibi is no Winston.
3
Israel receives more foreign and military aid from the US than any other nation on earth by a very wide margin. Bibi's decision to accept the invitation was inappropriate at the least and purposely hurtful to the President at the worst. However, I do think that his allegation that Iran is just months away from developing a workable nuclear device is exaggerated. If that indeed were the case Israel would have taken military action with or without U.S. assistance. Bibi is more an impediment to peace in the Middle East than a help. Constant and persistent colonizing of Palestinian lands only leads to more resentment and bloodshed. Hopefully the Israeli electorate will choose another leader.
72
Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama have indeed drifted apart, but is is former U.S. Citizen Ron Dermer who has put the nail in the coffin of this relationship. Mr. Dermer is viciously ambitious. He could never make it in U.S. politics, though his father and brother were mayor of Miami Beach, so he renounced his citizenship to go try his luck climbing the political ladder in Israel, and his extreme hawkish postures have indeed gained him a lot of political success in a short period of time.
Dermer engineered this disgraceful appearance of Netanyahu before the House, having already been censured for political campaigning while in his ambassadorial post. Mr. Dermer is the Israeli Iago spurring Prime Minister Netanyahu to unwise actions. Dermer is a person to be closely watched, and not trusted in any way.
Dermer engineered this disgraceful appearance of Netanyahu before the House, having already been censured for political campaigning while in his ambassadorial post. Mr. Dermer is the Israeli Iago spurring Prime Minister Netanyahu to unwise actions. Dermer is a person to be closely watched, and not trusted in any way.
91
Thank you, William O. Beeman, for this indicator as to the political weather when it comes to America's alliance with Israel. Mr. Netanyahu does look tired and slight adrift with a look of defeat in his eye, and perhaps as you pointed out, the focus should be on Mr. Dermer who should be given his walking papers.
3
I hope that the US makes peace with Iran and Israel's role as a pro-American military base loses every bit of its value. Let the apartheid state fend for itself on the world stage.
66
The only thing Netanyahu has really proved is he cannot be trusted and should not be respected. Our commitment to Israel maybe unshakable but our respect for her leaders is not.
52
It's hilarious to watch Obama supporters here throw themselves into a tizzy over "disrespect" of their beloved leader while Boehner and Netanyahu address the serious issue of an Iran on the brink of nuclear armament due to Obama's multiple concessions at the negotiating table.
Avoidance of the annihilation of Israel and subsequent dire threat to American national security is more important than any individual president's ego.
Avoidance of the annihilation of Israel and subsequent dire threat to American national security is more important than any individual president's ego.
15
They must be exhausted from having to protect this fragile president from constant disrespect. It's a shame he seems to encounter it so often.
4
This from the same folks who brought you the Iraq war, courtesy of disrespect to Bush 1
1
Amusing agreed. Thank you.
2
Frankly, if Netanyahu is concerned about a nuclear-armed Iran -- and he should be -- the power to diffuse the tension lies with Israel itself (not from US political maneuvers): Israel must disclose and disarm its own nuclear arsenal to make the region safer for everyone.
The time when any country could expect to use nuclear weapons against another without anticipating retaliation and devastating escalation ended half a century ago -- nuclear bombs are now valued only as mutual deterrents. To use them would be suicidal.
There is no conceivable scenario where Israel could initiate a nuclear attack on a neighboring country that would leave it better off in the long run.
The time when any country could expect to use nuclear weapons against another without anticipating retaliation and devastating escalation ended half a century ago -- nuclear bombs are now valued only as mutual deterrents. To use them would be suicidal.
There is no conceivable scenario where Israel could initiate a nuclear attack on a neighboring country that would leave it better off in the long run.
32
Israel exists securely because of her (alleged) nuclear umbrella and along with her the Jewish people. "Never again" means never again.
2
Do you recommend the US lead by example or from behind on your unilateral nuclear disarmament policy?
1
The tone of the article implies that this is just a family spat and that Obama and Netanyahu just need to kiss and make up so that everything can go on as before: we give money...we veto everything supported by our other allies...Bibi continues to build settlements and all that implies. "Hey, folks! There's nothing really wrong here. Everyone knows that Israel is our most important Ally!"...
But it ain't that simple!
I cannot for the life of me understand why Obama should back down and don't accept for a moment that there is "moral equivalence" in their actions. Bibi leaps at the chance to spit in the President's face and preach war...for us to fight! Obama is seeking a peace.
Many Americans cringe at the sight of a supine Congress surrendering it's Foreign Policy Functions to the leader of a Foreign Power for petty political gain. I am afraid that an increasing number of Americans don't see the equivalence implied by the Authors.
The positive of this is to focus attention on the real nature of the Special Relationship and the yolk that America bears in it. The responses to this column reflect the results of that focus.
But it ain't that simple!
I cannot for the life of me understand why Obama should back down and don't accept for a moment that there is "moral equivalence" in their actions. Bibi leaps at the chance to spit in the President's face and preach war...for us to fight! Obama is seeking a peace.
Many Americans cringe at the sight of a supine Congress surrendering it's Foreign Policy Functions to the leader of a Foreign Power for petty political gain. I am afraid that an increasing number of Americans don't see the equivalence implied by the Authors.
The positive of this is to focus attention on the real nature of the Special Relationship and the yolk that America bears in it. The responses to this column reflect the results of that focus.
65
"Arutz Sheva, the nationalist Israeli press:
"Declassified FBI documents from a 1985-2002 investigation implicate Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in an initiative to illegally purchase United States nuclear technology for Israel’s nuclear program.
Netanyahu was allegedly helped by Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer with ties to Israeli prime ministers and U.S. presidents."
- See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2012/07/netanyahu-implicated-in-nuclear-smuggling-...