How does disrespecting President Obama serve the GOP's interests? Apparently very well, since they've gotten away with it for his entire presidency. Obviously Netanyahu has had a good teacher in Boehner and the rest of the GOP.
20
Insulting condescension and strutting self-regard are a well-known pattern with Mr. Netanyahu. A piece in last Friday's Haaretz claims, "In his decade plus in office, Netanyahu can’t point to a single meaningful relationship with any world leader, and even those who seem promising at the outset inevitably dissolve into disappointment and recriminations ..." When combined and coordinated with the racially-tinged obstructionism and vitriol of Obama's enemies on the American right, Netanyahu's exhibitionistic disrespect for our president has poisoned any prospect of peace. This seems to have been his design from the outset, giving the most reactionary elements in Israel time to establish more settlements and present their occupation as a fait accompli. Meanwhile, Americans are tiring of this dysfunctional "special relationship," which has cost us so much, and returned so little.
35
Why are we subsidizing the defense budget for another nation with a modern economy? Why are we always handling the foreign relations for Israel when it comes to Israel's conflicts with other Middle Eastern countries?
Israel is not a third world country suffering famine like Somalia that needs billions in foreign aid. It is time for Israel to resolve its own issues with the Palestinians. Maybe if Israel had to completely foot the bill for its military expenditures and wars, then it would try harder to work towards a peaceful solution.
The USA taxpayer has spent billions on Israel's military defense. Many former presidents (Republicans and Democrats) have tried to work out peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinians to no avail. It is time the USA taxpayers stopped paying for this military welfare. We have too many financial issues here at home to be paying to resolve the issues of other countries.
Israel is not a third world country suffering famine like Somalia that needs billions in foreign aid. It is time for Israel to resolve its own issues with the Palestinians. Maybe if Israel had to completely foot the bill for its military expenditures and wars, then it would try harder to work towards a peaceful solution.
The USA taxpayer has spent billions on Israel's military defense. Many former presidents (Republicans and Democrats) have tried to work out peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinians to no avail. It is time the USA taxpayers stopped paying for this military welfare. We have too many financial issues here at home to be paying to resolve the issues of other countries.
38
What everybody on this comment section seems to forget is that President Obama got this whole fight rolling years ago when he actively campaigned against Netanyahu in the Israeli election shortly after his election. That doesn't excuse Netanyahu for political stupidity in picking fights with an American President, but it goes a long way toward explaining his complete lack of trust in Obama. And please, America still benefits enormously from its relationship with Israel through its constant and low cost upgrades to its military hardware, cybersecurity, intelligence, and as an anchor for American/ Nato control of the Mediterranean. Finally, lets remember that Israel is a democracy, in a area in which none other exist, at war and surrounded by autocratic societies, which readily commit genocide against its own citizens and would be more than willing to do the same to the Jews. Unlike the United States, the existential threat against Israel is real.
18
Bibi is just holding out hope for President Trump.
And that really says all we need to know about both of these men.
And that really says all we need to know about both of these men.
20
This obsession with Israel is ridiculous. Let's remind ourselves what's happening in the Middle East and the world beyond:
1. Syria - Drowning in blood from the Muslim-on-Muslim war still raging. Russia back in the saddle there, and Putin's just getting started. Is it fair yet to refer to Syria as President Obama's Rwanda?
2. Iraq - Iranian proxy. At least the parts not under ISIS control
3. Libya - the new headquarters for ISIS. Who's fault is that?
4. Yemen - In the same ongoing Sunni-Shia civil war
5. Lebanon - Same, with Hezbollah owning the south (100,000+ rockets help)
6. Iran - Already subverting the deeply flawed nuclear deal. Lobbing more missiles than Steph Curry (with geneocidal messages, to boot). Still the world's #1 facilitator of terror, only now with a lot more cash. Tight with North Korea.
7. Saudia Arabia - undermined and heavily threatened (Iran), let down by its main Western ally (USA). Thoroughly destabilized, not an iota less oppressive than in years past.
8. Gulf states - running scared, there's a new shia-riff in town.
9. Egypt and Jordan - Barely holding on.
10. Gaza - Cement for tunnels. Tunnels for murder.
11. Turkey - Later, democracy.
12. Europe - beaten down and broke, stumbling under its Muslim refugee crisis, perennially anti-Semitic.
13. Russia - No war like a cold war
14. Ukraine - Everything is fine in the Russian homeland
15. China - Just getting ready. In the meanwhile, playing connect-the-island.
16. North Korea - Srsly?
1. Syria - Drowning in blood from the Muslim-on-Muslim war still raging. Russia back in the saddle there, and Putin's just getting started. Is it fair yet to refer to Syria as President Obama's Rwanda?
2. Iraq - Iranian proxy. At least the parts not under ISIS control
3. Libya - the new headquarters for ISIS. Who's fault is that?
4. Yemen - In the same ongoing Sunni-Shia civil war
5. Lebanon - Same, with Hezbollah owning the south (100,000+ rockets help)
6. Iran - Already subverting the deeply flawed nuclear deal. Lobbing more missiles than Steph Curry (with geneocidal messages, to boot). Still the world's #1 facilitator of terror, only now with a lot more cash. Tight with North Korea.
7. Saudia Arabia - undermined and heavily threatened (Iran), let down by its main Western ally (USA). Thoroughly destabilized, not an iota less oppressive than in years past.
8. Gulf states - running scared, there's a new shia-riff in town.
9. Egypt and Jordan - Barely holding on.
10. Gaza - Cement for tunnels. Tunnels for murder.
11. Turkey - Later, democracy.
12. Europe - beaten down and broke, stumbling under its Muslim refugee crisis, perennially anti-Semitic.
13. Russia - No war like a cold war
14. Ukraine - Everything is fine in the Russian homeland
15. China - Just getting ready. In the meanwhile, playing connect-the-island.
16. North Korea - Srsly?
29
Netanyahu has never wanted a two-state solution; I've been watching him since the Clinton administration. He wants the West Bank, lock, stock and barrel. To that end, he's okay with perpetual war.
50
Your article states that Mr. Abbas "has given up on peace." Possibly the sentence should have read, "Mr. Abbas has, like the U.S. given up on trying to negotiate peace with Netanyahu.'
42
The Security Council will do great harm to "suggest" the contours of a peace plan, as Oslo did that, and if Abbas rejects the entirety, Hamas is far more bloody in its objections. Another resolution from the S.C. will merely become another tool with which to punish Israel, not just a particular leader who is acknowledged as difficult, even by his own political party. Without anyone admitting that the Palestinians, at least their leaders, want no long term Israel, period. Is the editorial's objective to further weaken the Jewish state, or find a method where the differing political leaders can still talk to each other respectfully, even if they disagree? There are no suggestions on that. If you think you alone are dismayed by the canceled meeting, so are many within the current Israeli government. But jumping from that to more unhelpful UN meddling is off the mark. Plus, it again opens up the spigot of anti-Israel, openly hostile remarks. Abbas must be "kvelling."
As to drumming up boatloads of negative comments on Israel, forget Netanyahu, this is a great "success."
As to drumming up boatloads of negative comments on Israel, forget Netanyahu, this is a great "success."
11
The real worry here is that Netanyahu is clearly calculating that the next U.S. President will be another reliable toady as far as Israel is concerned. I think it is time for Democrats to start asking their candidates whether or not his calculation is correct.
49
The Times Editorial Board, which can be so correct as to Donal Trump, is almost always wrong when it comes to Israel.
The knife-wielding, car-ramming, ax hacking, Arabs trying to murder Jews, in the most recent reincarnation of organized Arab murders of Jews in the area of the Palestine Mandate from the 1920s, has nothing to do with a "peace process", "disillusionment" with checkpoints, or "lack of opportunities caused by Israeli intransigence." It has everything to do with a resurgent Islamic fascism today, the Sunni-Shia divide, and the decline of authoritarian Arab dictatorships in the face of a bellicose hegemonic Iran.
The fact is, the Jews make computer chips, and the Arabs are still making potato chips. It does not have to be that way. Even in Gaza, ruled by an implacable Islamic fascist regime determined to glorify death instead of life, the residents could be building schools instead of tunnels and bombs.
Alas, the Times' chastisement of Netanyahu does not motivate the Gazan Arabs to build the next Silicon valley.
And as for President Obama, his nuclear deal with Iran has earned him the opprobrium of Israelis, and their leaders. Let's see how quickly the President "snaps back" sanctions for those illegal ballistic missile launchings with "wipe Israel off the map" written in Hebrew on Farsi missiles.
We're just holding out till after the net US election.
The knife-wielding, car-ramming, ax hacking, Arabs trying to murder Jews, in the most recent reincarnation of organized Arab murders of Jews in the area of the Palestine Mandate from the 1920s, has nothing to do with a "peace process", "disillusionment" with checkpoints, or "lack of opportunities caused by Israeli intransigence." It has everything to do with a resurgent Islamic fascism today, the Sunni-Shia divide, and the decline of authoritarian Arab dictatorships in the face of a bellicose hegemonic Iran.
The fact is, the Jews make computer chips, and the Arabs are still making potato chips. It does not have to be that way. Even in Gaza, ruled by an implacable Islamic fascist regime determined to glorify death instead of life, the residents could be building schools instead of tunnels and bombs.
Alas, the Times' chastisement of Netanyahu does not motivate the Gazan Arabs to build the next Silicon valley.
And as for President Obama, his nuclear deal with Iran has earned him the opprobrium of Israelis, and their leaders. Let's see how quickly the President "snaps back" sanctions for those illegal ballistic missile launchings with "wipe Israel off the map" written in Hebrew on Farsi missiles.
We're just holding out till after the net US election.
23
Israel is in good shape economically ,it's welfare state would make Bernie Sanders proud.
They have universal health care and subsidize abortions something that should appal many Conservatives who oppose vehemently funding for Planned Parenthood in the USA even though not a dime of taxpayer money is spent on abortions.
So if Israel wants updated military equipment let them buy it
We should instead invest our limited resources in the USA.
I am not angry with Israel it is a magnificent country, nor Netanyahu even though I think he goes out of his way to insult our President.
No I am angry with our hypocritical Conservatives who are prepared to give Israelis economic assistance they deny their own American constituents and they give Netanyahu a stage to insult our President and the majority of Americans who elected him twice.
They have universal health care and subsidize abortions something that should appal many Conservatives who oppose vehemently funding for Planned Parenthood in the USA even though not a dime of taxpayer money is spent on abortions.
So if Israel wants updated military equipment let them buy it
We should instead invest our limited resources in the USA.
I am not angry with Israel it is a magnificent country, nor Netanyahu even though I think he goes out of his way to insult our President.
No I am angry with our hypocritical Conservatives who are prepared to give Israelis economic assistance they deny their own American constituents and they give Netanyahu a stage to insult our President and the majority of Americans who elected him twice.
62
As long as the "Greater Israel" movement is running Israel, and as long as Palestinians who insist on "pushing the Jews into the sea" can play a seriously disruptive role, there is no possibility of peace or a two-state solution. Neither side will negotiate until it sees greater benefit in reaching a compromise, and both sides currently seem far from giving up on their ultimate goals.
That said, the Palestinians have more to lose by being intransigent, but they are also feeling cornered and increasingly desperate (the editorial could have more accurately described recent random Palestinian attacks on Israelis as "vicious and suicidal"), so expect them to become a lot more dangerous before their resistance to being cantonized under Israeli rule or driven into exile collapses altogether--the ultimate goal of the Netanyahu-led Greater Israel movement.
At present, Israel sees no need to compromise. The most important question is, then: "Where will the impetus for the Israelis to compromise come from and what form will it take?" Netanyahu is a fool for refusing both to face the question and to accept the most palatable options he has been offered. The pressure will only increase and become more unpleasant, and the range of options will narrow.
Israel may "win" in the end, but if it keeps going down its current path and employing its current means, final victory over the Palestinians will likely cost more than it was worth.
That said, the Palestinians have more to lose by being intransigent, but they are also feeling cornered and increasingly desperate (the editorial could have more accurately described recent random Palestinian attacks on Israelis as "vicious and suicidal"), so expect them to become a lot more dangerous before their resistance to being cantonized under Israeli rule or driven into exile collapses altogether--the ultimate goal of the Netanyahu-led Greater Israel movement.
At present, Israel sees no need to compromise. The most important question is, then: "Where will the impetus for the Israelis to compromise come from and what form will it take?" Netanyahu is a fool for refusing both to face the question and to accept the most palatable options he has been offered. The pressure will only increase and become more unpleasant, and the range of options will narrow.
Israel may "win" in the end, but if it keeps going down its current path and employing its current means, final victory over the Palestinians will likely cost more than it was worth.
12
Netanyahu obviously takes his cues from other examples of Obama caving to foreign lieaders, for example, the Ayatollah Khameini of Iran and Syria's Presdeint Assad. Pres Obama and John Kerry negotiated tirelessly with the Iranians for a nuclear deal which lifted sanctions and freed up billions for their regime, only to still have Iranian hard-liners chant "Death to America" and the revolutionary uards continue to test missiles which can carry nuclear warheads. Assad was throughly warned by Obama not to cross the red line of chrmical weapons, but he did anyway. And, not surprising, Obama now finds himself in league with Russia, Hezbollah, and Iran propping him and his government. No world leader in his or her right mind has any respect for Obama or America -- no one should be surprised that Netanyahu doesnt trust him either
10
True, the disrespect Netanyahu continues to show our President is not in Israel's interest. But then, it was not in Israel's interest when Bibi previously disrespected our President by, inter-alia,:
- coming to the White House and, with the cameras rolling, contradicting Obama's proposed peace plan borders;
- going around American TV programs praising candidate Mitt Romney;
- having Joe Biden's trip to Israel begin with news of more settlements;
- snubbing Obama and coming straight to Congress to speak against Obama's nuclear accord with Iran.
And while none of these moves - insulting President Obama personally, taking more land, keeping Iran an outlier - is in Israel's best interest, they serve Bibi. He is not a man of peace. In his campaign last year, he spelled out that Arabs are lesser citizens than Jews; that building settlements is a political strategy; and that a two-state solution will never develop under his watch (later unconvincing retractions notwithstanding). It has also now been 20 years of him warning that Iran is "months" away from the bomb.
And he is also getting free mouthpieces in Republicans like Cruz and Rubio, who make an echo-chamber of his agenda. They all find it more politically important to make President Obama a foil than to progress peacefully.
- coming to the White House and, with the cameras rolling, contradicting Obama's proposed peace plan borders;
- going around American TV programs praising candidate Mitt Romney;
- having Joe Biden's trip to Israel begin with news of more settlements;
- snubbing Obama and coming straight to Congress to speak against Obama's nuclear accord with Iran.
And while none of these moves - insulting President Obama personally, taking more land, keeping Iran an outlier - is in Israel's best interest, they serve Bibi. He is not a man of peace. In his campaign last year, he spelled out that Arabs are lesser citizens than Jews; that building settlements is a political strategy; and that a two-state solution will never develop under his watch (later unconvincing retractions notwithstanding). It has also now been 20 years of him warning that Iran is "months" away from the bomb.
And he is also getting free mouthpieces in Republicans like Cruz and Rubio, who make an echo-chamber of his agenda. They all find it more politically important to make President Obama a foil than to progress peacefully.
34
He is despicable, and the Republicans have aided and abetted his disrespect for the president. Absolutely contemptible for an Israeli leader, regardless of political priorities or disagreements, to behave that way. That country wouldn't even exist without us.
33
How can anybody justify a 4 billion dollars a year in foreign aid to a country when we are broke to the tune of 20 trillion dollars. It is time we stop financial and military aids to everybody period. Netanahu has more than 120 billionaire friends in the US alone. If each one of these guys makes a gift of about 50 thousand dollars yearly to Israel then they can come up with six billion dollars in aid and that is more than the four billion dollars Israel gets from us. . It is time that everybody in the World knows that the Ameican Tax Payor is broke and the old good days of spending money like a drunken sailor are over.
22
Wow, thanks NYT. Our country is being torn apart by the most tumultuous presidential candidates since 1860, and you give us an editorial on the unsolvable and unchanging Israel-Palestiine issue. All this does is stir up the left and the anti-Israel rabble-rousers. If anything deserves ink and pixels right now, it's the threats and discourse coming from the GOP, and not what's not changing on the same piece of land in the Middle East.
10
What imaginary lost opportunities indeed. Opportunities to make more unreciprocated concessions to the Palestinians who will not even meet for face to face negotiations with Israel? When will the NY Times come back to the real world in the Middle East?
w
15
So, a "strange squabble" overshadow U.S. aid to Israel, an anchor of their alliance.
1) It is not a "squabble." This is purely Netanyahu's arrogance, and those Republicans who encourage it should beware that Israel can turn against them just as easily if their don't do its bidding, with its hardline U.S. supporters contributing to the demise of GOP lawmakers who support land for peace.
2) If U.S.aid to Israel is the "anchor of their alliance," then there is no alliance, there is only patronage. an alliance implies mutuality. It's time the media stopped referring to the U.S.-Israel "alliance," and call it what it is.
1) It is not a "squabble." This is purely Netanyahu's arrogance, and those Republicans who encourage it should beware that Israel can turn against them just as easily if their don't do its bidding, with its hardline U.S. supporters contributing to the demise of GOP lawmakers who support land for peace.
2) If U.S.aid to Israel is the "anchor of their alliance," then there is no alliance, there is only patronage. an alliance implies mutuality. It's time the media stopped referring to the U.S.-Israel "alliance," and call it what it is.
10
It's time to start cutting back on our handout to Israel, no ifs, ands or buts. There are far better places to spend thsee resources.
14
Restraint of an overly aggressive Israel is the hidden benefit we derive from our three billion dollar contribution. Though taking the money away might be even more effective.
Netanyahu's playing to the far right not only does not serve his countries interest, he is painting it into a corner. This has been plain to see for several years now. It is possible Israel will never be able to shed its us against the world complex. How far Netanyahu thinks he can get with the doesn't play well with others appellation is quite concerning as is his feeling free to meddle in our politics. It appears Netanyahu somehow thinks his infant terrible act is the best tact forward but it clearly is not as Israel steadily looses friends around the world.
Netanyahu's playing to the far right not only does not serve his countries interest, he is painting it into a corner. This has been plain to see for several years now. It is possible Israel will never be able to shed its us against the world complex. How far Netanyahu thinks he can get with the doesn't play well with others appellation is quite concerning as is his feeling free to meddle in our politics. It appears Netanyahu somehow thinks his infant terrible act is the best tact forward but it clearly is not as Israel steadily looses friends around the world.
8
No aid for Israel until the West Bank settlements have been abandoned. No aid for Palestine until terrorism stops, and there is one united government to negotiate with, towards a two state solution.
4
The two-state solution has been dead for a long time. Israel will never agree to have a full-fledged nation state in Palestine, because that would entail allowing Palestine to have its own security forces and the ability to protect itself from Israel. So Israel continues to encroach on the Palestinian territories, until eventually, its sovereignty over the West Bank is complete.
The reason no one explicitly wants to acknowledge this is because then the notion that Israel is a democratic state falls.
The reason no one explicitly wants to acknowledge this is because then the notion that Israel is a democratic state falls.
9
It is way past time to show tough love to Israel, and cut the allowance to zero. We have our own failed states, like Michigan, that could use some federal support and adult supervision. The oppressed have become the oppressors in Israel. It is wrong for the United States to be associated with the Netanyahu government's seizing of Palestinian lands, filling them with right-wing and racist settlers. It is past time for the US to cut its 3 Billion dollar a year subsidy for the bully that Israel has become.
20
He likes American money, though, doesn't he? Netanyahu and the Republicans are two of a kind: unable to accept a black man as president of the U.S.
16
The editorial notes the following:
1) The two governments (Israel and U. S.) are negotiating a new 10-year defense agreement, an anchor of their alliance. The existing agreement, which expires in 2018, provides $3.1 billion a year to Israel, making it the top recipient of American aid. [Netanyahu] has reportedly asked for a big increase in American aid to more than $4 billion per year, which seems unreasonable.
2) The even larger issue involves the slow but inexorable death of the two-state solution for peace with the Palestinians. Mr. Netanyahu has never shown a serious willingness on that front, as is made clear by his expansion of Israeli settlements.
I am for reducing the foreign aid to the Israel’s Netanyahu administration to $1 per year and demanding that serious negotiations on a two-state solution to the Palestinian impasse begin. As a gesture to show good faith, I would recommend that Israel remove all of the internationally-recognized illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
1) The two governments (Israel and U. S.) are negotiating a new 10-year defense agreement, an anchor of their alliance. The existing agreement, which expires in 2018, provides $3.1 billion a year to Israel, making it the top recipient of American aid. [Netanyahu] has reportedly asked for a big increase in American aid to more than $4 billion per year, which seems unreasonable.
2) The even larger issue involves the slow but inexorable death of the two-state solution for peace with the Palestinians. Mr. Netanyahu has never shown a serious willingness on that front, as is made clear by his expansion of Israeli settlements.
I am for reducing the foreign aid to the Israel’s Netanyahu administration to $1 per year and demanding that serious negotiations on a two-state solution to the Palestinian impasse begin. As a gesture to show good faith, I would recommend that Israel remove all of the internationally-recognized illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
29
That Netanyahu and Obama don't get along is an understatement. Netanyahu may be a crank, but he's not a crackpot. He plays his hand in a way that makes sense to him but that we may fail to grasp. I personally think the notion that Netanyahu is waiting for the next president to strike a better deal is to state the easy and obvious - and probably inaccurate - answer on the part of both Netanyahu and tonights news pundits.
I also don't believe, and I don't think Netanyahu believes either, there will be any peace agreement in his lifetime. I feel that Netanyahu feels the only way any lasting peace agreement is possible is when the entire region embraces the legitimacy of Israel's existence. This would take at least one, and likely two, generational changes - and Netanyahu is cognizant of this.
So while Netanyahu makes overtures to peace, he's really just buying time until some future generation of Isreal's current enemy's conclude that full recognition of Israel is the more practical path. In the meantime, peace overtures will be made and will always and inevitably end with reports that "mediated negotiations fell apart..."
I also don't believe, and I don't think Netanyahu believes either, there will be any peace agreement in his lifetime. I feel that Netanyahu feels the only way any lasting peace agreement is possible is when the entire region embraces the legitimacy of Israel's existence. This would take at least one, and likely two, generational changes - and Netanyahu is cognizant of this.
So while Netanyahu makes overtures to peace, he's really just buying time until some future generation of Isreal's current enemy's conclude that full recognition of Israel is the more practical path. In the meantime, peace overtures will be made and will always and inevitably end with reports that "mediated negotiations fell apart..."
13
A friend of mine used to work for the NSA, and did work literally throughout the world. In his experience, the worst country to visit -- the one he could not wait to get out of -- was Israel, the recipient of significant American beneficence. He and his team were treated so badly by the Israelis -- no friendship or gratitude, not even common civility -- that they preferred to go to the Arab sections to eat.
27
Israel has plenty of money, and we shouldn't be giving them a dime. They can purchase military equipment from us.
$3-4 billion in aid is nuts - we have serious domestic needs that $4B a year could help support.
Plus Netanyahu is a jerk!
$3-4 billion in aid is nuts - we have serious domestic needs that $4B a year could help support.
Plus Netanyahu is a jerk!
43
Mr. Netanyahu is the biggest fear monger and the biggest liar among the leaders of the democracies of the world. He will annex Palestinian lands until they are no more. He will continue to try to goad the US into removing Israel's enemies from the world, regardless of the American lives lost or fortunes spent.
I detest him and all who support him.
I detest him and all who support him.
42
I'm no fan of Netanyahu, but come on, he's a politician like everybody in this game (including Obama). Netanyahu can read the papers and sees what's happening in this election cycle. He and Obama don't get along and probably never were going to, but wait a few months and, miracle of miracles, you might just get President Trump - another megalomaniac leader whom you might just be able to "negotiate" with! Leadership with integrity is in very short supply all around the world, particularly in Israel and now, it appears, in this country as well. (Bernie is a once in a lifetime candidate with integrity in a world bereft of such leadership - Go Bernie!)
1
Netanyahu has put himself before the good of his country and its region. Shame on him!
The New York Times is to be commended, yet again, for its wonderful editorial staff and it's always timely and cogent editorials!
The New York Times is to be commended, yet again, for its wonderful editorial staff and it's always timely and cogent editorials!
5
During Netanyahu's first visit to the Obama White House, the president left Mr. Netanyahu alone for two hours while he went upstairs to dine with his family. In addition, Netanyahu was shown into the building through a service entrance. The disrespect has been in the opposite direction for quite a long time. What has Obama incensed is that unlike Israel's more liberal leaders, who offered Arafat pretty much everything, Netanyahu has his peoples' interests as his priority, and not the appeasement of Washington and a world that doesn't seem to care that Israelis are being attacked daily.
9
Very funny conclusion, there won't be peace in Palestine. Which part of the Israeli population is growing up ? The believers, this part of believers who read a old book which explain that a god killed the native to give them a land. So Israel will become a theocratic republic, like Iran, but more slowly. I do not judge, Palestinians are the poor guys in the bad place in the bad moment.
4
No matter how I do the calculation, and I do it over and over, looking for a better result: if the Palestinians accept the Israeli terms for peace there would be peace. If the Israelis accept the Palestinians terms there would be mass murder.
13
Let him snub the President perhaps we can wash our hand of him permanently. And we can all start saving money and taking care of Americans instead of Israeli citizens.
9
Being on the side of Republicans... in a country whose demographics mean a Democrat in the White House for years to come: makes little strategic sense. Unless the Republican Congress if asking him to choose a side and can ultimately vote an increase in subsidies in the next budget. The President wouldn't veto a bill just because of a rise in aid to Israel. Netanyahu knows his game theory pretty well in fact.
Who has made it foreign policy orthodoxy to pledge fealty to Israel? I have watched all presidential candidates, both Republican and Democrat, do so. You would think that we were their client state rather than the other way around. Israel's interests are not necessarily the same as America's interest, and it is time that our leadership started acknowledging this.
10
ANY person elected president should understand that he weakens the power of the presidency if he allows Netanyahu to get a better deal after disrespecting our President. Netanyahu needs to brought to his knees regarding this behavior no matter how much our future president wants to appear to be a "friend of Israel." I would in fact support a moratorium on future aid negotiations until Netanyahu is no longer in power, showing that hesitancy is about this man, and not support of his nation.
14
Perhaps, if President Obama hadn't injected himself into the Israeli domestic political scene by proxy, the Israelis might have a little more respect for him?
It seems that Obama may try to play the Ugly American in the United Kingdom shortly by attempting to lobby English voters to remain in the EU.
Given that Obama's foreign policy is, by the most favorable of measures, somewhat of a failure, it might be to the advantage of our nation for him to stay home and to shut up about matters that are not within his brief.
But no. Our lord and Messiah, Barack the Magnificent can never allow his ego to be subservient to wise politics...after all, he is ALWAYS the smartest person in the room.
It will take our nation decades to repair the damage that he has done by his follies.
It seems that Obama may try to play the Ugly American in the United Kingdom shortly by attempting to lobby English voters to remain in the EU.
Given that Obama's foreign policy is, by the most favorable of measures, somewhat of a failure, it might be to the advantage of our nation for him to stay home and to shut up about matters that are not within his brief.
But no. Our lord and Messiah, Barack the Magnificent can never allow his ego to be subservient to wise politics...after all, he is ALWAYS the smartest person in the room.
It will take our nation decades to repair the damage that he has done by his follies.
8
To suggest that Netanyahu had a "lost opportunity" is just absurd and not intellectually honest. The Palestinians time and time again have proved they are not a partner for peace. In fact, they are only interested in war and terror as demonstrated by their constant rockets, suicide bombers, and tunnels financed by money that should have gone to building schools, hospitals, etc. Just look at Israel's giving up Gaza for peace as a real life example. What did Israel get in return?....more rockets and suicide bombers. And by the way, when Israel gets $4 Billion dollars from the US, the money is put to good use in the form of security, intelligence, etc. that also benefits the US. Compare that to the billions that have gone to the Palestinians over the years. Where has that money gone? Well, everyone knows that Arafat died with Billions of dollars in his bank account now enjoyed by his surviving wife in Europe. The Palestinians are corrupt and use the money for terror and/or lining the pockets of murderers like Arafat. But back to Obama and Kerry. Both Obama and Kerry are not friends of Israel and have distorted ideologies that give the Palestinians (and the entire Arab world) way too much credit towards a desire for peace. Obama thinks his personality and his apologetic stance towards the Arab World are enough to promote peace as his failed speech in Cairo demonstrated. Netanyahu is the smarter man and understands the reality that Israel must deal with to survive.
13
How did the US become Israel's ATM? How did we become the current Israeli government's poor dog to kick? How does Netanyahu get away with his almost Trumpian arrogance toward our President?
Why is the US supposed to broker a peace deal where no such deal is possible because the two parties don't want peace now or ever? And how long will we continue with the insanity before we realize that we could stop?
Oh, yeah, it's the only democratic state in the middle east. Excuse me, it's a religious state with an appalling system of apartheid and intractable leaders who fail to see that extending 'settlements' and bombing Gaza to bits every once in a while doesn't endear them a lot with the rest of the world.
Oh, yeah, there's the American Jewish lobby that will destroy a politician's career for a negative vote on support for Israel. Silly me; I forgot what contortions our politicians will go through to stay in office. Despite facts, reality, changed circumstances, public opinion, world opinion and the rightness or wrongness of our actions.
Yes, Israel and the US have many of the same values and goals. That's very good indeed, but what does that have to do with our financial support?
Yes, we like Israel better than the Arab countries and Judaism better than Islam. Again, why does that mean forking over piles of money?
Can Israel sustain itself without our financial support? If not, then what in the world are we doing perpetuating a myth to such great detriment?
Why is the US supposed to broker a peace deal where no such deal is possible because the two parties don't want peace now or ever? And how long will we continue with the insanity before we realize that we could stop?
Oh, yeah, it's the only democratic state in the middle east. Excuse me, it's a religious state with an appalling system of apartheid and intractable leaders who fail to see that extending 'settlements' and bombing Gaza to bits every once in a while doesn't endear them a lot with the rest of the world.
Oh, yeah, there's the American Jewish lobby that will destroy a politician's career for a negative vote on support for Israel. Silly me; I forgot what contortions our politicians will go through to stay in office. Despite facts, reality, changed circumstances, public opinion, world opinion and the rightness or wrongness of our actions.
Yes, Israel and the US have many of the same values and goals. That's very good indeed, but what does that have to do with our financial support?
Yes, we like Israel better than the Arab countries and Judaism better than Islam. Again, why does that mean forking over piles of money?
Can Israel sustain itself without our financial support? If not, then what in the world are we doing perpetuating a myth to such great detriment?
14
Ben doesn't care about the President. Ben only cares about his Republican allies in Congress, whom he mistakes for leaders. Got news for ya, Ben: conduct of foreign policy is vested under our system of government primarily with the President. Slight him, and you slight all Americans.
Ben, you sure talk big for being the head of a country which apparently can't afford its own defense bills. Maybe while you're here, you can meet with Trump. You appear to be cut from the same cloth.
Ben, you sure talk big for being the head of a country which apparently can't afford its own defense bills. Maybe while you're here, you can meet with Trump. You appear to be cut from the same cloth.
5
I am honestly not sure why we care. Time to cut and run from Israel. Let them figure this all out on their own, without my tax dollars.
13
The Israeli government needs to fully comprehend just how fickle the current POTUS and the US government really is (and how it is likely to continue to be under any new administration). When that happens, it (meaning Israel) will be able to better fend for itself and handle the situations with its intractable Muslim/Arab neighbors (which includes response with force when faced with enemies hellbent on the destruction of Israel) without the ridiculous need to constantly explain its need for self preservation and the safety of its citizens.
5
Why does Netanyahu need a paltry three or four billion in U.S. aid anyway? Israel is a prosperous country with more brilliant minds per square inch than any other place on Earth. If he needs the money, all he has to do is cut and eventually eliminate Israel's welfare payments to the Ultra-Orthodox as well as insist that they serve in the IDF. This might help curb their reproductive proclivities, which in turn will ease overpopulation and hopefully reduce the need of further incursions into hostile enemy territory.
Netanyahu's actions have proven that he is done with our country, as he has clearly shown in his utter contempt for President Obama. Good luck and G-d bless!
Netanyahu's actions have proven that he is done with our country, as he has clearly shown in his utter contempt for President Obama. Good luck and G-d bless!
6
It might be a good idea to follow the money–where does that US aid end up? Surely much or most of it goes to the US military-industrial complex.
5
Netanyahu's behavior toward our president has been disgraceful. He and his right-wing government have done more damage than good. He preys on fear all the while attacking democracy. Sounds familiar? Vote Bernie!
7
Netanyahu's arrogance inspires antisemitism. While a certain level of antisemitism exists (yes, even in the U.S.!), he's directly responsible for its increase. He's an embarrassment to me as a Jew.
14
What does the United States get in return for the 3+ billion in aid we have been giving to Israel, besides its leader interfering in our political process?
11
Did the Times think it was unreasonable for the President to agree to a new defense pack with Israel to get Democratic votes for the Iranian deal?
The Administration essentially agreed to a deal before they negotiated it with Israel to get Senator Schumer and other Democrats to go along with the Iran deal. We gave away the store before we actually got a deal with Israel.
Here's a question if the Iran deal increase security in the region why did we need to strengthen the security relationship with Israel? A deal that reduced tension in the region should equate to less military aid in the region not more.
As a taxpayer I would like the President agree to the original 10 year defense agreement tied to settlements being frozen and a plan by Israel to pull back settlements in a verifiable way over the 10 year period.
It's time for the US to negotiate a deal with Israel that ensures a viable 2 state solution can be achieved when both parties are actually ready to negotiate a deal in good faith. We have leverage and we need to use it or get out of the region.
The Administration essentially agreed to a deal before they negotiated it with Israel to get Senator Schumer and other Democrats to go along with the Iran deal. We gave away the store before we actually got a deal with Israel.
Here's a question if the Iran deal increase security in the region why did we need to strengthen the security relationship with Israel? A deal that reduced tension in the region should equate to less military aid in the region not more.
As a taxpayer I would like the President agree to the original 10 year defense agreement tied to settlements being frozen and a plan by Israel to pull back settlements in a verifiable way over the 10 year period.
It's time for the US to negotiate a deal with Israel that ensures a viable 2 state solution can be achieved when both parties are actually ready to negotiate a deal in good faith. We have leverage and we need to use it or get out of the region.
3
Face it. The president has frayed relationships with most world leaders. He dislikes them, and now the feeling is mutual (except for his new BFF in Canada). It's not unlike his feelings upon becoming president. He came with disdain for Congress, and soon enough the feeling was mutual.
A promise from Obama is just not worth that much on the global market these days. It is especially worthless to Israel after he provides billions to a sworn enemy. It doesn't take a diplomat to understand President Obama's problems with Israel.
No one would consider the president a friend of Israel. The Editorial Board should stop trying to paint him as one.
A promise from Obama is just not worth that much on the global market these days. It is especially worthless to Israel after he provides billions to a sworn enemy. It doesn't take a diplomat to understand President Obama's problems with Israel.
No one would consider the president a friend of Israel. The Editorial Board should stop trying to paint him as one.
11
Of course Obama wants a foreign policy victory and actually sees it easier to pressure Israel than anyone else in the world. Because "he has their back?"
In the meantime, the Russians, the Turks, the Chinese, the Syrians, all continue to play RISK while we sit the game out. Or as some see it align ourselves with Iranian interests, ignore Palestinian terrorism and expect the lone Jewish State to behave in ways no other nation would.
In the meantime, the Russians, the Turks, the Chinese, the Syrians, all continue to play RISK while we sit the game out. Or as some see it align ourselves with Iranian interests, ignore Palestinian terrorism and expect the lone Jewish State to behave in ways no other nation would.
7
Netanyahu behaves like a greedy landlord and we in the U.S. are tardy tenants owing him back-rent. Israel is not the 51st state of the Union, and we owe it nothing. It is long past time for Israel to stand on its own feet and stop being a financial parasite feeding off the national treasury of Americans.
Israelis and Palestinians will make peace - or not - when they are in the mood to do so, and the U.S. is not needed to negotiate that process. And they should learn to live without my tax dollars.
Israelis and Palestinians will make peace - or not - when they are in the mood to do so, and the U.S. is not needed to negotiate that process. And they should learn to live without my tax dollars.
10
The timeline is now pretty clear. The end point is a GOP dominated congress hell-bent on wresting any kind of control Obama exerts over the Iranian nuclear issue and confronting Iran with ultimatums inevitably leading to yet another war ... all at the behest of the vast industrial military complex Eisenhower warned the nation against over sixty years ago. The starting point is the duplicitous Israel attack on Obama and his 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. Connect the dots.
7
The best way for Obama to help Israel would be to unilaterally recognize Palestine as a free and independent state. He should do this before he leaves office, and then he might finally deserve the Nobel Peace Prize he was awarded prematurely. Recognizing Palestine would at least give the new state a better negotiating position with the Israeli state and put an end to the expansion of settlements. Then the two states can determine what to do about the existing settlements. The excuse for not recognizing Palestine has always been that the Palestinians have not recognized Israel, but neither has Israel recognized Palestine. Why the double standard? Time to put an end to it.
4
As an American Jew it pains me to say that I believe Netanyahu is one of the worst democratically-elected leaders in the world. His actions are against the interests of the U.S. and in the long run against the interests of Israel (as well as the Palestinians of course). However, the majority of Israelis clearly do not agree with me and continue to support Netanyahu. That's what's scary. President Obama once said something to the effect that sometimes the Israelis don't what is good for them, and he was right. I fear what is happening to Israel under Netanyahu's "leadership" and I fear the same for the U.S. if we elect a right wing demagogue like Trump or Cruz.
12
A sizable percentage of my annual income goes to the IRS, yet I have no control over how that money is spent. Ostensibly, that control is in the hands of elected officials, but that's not true. So what to do?
Perhaps a collection of check boxes could be added to the IRS forms to allow citizens to decide where their money would be spent.
Infrastructure? Check.
Health Care? Check.
Israel? No thank you.
Perhaps a collection of check boxes could be added to the IRS forms to allow citizens to decide where their money would be spent.
Infrastructure? Check.
Health Care? Check.
Israel? No thank you.
10
It seems the good Prime Minister does not approve of the President that 51.1%American voters elected. Maybe Mr. Netanyahu's interests are not aligned with the majority of Americans?
5
Let's see now. We negotiate with Iran to halt their nuclear capability and make Israel safer. In response we are also supposed to give this very wealthy country increased aid totaling $4 billion while our own infrastructure is crumbling. What's wrong with this picture? Why is Netanyahu permitted to play us as patsies? When is enough enough?
Let's send the $4 billion instead to West Virginia to retrain coal workers!
Let's send the $4 billion instead to West Virginia to retrain coal workers!
8
For Israel to commit national suicide, as the pschotic leftist Libs would have them do, there's plenty of time. But for these leftist psychos time is running short.
5
It simply comes down to campaign finance. Mr. Obama is willing to stand up to Mr. Netanyahu because Mr. Obama did not accept huge checks from the Israel lobby. If you like that about Mr. Obama, then vote for (and fund) a candidate who can say the same thing.
7
It is ironic that two presidents in a row have made Iran stronger. Bush by removing Saddam and Obama with his nuclear deal.
There is nothing wrong with these two actions, and the second was wise.
The only thing is that they were done, quite unnecessarily, in an atmosphere of hostility by the US. When you give something, you ask for something, and you give what you give with a smile.
If you give but do not ask, and you give with a scowl, which is what the US has done, you get nothing back.
The US should have made Iran making peace with Israel a condition of the nuclear deal. Iran and Israel are the two oldest nations in the region and they should be friends or at least tolerate each other. The US could have ensured a normalization of relations a condition of the nuclear deal.
But the US has never understood the way of peace and friendship. We have the largest "defense" budget in the world, and have earned little security for it, nor have we made the world a better place.
There is nothing wrong with these two actions, and the second was wise.
The only thing is that they were done, quite unnecessarily, in an atmosphere of hostility by the US. When you give something, you ask for something, and you give what you give with a smile.
If you give but do not ask, and you give with a scowl, which is what the US has done, you get nothing back.
The US should have made Iran making peace with Israel a condition of the nuclear deal. Iran and Israel are the two oldest nations in the region and they should be friends or at least tolerate each other. The US could have ensured a normalization of relations a condition of the nuclear deal.
But the US has never understood the way of peace and friendship. We have the largest "defense" budget in the world, and have earned little security for it, nor have we made the world a better place.
4
Tsk-tsk Netanyahu....that's about the strength of the Times' critisism.
Why not come out straight and accept the fact, that the tail wags the dog?
Democrat, or Republican administration - it is always the same.
When the same Netanyahu was in power under a different (also Democrat) President who tried to apply some 'pressure' (to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians), the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke and the entire peace plan went up in smoke. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Why not come out straight and accept the fact, that the tail wags the dog?
Democrat, or Republican administration - it is always the same.
When the same Netanyahu was in power under a different (also Democrat) President who tried to apply some 'pressure' (to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians), the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke and the entire peace plan went up in smoke. Coincidence? I don't think so.
3
In "negotiating" with the hard-nosed Netanyahu, who better than another hard-nosed New Yorker. It's simply math really. Business is business. Bibi has never been seriously willing to negotiate because his willingness to make any concessions would look bad for Israels "brand". Obama always means well, I'm sure, but it seems that often his idealism is always running head-long into reality, which stops it short in its tracks. Bibi is not an idealist, he is what he is.
While I often disagree with the current Israeli Prime Minister, I bristle at all the comments that automatically brand him a racist in response to his less-than-ideal relationship with President Obama. We are not privy to everything taking place between the two leaders nor should we expect to be. As for blaming Israel for the breakdown in peace talks with the Palestinians, all of Israel's previous accommodations have been rejected by the Palestinians who have not counter-offered with anything except for their desire for the destruction of Israel. In the meanwhile, Israeli scientists and technicians continue developing new medications, technical and agricultural products, among others, which they share with the world for the betterment of all people and for which they get no credit.
8
The only fair solution is a unitary state with equal rights for both Palestinians and Israelis instead of the apartheid-like conditions under which Palestinians now live.
5
Congratulations Mr. Netanyahu, you have personally destroyed bipartisan support for Israel. Your vicious, unprecedented and despicable disrespect of the American President have converted Israel into a right-wing cause and one would a cause of the far hard right. With so few friends in the world, congratulations again on your brilliant strategy to offend 125,000,000 of them ...
All aid should be held in escrow until a peace agreement is achieved and then distributed equally to both sides.
All aid should be held in escrow until a peace agreement is achieved and then distributed equally to both sides.
11
Using the term "death of the two-state solution" is a dishonest attempt to suggest Israel will cease being a democracy with a Jewish majority. This can only encourage terrorist organizations who are most responsible for continual war and threaten Americans here and abroad, by using the term "death" in all it's finality it also helps defeat progressive forces in Israel who oppose Netanyahu. Using this type of rhetoric dishonors those who die on both sides, and reinforces the belief extremism will win. The death of the two state solution is exactly what the Israel's enemies want, no more Israel. Israel already exists with Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and will accept a five state solution when the Palestinians are ready to accept Israel.
3
Using the term "death of the two-state solution" is a dishonest attempt to suggest Israel will cease being a democracy with a Jewish majority. This can only encourage terrorist organizations who are most responsible for continual war and threaten Americans here and abroad, by using the term "death" in all it's finality it also helps defeat progressive forces in Israel who oppose Netanyahu. Using this type of rhetoric dishonors those who die on both sides, and reinforces the belief extremism will win. The death of the two state solution is exactly what Israel's enemies want, no more Israel. Israel already exists with Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and will accept a five state solution when the Palestinians are ready to accept Israel.
4
Obama has deserted all our Allies, but none more then Israel. He has done a deal with Iran that puts Israel in the direct line for an Iran attack. Look at the missile launch just last week. Does Obama say anything about Iran's behavior?
Obama deserves no respect and this is just what he gets back.
At least Israel has a real leader, perhaps the US will get one in the next election.
Obama deserves no respect and this is just what he gets back.
At least Israel has a real leader, perhaps the US will get one in the next election.
5
Bibi wants $ 4 billion a year in US aid? We'll give it to him once he signs a two state solution treaty with the Palestinians. Until he does, not once cent more in aid.
We need to start to speak Bibi's language, and i don't mean Hebrew.
We need to start to speak Bibi's language, and i don't mean Hebrew.
4
Netanyahu hasn't lost any opportunities with his behavior. He and the rest of his Likud party has no interest in peace. In fact if you look at some in his administration, there are those who see increased conflicts as a road to bring about the rapture. They are as fanatical has the extremists who want the Jewish state wiped out.
Also the idea that Netanyahu is risking any aid dollars is hardly true. Netanyahu and his generals knows all too well the the F-35 fighter program is trillion dollar dud. The US military and Congress is trying to recoup the trillions wasted by pawning the fighters off on the Israelis and the Japanese. Netanyahu also knows that the US is dependent on Israeli technology for missile guidance systems, cyber security, and the tech industry in general so that bit of the bargain is a lock for him.
It is all win win for Netanyahu, he can disrespect the President all he wants because he knows he'll have the blind drooling support of the Republican Congress. He also knows that any potential Republican President including Trump would rubber stamp any request put forward by Israel; additionally he knows if a Democratic President was to win, he could treat them with the same disrespect as Obama and still get everything he wants. He knows he can circumvent the President by leveraging the dysfunction of Congress.
Also the idea that Netanyahu is risking any aid dollars is hardly true. Netanyahu and his generals knows all too well the the F-35 fighter program is trillion dollar dud. The US military and Congress is trying to recoup the trillions wasted by pawning the fighters off on the Israelis and the Japanese. Netanyahu also knows that the US is dependent on Israeli technology for missile guidance systems, cyber security, and the tech industry in general so that bit of the bargain is a lock for him.
It is all win win for Netanyahu, he can disrespect the President all he wants because he knows he'll have the blind drooling support of the Republican Congress. He also knows that any potential Republican President including Trump would rubber stamp any request put forward by Israel; additionally he knows if a Democratic President was to win, he could treat them with the same disrespect as Obama and still get everything he wants. He knows he can circumvent the President by leveraging the dysfunction of Congress.
2
Netanyahu is going to wait out the US presidential elections because time is on his side. All the candidates (excepting Trump) have offered excessive one sided unambiguous uncritical support for Israel; that includes HRC along with Cruz. They all profess hatred for the US-Iran agreement and can't wait to tear it to pieces. And Iran is not helping matters with it's missile tests.
The tests, in fact, have provided Netanyahu another opportunity to demand sanctions upon Iran. All this, of course, distracts from Israel's internal problem with Palestinians; the same who also provide ammunition for Israels belligerence and foot-dragging towards a two-state solution with their stabbing attacks on civilians. With all the US candidates prostrating themselves on the altar of blind support for Israel a two-state solution is never going to happen. Never- never - never.
The tests, in fact, have provided Netanyahu another opportunity to demand sanctions upon Iran. All this, of course, distracts from Israel's internal problem with Palestinians; the same who also provide ammunition for Israels belligerence and foot-dragging towards a two-state solution with their stabbing attacks on civilians. With all the US candidates prostrating themselves on the altar of blind support for Israel a two-state solution is never going to happen. Never- never - never.
1
Another NYT hit piece against Israel. My favorite line is "costing lives on both sides." That is a bias statement, giving moral equivalence to the murderous rampage by Palestinian terrorists inside Israel and the shooting of those terrorists during the attacks. Hogwash, as usual.
The fundamental problem remains, Palestinian leadership afraid to renounce violence and recognize Israel, no matter what the Israelis offer during negotiations. Settlements are an obstacle for sure, however, our weak president and most of Europe fails to understand that Israel's only leverage is to keep the pressure on the Palestinian government to renounce violence and recognize Israel as a legitimate country. Any sign of Israeli weakness will be exploited by Hamas and others to continue the violence. Unfortunately, unwavering strength is the only thing these murderers understand. The corrupt Palestinian leadership has no interest in helping their own people, and the Muslim countries in the region, with exception of Egypt and Jordan, do nothing but fan the flames of terrorism to divert attention from their own corruption and repression of their citizens.
The fundamental problem remains, Palestinian leadership afraid to renounce violence and recognize Israel, no matter what the Israelis offer during negotiations. Settlements are an obstacle for sure, however, our weak president and most of Europe fails to understand that Israel's only leverage is to keep the pressure on the Palestinian government to renounce violence and recognize Israel as a legitimate country. Any sign of Israeli weakness will be exploited by Hamas and others to continue the violence. Unfortunately, unwavering strength is the only thing these murderers understand. The corrupt Palestinian leadership has no interest in helping their own people, and the Muslim countries in the region, with exception of Egypt and Jordan, do nothing but fan the flames of terrorism to divert attention from their own corruption and repression of their citizens.
9
Using the term "death of the two-state solution" is a dishonest attempt to suggest Israel will cease being a democracy with a Jewish majority. This can only encourage terrorist organizations who are most responsible for continual war and threaten Americans here and abroad, by using the term "death" in all it's finality it also helps defeat progressive forces in Israel who oppose Netanyahu. Using this type of rhetoric dishonors those who die on both sides, and reinforces the belief extremism will win. The death of the two state solution is exactly what Israel's enemies want, no more Israel. Israel already exists with Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and will accept a five state solution when the Palestinians are ready to accept the actual existence os Israel.
7
Bibi is insulting to his biggest patron, the USA, and particularly to the current president, Obama. Stunningly rude to first announce, then capriciously cancel a meeting with President Obama, this guy has no shame. It suggests that the price tag has become too costly for the return on the investment. And Bibi wants more: $4 billion a year rather than a paltry...don'tknow, but I'm sure a large price tag. Settlements continue to be built, and neocons and evangelicals cluster around Israel for their own particular reasons, not for the region as a whole. A very good primer for understanding (or attempting to!) this dilemma is Fromkin's PEACE TO END ALL PEACE the end of the Ottoman Empire. The last prime minister to try peace, Rabin, was killed by one of his own. The violence and hate continues and spreads, the cost increases not only in dollars, but more.
7
As someone who lives around the corner from Bibi, in Israel, but is American, let me reassure you that he has his detractors here too. But like Donald Trump, many people voted for both men. That fact has to be respected even by the Editorial Board of The New York Times. Democracies is what both countries are. Change comes from not from silly acts of disrespect or from the gun but from the ballot box. But at the moment Israelis are dealing with stabbings and other wounds, and Palestinians with self-sacrificed youths.
7
"The current round of Palestinian attacks on Israelis are the acts of people who have given up hope, who are lashing out in despair against their oppressors."
Spare us the phony hypocrisy please. The Palestinians and Arabs in the region have been attacking Israel for decades. The Israelis did not control the West Bank in 1967 when they were attacked by five Arab nations. Palestinians are not "lashing out against their oppressors" - they are attacking Jews because they hate them and want Israel wiped off the face of the planet. If they didn't want to be "oppressed," they would have accepted any number of the land deals offered to them allowing them to control the West Bank.
Spare us the phony hypocrisy please. The Palestinians and Arabs in the region have been attacking Israel for decades. The Israelis did not control the West Bank in 1967 when they were attacked by five Arab nations. Palestinians are not "lashing out against their oppressors" - they are attacking Jews because they hate them and want Israel wiped off the face of the planet. If they didn't want to be "oppressed," they would have accepted any number of the land deals offered to them allowing them to control the West Bank.
10
What? You can't understand the desire of a Jewish leader to not appear to be on a leash held by a donor who provides billions of aid every year?
Our role in Jewish politics ended many years ago. We should just get out and leave them alone. They would be better off without our meddling. But Israel has become an unfortunate political football in American politics. Look at how long we held on to Cuba as a sore point/third rail. Israel has risen to the No. 1 spot on our list of lost causes we should back away from, now that Cuba has miraculously been found to be just a small island nation in the Caribbean.
Our role in Jewish politics ended many years ago. We should just get out and leave them alone. They would be better off without our meddling. But Israel has become an unfortunate political football in American politics. Look at how long we held on to Cuba as a sore point/third rail. Israel has risen to the No. 1 spot on our list of lost causes we should back away from, now that Cuba has miraculously been found to be just a small island nation in the Caribbean.
4
Sorry Israel, we have our own problems right now so could you save the temper tantrums for a little while? Tell your elected official to have a time out and come back when he can act like a grown up on the world stage, please?
Oh, and you're welcome.
Oh, and you're welcome.
5
Mr. Netanyahu is a war cripple. Israel has felt under siege since its birth. He only believes in power and disdains the human beings who surround Israel. He creates more enemies. His character structure does not allow him a creative imagination. If this keeps up, he will find Israel abandoned by her most important friends. It is abnormal that that government bullies and disrespects our leader. As time goes on it will be perceived that Israel is as much the cause for its problems, its dangers, as its enemies and it will have to come to term with its enemies alone. Ultimately the Middle East is going to have to solve its own problems. Israel is in the Middle East and has done little to act honorably towards even its own Muslim citizens, never mind the the Palestinians. Netanyahu takes American Jews for granted. It is not in the American national interest for the USA to be an arm of the government of little Israel. This is unnatural and will not last. Israel is becoming increasingly perceived as a nasty little country in a nasty part of the world. This is not in its interest. If Israel does not live up to its traditional human values at home it will not last. If Israel treats its friends with disdain ...it will have no real friends. -Rudy
7
It is well past time for real, visionary leadership in Israel. Time for Netanyahu to go, especially if we hope to continue our protective relationship as in the past.
5
When are you going to stop giving hand-out to the biggest welfare country in the world?
There is nothing conservative about this arrangement, yet beside Rand Paul, no other politician dares to speak out against this.
Israel is like a baby we took care of, nurtured, defended and protected; now that she grew up to be an adult--even though she became the biggest bully in the playground and has the biggest bat while the other kids have sticks--she is still living at home, instigates trouble all around and asks dad to come to the rescue.
The notion that Israel is our only democratic ally in the region is nonsense.: You can't claim to be a Jewish state and be a democracy at the same time--it's one or the other. Just ask the Arabs how great is that democracy out there. AND true allies always help each other, do things together to reach a common goal. Israel is nothing but an ungrateful and disrespectful taker.
What have you done for us lately?
There is nothing conservative about this arrangement, yet beside Rand Paul, no other politician dares to speak out against this.
Israel is like a baby we took care of, nurtured, defended and protected; now that she grew up to be an adult--even though she became the biggest bully in the playground and has the biggest bat while the other kids have sticks--she is still living at home, instigates trouble all around and asks dad to come to the rescue.
The notion that Israel is our only democratic ally in the region is nonsense.: You can't claim to be a Jewish state and be a democracy at the same time--it's one or the other. Just ask the Arabs how great is that democracy out there. AND true allies always help each other, do things together to reach a common goal. Israel is nothing but an ungrateful and disrespectful taker.
What have you done for us lately?
7
Dear Mr. Netanyahu, You dis our President, you dis us and we ought to dis Israel until it stops building settlements on the West Bank. Also if you continue to dis America maybe we can hold back some of the vast sums of money we so freely send you. I have been a strong supporter of Israel, but Mr. Netanyahu you are changing my mind and I think this is happening to many other Americans. So sorry you won't be reading this, not that these few words would change anything as you appear to not want change at all except for the amount of money you request.
4
I am not a fan of Netanyahu, but I am a fan of intellectual honesty.
Why do so few of the comments acknowledge that neither Abbas or Hamas has lifted a finger to encourage a two state solution? Rather, the Palestinian leadership has refused to accept or negotiate very reasonable offers from the Israelis for a two state solution and Hamas still commits itself in word and deed to the utter destruction of Israel.
The Israelis are far from blameless and Netanyahu has been a disaster. But in fairness, isn't Palestinian recalcitrance also a significant part of the problem?
Why do so few of the comments acknowledge that neither Abbas or Hamas has lifted a finger to encourage a two state solution? Rather, the Palestinian leadership has refused to accept or negotiate very reasonable offers from the Israelis for a two state solution and Hamas still commits itself in word and deed to the utter destruction of Israel.
The Israelis are far from blameless and Netanyahu has been a disaster. But in fairness, isn't Palestinian recalcitrance also a significant part of the problem?
8
Continued US aid to Israel should be made contingent on acceptance and implementation of the Oslo accords, release of funds held by Israel to the Palestinian Authority, rebuilding of the damage done to Palestine infrastructure by the Israeli military, a moratorium on building on land outside the 1967 borders, and an eventual return to those borders.
6
Netanyahu is Israel's neoconservative president, i.e. their Ted Cruz. So he's playing the Hate Obama game but, like his American colleagues, does not realize he's hurting his constituency in the process.
5
Pretty funny seeing the Times sputter indignantly about Netanyahu insulting Obama just days after the publication of the Atlantic's interview in which Obama insulted the British, French, etc.
"...President Obama may be presiding over the death of the two-state solution." Yet another brilliant foreign policy success for the guy who thinks he's the smartest person he knows, alongside Libya, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Ukraine, etc.
"...President Obama may be presiding over the death of the two-state solution." Yet another brilliant foreign policy success for the guy who thinks he's the smartest person he knows, alongside Libya, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Ukraine, etc.
3
What is Netanyahu's endgame scenario? For anyone who has followed his career, watched him as Israel's ambassador to the U.N. taunting and stepping all over the Palestinian ambassador on Ted Koppel's Nightline back in the '80s, the answer is quite clear: a Middle-Eastern plantation filled with Palestinian slaves he can kick around every morning and get a chorus of "Yes, massa" in return. Not an exaggeration, believe me who knows him quite well.
6
This editorial should be scathing against Netanyahu, as usual, it is mildly critical. ("Mr. Netanyahu's Lost Opportunities"; what kind of a head is that?? How about "Mr. Netanyahu's Reprehensible Behavior"? How about: "The Ingrate Strikes Again"?)
The idea that a country that takes takes takes then takes some more from the United States, without ever giving ANYTHING gets to NEGOTIATE the details of just the latest multi-billion-dollar handout should infuriate Americans, Jew and Gentile alike. It should infuriate this newspaper. (You don't think people around the world have a right to ask: what gives?)
(Note too, as ever, the Times alludes to Jewish settlements as merely ... what? An inconvenience to Palestinians? A rudeness? As opposed to against all international law?)
The central issue is this, one the American media, one that this newspaper, refuses to point out: For nearly 50 years, the Palestinians have been willing to accept just 22 percent of historic Palestine, 22 percent of a land the Jews, w no legal justification whatsoever, were given 54 percent of. If 54 percent was good enough for the Jews, why isn't 78 percent?
Very, very simple. Because Israel wants more. Because Israel wants everything. And, to the shame of us all, it gets it only with the craven support of the American government, and, to the shame of this newspaper, due to periodic mealy-mouth "objections" such as this.
The idea that a country that takes takes takes then takes some more from the United States, without ever giving ANYTHING gets to NEGOTIATE the details of just the latest multi-billion-dollar handout should infuriate Americans, Jew and Gentile alike. It should infuriate this newspaper. (You don't think people around the world have a right to ask: what gives?)
(Note too, as ever, the Times alludes to Jewish settlements as merely ... what? An inconvenience to Palestinians? A rudeness? As opposed to against all international law?)
The central issue is this, one the American media, one that this newspaper, refuses to point out: For nearly 50 years, the Palestinians have been willing to accept just 22 percent of historic Palestine, 22 percent of a land the Jews, w no legal justification whatsoever, were given 54 percent of. If 54 percent was good enough for the Jews, why isn't 78 percent?
Very, very simple. Because Israel wants more. Because Israel wants everything. And, to the shame of us all, it gets it only with the craven support of the American government, and, to the shame of this newspaper, due to periodic mealy-mouth "objections" such as this.
5
It's time to cut the cash. Who many times can Israel put their finger in our eye?
5
Once again Bibi slaps the face of our President. But now he wants more money for the privilege to do so. Tony Judt for-told a day when Israel would be an island alone and that day grows more closer with every "slap" and aggression against her allies and neighbors.
5
This is a NYT lost opportunity, because they have not bothered to include Israel's explanation for canceling the meeting…a meeting which they initially requested! But, who needs sources, when innuendo is much more effective.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-obama-benjamin-netanyahu-surprised-us...
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-obama-benjamin-netanyahu-surprised-us...
7
If there is one thing everyone can be certain about in the crazy, unpredictable world, it IS that the NY TImes Editorial Board will be completely wrong about anything it ever says about Israel. Say what you will about President Obama's failures here, his track record or failure is only surpassed by the imbecilic comments/proposals offered up by the Times.
5
$ 4,000,000,000.+ per year ! ! !
No doubt Mr. Netanyahu feels President Obama's likely successor, Hillary Clinton, will acquiesce to this absurd financial commitment -- given her & Bill's past history.
This is a specific point of issue Bernie Sanders and/or her Republican challenger must ask her during their debates.
No doubt Mr. Netanyahu feels President Obama's likely successor, Hillary Clinton, will acquiesce to this absurd financial commitment -- given her & Bill's past history.
This is a specific point of issue Bernie Sanders and/or her Republican challenger must ask her during their debates.
2
I wonder if the Prime Minister of Israel would have accepted the invitation if the guest list included John Boehner.
1
Tom Friedman has said over and over, the United States can't want peace more than the Israelis and the Palestinians. Whether the next president wants to make an effort, they should not lead with the settlements, may not matter. If, however, the day comes that Evangelical support for Israel is not enough it will be Netanyahu who will get the blame for losing American support for Israel.
1
Netanyahu has Obama Derangement Syndrome.
6
All politics is local, Netanyahu did it to keep the base happy at home.
3
The civilized world established Israel after WWII as a place for Jewish refugees who had been persecuted, effectively a building a religious nation.
Will this civilized world also establish a place for Muslims who are refugees and build a nation for them?
Wonder how Israel and netanyahu would feel about that!
Will this civilized world also establish a place for Muslims who are refugees and build a nation for them?
Wonder how Israel and netanyahu would feel about that!
5
Pace Pat Moynihan, but the best stance toward Israel for the U.S. until Netanyahu leaves the scene is benign neglect.
3
Benjamin Netanyahu is crazy, really certifiably out of his mind living in a fantasy world rather than the real world. He thinks that Israel is somehow invulnerable to the kinds of threats that have ended the independence and indeed survival of states throughout history. The foundation of Israel's current security and independence is the support of the U.S., nothing else. It's a temporary condition which Israel must use to achieve peace and stability, permanently. The U.S. can protect Israel from some external threats but not all of them and not indefinitely. Israel must make peace with the Palestinian Arabs, whether they are friends or enemies, and the same goes for the nations surrounding Israel, or Israel is eventually going to be overwhelmed and that will be the end of the Israeli state. Netanyahu is just making it harder for Israelis in the future.
3
We need to stop coddling Israel.
10
This article reflects the legacy of two men with diverging views. President Obama sort peace instead of war with Iran and the West triumphed while Netanyahu used the GOP to hector and demean the President.
Netanyahu’s legacy is woeful. This man who would be King has not only fleeced the taxpayer, but he has turned many ordinary people against Israel. He has incited hate, funded extremists groups, appropriated land in the West Bank and ignored all pleas from the West to halt settlement expansion.
Netanyahu has turned Israel into a McCarthyite nightmare where NGOs are demonised and the solitary voices for peace are being extinguished.
Netanyahu’s legacy is woeful. This man who would be King has not only fleeced the taxpayer, but he has turned many ordinary people against Israel. He has incited hate, funded extremists groups, appropriated land in the West Bank and ignored all pleas from the West to halt settlement expansion.
Netanyahu has turned Israel into a McCarthyite nightmare where NGOs are demonised and the solitary voices for peace are being extinguished.
9
Ah, nice. I needed my regular fix of NY Times Israel-bashing.
3
Benjamin Netanyahu spent many of his formative years in Philadelphia, which has always made him kind of special in my eyes. Here is a message from me: Disrespect my President and you disrespect me.
10
Bernie Sanders vs. Netanyahu. Can't wait!
3
NetanYAHOO is a modern American Spelling commensurate with the Donald Trump school of Sabre Rattling.
4
The sooner we stop funding a non-ally like Israel, the better.
10
bibi plays his cards to satisfy the ultra orthodox who want a Jewish theocracy. he has little time for the more reasonable secular Jews.
2
Netanyahu wants more US aid. SMH. It's time that military aid to Israel be contingent on its compliance with the peace process, a Two State Solution, and the dismantling of Israeli settlements outside of its pe-1967 borders and the end of new Israeli settlements in this area. The right of everyone to have a homeland should be recognized and honored by ALL. However, Netanyahu's intransigence on this issue only continues to destabilize a region already on the breaking point.
6
International hardball politics at its worst - among allies.
I wish Obama had 8 more years to see Israel wake up and dump Netanyahu for a progressive like Iran and Canada have done... It's coming.
I wish Obama had 8 more years to see Israel wake up and dump Netanyahu for a progressive like Iran and Canada have done... It's coming.
8
Maybe someone other that Netanyahu might negotiate a better deal with the USA. No one is going to accomplish anything in the absence of good faith and keeping one's word. Israel's wagon is being pulled by a 3 legged horse. Maybe their voters should wise up.
5
We support Netanyahu and the radical right in Israel? They are a danger to their neighbors, the U.S. and many other countries.
Phillip
Phillip
7
Where does Sanders stand on aid to Israel and the Saudis?
America can't even send back Israel's ambassador to U.S., Ron Dermer (an American and former Republican operative from New Jersey, and now an Israeli citizen and diplomat) who conspired with Boehner and congress to invite Mr. Netanyahu to address congress (and show the U.S. president who's the "real" boss) during the Iran nuclear talks...
And we have comments here suggesting "cut of all aid unless" "no more this and that" -- seriously?
Have you seen Mrs. Clinton's speech at the Saban Forum (Mr. Saban is Mrs. Clinton's top backer) at the Brookings Institute in September 2015 after she announced her run for the presidency?
https://theintercept.com/2015/09/09/hillary-clinton-goes-militaristic-ha...
And we have comments here suggesting "cut of all aid unless" "no more this and that" -- seriously?
Have you seen Mrs. Clinton's speech at the Saban Forum (Mr. Saban is Mrs. Clinton's top backer) at the Brookings Institute in September 2015 after she announced her run for the presidency?
https://theintercept.com/2015/09/09/hillary-clinton-goes-militaristic-ha...
3
It would be interesting to stop giving Israel any money each year and then watch how fast Israel's settlement building slows and stops.
8
Binyamin Netanyahu spent his teenage years in Philadelphia before earning his SM at MIT Sloan and studying political science at Harvard. He worked at Boston Consulting Group with Mitt Romney for some time in the mid 70's and remains friendly with Mitt today, a fact that was never discussed during Mitt's presidential campaign, nor did Mitt mention it during his most recent diatribes.
7
The NYT's misses the point here about Bibbi's lack of respect and deference to their big brother protector.
The fact is that such impertinence works in that Israel credited with $3 billon in aid and F-35's.
It used to be Israel was the supplicant to the USA but that role has now reversed and USA is the supplicant to Israel.
The fact is that such impertinence works in that Israel credited with $3 billon in aid and F-35's.
It used to be Israel was the supplicant to the USA but that role has now reversed and USA is the supplicant to Israel.
5
There's more than a faint whiff of megalomania about Netanyahu's odd behaviour, so its'.not surprising he sees the US-Israel alliance as a one-way street. The odd thing is that he should find so many extremists in Israel to support him.
7
Netanyahu is not concerned with serving Israel's interest; he is concerned with serving Netanyahu's interest.
3
How can we blame Netanyahu for intransigence when it is the people of Israel who keep him in power?
The burden is on progressive thinking Israelis to find new leadership, one who sees that is it in Israel's long term interest to establish stability in the region. Right now they live in constant fear and anxiety, while imposing the same thing on Palestinians.
It is Netanyahu who thrives in instability because it keeps him in power.
The burden is on progressive thinking Israelis to find new leadership, one who sees that is it in Israel's long term interest to establish stability in the region. Right now they live in constant fear and anxiety, while imposing the same thing on Palestinians.
It is Netanyahu who thrives in instability because it keeps him in power.
5
Why are we giving 3.1 billion in aid to Israel ?
And they have the nerve to want to "negotiate" for more.
Netanyahu, shut up and go home!
Be thankful that you're getting that much.
And they have the nerve to want to "negotiate" for more.
Netanyahu, shut up and go home!
Be thankful that you're getting that much.
6
Dont worry, the relationship between Bibi "Israeli Mussolini" Netanyahu will improve. Hillary Clinton has promised to all but sleep with him in exchange for Haim Saban's money.
2
Marco Rubio, Netanyahu's little Likud drone (An intended early Hanukkah 2016 gift for Bibi from Norman Braman and Sheldon Adelson.) unexpectedly crashed on takeoff. Netanyahu's therefore in a foul mood - for a change.
7
Balance this: Disrespect versus dismissal and disregard for the safety of 7 million Israelis overtly threatened by Iran's missiles (nuclear or not).
The New York Times takes a strictly US-centric perspective, as it should since it is an American newspaper. But, Netanyahu's first responsibility is the safety of his people and country which is overtly threatened by Iran (launching missiles emblazoned with slogans to destroy Israel).
Be balanced, be fair. Obama and Kerry did an Iran deal that sells Israel short (let alone other Arab states).
Don't ding Netanyahu over a "disrespect" when Obama shows disregard for Israeli lives.
The New York Times takes a strictly US-centric perspective, as it should since it is an American newspaper. But, Netanyahu's first responsibility is the safety of his people and country which is overtly threatened by Iran (launching missiles emblazoned with slogans to destroy Israel).
Be balanced, be fair. Obama and Kerry did an Iran deal that sells Israel short (let alone other Arab states).
Don't ding Netanyahu over a "disrespect" when Obama shows disregard for Israeli lives.
4
We need to reconsider aid to Israel as long as the bully Netanyahu is in office. His disrespect to our president is insulting to all Americans. Israel needs our support. We don't need Israel's support.
10
Obama has been hostile and disrespectful to Netanyahu throughout his ENTIRE presidency, and was about to use him as a prop in yet another doomed attempt to force peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Who exactly is Netanyahu supposed to make peace with? Hamas? I think not. Abbas? The Palestinian "President" who is in the tenth year of a four year term has precisely zero legitimacy to deliver a peace deal.
Bibi was smart not to allow himself to be ambushed by the perpetually cynical Obama.
Bibi was smart not to allow himself to be ambushed by the perpetually cynical Obama.
2
Israel is not a poor country/. Why are we giving aid of $3 billion or more to Israel? What is Israel doing for US in return for that aid?
11
"It’s hard to understand how that [disrespect] serves Israel’s interests."
Please....
This is not 'hard to understand' - even a little. Netanyahu has divined that disrespect for a sitting black president is de rigueur, even desirable, to a vast swath of the American electorate and can be carried out with impunity. Just ask Joe Wilson.
That this same Israeli then has the gall (one hesitates to use a rhyming noun) to extort even more money from American taxpayers defies reason.
It might be the ultimate example of 'chutzpah'.
Please....
This is not 'hard to understand' - even a little. Netanyahu has divined that disrespect for a sitting black president is de rigueur, even desirable, to a vast swath of the American electorate and can be carried out with impunity. Just ask Joe Wilson.
That this same Israeli then has the gall (one hesitates to use a rhyming noun) to extort even more money from American taxpayers defies reason.
It might be the ultimate example of 'chutzpah'.
8
It cannot happen until the Israeli's understand that Netanyahu has to go.
3
Israel needs us. We are learning that the US does not need Israel. Israel under Mr. Netanyahu's leadership has become an impediment to peace. If they want our help Israel needs to work with us and its neighbors. To become an armed camp as Israel has done only makes conflict more likely.
If Israel wants to act like a spoiled child then we should not reward it for its tantrums.
If Israel wants to act like a spoiled child then we should not reward it for its tantrums.
11
If a big chunk of that $3.1 Billion wasn't spent in American factories making war toys to send to Israel, Israel would not be getting any aid at all. Congress doesn't vote this expense because it loves Israel, it votes it because the MIC has placed jobs in every congressional district in the country.
1
Israel bad, Obama good.
Palestinians good, Israelis bad.
Arabs nice, Israelis mean.
Reasonable Gaza, fanatic Jerusalem.
Jordan good title, Israel bad title.
One set of rules for Jews, another for everyone else,
of course,
string pulling Jews, bad jews, bad, bad bad
Palestinians good, Israelis bad.
Arabs nice, Israelis mean.
Reasonable Gaza, fanatic Jerusalem.
Jordan good title, Israel bad title.
One set of rules for Jews, another for everyone else,
of course,
string pulling Jews, bad jews, bad, bad bad
6
The people of Israel are a good and generous people. They need a different PM. The current PM doesn't know or understand who the senior partner is in the US-Israel relationship. And of course, the US is the senior partner. David Cameron of the UK understands this. You have to give deference to the US and the US president. This means sometime you must do what they ask. And the reason is: The oval office and the person who occupies the oval office is the greatest FORCE on the face of the earth for GOOD by far and I believe that God put it there.
2
A later comment here was that the US needs to work for regime change in Israel. As a Jewish person- who has always loved and supported Israel- I could not agree more. Netanyahu has silenced the Israeli left- and he is destroying all of the good will this country has had.
10
With "friends" like Israel, who needs enemies? The arrogance of Netanyahu and israel makes Donald trump look lice a choir boy. Why are we sending Israel money?
11
Isreal is a state created by the UNSC and it is increasingly clear that the UNSC is going to have to set the framework for what everyone but Isreali and Palestinian extremists know will be the content of the final agreement.
4
What a lot of mealy-mouthed "we mustn't offend Israel or AIPAC" fluffering from the NYT. "Seems" unreasonable? I know not seems, madame.
8
"In the meantime, vicious attacks by Palestinians on Israelis have surged..." Hmmm.....30 Jewish Israelis have been killed by individual Palestinian attackers since October 1st, 2015. During that time, 190 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli state...that is, officially condoned. Kindly do your basic job as a newspaper, which is to report the facts, rather than distorting them as per your own agenda.
8
Amazing how the NYT calls Abbas a leader who has given up on peace, yet blames the situation entirely on Netanyahu. Abbas has consistently refused to negotiate with Israel for years - always new preconditions and excuses.
During VP Biden's recent visit, terrorists killed an American citizen only hundreds of yards from Biden's location. Abbas didn't condemn the attack.
But editorials about Bibi, nothing about Abbas.
During VP Biden's recent visit, terrorists killed an American citizen only hundreds of yards from Biden's location. Abbas didn't condemn the attack.
But editorials about Bibi, nothing about Abbas.
5
Netanyahu is a megalomaniac and a crass one at that. How is US obligated to pay over 3 Billion dollars every year. On top of that the money Israeli lobby collects and sends to Israel , helping in the establishment of more and more illegal settlements is tax deductible. Adding insult to injury, Netanyahu has the gall to interfere in the internal politics of USA. Talk about, beggars pretending to be choosers!
12
YOO HOO, Mr. Netanyahu,
The regular American people are saying to dump you! They are tired of your actions and unwillingness to accept that you cannot dictate. You are behaving like a Donald Trump, throwing a "Hissy Fit!" If the vote in America was on giving you money, you would be lucky to get a dime other than from the Jewish community. While all caring people want to see safety and security for Israel AND Palestine, we stand against being bullied into giving you more money.
You are not acting like a reasonable partner but, rather, some kid suffering with "Affluenza!"
Don't call us, let us call you next time,
World Peace
The regular American people are saying to dump you! They are tired of your actions and unwillingness to accept that you cannot dictate. You are behaving like a Donald Trump, throwing a "Hissy Fit!" If the vote in America was on giving you money, you would be lucky to get a dime other than from the Jewish community. While all caring people want to see safety and security for Israel AND Palestine, we stand against being bullied into giving you more money.
You are not acting like a reasonable partner but, rather, some kid suffering with "Affluenza!"
Don't call us, let us call you next time,
World Peace
9
The population is 8,296,000 in 2015 second the Arab population is 20.2% of that and the remaining 4.3%, some 359,000 people, were non-Arab Christians and others whose religion isn’t classified in the population registry.Those 24.5 % have the same rights as the rest of the Israeli population. Since most of you obviously have no idea what it means to live in a neighborhood where all your neighbors want you dead and have the means to do it, I would suggest you broaden your reading,or for fact go there.Please tell me where in the Middle East beside Israel are Jews,Christians,Bahia's,Kurd's, and Muslims as free to live and worship as they please?About 60,000 African asylum seekers most being Muslim, have entered Israel since 2005, anyone wonder why they didn't pick any other country in the area only Israel. Have people seen the TV shows on Palestinian TV that teach children to kill Jews?Have people seen what goes on in summer camps of Hamas and the PA,where they teach children to kill Jews and Jews are pigs?Or when Abbas tell the PA population that Jews are on the move to take of the Dome of The Rock, and they must defend it? Didn't think so.Not quite sure with whom President Obama wants Israel to make peace with,since Jews of Israel are not willing to commit national suicide.While there is no Garden of Eden on the earth today and yes as every country has its work cut out for it as Israel has, compared to the rest of the region it comes pretty close for Millions,Jew or Muslim.
8
“I think, therefore I am.”
--- Descartes
“I dislike Mr. Netanyahu and Israel
intensely, therefore I am.”
--- The reader comment that appears in the NY Times more often than any other.
--- Descartes
“I dislike Mr. Netanyahu and Israel
intensely, therefore I am.”
--- The reader comment that appears in the NY Times more often than any other.
6
“Who they think the superpower is?” .....Israel
2
The United States is not the outsourced defense department for the State of Israel. We are not REQUIRED to agree with Netanyahu's policies. We are not REQUIRED to treat him with respect when he routinely disrespects the President of the United States. We are not REQUIRED to support, down the line, policies and practices that can run directly counter to our own beliefs and values.
I think we should turn this thing around -- Bibi thinks he has the right to affect a special influence on the politics of the US. Why don't we tell the people of Israel they can elect anyone they please but we can spend our foreign aid anyway we want. And then do it. This guy is a clown, a liability and a danger to the interests of the United States of America.
I think we should turn this thing around -- Bibi thinks he has the right to affect a special influence on the politics of the US. Why don't we tell the people of Israel they can elect anyone they please but we can spend our foreign aid anyway we want. And then do it. This guy is a clown, a liability and a danger to the interests of the United States of America.
11
Almost two weeks without the NY Times' customary weekly Israel-bashing op-ed or editorial. Considering how much the NYT has Israel up it's you know where, I've been quite surprised. Good to know things are back to normal at the Editorial Board.
By the way, speaking of lost opportunities:
“Every drop of blood spilled in Jerusalem is pure, every martyr will reach paradise, and every injured person will be rewarded by God,” "(Jews) have no right to desecrate the mosque with their dirty feet.” -- so-called moderate Mahmoud Abbas while spreading the bogus canard that started the latest stabbing waves -- that Israel was planning to take over and desecrate the al Aqsa Mosque (the same canard used by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, and future Hitler ally, in 1921 that caused rioting leading to over 100 innocent Jewish deaths. The irony being if Israel wanted to actually do that, what better time to have done it than after its victory in 1967, instead of handing control of it to the Muslim Waqf as a peace gesture as Israel actually did?
Of course, we wouldn't expect the NY Times to ever analyze missed and rejected opportunities galore caused by every Palestinian leader and regime since the League of Nations first crafted a peace proposal 80 years ago. But that would muddy the NY Times story line. Wouldn't it?
By the way, speaking of lost opportunities:
“Every drop of blood spilled in Jerusalem is pure, every martyr will reach paradise, and every injured person will be rewarded by God,” "(Jews) have no right to desecrate the mosque with their dirty feet.” -- so-called moderate Mahmoud Abbas while spreading the bogus canard that started the latest stabbing waves -- that Israel was planning to take over and desecrate the al Aqsa Mosque (the same canard used by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, and future Hitler ally, in 1921 that caused rioting leading to over 100 innocent Jewish deaths. The irony being if Israel wanted to actually do that, what better time to have done it than after its victory in 1967, instead of handing control of it to the Muslim Waqf as a peace gesture as Israel actually did?
Of course, we wouldn't expect the NY Times to ever analyze missed and rejected opportunities galore caused by every Palestinian leader and regime since the League of Nations first crafted a peace proposal 80 years ago. But that would muddy the NY Times story line. Wouldn't it?
7
On March 10, the NY Times had an insightful article describing President Obama’s criticism of the “Free Riders” among America’s allies, namely France, England, and Saudi Arabia, who appear only too willing to drag the US into additional wars in the Middle East.
President Obama admitted then some of his strengths and weaknesses especially after the terrorist attack in San Bernardino. He went further and said, “I have not been attentive enough to feelings and emotions and politics in communicating what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.” Here, I think, he may be referring to Israel and keeping the door open to help, despite what seems to be Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan of waiting for the upcoming US election and a new president more to his liking. There are two sides to every strategy but hopefully, a lasting peace won’t depend on a future election in Israel that hinges on the turnout of the ultra right wing with some members who are openly proud of the murderer of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
President Obama admitted then some of his strengths and weaknesses especially after the terrorist attack in San Bernardino. He went further and said, “I have not been attentive enough to feelings and emotions and politics in communicating what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.” Here, I think, he may be referring to Israel and keeping the door open to help, despite what seems to be Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan of waiting for the upcoming US election and a new president more to his liking. There are two sides to every strategy but hopefully, a lasting peace won’t depend on a future election in Israel that hinges on the turnout of the ultra right wing with some members who are openly proud of the murderer of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
3
Israel is in a fight for their lives. Having said that, they did not learn from great leaders in the past like Lincoln. He fought tooth and nail to save us just like the people of Israel are doing, but never gave in to extremists with human rights violations, other illegal acts like Israel is doing...ie...we have to kill 10 arabs for every Israeli, illegal settlements in the West Bank, over the top restrictions in Gaza etc.
Two wrongs don't make a right...ie...since the arabs want to destroy Israeli, they, Israel, have a right to get down to the level of the arabs.
Two wrongs don't make a right...ie...since the arabs want to destroy Israeli, they, Israel, have a right to get down to the level of the arabs.
6
The parties to this dispute are hopelessly mired in intransigence. It's time for the UN to impose a solution upon the parties.
The Middle East dilemma was created in 1948 by the UN when it imperfectly gave a state to Jews, mostly at Palestinian expense, to make recompense for what the Germans did. The UN needs to IMPOSE reasonable borders based upon where people actually live today, (not in 1948, 1967 or 2,000 years ago), and declare a Palestinian state whether the parties like it or not. The UN should enforce these borders with an armed UN force until the parties get used to the idea.
Jews, like the settlers, who find themselves on the Palestinian side of the line can move, or stay and become citizens of the State of Palestine and enjoy all of the rights and privileges accorded to all of the citizens of the State of Palestine, the Palestinian charter banning Jews aside. Israel has Arabs, Palestine can have Jews. It's the same thing.
You know what you get when you take peoples' property for no money and relegate them to refugee status? 68 years of war, not that Jews living under siege for 68 years have had it that so great.
All people, INCLUDING JEWS, who lost property as a result of the UN's creation of Israel should be compensated as under the legal Doctrine of Eminent Domain. You show up at a UN Middle East Compensation Commission office, present your claim, sign a Release, and walk out with a check. That's fair.
The Middle East dilemma was created in 1948 by the UN when it imperfectly gave a state to Jews, mostly at Palestinian expense, to make recompense for what the Germans did. The UN needs to IMPOSE reasonable borders based upon where people actually live today, (not in 1948, 1967 or 2,000 years ago), and declare a Palestinian state whether the parties like it or not. The UN should enforce these borders with an armed UN force until the parties get used to the idea.
Jews, like the settlers, who find themselves on the Palestinian side of the line can move, or stay and become citizens of the State of Palestine and enjoy all of the rights and privileges accorded to all of the citizens of the State of Palestine, the Palestinian charter banning Jews aside. Israel has Arabs, Palestine can have Jews. It's the same thing.
You know what you get when you take peoples' property for no money and relegate them to refugee status? 68 years of war, not that Jews living under siege for 68 years have had it that so great.
All people, INCLUDING JEWS, who lost property as a result of the UN's creation of Israel should be compensated as under the legal Doctrine of Eminent Domain. You show up at a UN Middle East Compensation Commission office, present your claim, sign a Release, and walk out with a check. That's fair.
3
So what does Netanyahu and his right-wing government stand for? An ally of Putin and Russia. Does NOT vote for US/European sponsored UN resolution condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine while the US protects Israel in UN for EVERY possible situation frequently using US Security Council veto for Israel. Sells Putin/Russia $400M of drones, developed with US tax dollars, so Russia can utilize against Ukraine - this is the Russia that is primary military sponsor of Iran, a country that is allegedly existential threat to Israel according to Netyanahu; claims that ring hollow when Israel supports Russia over US using US tax dollars. Russia is also directly bombing of behalf of Assad and Hezbollah and Iran in Syria. Netanyahu also has an alliance with Saudi Arabia, the country whose Wahabbi ideology forms the foundation for Al Queda and ISIS - the real Radical Islam that threatens GLOBAL terrorism (the Iranian/Hezbolllah/Shia version supported by Russia, Isaraeli ally, is REGIONAL terrorism - a real threat but not as great threat as Wahabbi terrorism). So US can fight Israel and Saudi Arabia's wars (Iraq and now Iran). Wants Eratz Israel - it's in the Likud charter - and will NEVER give away their "Judea and Samaria" - will practice perpetual occupation and Apartheid-type system instead - the Palestinians with "leaders" like Arafat, Abbas and Hamas also fully share the blame. And $3.1 billion/year from US is not enough, $4 billion/year not enough! Unreal!!!
3
Mr. Netanyahu is rapidly approaching end-game.
So are we.
Our game has been to arm every Tom, Dick and Harry in this world, without regard for how it will/would/could impact our nation.
That's our 'foreign policy'?
Really?
So are we.
Our game has been to arm every Tom, Dick and Harry in this world, without regard for how it will/would/could impact our nation.
That's our 'foreign policy'?
Really?
3
Good grief, $3 billion for a foreign country when there are Americans who lack safe drinking water?!
4
The question isn't how does this showboating help Israel. It was designed rather to help Netanyahu. And it has been enormously successfully in doing so by polarizing his electorate and sparking jingoism. Without playing on fear and racism, Netanyahu would have been tossed out of office long ago.
As for Obama's response, he cannot significantly cut aid to Israel because he does not control the purse-strings (and those who do revel in Netanyahu's disrespect for the President). But he does hold unilateral and ultimate authority on foreign policy, and Obama could end his administration by formally recognizing the nation of Palestine. (Which I feel he's testing the waters with feelers in the media in the last week or so and the promise to help preserve a two-state solution for the next administration) An official recognition of Palestine would be hard for another President to unwind, it would pressure Israel (and in many ways the Palestinians) to come to the table, and it would have the added benefit of showing Netanyahu's one-state politics and policies (and dog whistles) a failure.
This would have the added benefit of giving Netanyahu a finger-in-the-eye on Obama's way out of office.
As for Obama's response, he cannot significantly cut aid to Israel because he does not control the purse-strings (and those who do revel in Netanyahu's disrespect for the President). But he does hold unilateral and ultimate authority on foreign policy, and Obama could end his administration by formally recognizing the nation of Palestine. (Which I feel he's testing the waters with feelers in the media in the last week or so and the promise to help preserve a two-state solution for the next administration) An official recognition of Palestine would be hard for another President to unwind, it would pressure Israel (and in many ways the Palestinians) to come to the table, and it would have the added benefit of showing Netanyahu's one-state politics and policies (and dog whistles) a failure.
This would have the added benefit of giving Netanyahu a finger-in-the-eye on Obama's way out of office.
4
The Netanyahu question and the ME quagmire in general has not to my knowledge been openly addressed in the Democratic debates and forums. It should be. Not only our men and women, but also literally hundreds of thousands of others have been fighting, dying, raping, or being maimed for far too long with few discernible gains. Granted the passions of the Israeli right, the aspirations of Kurds, the motivations of Hothi, Pashtun, Iranian, Syrian, Sunni, Shite are disparate and distinct. But what exactly is our overarching American interest in all this; and most importantly, what are our goals? Upwards of 2 Trillion dollars has been expended on these various foreign ventures, and lined the pockets of many a defense contractor; only now is the societal and infrastructure cost to this country being measured. Ms. Clinton has said she would have PM Netanyahu to the White House her first month in office. Her proposed constituency would very much like to know what exactly she has in mind to say to him. Would she further augment the back door defense industry subsidies we call foreign aid? Or could she say the Settlements must stop, period? Or as she has promised, continue Pres. Obama's policies(again to what end)? We know that Sen. Sanders is "not a big fan" of Bibi. He has lived in Israel. He has said he distinguishes the Israeli people from their right wing government; how exactly will his policies differ from hers and from President Obama's?
4
$4 billion??? For what? To maintain a strategic bridgehead in the Middle East? Come on. The Kingdom of Jerusalem could only be maintained under extraordinary sacrifices and ultimately succumbed to the surrounding peoples. What is our stake there, besides ideology? Imagine how many schools and housing for the homeless could be realized right here with that kind of money. It is time to show Bibi the door!
10
Mr Netanyahu is not that thrilled dealing with Sephardic Jews. He has even campaigned with the Repubs including his speech before Boehner's congress. The main problem here is the Obama's administration still trying to nudge Israel to negotiate a solution to their occupation of the Palestinian's. Netanyahu and his followers don't see it as occupying as much as tolerating trespassers on land granted to them. With the latest developments planned in area C, the two state solution has morphed from two states to one state (Israel) and a series of small bantu style islands of Palestinian population. With no prospect of a solution on this front, one wonders why we are increasing their allowance to 40 Billion. I believe that Obama should either decrease the allowance or not approve any allowance at all. Let the next white President deal with the Ashkenazi Netanyahu. To my conservative friends, this 40 billion could pay for a good deal of infrastructure without new taxes or go directly against the debt.
2
How much are the American tax payers going to have to pony up this year for the privilege of seeing Netanyahu's middle finger?
12
The simple fact is that Netanyahu will be here long after Obama and other administrations are come and gone.
Soon there will be another administration which is 100% guaranteed to be a lot friendlier to the Jewish State than Obama.
We have time to wait.
No one is going anywhere except our enemies.
The left in Israel has collapsed due to the terrorism and outright hatred of Jews and our state. Everyone agrees that there will never be a Palestinian state in the region that has any more territory than it currently has.
It is all a matter of out waiting our leftist enemies in Europe, the Middle East, the Western Hemisphere, and elsewhere including Israel.
We have waited over 2,000 years.
A few more won't matter.
Soon there will be another administration which is 100% guaranteed to be a lot friendlier to the Jewish State than Obama.
We have time to wait.
No one is going anywhere except our enemies.
The left in Israel has collapsed due to the terrorism and outright hatred of Jews and our state. Everyone agrees that there will never be a Palestinian state in the region that has any more territory than it currently has.
It is all a matter of out waiting our leftist enemies in Europe, the Middle East, the Western Hemisphere, and elsewhere including Israel.
We have waited over 2,000 years.
A few more won't matter.
5
I just want to remind you all who have short memory span that when Obama first went to the M.E., to Egypt, after making his speech, he left. He could have gone to Israel- an hour's flight away but he turned the plane and came back to the US. So now when he gets a test of his own medicine you complain.
Obama has lost all respect in the M.E., with Iranian generals meeting w/ Russian generals to S. Arabia distancing itself after the Iran Deal. Obama's foreign policy has been a total disaster. Just when I couldn't think things could get worse under Bush 2's presidency (a failure of catastrophic proportions), it did.
Obama has lost all respect in the M.E., with Iranian generals meeting w/ Russian generals to S. Arabia distancing itself after the Iran Deal. Obama's foreign policy has been a total disaster. Just when I couldn't think things could get worse under Bush 2's presidency (a failure of catastrophic proportions), it did.
5
We should make it clear that because of Netanyahu's arrogance and disrespect for Obama, he is no longer welcome in the U.S. He is insulting to the U.S.
4
The fact the a leader of a foreign country is an elected leader does not put him above moral condemnation. Netanyahu should be a pariah in the western world, unwelcome much like any dictator. He abetted the fanaticism, literally and personally, that lead to the death of Rabin. He is a morally corrupt and morally criminal individual. Obama and the next president should keep him at arm's distance. Indeed, our government should reciprocate: and wait for a new ISraeli prime minister before consenting to a new defense agreement.
3
This is an absurd position. There can be no peace and no two-state solution when Palestinian terrorist groups are totally opposed to either, and there is no Palestinian leader who is willing to stand up to the terrorists. Palestinians have rejected many offers from many Israeli governments, including the reportedly most generous offer that was supported by President Clinton but rejected by Arafat because he feared Palestinian terrorist retaliation against him. These are the facts that the Times as well as President Obama have chosen to ignore.
5
Most of us are familiar with the Law of Unintended Consequences and it may be in play with Bibi's immature and misguided approach to Mr. Obama. Bibi sees his approach as that of a strong patriot, seeing danger where others don't. His vision, though, is blurred by his adolescent temperament and personal political ambition. These character defects, in my view, will only help increase the growing anti-Israel sentiment in the U.S.
7
Why in the world do we need to give billions to Israel? I am asking this not just because of the disrespect Netanyahu has always shown OUR president, but asking because that is a ton of money that could be spent in our own country. It is tax money - right? I want my tax money to be spent on America, not a foreign country. Why can't they support themselves? Is it because they spend so much on war-mongering? This needs to stop. The republican congress has no problem cutting spending on American's needs and ignoring the environmental fixes we need, but they continue to give this evil disrespectful man even more money - what is wrong with this picture?
7
After more than seven decades of strategic and tactical failures, perhaps the best way for the United States to promote peace in the Middle East is to cut off all military aid to governments in the region, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt?
2
As indicated in a recent article by Jeffrey Goldstein in "The Atlantic" entitled "The Obama Doctrine" which was compiled from a series of interviews with the president and some of his key foreign policy advisers, Mr. Obama, although strongly committed to the security of Israel, has essentially concluded that progress in the Middle East quagmire is extremely unlikely, and as a result, he has "pivoted" to a foreign policy that places more emphasis on the countries of the Pacific rim. According to this article, Mr. Obama is also "annoyed" with "free riders" which he defines as countries that strongly espouse change but will not do anything to implement change.
I believe that the above stated tenets of Mr. Obama's foreign policy are correct, so what good can a Security Council resolution do, especially since no Palestinian leader can support a peace agreement that does not have a strong "right" of return and no Israeli leader can support a peace agreement that contains a strong "right" of return? Unfortunately, it is difficult to foresee how the Israeli - Palestinian stalemate can be broken, but pushing unworkable solutions is not the answer.
I believe that the above stated tenets of Mr. Obama's foreign policy are correct, so what good can a Security Council resolution do, especially since no Palestinian leader can support a peace agreement that does not have a strong "right" of return and no Israeli leader can support a peace agreement that contains a strong "right" of return? Unfortunately, it is difficult to foresee how the Israeli - Palestinian stalemate can be broken, but pushing unworkable solutions is not the answer.
3
Pals, that is Arabs, were offered nationalism in 1947 and threw it away for war and have not stopped one day and never will
The lands taken in war are proper, and just as the punishment for illegal war is loss of land. The land taken is reparations for all that war
Pals were offered Gaza (GIVEN) and could have turned it into a beach front and instead turned it in to a rocket pad and fired 10,000 rockets and were beaten into submission, all quite proper
The lands taken in war are proper, and just as the punishment for illegal war is loss of land. The land taken is reparations for all that war
Pals were offered Gaza (GIVEN) and could have turned it into a beach front and instead turned it in to a rocket pad and fired 10,000 rockets and were beaten into submission, all quite proper
4
If we lived in a democracy the drain of U.S. tax dollars flowing to this right-wing Israeli war-monger would stop. But he knows he can count on the oligarchs to hand him the taxpayer dollars they claim we can't afford to spend on feeding, clothing, housing and educating American children.
6
As a student of Mr. Netanyahu's reign, I have documented his state-sponsored aggression toward civilians and his various justifications for their deaths. While he has always claimed that the deaths of civilian children came as a result of attacks upon Israel, his claims have never been proven truthful. In fact, many civilian deaths resulted from Netanyahu's preemptory strikes upon refugee camps.
Is it any wonder that U.S. political leaders, who value the lives of every child, would distance themselves from such a man?
Is it any wonder that U.S. political leaders, who value the lives of every child, would distance themselves from such a man?
2
Could we please stop wasting tax payer money on Israel? We do not as a country have a significant enough interest to justify such a large outlay of taxpayer money.
5
The "two-states" has never been a solution. Indeed, even the late Mr. Rabin objected to it.
An accommodation of peaceful coexistence between Arab and Jew, between the Muslim-Arab world, local and regional alike, and the liberal-democratic and sovereign nation-state of the Jewish people, will be achieved based on the acceptance by the Muslim-Arabs of the Jewish people's right - Biblical, historic, moral and legal - to exercise the right afforded all peoples: the right of national self-determination and independence in the Jewish people's national home.
This can be achieved within the context of the fundamental elements of international law related to the conflict and the way to resolve it, i.e. San Remo conference decisions, 1920 and, League of Nations decisions, 1922. The UN Charter, article 80, 1945, which adopts the decisions of the League of Nations of 1945; and, on the basis of Security Council Resolution, 242, 1967.
The Muslim-Arab world will not be willing to accept the above framework unless pushed by the world powers, first and foremost among which is the US. But, will the US do so....??
An accommodation of peaceful coexistence between Arab and Jew, between the Muslim-Arab world, local and regional alike, and the liberal-democratic and sovereign nation-state of the Jewish people, will be achieved based on the acceptance by the Muslim-Arabs of the Jewish people's right - Biblical, historic, moral and legal - to exercise the right afforded all peoples: the right of national self-determination and independence in the Jewish people's national home.
This can be achieved within the context of the fundamental elements of international law related to the conflict and the way to resolve it, i.e. San Remo conference decisions, 1920 and, League of Nations decisions, 1922. The UN Charter, article 80, 1945, which adopts the decisions of the League of Nations of 1945; and, on the basis of Security Council Resolution, 242, 1967.
The Muslim-Arab world will not be willing to accept the above framework unless pushed by the world powers, first and foremost among which is the US. But, will the US do so....??
3
Isn't it a national security issue that Israel has basically our congress in its pocket and even our biggest politicians (including the President) dare not say a word against the lobby?
That they can insult our President and not suffer any consequences? Repeatedly?
That they can insult our President and not suffer any consequences? Repeatedly?
6
In point of fact, the $3,000,000,000 we give them in cash is just the surface gift. There's a lot more given otherwise. It's all an accounting trick. Although some of it does come back as IPAC gifts to their chosen congressional bobbleheads.
10
Should we not consider whether we can afford foreign aid to any country, including Israel, when, year after year, we are adding to our national debt which now stands at @ $19 trillion. I think the American taxpayer is being taken advantage of. Our aid to Pakistan is just as wasteful and without any return benefit.
4
Israel is already gagged with the most advanced weaponry. Including what we commonly hear of several hundreds of nuclear warheads, and among the world's most advanced delivery systems, including ballistic missile firing submarines. Israel's existential threat is internal. If there was any indication that a brutal and racist suppression of the Palestinians could secure the Zionist state, would there not be some indication of that by now? In truth, gaining and maintaining a categorical guarantee by America is the worst thing possible because it then can continue to perpetuate its racist supremacy theory. A "Jewish" state. Which is an Apartheid state. Whether or not they maintain an American guarantee does not account for the reality that the cancer and threat are internal, not external. America cannot protect them from that. Wait and see.
5
I do not understand why we give Israel money & weapons. It made sense as long as they were moving positively toward peace, but since they have now thrown off any pretense of coexistence with their neighbors it is time to cut off the free ride. I don't mind selling them advanced weaponry, but they have money, let them pay.
6
Netanyahu weighs strength with the same scale used by Putin and most neocons; it's a macho thing. There is only one strategy---blunt force. Leaders, such as President Obama, who are more nuanced and seek to bring nonviolent solutions to issues, are seen as weak, and thus not respected. Why would anyone go to the trouble of negotiating when they can simply drop bombs?
5
Even as a die hard supporter of Israel, I find Netanyahu's antics saddening. He is acting as if he is a real constituency in the American electorate (he isn't), that he can intimidate Obama (he cannot), that he can rely on the republicans (nice try) to get his agenda (whatever that is). Other people who act like him were elected by the American people (er., that would be the republican senators including Mitch and his snarling minions who stand behind him, scowling and snarling at every photo op).
Disrespect is not a foreign policy. Not ever.
Pipe down Bibi, we love you - don't make it hard for the reasonable American to love you more.
Kalidan.
Disrespect is not a foreign policy. Not ever.
Pipe down Bibi, we love you - don't make it hard for the reasonable American to love you more.
Kalidan.
3
Bibbi has not been a fan of Obama because he feels disrespected. I understand his need for security for his country. BUT the fact is that he continues to behave in a way that does Israel, and by extension the US as well, no good! I am talking about his continual expansion of settlements into the territories! He says he wants peace for his country ( seems logical) but why does he continue to poke his "enemy???"
5
It is clear that the current leadership in Israel has no interest in a peace deal. The same, sadly, is probably true of most of the populace there. If we are to have progress, pressure will have to be brought on Israel. And if, in turn, that is to happen, people in the U.S. will have to stop making excuses for Israel. The Times can probably do far more than the President to help this. It should step up its reporting on the situation in Israel.
5
If and when Palestinians demonstrate a sincere willingness to live in real peace with Israel a two state solution for peace can be contemplated. Until then, the economic and psychological problems that Palestinians have living under Israeli rule will have to take a back seat to the more pressing problems of Arabs being tortured, killed and/or driven from their homes by the likes of ISIS, Hamas, Assad, Al Queda, the Muslim Brotherhood etc.
5
Has Netanyahoo never heard of the expression, "don't bite the hand that feeds you"??? His blatant disrespect for President Obama and his interferring in American politics, to me, would be cause for telling the ingrate to stuff it!!! Not sure why we need to keep supporting (propping up) this apartheid state, anyway. His actions are the height of arrogance -- or is that "hutzpah" (to him) ???? We son't need or want to support Israel ad infinitum. Let them take care of their own, arrogant, entitled, belligerent selves.
4
If bibi needs more money,tell him to knock on Sheldon Adelson's door, i'm sure he can spare a couple of billion for the mother land
11
At present about 1/3 of total US foreign aid goes to Israel. This is ridiculously disproportionate seen by any measure: number of people, land area, need. For Netanyahu to go into a huff because the Obama administration would not increase it is ridiculous.
Mr. Netanyahu has taken the state of Israel in directions few Americans support. He, and Israel, are not our problem-child; entitled to be whiney and demanding.
Mr. Netanyahu has taken the state of Israel in directions few Americans support. He, and Israel, are not our problem-child; entitled to be whiney and demanding.
5
What gall. Netanyahu thumbs his nose at Obama with one hand while holding out the other and asking for an increase from $3.1 to $4.0 billion dollars a year in aid. Here is an idea; cut the aid and use the money on our failing highway and bridge infrastructure. I'm sure the vast majority of Americans will benefit more from that than giving it to Israel.
9
I remember watching reports of the 6 day war on tv as a small child. Then it was Fatah in Lebanon, then it was fighting in the streets of Palestine, and the list goes on to this day..Israel has never been at peace with its neighbors E V E R. But what they have done is continue to annex land under their version of manifest destiny, and we support them with our tax dollars. It sickens my heart .If I had my way I would expel its citizens, close its embassies, cut ties with its govt and watch it flop around like a dying fish on land.
5
Israel comes to the US with hat in hand and wants $4 billion? And then turns around and disrespects our president? The gall of some people.
Let Israel defend itself and be done with it. That $4 billion can do a hell of a lot more here in the states.
Yep - right out of the Repub playbook.
Let Israel defend itself and be done with it. That $4 billion can do a hell of a lot more here in the states.
Yep - right out of the Repub playbook.
8
israel and netanyahu only need to wait out the remainder of the year by avoiding obamboozle and co.
obamboozle has been the most hostile and damaging potus to israeli relations since the founding of that nation. his islamic roots have been a clear influence on his destructive policies from day 1. may the world rejoice when this evil lunatic is finally gone.
obamboozle has been the most hostile and damaging potus to israeli relations since the founding of that nation. his islamic roots have been a clear influence on his destructive policies from day 1. may the world rejoice when this evil lunatic is finally gone.
2
It's ironic that is now Mr. Netanyahu who never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
6
We're giving $3 Billion to Israel every year and they give us grief. What nerve. We could use that money here at home for so many needs that are unmet. Are we just stupid?
6
Put simply, the USA is not Israel. The USA is not beholden to Netanyahu or Israel.
As an American citizen I do not condone or support much of what Mr. Netanyahu wants. I accept that Mr. Netanyahu is the democratically-elected leader in Israel's parliamentary system. It then follows that I do not support what the majority of the Jews in Israel are voting for.
Israel should not look to America for support given current Israeli policies.
As an American citizen I do not condone or support much of what Mr. Netanyahu wants. I accept that Mr. Netanyahu is the democratically-elected leader in Israel's parliamentary system. It then follows that I do not support what the majority of the Jews in Israel are voting for.
Israel should not look to America for support given current Israeli policies.
5
If we, as some suggested, should cut off aid to Israel, Israel will be free to sell its high technology and military and electronic advancements to anyone in the world. Maybe China wants to get first crack at medical or military technology? Why not Russia?
And of course, Israel created the last three Intel chips, the anti-virus program, the IM program, many of the advanced communication systems used in the civilian and military branches of our country, countless medical breakthroughs, has provided billions of dollars per year of military intelligence to America, etc.
You see, that 3.1 billion dollars returns tens of billions of dollars to the US each year. Does Israel need the US? Yes. But has the US economy and the US military benefited from Israel? Yes. Are those benefits greater than the costs? Ask the hundreds of thousands of jobs in America created by Israeli technology, the tens or hundreds of thousands of people living in America thanks to Israeli medical breakthroughs, the tens of thousands of Americans alive because Israel provided our Middle East allies with intelligence so that we did not have to fight another war on behalf of an Islamic nation.
As to Mr. Obama, he has been hostile to Israel and Netanyahu since day one. He has sought, as he promised during his campaign, to distance the US from Israel. This is the same man, remember, that has refused to use the phrase, "Islamic terrorism," and has often refused to condemn terrorism against Jews. I
And of course, Israel created the last three Intel chips, the anti-virus program, the IM program, many of the advanced communication systems used in the civilian and military branches of our country, countless medical breakthroughs, has provided billions of dollars per year of military intelligence to America, etc.
You see, that 3.1 billion dollars returns tens of billions of dollars to the US each year. Does Israel need the US? Yes. But has the US economy and the US military benefited from Israel? Yes. Are those benefits greater than the costs? Ask the hundreds of thousands of jobs in America created by Israeli technology, the tens or hundreds of thousands of people living in America thanks to Israeli medical breakthroughs, the tens of thousands of Americans alive because Israel provided our Middle East allies with intelligence so that we did not have to fight another war on behalf of an Islamic nation.
As to Mr. Obama, he has been hostile to Israel and Netanyahu since day one. He has sought, as he promised during his campaign, to distance the US from Israel. This is the same man, remember, that has refused to use the phrase, "Islamic terrorism," and has often refused to condemn terrorism against Jews. I
5
I was about to post a comment, but Shaun Narine's comment expresses my views exactly. The U.S. should cut off all aid to Israel until it ends settlement activity, turns over existing settlements to Palestine, and demonstrates a serious commitment to the two-state solution. Israel is free to go it's own way, but the current agenda undermines the legitimate interests of the U.S.
Only if and when the Israeli public shows some backbone and throws the current regime out, should we consider restoring some support. Meanwhile, the Palestinians are much more deserving of the friendship and support of the American people.
Only if and when the Israeli public shows some backbone and throws the current regime out, should we consider restoring some support. Meanwhile, the Palestinians are much more deserving of the friendship and support of the American people.
3
When even Jimmy Carter sees the hopelessness of peace between Israel and its neighbors, it's over. Israel does not want a two-state solution; they want it all. We should do our level best to get entirely out of the middle east, except for continuing to give aid to Israel and the Kurds. But where the Jews are concerned, don't increase their aid; if anything, cut it.
1
Netanyahu does not trust Obama and with good reason. The two state solution has always been a delusion because no peace is possible so long as one party wants to exterminate the other and the negotiating counterparty to the Israelis is a regime unable to perform its promises from the outset. Like the Saudis, the Israelis have lost confidence that the U.S. will actually defend Israel where the President does not backup a redline drawn in the sand.
4
Editor, you wrote:
"One involves the new 10-year defense agreement the two governments are negotiating, an anchor of their alliance. The existing agreement, which expires in 2018, provides $3.1 billion a year to Israel, , making it the top recipient of American aid. The even larger issue involves the slow but inexorable death of the two-state solution for peace with the Palestinians."
What to negotiate? They come, hat in hand, reminding us of the holocaust, and we barf up the cash. Every time.
I'm sick up to here of supporting a regime and, in growing numbers, a people who are unwilling to give an inch; who oppress, steal, and lie, on the basis of some biblical rationale.
The United States holds all the cards, yet is unable to face the reality of an Israel which has morphed into something hardly reflective of values we should hold dear.
Like Iran, Israel is becoming a theocracy: If it wants to be Jewish, It cannot be a democracy. If it wants to be democratic, It cannot be exclusively Jewish. If it wants to survive as a state, it MUST make peace with its neighbors.
"One involves the new 10-year defense agreement the two governments are negotiating, an anchor of their alliance. The existing agreement, which expires in 2018, provides $3.1 billion a year to Israel, , making it the top recipient of American aid. The even larger issue involves the slow but inexorable death of the two-state solution for peace with the Palestinians."
What to negotiate? They come, hat in hand, reminding us of the holocaust, and we barf up the cash. Every time.
I'm sick up to here of supporting a regime and, in growing numbers, a people who are unwilling to give an inch; who oppress, steal, and lie, on the basis of some biblical rationale.
The United States holds all the cards, yet is unable to face the reality of an Israel which has morphed into something hardly reflective of values we should hold dear.
Like Iran, Israel is becoming a theocracy: If it wants to be Jewish, It cannot be a democracy. If it wants to be democratic, It cannot be exclusively Jewish. If it wants to survive as a state, it MUST make peace with its neighbors.
5
I fail to see why we keep supporting Israel as long as they expand settlements. Send a clear message: one more settlement, and all funding stops.
7
It's not just a lost opportunity from Netanyahu, it's the perpetuation of endless conflicts in a region the size of a few counties, itself bordering a wave of unprecedented violent conflicts in the Middle East.
By financing Israel's military the US is in part responsible for Israel's actions, notably the expansion of settlements and sabotaging the two state solutions.
This all has to do with US politics and the Israeli lobby. It's a taboo subject and no American politician can touch it. But like Cuba, the Israeli case will run its course. There's a shelf life for everything but in the meantime Israel is still the only democracy in the region with an independent judiciary and a free press. Not withstanding Netanyahu's antics, even Arabs get a better shot at justice in Israel than anywhere else in the Middle East. Lots of paradoxes, but that is why we continue support Israel.
By financing Israel's military the US is in part responsible for Israel's actions, notably the expansion of settlements and sabotaging the two state solutions.
This all has to do with US politics and the Israeli lobby. It's a taboo subject and no American politician can touch it. But like Cuba, the Israeli case will run its course. There's a shelf life for everything but in the meantime Israel is still the only democracy in the region with an independent judiciary and a free press. Not withstanding Netanyahu's antics, even Arabs get a better shot at justice in Israel than anywhere else in the Middle East. Lots of paradoxes, but that is why we continue support Israel.
4
Don't give Israel any money, and let's see what happens.
Sink or swim, you know?
Sink or swim, you know?
6
Netanyahu is a terrorist who continues to support illegal settlements and to do everything he can to ensure there never will be peace. As long as he and his ilk are in power, there is no hope.
6
Netanyahu is angling for a Relublican to win in November, because he knows that he will dictate their Israeli policy and his foreign aid funds. Have we forgotten that Mitt Romney, now playing the role of elder statesman of the G.O.P., planned on doing just that had he won? He was transparent at a dinner in Tel Aviv with Sheldon Adelson the honored guest and string puller. The neo con crowd of Adelson, Bill Krytol, Cheney, etc. put what they perceive as Israel's interest first always, I happen to think they are dead wrong and wrong for the Israeli people, but that is Immaterial.
3
Does anyone question how aid to the PA is used? Anyone bothered by the PA rewarding the family of terrorists thru monthly stipends? Does that bother the conscience of the US taxpayer? Why is this never mentioned?
6
The two state solution is dead. Israel is triumphant. For Israel to achieve its Biblical Manifest Destiny, which has been the unstated goal of every PM since Ben Gurion, and the stated goal of Sharon and Netanyahu, has finally been made manifest by military might and a successful policy of land appropriation (AKA ethnic cleansing).
Today, the West bank consists of towns which are disassociated bantustans with no possibility to become a State. Gaza is still under siege, and Eretz Israel is a far as the Palestinians are concerned a foregone conclusion.
During the Bush Administration US and Israeli interests diverged, and there is absolutely no reason for the United States to be subsidizing the Jewish Anschluss fur Lebensraum any longer...if there ever was.
Right now Israel possess Submarines with nuclear launch capabilities, and a sufficient number of thermonuclear weapons with multiple delivery systems to negate any threat from any or all regional players, but of course that won't be necessary since Israel is now in bed with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan by whom the Jewish State's anti Shiite predilections are appreciated, and said interests have trumped any loyalty to Arabs in what was once Palestine.
One must hope that the Jewish State will not do as other Imperial Straps have done once empowered, and actively maneuver to frustrate the goals of the American Imperium, because we have made them formidable in a region which is vital to US interests.
Today, the West bank consists of towns which are disassociated bantustans with no possibility to become a State. Gaza is still under siege, and Eretz Israel is a far as the Palestinians are concerned a foregone conclusion.
During the Bush Administration US and Israeli interests diverged, and there is absolutely no reason for the United States to be subsidizing the Jewish Anschluss fur Lebensraum any longer...if there ever was.
Right now Israel possess Submarines with nuclear launch capabilities, and a sufficient number of thermonuclear weapons with multiple delivery systems to negate any threat from any or all regional players, but of course that won't be necessary since Israel is now in bed with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan by whom the Jewish State's anti Shiite predilections are appreciated, and said interests have trumped any loyalty to Arabs in what was once Palestine.
One must hope that the Jewish State will not do as other Imperial Straps have done once empowered, and actively maneuver to frustrate the goals of the American Imperium, because we have made them formidable in a region which is vital to US interests.
4
How, and why, "must" Obama's successor look for new ways to help Israel and the Palestinians make peace happen? Clearly Netanyahu has no interest in any kind of peace process, in the past, present or, if I may predict the obvious, future.
7
Knee-jerk defenders of the policies of either Obama or Netanyahu must take a step back and understand that our relationship with Israel is being reshaped within the framework of Obama's overall foreign involvement doctrine particularly regarding the Middle East. I suggest reading a great piece by Jeffrey Goldberg in the Atlantic called "The Obama Doctrine". Those who insist on Obama's supposed weakness and the "downgrading of America's standing in the world" may gain a different perspective. I, for one, believe that his doctrine is making the United States stronger, not weaker. Israel is and will remain our best friend and strongest ally regardless of any temporary thaw in our relationship. Nevertheless,stubborn opposition to any change in the status quo such as the Iran nuclear deal is a losing position in the long run and one that is not supported by a majority of Israelis.
3
Netanyahu's interests are not Israel's. Why would you think that. He, like Erdogan, Sisi, and other authoritarians of the Middle East are turning their countries into sham democracies for their own benefit. Time we call then out.
6
In the next agreement, we should demand that none of the aid that we give to Israel in any way supports, defends or helps expand the illegal settlements.
7
The two state solution is dead. It was killed by the neverending Israeli colonization project. The final nails were driven into its coffin by Netanya who has consistently bragged about it.
A real Palestinian state is now not just a political impossibility, it is also a physical impossibility. The Palestinian struggle must now become a civil rights struggle for basic political, civil, and human rights within the de facto nation of Israel. It needs a new generation of Palestinian leaders to take up that struggle.
A real Palestinian state is now not just a political impossibility, it is also a physical impossibility. The Palestinian struggle must now become a civil rights struggle for basic political, civil, and human rights within the de facto nation of Israel. It needs a new generation of Palestinian leaders to take up that struggle.
6
Israel and America are frought with people in power that choose to be obstructive, destructive and aside from greedy and self serving, downright mean and hurtful. Imagine how much good they could do with their power. They could make this world a wonderful place. Its a terrible shame they don't use the tools at their disposal to usher happiness and well being.
3
Again a show of disrespect for our President Obama and the highest Office by Netanyahu. How dare he! This simple fact itself should cut the $ 3.1 billion a year in aid. Israel is a rich country, the regional super power. We need that money sorely for our crumbling infrastructure. Our aid ( my tax dollars! )is responsible for decimating the Palestinians and the two-state solution has gone up in smoke. I do not want that onus on me.There seems to be a blind allegiance to Israel. They cry anti-semitism, anti-Israel, every time we try to stop their serious transgressions. Sometimes, I feel Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of the U.S. since we have Republicans and Democrats bending over backward to accommodate this bigoted hawk. What's next? He supports Trump? That will certainly get Trump the Republican Nomination.
10
The details of the negotiations between Israel and the Plestinians remain secret, you write. That is because the admininstration can't use them against Israel. Nothing is secret when it comes to critisizing Israel or its primeminister, see Jeffrey Goldberg for that. Only because Israel says yes to American ideas and the Palestinians say no, the admininstration keep secrets.
Mr. Netanyahu should respect the ofice of the president and the current occupant of it, and this respect should flow both ways.
Mr. Netanyahu should respect the ofice of the president and the current occupant of it, and this respect should flow both ways.
Israel has such a "special" relationship with the U.S., they can spit on it, and Republicans will clap.
7
We should cut all aid and stop send all Military hardware, these people DO NOT WANT peace, why else do they keep stealing the Arab land. If their only rights to stealing the land was God said that land belong to the Jews is wrong if the Arab had did this the world would be up in arms but now we sit back and let them happen
Personally I can't wait for Iran to wipe them off the map.
Personally I can't wait for Iran to wipe them off the map.
2
Netanyahu has done more than any prime minister to create distrust of Israel. Building settlements and refusing to embark on creating a solution with Palestinians further add to this distrust.
The ultimate insult is to cancel a meeting with the president and ask for an increase in aid at the same time. Time to cancel the $3.1 billion in aid.
The ultimate insult is to cancel a meeting with the president and ask for an increase in aid at the same time. Time to cancel the $3.1 billion in aid.
6
Top recipient of American aid. Talk about biting the (left) hand that feeds you and hope the (right) hand will feed you more.
Disrespect doesn't even start to describe it.
Disrespect doesn't even start to describe it.
7
Under Nethanyahu, Israel has become a strategic liability to the United States. How much could our education system be improved with an additional $3,000,000,000 annually?
10
Mr. Netanyahu's brother was killed by Palestinians during a military operation. His father was a renown scholar of anti-Semitism. As diplomat to Washington he was asked what his greatest accomplishment was. He stated that he made the American public equate anti-Zionism with Anti-Semitism.
Mr. Netanyahu is incapable of being a statesman. There will never be a Nixon goes to China moment. He sees Palestinians as murderers and he has absolutely no wish to engage them in any human way. For Netanyahu, interfering with American politics, lying, inciting ethnic hatred days before voting, building more settlements are not a problem. To Mr. Netanyahu, the world is anti-Semitic and never understands Israel. To Mr. Netanyahu the ultimate goal is the annihilation of the Palestinian people and the incorporation of all their lands into Israel. To Mr. Netanyahu the ends always justifies the means
Mr. Netanyahu is incapable of being a statesman. There will never be a Nixon goes to China moment. He sees Palestinians as murderers and he has absolutely no wish to engage them in any human way. For Netanyahu, interfering with American politics, lying, inciting ethnic hatred days before voting, building more settlements are not a problem. To Mr. Netanyahu, the world is anti-Semitic and never understands Israel. To Mr. Netanyahu the ultimate goal is the annihilation of the Palestinian people and the incorporation of all their lands into Israel. To Mr. Netanyahu the ends always justifies the means
8
The Times is wrong once again on Mideast peace negotiations.
The problem is not settlements but the fact that the Palestinians, unlike the
Israelis have never offered a serious peace proposal. In fact they still refuse to even recognize the Jewish state. Abbas continues to applaud Jihad in front of his people and failed to comply with prior agreements requiring him to end the incitement which causes terrorism and precludes any real negotiations.
President Obama has pressed Israel while he continues his failure to push the Palestinians to the make peace. Perhaps the next President will see this issue more clearly and act accordingly.
The problem is not settlements but the fact that the Palestinians, unlike the
Israelis have never offered a serious peace proposal. In fact they still refuse to even recognize the Jewish state. Abbas continues to applaud Jihad in front of his people and failed to comply with prior agreements requiring him to end the incitement which causes terrorism and precludes any real negotiations.
President Obama has pressed Israel while he continues his failure to push the Palestinians to the make peace. Perhaps the next President will see this issue more clearly and act accordingly.
4
Let's never forget that Israel's great ally, George W Bush and his neo-con geniuses, was responsible for destroying Iran's great foe, Iraq. With Iraq neutralized, Iran was able to unleash itself as the great danger it has become to Israel. On the other hand, it was Obama who, just as he promised, brought Iran to the negotiating table and forged a treaty that has put some very real restraints on Iran. (If the treaty were such a bad deal, in the words of that great foreign policy expert Donald Trump, why would Iran's theocratic conservatives be so upset about it?). What all this says is that Netanyahu has no clue as to his true friends. The one whom he embraced made his neighborhood considerably more dangerous; the one whom he shuns and insults has attempted to steer him in a direction that would bring a measure of peace to the long-suffering peoples of the Middle East.
8
Get real. Israel will never agree to a two state solution. To quote Ann Richards, "It's done. Stick a fork in it."
6
The official Israeli response to the cancelled meeting differs from what is stated here. Why do you assume the Obama administration is telling the truth?
You make no mention of repeated Iranian violations to the US brokered nuclear deal and the very real and substantial threat to Israel as a result. No wonder relations are strained.
This reeks of bias at best, and you-know-what at worst.
You make no mention of repeated Iranian violations to the US brokered nuclear deal and the very real and substantial threat to Israel as a result. No wonder relations are strained.
This reeks of bias at best, and you-know-what at worst.
1
The Arab League lost an opportunity when it met in 1967 and Issued the Three No's of Khartoum, thus leading Israel to realize there was no peaceful way to withdraw from the West Bank.
The Arab world, and the whole world, lost an opportunity in 2005, when Israel withdrew unilaterally from Gaza, thus creating an independent Palestinian state. At the time, Prime minister Sharon said that if things worked out, Israel would withdraw from most of the West Bank.
Nobody knows that there IS an independent Palestinian state, albeit a mini-state. Gaza has been launching rockets directed against Israeli civilians for years, in effect telling Israel not to make further withdrawals.
Why didn't the Arab world accept the fact that a Palestinian state exists? It doesn't want an independent Palestine. It simp-ly wants to destroy Israel. After all, there is no Palestine on the ISIS map of the future:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2674736/ISIS-militants-declare-f...
The Arab world, and the whole world, lost an opportunity in 2005, when Israel withdrew unilaterally from Gaza, thus creating an independent Palestinian state. At the time, Prime minister Sharon said that if things worked out, Israel would withdraw from most of the West Bank.
Nobody knows that there IS an independent Palestinian state, albeit a mini-state. Gaza has been launching rockets directed against Israeli civilians for years, in effect telling Israel not to make further withdrawals.
Why didn't the Arab world accept the fact that a Palestinian state exists? It doesn't want an independent Palestine. It simp-ly wants to destroy Israel. After all, there is no Palestine on the ISIS map of the future:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2674736/ISIS-militants-declare-f...
5
There is absolutely no good reason to send Israel $3 Billion a year, or any aid whatsoever. Instead, we should require our politicians to live on their salaries rather than on Israeli payoffs.
Israel could have peace and security any time it wanted to by removing its settlements and withdrawing from the occupied territories. Until it does so, there is no basis for any country, or anyone, to support its existence.
Israel could have peace and security any time it wanted to by removing its settlements and withdrawing from the occupied territories. Until it does so, there is no basis for any country, or anyone, to support its existence.
4
I think the rudeness goes both ways.
Obama has never visited Israel, the 1st president not to.
A "Palestinian State" is a fantasy that will almost certainly lead to another failed middle east state. We don't live in the middle east and most Americans only see the 3rd world through the skewed pinhole of what the media reports.
Israel has done a good job of surviving in spite of being surrounded by enemies that want to push the Jews into the sea. Let's not try to tell Israel what it needs to function. Most of us could never do such a good job.
Obama has never visited Israel, the 1st president not to.
A "Palestinian State" is a fantasy that will almost certainly lead to another failed middle east state. We don't live in the middle east and most Americans only see the 3rd world through the skewed pinhole of what the media reports.
Israel has done a good job of surviving in spite of being surrounded by enemies that want to push the Jews into the sea. Let's not try to tell Israel what it needs to function. Most of us could never do such a good job.
3
Thanks to the Israel lobbies and their undisputed control of our Congress, the American dollars will keep going to Israel no matter what Netanyahu does or says. So why should he bother to be politic?
5
Time to reign in these assisted living costs. They are getting way out of hand, and beyond my budget.
2
Past time to start reigning in the money the US sends to the Israeli War Hawks. That's a message that's clear and won't need three opinions from one party to reach a conclusion.
The Israelis have been aided and abetted by a Right Wing Congress but Netanyahu has stepped into it with every opportunity. Let's see how he explains losing US support? Israel lost mine when they decided to allow religious fundamentalists to take control of the government.
The Israelis have been aided and abetted by a Right Wing Congress but Netanyahu has stepped into it with every opportunity. Let's see how he explains losing US support? Israel lost mine when they decided to allow religious fundamentalists to take control of the government.
3
The U.S. needs to allow the U.N to do its work and and stop the illegal land grabs and Occupation. Israel is acting like the a litigation attorney - delay any meaningful settlement while the disputed lands are illegally bought, annexed and stolen.
The U.S. cannot be an honest broker for peace while we serve as Israel's chief defense attorney.
The U.S. cannot be an honest broker for peace while we serve as Israel's chief defense attorney.
2
No good answers. We have to continue military and financial support for Israel; despite its abuses of the Palestinians, it is the only liberal ally in the Middle East. The Palestinians bear much responsibility for refusing deal after deal, (yes, the deals were flawed, but the Palestinians failed to read the course of history).
Netanyahu's public disrespect for Obama is a shill to the Republican Party, which he knows loathes Obama more than the very devil. He knows the US has to continue its support for Israel. He thus has his cake and gets to eat it, too: He gets the West Bank, AND the US billions.
The problem is this: the Palestinians are not going to go away. They will not slink off to Jordan, Egypt Syria, or any other neighbor Arab country, which Israel clearly intends them to do. They are going to continue in misery and violence, even as their population increases relative to that of the Jews, and they are going to be an increasingly infected thorn in the side of Israel, in the one-state solution. In short, they are going to become like blacks in apartheid South Africa. What will unfold when the wound hits critical mass is beyond anyone's guess.
Netanyahu's public disrespect for Obama is a shill to the Republican Party, which he knows loathes Obama more than the very devil. He knows the US has to continue its support for Israel. He thus has his cake and gets to eat it, too: He gets the West Bank, AND the US billions.
The problem is this: the Palestinians are not going to go away. They will not slink off to Jordan, Egypt Syria, or any other neighbor Arab country, which Israel clearly intends them to do. They are going to continue in misery and violence, even as their population increases relative to that of the Jews, and they are going to be an increasingly infected thorn in the side of Israel, in the one-state solution. In short, they are going to become like blacks in apartheid South Africa. What will unfold when the wound hits critical mass is beyond anyone's guess.
Testifying again in front of Congress in 2002, Netanyahu claimed that Iraq’s nonexistent nuclear program was in fact so advanced that the country was now operating “centrifuges the size of washing machines.”
Netanyahu said, "If you take out Saddam’s regime, I guarantee you that it will have enormous positive reverberations on the region."
Why does anyone listen to Netanyahu any more?
Netanyahu said, "If you take out Saddam’s regime, I guarantee you that it will have enormous positive reverberations on the region."
Why does anyone listen to Netanyahu any more?
2
Netanyahu is the strangest type of supplicant -- one who pokes you in the eye while asking for handouts. I am a part of the U.S. who supports Israel; Netanyahu puts me in a position where I am asked to defend the undefendable, which I will not do.
Obama is a true stateman-- too bad Netanyahu is more qualified for GOP candidate than prime minister of Israel.
Obama is a true stateman-- too bad Netanyahu is more qualified for GOP candidate than prime minister of Israel.
3
At 3 billion bucks a year, supporting Israel is a bargain. We would have been involved in many more wars and lost many more American lives. Too, several thousand Arabs serve in the IDF.
Opportunities for peace were squandered by Arafat!!! He died a billionaire. A Palestinian friend said he could be seen showing off his Rolex watch collection, while he tried to convince young Arabs to blow themselves up in the presence of Jewish people. Peace was not profitable.
At some point one has to be defensive. Many Americans can move into ghetto communities to save money on rent or buy some very nice houses at bargain prices. Why won't they? One can't become a trusting soul overnight.
Opportunities for peace were squandered by Arafat!!! He died a billionaire. A Palestinian friend said he could be seen showing off his Rolex watch collection, while he tried to convince young Arabs to blow themselves up in the presence of Jewish people. Peace was not profitable.
At some point one has to be defensive. Many Americans can move into ghetto communities to save money on rent or buy some very nice houses at bargain prices. Why won't they? One can't become a trusting soul overnight.
3
If anything, Mr. Netanyahu is showing all signs of being well-versed in the American school of Republican politics, by his repeated arrogant and dismissive behavior toward President Obama. Hardly surprising. After all, this is the man who accepted an invitation to speak before the U.S. Congress, and didn't even go through the correct diplomatic protocol by informing the President of his impending visit.
And then there's all of the Prime Minister's finger wagging, and general air of self-importance and condescension that is easily read in almost every photograph, almost as though the President, and indeed the United States, were doing them itself a favor by hosting this perpetually disdainful man and his steady list of demands.
It's time to seriously rethink this country's policy towards Israel. And, NO-- there is nothing "anti-Semitic" about taking this stance. There is however something wrong with biting the hand that feeds you. And this is something that Israel, thanks to Mr. Netanyahu's antics, may end up having to learn.
And then there's all of the Prime Minister's finger wagging, and general air of self-importance and condescension that is easily read in almost every photograph, almost as though the President, and indeed the United States, were doing them itself a favor by hosting this perpetually disdainful man and his steady list of demands.
It's time to seriously rethink this country's policy towards Israel. And, NO-- there is nothing "anti-Semitic" about taking this stance. There is however something wrong with biting the hand that feeds you. And this is something that Israel, thanks to Mr. Netanyahu's antics, may end up having to learn.
3
If Americans are tired of the War Culture around the world, then it is time to stop the constant arms deals negotiated by the US government and the US weapons manufacturers. The US supplies arms to so many countries that our own troops are fired upon by US made weapons. It is simply insane!
Netanyahu is a criminal. Most Israelis I know cannot stand him or the politics in Israel. Sooner or later Israels racist acts against the Palestinians will come back to haunt them and it will be deserving.
Netanyahu is a criminal. Most Israelis I know cannot stand him or the politics in Israel. Sooner or later Israels racist acts against the Palestinians will come back to haunt them and it will be deserving.
5
Time for the US to start distancing itself from Mr. Netanyahu's Israel.
Nothing good has come to the US from that relationship.
Nothing good has come to the US from that relationship.
3
The first problem is that the majority of Israelis do not want a Palestinian state in the usually thought of location. The majority would say: "would you"? Knotty problem, eh?
The nonsense engendered by the religions involved seem impossible to eliminate, without eliminating the religions.
The ham-handed manner of Netanyahu is just a manifestation of his personality.
The nonsense engendered by the religions involved seem impossible to eliminate, without eliminating the religions.
The ham-handed manner of Netanyahu is just a manifestation of his personality.
2
The US Presidency does not have the cache, the power or the clout that it once had. Besides, Netanyahu is only one or two steps above Erdogan, so who really cares, anyway? Sooner than later the UN is going to have to do something about him and Israel before there are no more Palestinians. Who would have ever thought that the world would save a group of people, give them their own country, and 50 years later that group becomes a major ethnic cleanser themselves?
3
I wonder how many Americans, especially Republicans, realize that we give more foreign aid to Israel than any other country, in spite of the fact that it is one of the most prosperous nations on earth?
10
Y'all are missing the bigger picture. You need to piece the puzzle together. Obama is on his way out and is trying to pressure Israel to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. I'm sure Obama is dangling the deal over Netanyahu's head with some pre-conditions. You won't read that in the news but you KNOW that's going on behind the scenes.
Netanyahu sees the way Obama negotiated with Iran and knows it is in Israel's best interest to stay away from an Obama brokered "peace" deal. He's only got a few months until there is a new president in the Oval Office, one who will be less Islamo-centric. Netanyahu can afford to wait it out.
Netanyahu sees the way Obama negotiated with Iran and knows it is in Israel's best interest to stay away from an Obama brokered "peace" deal. He's only got a few months until there is a new president in the Oval Office, one who will be less Islamo-centric. Netanyahu can afford to wait it out.
2
Even if Israel were not a rogue nation, it is a prosperous nation, with a standard of living equivalent to that of
Western Europe. Why should the United States give Israel any money. Why do we have to "guarantee Israel's security"' as is often said? The establishment of what was in effect a European colony in a sea of Arabs, was in addition to being deeply immoral, profoundly disruptive to the Middle East, and a disastrous political mistake for which we have never stopped paying the price. Every American administration, Republican as well as Democrat, since the 1967 war, has requested that Israel refrain from building in the occupied territories, and yet every Israeli administration, Labor as well as Likud, has thumbed their noses at us, and yet we, because of cynical domestic politics, have continued to support Israel without qualification. We have vetoed U.N. Resolutions which have criticized the most egregious Israeli actions, like their slaughtering of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children, inn their attacks on Gaza. We do not officially endorse the settlement enterprise, but we enable it. Every dollar of aid given to Israel, whether termed military or otherwise, is a dollar used in support of the occupation. American support for the ethnic cleansing of Palestine will be viewed in history as one of our most shameful actions
Western Europe. Why should the United States give Israel any money. Why do we have to "guarantee Israel's security"' as is often said? The establishment of what was in effect a European colony in a sea of Arabs, was in addition to being deeply immoral, profoundly disruptive to the Middle East, and a disastrous political mistake for which we have never stopped paying the price. Every American administration, Republican as well as Democrat, since the 1967 war, has requested that Israel refrain from building in the occupied territories, and yet every Israeli administration, Labor as well as Likud, has thumbed their noses at us, and yet we, because of cynical domestic politics, have continued to support Israel without qualification. We have vetoed U.N. Resolutions which have criticized the most egregious Israeli actions, like their slaughtering of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children, inn their attacks on Gaza. We do not officially endorse the settlement enterprise, but we enable it. Every dollar of aid given to Israel, whether termed military or otherwise, is a dollar used in support of the occupation. American support for the ethnic cleansing of Palestine will be viewed in history as one of our most shameful actions
8
Right or wrong, diplomatic or not, it is, what it is. Obama has demonstrated, there are issues he simply doesn't have time for. Israel as governed by Bi Bi, was one of them. Obama obviously has his reasons. Obama has moved into a mode of a statesman. He is leaving behind Israel, the Brits, the French, and the swamp we call the Middle East. Cannot blame him about our getting out of a Mideast war. Flag draped caskets are not coming home on a frequent basis. If the Israelis insist on staying where they are , more power to them, however, that then is their choice.
3
The US should discontinue all aid to Israel until we receive a "road map" from them on how and when they plan achieve a two-state solution OR a one-state solution. But they HAVE to chose one, and tell us how they'll get there.
3
I long for the day when the United States, instead of sending billions a year in aid, gives Israel the back of its hand. It would be of immense pleasure to see that backhand across Netanyahu’s face.
6
It's time to drop the aid to Israel. They don't need it, and being unconditional it has had no moderating effect on their policies.
6
Personally I am sick and tired of shipping billions of dollars to Israel every year only to have them ignore the UN and the U.S. and plain old human decency by continually expanding their takeover of land belonging to Palestinians.
They try to justify what they do by claiming the Palestinians keep attacking them. Of course they do, with the way Israel treats them. Israel brings it on itself and we should cut off all aid to them until they stop building new settlements and turn over some of those they have built to the Palestinians.
They try to justify what they do by claiming the Palestinians keep attacking them. Of course they do, with the way Israel treats them. Israel brings it on itself and we should cut off all aid to them until they stop building new settlements and turn over some of those they have built to the Palestinians.
7
The tone of the relationship between Obama & BB was set in 2009 when Obama after his"historic" Cairo address to the Muslim World conveniently by passed visiting Israel. This was done in an attempt to create space between the US & Israel so that Obama by virtue of his paternal connections to Islam and time spent as a boy in Indonesia made him uniquely qualified to be the first American president to successfully conclude the Israeli-Palestinian "conflict".
Foreign aid to Israel is a function of Congress where BB enjoys great popularity and support.The administration determines how this aid is to be distributed. Those opposed to the American taxpayer funding military benefits to Israel can be comforted knowing that all aid must be spent in the US. Those who oppose any aid to Israel can be comforted knowing that their tax $$$s also fund the pensions of Arabs convicted of murder and other acts of terror and aggression against Israeli civilians.
Israeli defense industries build the outer wings of the F35 and were instrumental in creating technologies that created the helmet for the pilots of the F35. Italy, UK, Denmark, Norway,Canada, Turkey ,Netherlands will also receive the F35. Though Israel has announced that it will double the combat range of the F35. The US benefits from Israeli intelligence and technology and Israel provides the proving grounds refining and improving upon American weaponry.
67% of Palestinians approve killing Israelis so a "peace process" is an oxymoron.
Foreign aid to Israel is a function of Congress where BB enjoys great popularity and support.The administration determines how this aid is to be distributed. Those opposed to the American taxpayer funding military benefits to Israel can be comforted knowing that all aid must be spent in the US. Those who oppose any aid to Israel can be comforted knowing that their tax $$$s also fund the pensions of Arabs convicted of murder and other acts of terror and aggression against Israeli civilians.
Israeli defense industries build the outer wings of the F35 and were instrumental in creating technologies that created the helmet for the pilots of the F35. Italy, UK, Denmark, Norway,Canada, Turkey ,Netherlands will also receive the F35. Though Israel has announced that it will double the combat range of the F35. The US benefits from Israeli intelligence and technology and Israel provides the proving grounds refining and improving upon American weaponry.
67% of Palestinians approve killing Israelis so a "peace process" is an oxymoron.
9
Our unqualified support for Israel is the midwife of Netanyahu’s disdain and arrogance toward this administration. The disproportionate military assaults in Gaza, the “collective punishments” leveled at the Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem and the colonization of the West Bank itself, have taken place without any negative consequences from the our government. As such, why should Israel change its course now? The two-state solution is a unicorn as long as we continue to provide Israel with unqualified political cover in the U.N. and with the international community.
7
Somewhere there is a cliff for Israel. Neti doesn't see it or just doesn't care. The US will not be there to catch them when they are in free fall, not even the new Repubs will find that appealing. Whatever causes it will not be pretty.
7
No wonder he's angry. He rightfully sees the F-35 as a ruse to kill all of their pilots, when they are not grounded by problems.
2
He can get away with this kind of nonsense because he knows he has unwavering support in Congress, and that Obama won't be president forever. What I don't understand is why Israeli voters continue to reelect a government that has repeatedly demonstrated its arrogance in ways that are unhelpful to the State of Israel.
7
I say it's time the United States wash its hands of involvement in Israel. Send Israel and the Palestinian state the same amount of money every year -- no more than a few hundred million dollars -- and tell them it's up to them to work things out. No more weapons, no more training, no more logistical support, and no more negotiating on their behalf.
Netanyahu is nothing more than a Mitch McConnell operative working on behalf of powerful international corporate interests. Let him turn to them for the financial and logistical support he wants.
Netanyahu is nothing more than a Mitch McConnell operative working on behalf of powerful international corporate interests. Let him turn to them for the financial and logistical support he wants.
6
Who exactly does Obama imagine he can for Netanyahu to sign a deal with on the Palestinian side? Hamas? You've got to be kidding. Abbas, the guy who is in the 10th year of a 4 year term? Another joke. Abbas has precisely zero legitimacy with his own people to strike any peace deal with Israel.
Bibi was right. Obama is a cynical and naive amateur. Everything he touches turns to garbage.
Bibi was right. Obama is a cynical and naive amateur. Everything he touches turns to garbage.
1
Netanyahu's behavior is clearly destructive to the long term interests of Israel. But Netanyahu does not care about Israel, he cares only about his own political future, period. He is like many right wing American politicians who put party and personal career ahead of their nation's best interests.
Take Mitch McConnell, for instance. At the beginning of Obama's term of office, he stated that the number one priority was ensuring that Obama was a one term president. He should have said his number one priority was doing what was best for the American people, but he did not. McConnell does not care about the USA or even his State of Kentucky. If he did, he would be focusing on finding jobs for Kentucky residents in a post coal era. Instead, he rants about the mythical "war on coal" because it scores partisan points with an ignorant voting base.
McConnell and Netanyahu - two peas in a pod, putting themselves ahead of country.
Take Mitch McConnell, for instance. At the beginning of Obama's term of office, he stated that the number one priority was ensuring that Obama was a one term president. He should have said his number one priority was doing what was best for the American people, but he did not. McConnell does not care about the USA or even his State of Kentucky. If he did, he would be focusing on finding jobs for Kentucky residents in a post coal era. Instead, he rants about the mythical "war on coal" because it scores partisan points with an ignorant voting base.
McConnell and Netanyahu - two peas in a pod, putting themselves ahead of country.
5
This is not a "Squabble" as the editorial puts it. It is a conflict between two obvious interests. First the relationship between the US and Israel has been tragic for the US, both financially and in terms of US foreign policy objectives (that latter including terrible loss of lives among US soldiers). The second fact is that the power of pro-Israel political groups, both Jewish and Christian, to prevent (and corrupt) American leaders, both Executive and Congressional from extricating the citizens of the US from this relationship. Obama knows this, Netanyahu knows this and Congress knows this. $4 billion a year in payments to fund a resurrected South African apartheid is the only proof necessary.
3
Israel gave up the GAZA - and look what happened - The Times is like Neville Chameberlin - believing in miracles of peace.
We do not even have peace in this country
We do not even have peace in this country
5
When I graduated from college 40 years ago, the Israeli and Palastinian conflict was in the news every day. What has changed? This will not be changed in my lifetime nor, likely, my grandchildren's.
Netanyahu is not our friend, and $4 billion, or anything, a year to Israel is a disgrace. That is your money and mine. The commenter who recommended we spend it on our own infrastructure and create jobs read my mind.
Netanyahu is not our friend, and $4 billion, or anything, a year to Israel is a disgrace. That is your money and mine. The commenter who recommended we spend it on our own infrastructure and create jobs read my mind.
6
I'm so sick of Netanyahu. The schools in my state (and many others) need that money. Why is he so entitled? I'm pretty sure Israel can take care of itself by now.
10
Mr. Netanyahu's disrespect for Mr. Obama is just plain rude and given the office of the President is being insulted, contemptuous of the United States of America as a whole. Given how freely and generously the people of the United States have been to the state of Israel in supporting it since it's founding, Netanyahu has the obligation to treat the President with respect, even if he does not like him. I do not care how nasty the Republicans in Congress have acted towards the President, they owe this country a resolution censoring Netanyahu for his bad behavior towards the President.
10
Sadly, it's long past time to pull the plug on this yahoo. Take them off the teat.
5
Reading the comments on an editorial like this one makes me realize just why the two sides in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute have made so little headway in their peace negotiations. How can one compromise when one knows one is absolutely correct and the other side is completely wrong, racist, evil, and the cause of the whole problem and every other one in the world as well?
3
A little of topic, but it's about time we did nothing. Let the peace process die. Whatever the original intentions, all the peace process accomplished for the likes of Netanyahu is turn an internal problem into an external one. Imagine the world reaction if the Israeli government deployed jets and war ships, to bomb a section of its population that is of a different ethnicity than the ruling class as a collective punishment for rioting. All of a sudden Israel would sound less like a beacon of democracy and more like Assad's Syria circa 2010.
3
Too bad Netanyahu's intransigence to not allow peace and security to prosper is occurring, a lost opportunity of a far-right leader to become a statesman, that is, to finally do the right thing, allow Palestine to become independent from Israel's occupation, considered by many as an institutionalized violence giving rise to futile attacks with knifes and stones and puerile insults. Soon as Israel leaves Palestine, the reason for being attacked may subside and civility return. As it stands, there seems a willful disregard to fix things, so further settlements can be spread on foreign land. Is Netanyahu blind or oblivious to the need of being true to himself and his people, an opportunist exploiting the status quo to stay in power? Should the U.S. use its leverage to imbue some sense of justice in this far too long struggle? Call me naive, but what else can one think when a prime minister said publicly that no deal will be made while he is in office, sealing the fate of two neighbors so close to each other, and yet, so far apart in spirit? Is stupidity to reign, again and again, while the suffering goes on, unabated. Is justice awol?
3
Seemingly, we are forgetting the neighborhood we are working with. We want to force a peace treaty that will be disastrous for Israel. We tried to do this in Iraq and we see what happened. We tried to do this in Libya and we see what is happening. Israel can't afford to take these chances. Unfortunately, Obama has nothing to show but failure when it comes to foreign policy. Netanyahu is doing the correct thing by avoiding our president.
3
Mr. Netanyahu, like the Republicans with the Supreme Court appointment, is waiting for a new U. S. President next year. Both are hoping he'll be a Republican. Maybe the U. S. should wait to deal with Israel until Israel has a new leader.
2
Prime Minister Netanyahu's petulant, shamefully rude conduct towards our President has been given full cover by his fawning, sycophant Republican Congressional friends' identical, disgraceful disrespect towards President Obama from the moment he was inaugurated. Netanyahu is a hard right wing demagogue whose volcanic stewardship of Israel has been disastrous, inflaming the entire region while he has lied and misrepresented issues repeatedly for many years. We should cancel any further support for Israel - instead, we should invest those billions in our own decaying infrastructure for a change. We can start with Flint, Michigan.
6
On negotiations regarding financial aid to Israel,
we should start at zero and then stop there.
It's time to concentrate on our own domestic problems.
we should start at zero and then stop there.
It's time to concentrate on our own domestic problems.
2
Not a nickel for Israel till Netanyahu is history, enough is enough.
3
The obvious consequence for Mr. Netanyahu's arrogance, disrespect of our president and opposition to the two state solution is to stop subsidizing Israel. Redirect the annual $3.1 billion in handouts to Israel to improving U.S. infrastructure.
4
If the NYT editorial board really wants to help the peace process they would be well advised to stop undermining Netanyahu at every turn.
The first and most important first step is the deadly attacks on Israelis by Palestinian youths need to stop. Once it has been established that the violence has stopped there can be a conversation.
The second step is that the Palestinians need to demonstrate that they won't turn Israeli peace overtures into punishments. The riskiest and boldest step Prime Minister Sharon made toward peace was to pull out of Gaza. But it was quickly overun by Hamas and turned into a launch pad for missiles and terror tunnels. Israel cannot be expected to make the same mistake again.
It certainly isn't helpful to continuously put the onus on either Netanyahu or Obama to try to make another push towards peace until it has been demonstrated that there is in fact a willing partner on the other side. UN resolutions without a cessation in violence only embolden the strategy of terrorism as they put forward the message that voilence gets results.
The first and most important first step is the deadly attacks on Israelis by Palestinian youths need to stop. Once it has been established that the violence has stopped there can be a conversation.
The second step is that the Palestinians need to demonstrate that they won't turn Israeli peace overtures into punishments. The riskiest and boldest step Prime Minister Sharon made toward peace was to pull out of Gaza. But it was quickly overun by Hamas and turned into a launch pad for missiles and terror tunnels. Israel cannot be expected to make the same mistake again.
It certainly isn't helpful to continuously put the onus on either Netanyahu or Obama to try to make another push towards peace until it has been demonstrated that there is in fact a willing partner on the other side. UN resolutions without a cessation in violence only embolden the strategy of terrorism as they put forward the message that voilence gets results.
4
When Netanyahu disrespects President Obama- he disrespects the American people who have voted for him twice to lead this country and who foot the bill for military aid to Israel.
Of course, he takes his cues from the GOP leadership who have done nothing but disrespect Obama for the past 7 years. The do nothing GOP is falling apart so it looks like Netanyahu is betting on the wrong horse and continues to do so.
Of course, he takes his cues from the GOP leadership who have done nothing but disrespect Obama for the past 7 years. The do nothing GOP is falling apart so it looks like Netanyahu is betting on the wrong horse and continues to do so.
7
Israel should have been Europe's problem, America(n's) always poke it's nose on some other countries problem by engaging into wars and then pick up the tabs, it is now time to stop that kind of behavior once and for all. Our country is going through hell, we are broke, our young kids who would take the reign of this county one day are on drugs, our elders are scared whether their SS check will be coming next month, the sick people are scared too over the measly insurance they have now would not be there if the GOP take control of the WH, working people do not have satisfactory jobs to meet their needs and our politicians are too busy thinking about everybody but the Americans, who( Americans) will be voting for them(Politicians) to work for our govt. who is btw is for the people. Wake up Americans and stay focus on America not Israel or Iran.
4
"It’s hard to understand how showing disrespect to the president of the United States serves Israel’s interests. "
===================================
Actually it's easy.
The disrespect from Mr. Netanyahu toward POTUS was evident with the Bush Administration. Bush response and strategy was to always say yes and yes sir.
In order to destroy the two state solution, Netanyahu wants to cut the relationship between the USA and Israel. The 3 billion dollars in aid is a paltry sum and easily replaced by Likud supporters in the United States.
===================================
Actually it's easy.
The disrespect from Mr. Netanyahu toward POTUS was evident with the Bush Administration. Bush response and strategy was to always say yes and yes sir.
In order to destroy the two state solution, Netanyahu wants to cut the relationship between the USA and Israel. The 3 billion dollars in aid is a paltry sum and easily replaced by Likud supporters in the United States.
2
Netanyahu has turned into an angry old white man disrespectful of President Obama.
Sounds familiar.
Sounds familiar.
9
Its nice to finally hear the gray lady admit it:
"His counterpart, the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, is a weak and aging leader who has given up on peace."
So how is this Netanyahu's fault?
There is no one to negotiate with on the other side: not in Gaza and not in Ramallah. It would be easier for Obama to negotiate with the Zika virus.
The settlements are not an obstacle to peace because they can be abandoned as they were in Gaza in 2005. The problem is that abandoning the settlements in Gaza has solved nothing and only given Hamas a better footing to fight 3 wars and counting against Israel.
"His counterpart, the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, is a weak and aging leader who has given up on peace."
So how is this Netanyahu's fault?
There is no one to negotiate with on the other side: not in Gaza and not in Ramallah. It would be easier for Obama to negotiate with the Zika virus.
The settlements are not an obstacle to peace because they can be abandoned as they were in Gaza in 2005. The problem is that abandoning the settlements in Gaza has solved nothing and only given Hamas a better footing to fight 3 wars and counting against Israel.
5
How incredibly one- sided.
Lets not forget, that Mr. Netanyahu leads a sovereign state as well, and is entitled to make decisions regarding that state, regardless of how much aid the US gives it.
Readers, take an honest step back, and reread this editorial from the perspective of the Israeli government. Imagine this same piece was written about Manuel Valls of France. It now reads as incredibly paternalistic, condescending and self- centered.
Lets not forget, that Mr. Netanyahu leads a sovereign state as well, and is entitled to make decisions regarding that state, regardless of how much aid the US gives it.
Readers, take an honest step back, and reread this editorial from the perspective of the Israeli government. Imagine this same piece was written about Manuel Valls of France. It now reads as incredibly paternalistic, condescending and self- centered.
5
This sort of behavior by the leader of the Jewish state fuels anti-semitism around the world.
9
Can you imagine the tax bill Israel's citizens would receive if they had to pay, each year, $3.1 BILLION for their defense. The U.S. displays its stupidity more and more. And the American people don't ask why. There is one thing we all agree on: when the oil dries up, Israel better have its bags packed.
5
To Netanyahu peace means crushing Palestinians to the last. Il could take years even decades, yet the goal is there.
8
Netanyahu is as dismissive of this black President as every Republican has been since Obama was first elected.
4
Bibi has exploited the christian nutters on the right (who need a place for Jesus's return) to undermine Obama and anyone else who might have a more rational approach to peace than his. Amazing bedfellows, indeed; one group trying to peek under Bibi's yarmulke to see horns while the other chortles about Jesus being the messiah. Politicians like Netanyahu are a disgrace to Israel and nearly as dangerous as its enemies.
2
Maybe it's time to sever ties with Israel. They seem to have an attitude problem on many levels.
2
It's about time the NYT editorial board has acknowledged the disrespectful, arrogant, and cocky attitude of Bibi the fascist. Yes, I said fascist. It's as though the world can not conceive of a person of Jewish extraction being called a fascist-but if it looks like a duck, etc. He is a protege of Sharon who often told the Israelis "not to worry about the USA. We own the congress and they will do whatever we want". The article also in today's Times regarding our slavish attitude toward the Saudis goes hand in hand with this editorial..We bow to Saudi interests because of oil, we bow to Israel because of "the lobby". In both cases, the "patriots" of both parties sell out our nation's interests for the money, and support that both Saudis and Israelis can furnish toward reelection campaigns. The truly sad part is that average Americans end up paying with taxes and war casualties to finance a system that goes against their well being. Bernie Sanders is so right when he claims that the entire system is "rigged".
2
This is a 2 way street. By the way name me a foreign leader that Obama has a warm cozy relationship with. Obama likes to lecture and that's not leadership. Leaders get things done. Netanyahu may be cut from the same cloth so we have 2 similar personalities not getting along. Pot meet kettle.
However Netanyahu has to live in that region and secure Israel so lecturing what Israel should be doing is extraordinarily narcissistic on our part. For all the Israel haters which non-democratic government or dictator should we support in the Middle East?
However Netanyahu has to live in that region and secure Israel so lecturing what Israel should be doing is extraordinarily narcissistic on our part. For all the Israel haters which non-democratic government or dictator should we support in the Middle East?
2
As a disobedience dependent nation, it is time to cut Israel's multi-billion dollar allowance. Let Netanyahu explain to Israeli voters how and why he lost $3.1 billion in US aid.
3
Why should Netanyahu waste time with Obama? Obama threw Israel under the bus with the Iran deal for the sake of his legacy and clearly does not care about Israeli security interests. Netanyahu owes him little and has no reason to continue a relationship with a lame duck president, especially in light of the fact whomever the next president is - be it a Republican or Hillary Clinton - will be pro-Israel.
5
How dare you blame Israel when Obama started this rift and for seven years has overtly and repeatedly demonstrated that his hatred of Israel is as intense as the hatred harbored by Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood and Hezbollah? Obama has repeated snubbed Netanyahu’s request for meeting in the past and has called for the return to the 1967 borders! Furthermore, Obama is foolish to think that he can broker a peace when Hamas and Hezbollah are calling for the destruction of Israel. Palestine abandoned the Oslo Peace Accords because its leadership never wanted peace. Why would anyone think that has changed? While all of Israel and most of the Palestinian people would love nothing more than to live in peace as neighbors, the Palestinian leadership must change before that is possible and the new leadership must change the Palestinian charter to remove all language on the destruction of Israel.
5
Unfortunately there won't be a two state solution. The Times explicitly blames Israel for it, as usual, denying that Hamas DOES NOT want a two state solution either. They simply don't. If Israel did not exist, Hamas would invent it. The attitude of many Israel politicians is childish and won't make it any friends --truth to be told. However any person who has read Israeli history knows that the West has not given Israel any reasons to trust its "treatises" and "resolutions." Finally, and this is pure opinion, there are more pressing issues in the world than this one. I cannot understand why this one gets so much press while others conflicts that have costed more hundreds of thousands deaths yet the press ignore them.
6
What Mr Netanyahu meant was that when Hillary becomes president!
3
Both President Obama and PM Netanyahu preside over extensively fractured political landscapes. Domestic opposition to both leaders doomed any possibility of cooperation. Netanyahu's singular coup de grace, however, was to ally himself with our nation's extremist right, mistakenly thinking that it better served Israel's interests. With his alliance, though, Netanyahu revealed himself to be more interested perhaps in perpetuating his personal power than in Israel's well-being, a characteristic of our own increasingly far right wing Republican "leaders."
8
If Netanyahu wants Israel to be treated like a friend and ally, along with continual gifts and support of every sort, perhaps he should realize that friendship is a two-way street. Maybe we should refuse to negotiate with him, hoping for more rationality from his successor. And in the meantime, we continue to take the steps we think would be most likely to bring stability and a greater chance of peace, without paying ever increasing bribes to our "friends".
I imagine Netanyahu thinks he'll get along great with a president Trump. Two bullies who think they know more than God.
I imagine Netanyahu thinks he'll get along great with a president Trump. Two bullies who think they know more than God.
16
Not only should the US suspend financial support of Israel, the next time Netanyahu sets foot in the US he should be arrested for war crimes.
17
Bibi was able to talk Georgy Porgy into war with Iraq but our president has not bitten his poison apple. Thank god!
19
"... considering the disrespect the prime minister has shown Mr. Obama in the past"
Who showed whom disrespect in the past? Just remember the fake outrage about Netanyahu´s speech at Congress. Nobody noticed the NYT correction dated 30, 2015
"An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of Benjamin Netanyahu’s acceptance of Speaker John A. Boehner’s invitation to address Congress. He accepted after the Obama administration had been informed of the invitation, not before."
It is English, isn´t? The President Obama got his deal, as a result of his ruse.
"... Mr. Obama’s thinking in declining to meet with Mr. Netanyahu when he is in Washington. He will be here just two weeks before the Israeli elections."
Mr. Netanyahu learned the lesson and will not interfere in the present US presidential elections now. What is wrong with that?
Who showed whom disrespect in the past? Just remember the fake outrage about Netanyahu´s speech at Congress. Nobody noticed the NYT correction dated 30, 2015
"An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of Benjamin Netanyahu’s acceptance of Speaker John A. Boehner’s invitation to address Congress. He accepted after the Obama administration had been informed of the invitation, not before."
It is English, isn´t? The President Obama got his deal, as a result of his ruse.
"... Mr. Obama’s thinking in declining to meet with Mr. Netanyahu when he is in Washington. He will be here just two weeks before the Israeli elections."
Mr. Netanyahu learned the lesson and will not interfere in the present US presidential elections now. What is wrong with that?
4
A new security agreement should be conditional on Israel's acceptance of the broad outlines of a two state solution, specified in a UN resolution. The starting point, as the President has said, should be a return to the 1967 borders; any departure from this, involving territorial swaps of equal quantity and quality, would have to be mutually agreed by the parties. In the mean time, Israel must stop all forms of settlement expansion, including in Jerusalem.
If Israel does not agree to this, so be it. They can do without our military assistance. The two state solution is dying. To keep it alive and secure the future for both peoples, it is high time for the US to stop acting as Israel's enabler.
If Israel does not agree to this, so be it. They can do without our military assistance. The two state solution is dying. To keep it alive and secure the future for both peoples, it is high time for the US to stop acting as Israel's enabler.
15
The 3.1 Billion Dollars we are paying to them every year are in addition to the cost of the wars we fight for Israel, right?
21
The President of the United States has treated Israel like a second class ally. He has been 'toying' with the anti-Israel Arab states in such a way, that Netanyahu hasn't had much choice inn trying to get attention. Their survival is insured by America, a fact that Obama seems not to understand. Would he stand down like he did on Syria until it is too late for the jewish state?
34
Nothing will change here or in anything else as long as the American people remain ignorant and thereby passively tolerant of the obscene amount of lobbying of Congress. If you're rich enough you can buy whatever policies you want. It's really that simple.
36
This is 100% on target. The entire U.S. Congress is bought and paid for by large monied and corporate interests. Israel is just a pawn for the military-industrial complex. Constitutional Democracy is dead in the United States.
1
Netanyahu brazenly ignores resolutions concerning his illegal land grab policies in West Bank settlements and the veritable strangulation, siege, 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 missile attacks and Iran´s push for nuclear weapons, no question
14
With all the focus on the billionaire Trump, we are forgetting the influence of the billionaire Sheldon Adelson wing of the Republican Party, which has added and abetted Netanyhu's policies.
22
Solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be number 1 on the foreign policy priorities. Precisely because of the persistant threat of terrorism. Jihadism worldwide finds its root in the injustices such as the Palestinian occupied territories, it is how jihadist leaders legitimize their actions in the eyes of the needy and oppressed and why they so successfully attract and recruit disenchanted youths. This was already true with Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda 20 years ago, it's still true with Daesh. We can send bombs, troops, lobby the Middle East countries and leaders, if we and our leaders don't reckon this we'll just be addressing the symptoms, not the root causes. Israel doesn't want to abide by the U.N rules or U.S. demands, Netanyahu continues to authorize building illegal settlements? We cut the subsidy ! I cannot believe we haven't used this lever already. Why should we subsidize them in the name of their security if their very actions in building settlements is blatantly and significantly worsening the threats they have to face, and the rest of the world by extension?
16
the ME problems are not related to the Israel-Palestinian status
3
Mr. Netanyahu, on the whole, has done exceedingly well; and will one day be recognized -- but not by the NY Times -- as a champion of Israel and a champion of freedom throughout the Middle East, including Palestinians whose leaders have never taken him up on any his offers, including the one to sit down and
talk with him right now.
Nevertheless, his record is not spotless. No sensible man supplies electricity, water, internet, phone, banking and other services to murderous enemies who are stabbing innocent women, children and senior citizens as part of a sustained war against his people; or allows them to obtain these services from other sources without altering their behavior.
It is past time for him to shut down these ridiculous gestures of accommodation to President Obama, Secretary Kerry and Mr. Abbas.
talk with him right now.
Nevertheless, his record is not spotless. No sensible man supplies electricity, water, internet, phone, banking and other services to murderous enemies who are stabbing innocent women, children and senior citizens as part of a sustained war against his people; or allows them to obtain these services from other sources without altering their behavior.
It is past time for him to shut down these ridiculous gestures of accommodation to President Obama, Secretary Kerry and Mr. Abbas.
13
yes, it is very strange that Israel supplies all the "goodies" to its enemies
1
What "Freedom"? Israel is eve more becoming a Theocracy, in the grips of orthodox parasites, just as any other country in the Middle East. Where is the difference? Just because you have a parliament does not mean that you are a free country. Russia has a parliament and so has Iran!
1
Israel is the spoilt brat that every parent dreads it has to support. The only way to fix the problem is stop feeding the bad behavior with money. I bet if you passed the hat around, there will be plenty of wealthy Republican donors who could easily provide the $4billion Israel needs. Let them put their money where their mouth is.
44
Wonder what we could do with 4 billion spent in the States.
29
Israeli military aid all goes to American companies. So that money is spent in the States.
2
Yes, like maybe repair a few bridges and fill a few potholes!!
1
Benny the Bully and Donald the Demagogue deserve each other. Let's hope their respective countries don't allow them that luxury.
13
three point one billion?! That's more than the assisted living center grandpa is in.
5
Dear Ed:
There is no solution. Sincerely,
Ralph
There is no solution. Sincerely,
Ralph
3
The two state solution died in the days before Netanyahu's win in the last election. He announced in no uncertain terms that as long as he was running the show, there would never be a Palestinian state.
27
there will be a Palestinian state
Horace: Actually Netanyahu's reply was more nuanced than you make out. He saw no way forward given the current machinations of the PA and the outright call for the destruction of Israel by Hamas. Interestingly, Herzog the current leader of the central left Zionist Party has come to the same conclusion.
3
'The even larger issue involves the slow but inexorable death of the two-state solution for peace with the Palestinians.'
It just nauseates me to think that all these supposedly intelligent people, such as the august people on the NYT editorial board, could ever think/believe that someday Israel will let the Palestinians have a real country of their own, with all the trappings of a real 21st century, independent country.
They have been waiting for and encouraging the Palestinians to simply give up and leave. At the most, they would let them have a Bantustan of their own, which the Palestinians would never accept, contending that the new country of Israel was created on their land by the powerful western countries when they had no voice or power to resist.
It just nauseates me to think that all these supposedly intelligent people, such as the august people on the NYT editorial board, could ever think/believe that someday Israel will let the Palestinians have a real country of their own, with all the trappings of a real 21st century, independent country.
They have been waiting for and encouraging the Palestinians to simply give up and leave. At the most, they would let them have a Bantustan of their own, which the Palestinians would never accept, contending that the new country of Israel was created on their land by the powerful western countries when they had no voice or power to resist.
36
They did have a voice in creating the country. Then the Arabs attacked three times and destroyed any hope of compromise.
That being said, I wish both sides would get together on the issue. I also think Netanyahu has done more harm than good for his people.
That being said, I wish both sides would get together on the issue. I also think Netanyahu has done more harm than good for his people.
1
Uhm, Israel offered peace on several occasions and the Palestinians said "no".
3
Whether it's $3 billion or $4 billion, it all goes to our military industrial complex.
They and the hedge fund mangers and banksters call the shots.
They and the hedge fund mangers and banksters call the shots.
6
Being an ally of the U.S. comes with responsibilities. Our alliance with Israel does not benefit the U.S., rather it comes at a high financial and moral price. It earns us the hate of the world, as we are seen as supporting a long, brutal occupation of the Palestinian people. It inspires terrorism against the U.S. Our relationship with Israel is not in U.S. strategic interest. The citizens of the U.S. need to support all political candidates who will impose a fair solution on the issue. At the creation of the state of Israel on Palestinian land Ralph Bunche said he could not offer the Palestinians justice, but could offer them peace. The U.S., for domestic political reasons, has been an impediment to the two state solution. We have paid an exorbitant price for our stance.
14
Obama should begin the negotiations over money at one billion, then perhaps they would settle lower, say at two or even back at three. Or at least have a good laugh.
3
Absent here, of ourse, is a cogent analysis of the reasons the American government permits this sort of thing to occur. Ironically, the Israeli press is "freer" on this issue than its American counterpart. The fact is that the Palestinians have zero chance of getting any of their land back, not because they suffer from some moral deficit or because they are the unfortunate witnesses to a historical correction, but simply because the government of the only superpower left on Earth is forced to pay tribute in Tel Aviv to what, in theory, should be just another one of its Banana Republics.
12
Almost $10m a day for what? And the audacity is to demand even more.
25
If I wanted 4-billion-a-year in aid from a country, the last thing I would consider doing is insulting and disrespecting the leader of that country in public. Mr. Netanyahu has proven time and again he can't be trusted. There certainly is no one to trust on the Palestinian side. Neither side really wants a deal. I see no deal here in the immediate future, but new leadership is needed if a deal is even possible.
14
ur unsubstantial comment-
"He has reportedly asked for a big increase in American aid to more than $4 billion per year, which seems unreasonable. "
and i counter by opining that the amount appears totally reasonable(iran nuke deal payoff).
"He has reportedly asked for a big increase in American aid to more than $4 billion per year, which seems unreasonable. "
and i counter by opining that the amount appears totally reasonable(iran nuke deal payoff).
3
What is hard to understand is what legitimate reason there could be for our close relationship with an apartheid state. I know we support countries with ugly human rights records--we are supporting the Saudis, whose record both at home and abroad is appalling. The only reason for that is oil. Israel gets our unwavering support out of some misguided notion that as a democracy they are fundamentally deserving of it, yet it is perfectly clear from our own history and theirs that people with the vote can democratically choose to oppress people without the vote living under their power.
10
As clearly told in the Atlantic interview that Barak Obama gave to Jeffrey Goldberg, there was far less than respect for Benjamin Netanyahu than seemingly given to any other foreign leader. Mr. Netanyahu has the utmost respect for the Office of the Presidency. Perhaps somewhat less for the current occupant. My guess is that had Mr. Obama not been as arrogant as the article depicts, relations could have been different. However one hing is crystal clear. The fact the Mr. Obama was born an African American to a single mother and was elected to live in the White House is not related whatsoever to knowledge about the realities of the Middle East. That is clearly obvious by the absolute mess that he created in his years of office which will be left to his successor to try to fix. So if Mr. Netanyahu has chosen to wait for that successor to conclude an agreement for American military aid, it is a sign of wisdom and should not be debased.
8
I guess we have to ask ourselves in situations such as this one, "What would Trump do?" Anybody want to try to answer that one?
2
That question is a no brainer.Trump will do the right thing & support Israel.
1
The main legacy that Mr Obama is leaving his successor in terms of foreign policy is that he has broken the false maxim that the Middle-East is the US's responsibility. Irrespective of who sits in the White House next, the "breaking up" talk has already been done, the cold shower has been endured... The political calculus of NOT spending a lot of foreign policy goodwill on an Israel that is ostensibly inflexible and unwilling to find a permanent solution to its woes on its own, will be very, very easy and low cost for the next president who will have been elected while addressing continuing economic anxiety at home and bafflement not to say lack of interest in whatever is happening "over there".... Netanyahu would be well advised to cut a deal with the current president, whose foreign policy is actually realistic and long term minded, even if not blindly pro-Israel or pro-Likud. There is no telling what will happen with the next president, who is likely to be a tactician as opposed to a long term strategist (true about Hillary and definitely about Trump).... Netanyahu is in a bind, but mainly because he himself is an egomaniac with no long term vision and the diplomatic acumen of a Grover Norquist.
11
Netty found Obama to be a president he could not push around. Hopefully he will find the same in our next president.
17
Netanyahu and the republican led Congress of the U.S. have managed to bring shame upon their individual countries due to their despicable behavior.
The fact that they are not held responsible for their actions only adds more disgrace to the situation. It is not difficult to see why both countries are despised by many globally. It is refreshing to read an honest portrayal of a disturbing dilemma which is long over-do for a resolution.
The fact that they are not held responsible for their actions only adds more disgrace to the situation. It is not difficult to see why both countries are despised by many globally. It is refreshing to read an honest portrayal of a disturbing dilemma which is long over-do for a resolution.
9
When will US leaders figure out that the US does not need Israel. They do not promote our strategic interests, and are a drag on US efforts in the middle east and throughout the world. There are no moral, strategic, or financial reasons to kowtow to this country. It is embarrassing and humiliating.
Keep doing business with them? Absolutely yes. Trade benefits us as much as them. But taxpayers should not be forced to give them even one penny of aid. They never deserved it before, and definitely don't deserve it now.
Keep doing business with them? Absolutely yes. Trade benefits us as much as them. But taxpayers should not be forced to give them even one penny of aid. They never deserved it before, and definitely don't deserve it now.
12
Let's face it, Editorial Board, you have no idea about what's happening behind the scenes. As such, much of what you wrote is mere surface information, assumptions, and speculation. It would be much more productive to analyze the short, intermediate, & long-term results of all the politicians' positioning moves, and avoid analyses of their personalities and so-called spats.
8
And, you are privy to this behind-the-scenes information exactly how?
Netanyahu. What can one say about the man?
He is an utter failure. The most toxic and divisive world leader outside of North Korea. A backstabbing, self-serving, xenophobic, loud mouth. A jingoist of the first order. A leader so toxic, his mere presence ends all discussion aimed at any kind of peace. He, alone, turns all attempts for diplomatic solutions to the problems in the region into non-starters.
His hubris is as boundless as his rhetoric of hate and divisiveness.
He is constantly injecting his sense of self-entitlement into issues which are none of his business.
He is a warmonger of the first order. A clarion call to the most base and uncivilized aspects of human nature.
He is the personification of an unending desire for division, chaos, violence and war.
And there is no doubt in my mind, that he is the worst thing to happen to the Israeli people since the holocaust.
All he offers is suffering. Suffering. And more suffering. Not only for his own people, but, for all those for whom he lords his power over.
As long as he remains in power, he should be treated as the pariah of peace that he has so willfully become.
If the U.S. government were not controlled to such a high degree by his minions, all funding for his apartheid approach to governance would have dried up a long time ago.
He is an utter failure. The most toxic and divisive world leader outside of North Korea. A backstabbing, self-serving, xenophobic, loud mouth. A jingoist of the first order. A leader so toxic, his mere presence ends all discussion aimed at any kind of peace. He, alone, turns all attempts for diplomatic solutions to the problems in the region into non-starters.
His hubris is as boundless as his rhetoric of hate and divisiveness.
He is constantly injecting his sense of self-entitlement into issues which are none of his business.
He is a warmonger of the first order. A clarion call to the most base and uncivilized aspects of human nature.
He is the personification of an unending desire for division, chaos, violence and war.
And there is no doubt in my mind, that he is the worst thing to happen to the Israeli people since the holocaust.
All he offers is suffering. Suffering. And more suffering. Not only for his own people, but, for all those for whom he lords his power over.
As long as he remains in power, he should be treated as the pariah of peace that he has so willfully become.
If the U.S. government were not controlled to such a high degree by his minions, all funding for his apartheid approach to governance would have dried up a long time ago.
22
Chicago Guy Chicago: so you don't particularly like him? Think maybe thou protesteth too much?
1
Americans have long memories. Netanyahu has chosen the wrong horse in this race. His contempt for someone who genuinely want to help the situation will not be soon forgotten. As the republican party implodes democrats will be in power and Bibi will regret his childish actions for a long, long time. He has hurt his country in the eyes of many Americans who formerly were supporters.
8
It seems to be needlessly insulting to Obama to make an appointment then run to the world press and say, "I'm not coming."
5
One has to wonder if he is pandering to the Republicans who are determined to undermine the President in every way they can. I would question Netanyahu's motives in coming to the US - maybe he is meeting with Ted Cruz.
6
I have never understood the logic of unexplained payout to a country that does so little to earn it. As others have written, what do we gain beyond dishonor of our president and profit to the arms industry? Those arms have been used to subjugate, humiliate and often destroy a people whose land has been stolen, only for those people to be left without basic life necessities.
11
Taxpayers money should be spent on projects that are needed. While another dozen F-35's would help Israel that same money could be used to upgrade our railroad infrastructure. This mornings derailing of the Southwest Chief is proof that we can't ignore our own needs.
The hollowing out of our industrial base to China,Japan and Mexico highlights our inability to produce excess cash. Consequently we must reign in our foreign ambitions to fit our budget. This is more urgent since our debt has climbed to $19 trillion.
Budgets matter. Just look at the California education system once the envy of the world and now a shambles. The aircraft carrier G. Ford took 11 years to build and cost $18 billion. Education is far more important than an obsolete concept of projecting airpower in this age of missiles.
It's not as simple as "guns or butter" but let's play smarter. Let's turn the Israeli/Palestinian dispute over to the UN where it all started in 1948. Our $.02 has not made much difference in all that time. The situation on the ground keeps getting worse.
The hollowing out of our industrial base to China,Japan and Mexico highlights our inability to produce excess cash. Consequently we must reign in our foreign ambitions to fit our budget. This is more urgent since our debt has climbed to $19 trillion.
Budgets matter. Just look at the California education system once the envy of the world and now a shambles. The aircraft carrier G. Ford took 11 years to build and cost $18 billion. Education is far more important than an obsolete concept of projecting airpower in this age of missiles.
It's not as simple as "guns or butter" but let's play smarter. Let's turn the Israeli/Palestinian dispute over to the UN where it all started in 1948. Our $.02 has not made much difference in all that time. The situation on the ground keeps getting worse.
9
That money could be much better spent rebuilding Palestine. Give their citizens homes to live in again, provide them with food, clothing, medicine, build schools for their children. God knows they've suffered enough heartache and damage by their incredibly hostile neighbors.
Help those who are in need - even your enemies. Israel does not need our money, and after the way they have been tearing apart Palestinian homes and illegally building settlements for themselves, they don't deserve any military equipment from us, either.
Help those who are in need - even your enemies. Israel does not need our money, and after the way they have been tearing apart Palestinian homes and illegally building settlements for themselves, they don't deserve any military equipment from us, either.
8
The money donated to "rebuild' Palestine goes to the corrupt leadership. The few Palestinians offered rebuilt housing in Gaza are being asked by Hamas to make a $40000 "contribution" in order to receive the housing paid for by foreign donations.
And that's after officials have skimmed off much of the money and used much of the rest to build tunnels, etc.
And that's after officials have skimmed off much of the money and used much of the rest to build tunnels, etc.
3
Like any good American neocon, the Prime Minister would prefer the US immediately spend another trillion or two and open up a blood-drenched war front with Iran. Any attempts at peace are simply dismissed as a waste of time. We all realize that Israel faces daunting and dangerous challenges. The Israeli electorate also faces the same question we do in America. Do the chest thumpers among us ever really solve anything? Are they the best of us, or the worst? If your core belief is to never give peace even the slightest opening, what's left? Netanyahu's pettiness not only insults Barack Obama, it risks alienating over half of the US electorate. What kind of leader repeatedly puts the interests of his ego so far ahead of those of his country? Both nations need to beat back their own demons from time to time, or risk succumbing to them.
179
Prime Minister Netanyahu wants no opportunities for peace and has made that completely clear through the years. There is no surprise now, even to the disgraceful way in which President Obama has been treated by Netanyahu.
35
It's really a shame that the Times persists in expressing its indisputably personal dislike for Benjamin Netanyahu. One needs only to read the litany of amen-corner comments that spew forth following opinion pieces such as this editorial to see that Times Israel reporting and Times editorializing are one in the same.
It will probably come as a shock for most that 75% of the $3.1 in military assistance the United States provides Israel returns to the U.S. in the form of arms purchases, an obligation that Israel fulfills as part of that "aid package."
There is no mention here of President Obama's scandalous record of personal rudeness and belligerence toward Israel and its prime minister. He is obviously more comfortable toasting the leaders of the Western Hemisphere's most repressive regime as he will when he soon visits Cuba, or physically bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia.
The diametric opposite of bias is accuracy. It is sadly clear that the Times has long chosen to embrace the former and eschew the latter with regard to virtually everything in its pages that relates to Israel.
It will probably come as a shock for most that 75% of the $3.1 in military assistance the United States provides Israel returns to the U.S. in the form of arms purchases, an obligation that Israel fulfills as part of that "aid package."
There is no mention here of President Obama's scandalous record of personal rudeness and belligerence toward Israel and its prime minister. He is obviously more comfortable toasting the leaders of the Western Hemisphere's most repressive regime as he will when he soon visits Cuba, or physically bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia.
The diametric opposite of bias is accuracy. It is sadly clear that the Times has long chosen to embrace the former and eschew the latter with regard to virtually everything in its pages that relates to Israel.
9
One could easily make the case that Israel is repressive in its treatment of Palestinians.
1
The time to cut loose Israel is long overdue, that Bibi and his Likud Party have no interest in a two state solution has been obvious for years and when that despicable man spit in the face of our President on March Third 2015 with his speech before the Republican Clown Machine in Congress, all aide to Israel should have ceased, all troops pulled out of a Middle East War that we and the rest of the world have been waging for Israel for decades and in the future there should be clawbacks of the trillions spent on behalf of Israels expansionary policies, that is money that should be spent on rebuilding America, educating our own youth, and the cost of reparations for the millions displaced by Israels illegal wars of aggression, for Israeli Policy to be cloaked in a shroud of victim hood for sixty years and the cries of every countermove by the rest of the world as being anti Semitic is completely disingenuous and self serving on the part of Likud, A.I.P.A.C. and their supporters. If anyone needs more proof the incredible popularity of Bernie Sanders in a free multicultural society should speak volumes to the falsehoods of anti semitism. It's not anti semitism it's anti jerks.
24
Very well said...bravo!
Why reward Israel for its actions by increasing aid?
24
Why are we still giving Israel money? The Israelis and their fearless leader has no respect for the US and our President and It makes you wonder if the treatment of our President by Netanyahu is based on racism.
I'm almost sure that having that jerk Ron Dermer as Israeli Ambassador to the US is not helping. His goal is to make his cause to the US Jewish population but he forgets that they're aging and my generation wants peace and has no intention of fighting Israel's wars.
The status quo just won't work anymore!
and as the article pointed out, shoring up your defense won't solve the crisis in the Middle East.
I'm almost sure that having that jerk Ron Dermer as Israeli Ambassador to the US is not helping. His goal is to make his cause to the US Jewish population but he forgets that they're aging and my generation wants peace and has no intention of fighting Israel's wars.
The status quo just won't work anymore!
and as the article pointed out, shoring up your defense won't solve the crisis in the Middle East.
24
Yes...time is not on Israel's side. Apart from the decline in support from younger Americans, there a demographic issue in Israel itself. Just as the Muslim Israeli population is rapidly growing, Orthodox Jews are multiplying much faster than their secular liberal counterparts. Once the latter have their way (as they already are to an extent...e.g. separation of men and women on buses in some neighborhoods), Israel will be turned into a Jewish version of ISIS. Any semblance of 'democracy' will go out the window, and it really will be apartheid. Then the Israeli liberals will run away, leaving the country to a standoff between the diehard fundamentalists on either side....the self-fulfilled prophecy of the 'End of Days'. Funny thing is that Jews in every other part of the world are safe as houses...
The foreign aid to Netanyahu should be replaced with hazard pay from Netanyahu.
6
If there was no Israel, would there really be so many problems in the Middle East which put the USA in the firing line.
15
ontheroadagain.... not a real brainy comment from you.
The only difference in the middle east without Israel is that the Arab countries and people would pick someone else to blame for their problems. It's all aboput who has the power. Sunni's,Shites, Iran, Saudi whatever. They would still be killing themsleves and the US would still be on the firing line because there is no one else.
2
If Netanyahu wants to play hard ball, so be it. All military assistance should be withheld until Israel makes real progress toward a 2 state solution. Second, the U.S. should stop vetoing U.N. resolutions and sanctions aimed at Israel's persistent human rights violations.
Without U.S. military aid and political cover for their human rights violations, Netanyahu will be a toothless tiger.
Without U.S. military aid and political cover for their human rights violations, Netanyahu will be a toothless tiger.
31
We have to remember that Mr. Netanyahu is the leader of a foreign country. One of the major fallacies of American foreign policy is that America keeps forgetting that the national interests of Israel are not necessarily the national interests of the United States. We make that mistake over and over again. We CANNOT judge Mr. Netanyahu by the standards of American national interests or even American Judaism.
11
Agreed. And, let's stop the $3+ billion in annual aid, since our national interests do not align. Let's use it to rebuild the American infrastructure.
1
Why is it only Israel that is said to have a lost opportunity when it's the Palestinians that keep refusing to negotiate with peace deals? Several Israeli PMs were always willing to talk peace, while neither head of the PA ever wanted to make a deal. Let's not forget when then-PM Ehud Barak offered a deal back in 2000 with Yasser Arafat, only to see him balk on the deal and have a second intifada occur instead. A very similar deal was given by PM Ehud Olmert back in 2008 and Mahmoud Abbas did the same thing by refusing to work with him. Even preconditions didn't seem to work either such as Ariel Sharon agreeing to have a unilateral withdraw of the Gaza Strip in 2005 only to have constant rocket attacks come from there ever since in seeing that it was a bad idea. Not that long ago, Benjamin Netanyahu did agree to a 10 month settlement freeze only to find out that Abbas never even wanted to talk to him at all. In the end, it's the Palestinians who don't want to talk about peace and a two state solution, not the Israelis. Why should they agree to any more appeasements and pre-conditions when that didn't even help them in the past? In reality, if Abbas really cared about the two state solution, he would be taking action to stop Hamas especially on their latest campaign to do random at Israel civilians, but he tends to be quiet on that. It seems, that only when a generation Palestinians will stand up to Hamas and Fatah, the terrorism will stop and peace will come.
14
Here is the answer to why Palestinian leaders have balked on deals with Israel peace deals with Israel; from Mosaic Magazine: "Given such a negative view of Israelis and of Jews, and of the Jewish link to the land, it is hardly surprising that most ordinary Palestinians do not believe Jews have a right to a state there. In 1995, when JMCC asked whether Israel had a right to exist, 65 percent responded negatively. Similarly, in a 2015 poll commissioned for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy by David Pollock, who has conducted surveys of the Arab world for more than two decades, fieldworkers from the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion asked residents of the West Bank and Gaza: “Do you think that Jews have some rights to the land along with Palestinians?” Only 12 percent agreed that “Both Jews and Palestinians have rights to the land,” while more than 80 percent asserted that “This is Palestinian land and Jews have no rights to it."" When 80% of Palestinians believe Israel is illegitimate, how can a political leader contradict that and make a deal; ain't gonna happen. "Round up the usual suspects....Netanyahu, it's your fault!"
2
Why do you think Netanyahu cares about Israel's best interest? You make your point about treating Israel's remaining friend, the U.S, as a combination ATM and fool. He has ruined relations with almost every other country as well. Internally he not only pits Jew vs. Palestinian-Isarelis, but also Jew against Jew. His only interest is maintaining power and increasing his private wealth.
14
When the US president endangers Israel with absolutely pro-Iranian treaties, there is no reason to respect him.
6
3.1 billion to a country with a president who shows nothing but disrespect to our own. Keep the 3 billion at home. This country should have greater worries than the security of Israel
25
I fail to see why we are helping Israel when there is so much need in this country; charity should begin at home!
24
This is not the first time that Netanyahu has been remarkably disrespectful of our president and therefore our country. Time to turn the tables - no discussion of further aid, at any level, until Mr. Ntanyahu comes to Washington to ask the president for it, personally.
19
It is a fantasy of gross proportions to argue that Israel is responsible for the lack of a peace with the Palestinians and that our President has been disrespected by Mr. Netanyahu and not the reverse. . The Palestinians have never at any time made a serious gesture toward peace. Two very generous offers by Israeli Prime Ministers were rejected which offered the Palestinians virtually everything they claimed to want. All concessions made by Israel such as recognizing the PLO and withdrawing from Gaza have been answered with increased violence. President Obama has repeatedly disrespected the Israeli Prime Minister both publicly and privately throughout his term. In fact Mr. Obama who is arguably the worst President this country has ever had has disrespected almost all of our countries important allies such as Saudi Arabia, Britain, and France while almost never criticizing evil regimes like Iran. In addition much of the aid given to our important ally Israel requires them to use it to purchase American weapons and is not a simple handout benefiting only them, and in any event is a minuscule amount of the US budget
6
What does the United States get for giving 10 billion to Israel?
14
The slavish devotion of US money and political favoritism toward Israel has been more continuously ruinous to our national interest than any single sustained US foreign policy perversion of the last 50 years. From its 1967 not accidental attack on the USS Liberty and murder of 34 Americans, to this latest round of insults by its petulant and posturing leader, Israel has played us with cheap tricks and deception. It has coopted American citizens (Jonathan Pollard) to spy on its benefactor. Israel's sustained military oppression of Palestinians (and the hatred of Americans that engenders throughout the Middle East, to which the events of 9/11 can be traced) is wholly dependent on American taxpayers. Hundreds of billions of dollars later we receive for our support, indulgence, and largesse the kind of disrespectful behavior predictable from a wholly spoiled child.
22
The Republican party is the one responsible for this waste of taxpayers money on an ungrateful ally. Let Netanyahu go alone. Most of the public support that position. $500 a person can be better spent on our schools and infrastructure.
21
As an American Jew, I could not possibly be any more furious with Netanyahu and his actions the past 7 years.
I stand with Obama, and move as far from Likud leadership as I can get from it.
I stand with Obama, and move as far from Likud leadership as I can get from it.
32
I think Benjamin Netanyahu needs Barack Obama to save Israelis from Israelis.
82
There must surely be better ways to spend Israel's $3.1 billion annual subsidy, which essentially helps to underwrite the tiny apartheid state's toxic settlement expansion. If that sum were spent, say, on repairing America's crumbling roads and bridges it's certain Sheldon Adelson and his AIPAC buddies would find a way to make up the difference. At least U.S. taxpayers would be spared this embarrassment.
18
Would Netanyahu have continued to shown disrespect to the office of the President if he weren't confident of the lack of repercussions for his bad behavior?
Is there any other country that treats the US with such disrespect? And, this is our "special friend"?
It's because Netanyahu knows that none of the Republican politicians can utter a single word on foreign policy without espousing their fealty to Israel, and would have given him a standing ovation in Congress for any address - even if he were making as much sense as Ted Cruz did during his green eggs and ham filibuster.
Enough hue and cry has been raised this election cycle against money contributed by Wall Street and Super PACs. The debate on Campaign Finance reform should extend beyond that so that we can reduce the power of lobbyists and special interest groups such as the AIPAC. If one were to look at contributions made to Congress by groups supporting Israel, one would understand better the rationale for this staunch Republican support.
Netanyahu may have been shortsighted enough to make the support of Israel a partisan issue between Republicans and Democrats. But, I'm proud of President Obama for taking a stand on respect for the office of the U.S. President. It's false equivalence to trace the roots of the tense relationship between him and Netanyahu and find incidents that ascribe partial blame to both. Netanyahu must be held responsible for his bad behavior.
Is there any other country that treats the US with such disrespect? And, this is our "special friend"?
It's because Netanyahu knows that none of the Republican politicians can utter a single word on foreign policy without espousing their fealty to Israel, and would have given him a standing ovation in Congress for any address - even if he were making as much sense as Ted Cruz did during his green eggs and ham filibuster.
Enough hue and cry has been raised this election cycle against money contributed by Wall Street and Super PACs. The debate on Campaign Finance reform should extend beyond that so that we can reduce the power of lobbyists and special interest groups such as the AIPAC. If one were to look at contributions made to Congress by groups supporting Israel, one would understand better the rationale for this staunch Republican support.
Netanyahu may have been shortsighted enough to make the support of Israel a partisan issue between Republicans and Democrats. But, I'm proud of President Obama for taking a stand on respect for the office of the U.S. President. It's false equivalence to trace the roots of the tense relationship between him and Netanyahu and find incidents that ascribe partial blame to both. Netanyahu must be held responsible for his bad behavior.
25
The race hatred fomented by Netanyahu's allies in the Republican Party poses an explicit problem to the Jewish people:are Jews exempt from race hatred in America, in the world? Can Israel and the Jewish community afford to stand with racists against the President of the United States? Where are the allies that Israel can call upon in the event of a crisis? Who will defend Israel if racists replace Obama? Yet Netanyahu and AIPAC and other extremists neglect the meaning of politicians who rise to power on the back of racists, xenophobes, anti-science/reason, fearful, ignorant Americans. Blacks were not the only target of the KKK.
Any other country in the world, the size of New Jersey, would never think of snubbing the President of the United States. No other country in the world is as dependent on the United States as is Israel. What level of madness is tolerable?
Any other country in the world, the size of New Jersey, would never think of snubbing the President of the United States. No other country in the world is as dependent on the United States as is Israel. What level of madness is tolerable?
15
Netanyahu has disrespected the American people by disrespecting our president, with the help of the Republicans. But, that alone should not compel us to take a more nuanced stand in regard to Israel. We've given enormous amounts of aid to this country and wonder what return we see? I see few returns. Intelligence exchange may be a return, It ends there, as far as I can tell. We're all losing sympathy for little Israel and are wondering why, when we are economically hurting, we must give Israel billions in aid. The intransigence of Israel, as shown by its leaders infuriates. Let's use that money we give Israel, at least a great portion of it, to improve our country.
our decaying infrastructure. We need a more rational view of Israel, and our politicians must stop paying tribute to AIPAC. Maybe that's why Trump is so popular. Lobbies own politicians, and AIPAC is a very strong lobby.
our decaying infrastructure. We need a more rational view of Israel, and our politicians must stop paying tribute to AIPAC. Maybe that's why Trump is so popular. Lobbies own politicians, and AIPAC is a very strong lobby.
21
The disrespect has been mutual and Obama is a lame duck. The effect of this snub on US-Israeli relations is nil.
6
Talk to your Jewish friends in the USA. They are disappointed and embarrassed by Netanyahu. He's accustomed to getting his way with most everything and he knows with out a doubt the USA is his closest ally. Time for Bibi to grow up!
14
The US has to reassess the funds it gives to all countries. If my date is paying for dinner, my date decides which restaurant to go to! Both the Arabs and Israelis have taken advantage of our spending while disrespecting us. Time for a change.
10
I wonder what Netanyahu is negotiating with to get 4 billion from us. This is a hand out to Israel at the expense of the US taxpayer, we get nothing in return. At this point our goals are not in line with those of Israel as we want a 2 state solution while they want a status quo so they can keep on occupying land that is not theirs. 3 to 4 billion would be much better spent at home. Last I looked Israel was not part of the US.
15
Time to cut all foreign aid for materials of war. We should help feed and heal the starving and sick of other lands, and that is as far as a true Christian nation should go. Israel is a very wealthy country and can take care of itself. (Of course military contractors would howl if that ever happened.)
11
Enough! Natanyahu needs to realize that $3.1 billion a year from the US has strings attached- make peace with the more than five million permanent Palestinian refugees sitting in squalid refugee camps or it will not be renewed. US also funds UNWRA which has a mandate to provide sustenance for these "permanent refugees" . Every time Israel bombs Gaza the US is forced to contribute additional hundreds of millions for rebuilding.
Obama has rebalanced US commitments in the Mideast putting Saudis and Iran on equal footing. Same should go for Israel and Palestinians.
Most Israelis hate Obama for not unconditionally supporting Israel and for his attempts to appeal to the moderates in Iran.
As a result of Obama's efforts Russia just announced it was forcing Iran to stop supplying long range missiles to Hezbollah.Similarly the Saudis announced last week it was cutting off three billion dollars aid to Hezbollah because they are terrorists. Did Natanyahu say thank you to the US and Obama? If not why not?
Would any GOP candidate achieved these results?
Obama has rebalanced US commitments in the Mideast putting Saudis and Iran on equal footing. Same should go for Israel and Palestinians.
Most Israelis hate Obama for not unconditionally supporting Israel and for his attempts to appeal to the moderates in Iran.
As a result of Obama's efforts Russia just announced it was forcing Iran to stop supplying long range missiles to Hezbollah.Similarly the Saudis announced last week it was cutting off three billion dollars aid to Hezbollah because they are terrorists. Did Natanyahu say thank you to the US and Obama? If not why not?
Would any GOP candidate achieved these results?
17
Mr Netanyahu is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all the people of Israel. Israel would not exist if it had not won the defensive wars of annihilation against the Jewish State by the surrounding Arab Nations and Israeli Arabs in the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, and the thousands of other skirmishes Israel must face to its sovereignty each day.
Turn on the TV or listen to the radio in any Arab or Persian State and none recognize the legitimacy of Jews living in their ancestral homeland.
Turn on the TV or listen to the radio in any Arab or Persian State and none recognize the legitimacy of Jews living in their ancestral homeland.
9
Unfortunately, the US has supported fascist regimes before. When will we come to our senses and call out the terrible domestic policies of Netanyahu's regime?
15
Regardless of how the meeting was canceled, the President should be delighted not to have another uncomfortable face to face meet with Netanyahu. And the future President, whoever it may be, should ask for some concessions from Israel in exchange for any military aid. Netanyahu has shown no interest in peace, rather just creating facts on the ground with additional settlements.
15
Given the disdain with which Prime Minister Netanyahu is treated by the powers that be in the United States, it is hardly surprising that he might choose to cancel a meeting that would predictably lead only to: a) further scolding by a fellow head of state who nonetheless treats Mr. Netanyahu as a subservient and misbehaving underling; b) further excoriation in the United States news media; c) untoward grilling by various organizations in the U.S. who feel they have a right to dictate policy to a sovereign nation because they send money, trees, and tourists; and d) another wicked case of jet lag.
His reticence in the face of demands that Israel cede territory to reach a rapprochement has merit if one considers that Israel is the only country asked to return territory acquired by warfare - and the warfare was not instigated by the Israelis. It is all too easy to sit over here and say what "should" be done, and pontificate about 1948, etc., but there are no easy answers to the conflicting claims, and there ARE people who prefer agitation to resolution (or Arafat would have accepted the agreement that gave EVERYTHING that the Palestinians had requested at that time). I lived in East Jerusalem, and took classes at a college in Ramallah on the West Bank, and at Hebrew U. at Mt. Scopus. The situation is not one that can be rationally or logically argued, as it goes far deeper than a mere 68-year tiff..
His reticence in the face of demands that Israel cede territory to reach a rapprochement has merit if one considers that Israel is the only country asked to return territory acquired by warfare - and the warfare was not instigated by the Israelis. It is all too easy to sit over here and say what "should" be done, and pontificate about 1948, etc., but there are no easy answers to the conflicting claims, and there ARE people who prefer agitation to resolution (or Arafat would have accepted the agreement that gave EVERYTHING that the Palestinians had requested at that time). I lived in East Jerusalem, and took classes at a college in Ramallah on the West Bank, and at Hebrew U. at Mt. Scopus. The situation is not one that can be rationally or logically argued, as it goes far deeper than a mere 68-year tiff..
58
Netanyahu is possibly the least reticent world leader. (See a dictionary.)
4
To schedule a meeting with the President of the United State, then cancel it with his characteristic swagger, Netanyahu pursued a shallow, empty maneuver that seemed more like the act of a narcissist than a national and world figure. For a long time now he's been the Donald Trump of the Middles East: a dangerous dramatist.
7
If I've got my history right, the United States seeded over a lot of territory that we won in a war that we didn't start (WWII; Japan, Italy, and Germany). We also seeded over the Panama canal...that we built. Oh, that's right, no one asked us to do this, we just decided it was the right thing to do.
Regarding Israel's land, please revisit the history books regarding how they got it in the first place. They are the squatters in this situation.
Regarding Israel's land, please revisit the history books regarding how they got it in the first place. They are the squatters in this situation.
2
If Bibi were in American politics, he 'd be the perfect neocon.
12
Netanyahu is an operative for the Republicans. He probably takes his orders from the Israeli ambassador to America, Ron Dermer, a Jewish individual born in the Middle east and a former mayor of Miami. Collusion is so a reality , they should disqualify themselves from speaking for Israel. They give Israel a bad name.
10
Let's get this straight.
Israelis elected Mr Netanyahu to lead their country. He represents their interests and will use every measure in his power to push their interests forward.
Those interests do not align with American interests. Ironically, Israel, like Saudi Arabia, are anachronisms of the Cold War whose value to the US today is highly questionable given their current agendas.
Mr Netanyahu's calculated arrogance and disrespect to President Obama is to ingratiate himself with the republican congressmen and women who have dedicated their careers to obstructing our elected president. It's not that hard to figure out.
We do not need Israel. We do not need to provide them with $B of foreign aid. Israel is not the 51st state of our country. If Israelis want Mr Netanyahu, that's their choice. Our choice is to concentrate our interests on the core needs of our country.
Israelis elected Mr Netanyahu to lead their country. He represents their interests and will use every measure in his power to push their interests forward.
Those interests do not align with American interests. Ironically, Israel, like Saudi Arabia, are anachronisms of the Cold War whose value to the US today is highly questionable given their current agendas.
Mr Netanyahu's calculated arrogance and disrespect to President Obama is to ingratiate himself with the republican congressmen and women who have dedicated their careers to obstructing our elected president. It's not that hard to figure out.
We do not need Israel. We do not need to provide them with $B of foreign aid. Israel is not the 51st state of our country. If Israelis want Mr Netanyahu, that's their choice. Our choice is to concentrate our interests on the core needs of our country.
22
Without Israel, the United States will lose all valuable military intelligence in the middle east, putting the west in serious danger.
9
I have to wonder how much value or even truth the information Israel give us is worth. I don't believe that Israel's military intelligence is reliable or truthful. Isreal will do anything and tell any lies it can to get out money and support.
1
Yeah 'cause that's been such a lifesaver in the past. Like when Netanyahu's friend Bush invaded Iraq and destroyed the middle east.
1
Perhaps a reduction in military aid to Israel would make Netanyahu a little more interested in negotiating peace and a mutually beneficial settlement with the people of Palestine.
23
The problem has always been Mr. Netanyahu.
He stands aligned with the Republicans in Congress to trip up President Obama in anyway he can.
Until the Israelis understand that and replaces him, Israel will always have this tension with us, regardless of who is in the White House.
He stands aligned with the Republicans in Congress to trip up President Obama in anyway he can.
Until the Israelis understand that and replaces him, Israel will always have this tension with us, regardless of who is in the White House.
17
The Times is late on this disgrace. Bernie did not attend Netanyahu's Republican induced ,insulting speech to the joint session of Congress.
"I'm not thinking about it," said Sanders. "I'm not going. I may watch it on T.V"
As a Jew who spent time in a kibbutz , he had the bravery to call a spade a spade and ignore Netanyahu's pandering. Now Bibi may have to side with Trump. There is a pair. The wallbuilders of the world. Now he wants more US money to build this along with his dome without solving the obvious problem. The occupation of the Palestinians. Just skip the meeting.
"I'm not thinking about it," said Sanders. "I'm not going. I may watch it on T.V"
As a Jew who spent time in a kibbutz , he had the bravery to call a spade a spade and ignore Netanyahu's pandering. Now Bibi may have to side with Trump. There is a pair. The wallbuilders of the world. Now he wants more US money to build this along with his dome without solving the obvious problem. The occupation of the Palestinians. Just skip the meeting.
23
As an Israeli citizen, it has always bothered me keeping all our eggs in one basket relying solely on the US for the three pillars of security, vital money and vital defense support and vital foreign policy support.
What happens when there comes the inevitable 'nituk', as they say, between us, when we no longer see eye to eye? We'll be left out in the cold big time.
What happens when there comes the inevitable 'nituk', as they say, between us, when we no longer see eye to eye? We'll be left out in the cold big time.
1
Because no other country in the world supports your policies toward the Palestinians and blatant disregard of international law. There will never be another "basket" for your "eggs".
2
I can tell President Obama how to repair his relationship with Mr. Netanyahu.
He goes to Israel, holds a joint press conference with him there and admits to the world that -- based on Iran’s behavior since the treaty was implemented -- he has come to the realization that Mr. Netanyahu was correct when he told Congress that the Ayatollah could not be trusted. He tells Mr. Netanyahu that it is too late now to abrogate the deal, but he offers him a full partnership in overseeing the implementation of the deal until it expires. He makes it clear that from now on even the slightest deviation from the deal will result in serious consequences for Iran.
Possibly most important of all, he stops repeating his mantra of “having Israel’s back.” Mr. Netanyahu and all of Israel will know when that has occurred. Among other things Israel would be given the blockbuster weapons needed to eliminate the Iranian nuclear
threat when that becomes necessary, the U.S. spying on Netanyahu would cease and Pollard would be allowed to go to Israel.
Not a perfect solution for President Obama because
it requires him to own up to a catastrophic mistake of his own making, but he emerges with a honest legacy that sets the correct tone for our future dealings with a devoted and much beleagured ally that has been treated shabbily in the past seven years.
He goes to Israel, holds a joint press conference with him there and admits to the world that -- based on Iran’s behavior since the treaty was implemented -- he has come to the realization that Mr. Netanyahu was correct when he told Congress that the Ayatollah could not be trusted. He tells Mr. Netanyahu that it is too late now to abrogate the deal, but he offers him a full partnership in overseeing the implementation of the deal until it expires. He makes it clear that from now on even the slightest deviation from the deal will result in serious consequences for Iran.
Possibly most important of all, he stops repeating his mantra of “having Israel’s back.” Mr. Netanyahu and all of Israel will know when that has occurred. Among other things Israel would be given the blockbuster weapons needed to eliminate the Iranian nuclear
threat when that becomes necessary, the U.S. spying on Netanyahu would cease and Pollard would be allowed to go to Israel.
Not a perfect solution for President Obama because
it requires him to own up to a catastrophic mistake of his own making, but he emerges with a honest legacy that sets the correct tone for our future dealings with a devoted and much beleagured ally that has been treated shabbily in the past seven years.
10
Completely absurdity.
1
The 'catastrophic mistake' was Mr. Netanyahu's friend George W. Bush invading Iraq.
Wow, what a great example of why you never take advice from your political enemies.
I know what Israel gets from the United States--money and the promise to defend it to the death no matter what violations of human rights in and outside of their country the Israelis commit. Would someone please remind me again what we get in return from Israel? Oh, sorry, I forgot. It's our friend because t's the only "democracy" (snicker snicker) in the Middle East.
17
although I'm sure you don't want to hear this we get alot from Israel..It's our 28th trading partner....most of the "aid" we give Israel is for miitary equipment which they then buy from the US....I could go on but from your snarky tone I know that facts won't interfere with your prejudice
2
Why is it always Mr. Netanyahu's responsibility to accommodate the Arabs? Why no one asks anything from Mr. Abbas or Mr. Hanyeh?
7
Israel has nuclear weapons (estimated 200 warheads) including delivery systems. It also refuses UN inspections of their facilities that Iran endures. What's wrong with this picture?
23
Iran is a terrorist nation and Israel is not?
Netanyahu wouldn't recognize an opportunity to actually make progress toward peace if he were laying under it. He is so fixated on ideological purity and ever more reactionary arrogance that he is a failure at leading his country toward a safer, more secure future. And in the process he has alienated many Americans who see him as part of the problem, not part of any solution. Republicans in this country continue to be fools in playing a political game that is solely to attract Jewish Democrats. As usual, they too are the problem, not the solution.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
12
The rise of PM Netanyahu and his settler ideology had to lead to the demise of the two state solution negotiated at Oslo. His anti peace political ideology has been helped with the evangelical Christian ideology of the Republicans. Its the holy land for crying out loud not a place where infidels can have a religious claim. Netanyahu's disrespect for President Obama comes from Obama's success in putting down Netanyahu's efforts to get the US to attack Iran. Netanyahu has wildly overestimated his popularity in the US.
26
Say what you will about Netanyahu, but considering how personal terrorism is for him, he is very restrained. His brother was killed while fighting terrorists on the day the U.S. was celebrating its bicentennial.
Here are some things to think about. The Syrian government has killed 170,000 of its own citizens. Where is the outrage about that? Israel is a democracy. Since 1949, Arabs have been serving in the Knesset. How many Jews serve in the legislatures of Arab countries? Only in Israel are Arabs free.
The people who woke up one day in 1967 as "Palestinians" instead of Jordanians, had many opportunities to have their own country. They. Refused. Each. Time.
Netanyahu has an obligation to protect Israel. Stop criticizing him. Look homeward. Why is the U.S. still in Afghanistan years after Osama bin Laden was assassinated by the U.S.? ISIS eclipsed Al-qaeda. Has the U.S. ever been expected to negotiate with Al-qaeda or ISIS?
Here are some things to think about. The Syrian government has killed 170,000 of its own citizens. Where is the outrage about that? Israel is a democracy. Since 1949, Arabs have been serving in the Knesset. How many Jews serve in the legislatures of Arab countries? Only in Israel are Arabs free.
The people who woke up one day in 1967 as "Palestinians" instead of Jordanians, had many opportunities to have their own country. They. Refused. Each. Time.
Netanyahu has an obligation to protect Israel. Stop criticizing him. Look homeward. Why is the U.S. still in Afghanistan years after Osama bin Laden was assassinated by the U.S.? ISIS eclipsed Al-qaeda. Has the U.S. ever been expected to negotiate with Al-qaeda or ISIS?
13
arabs are not free in israel,stop spreading lies! Think about the genocide being perpetrated in Gaza .......
"His brother was killed while fighting terrorists on the day the U.S. was celebrating its bicentennial."
Congratulations, metrojournalist. What Israel is to international law congruity is to your writing. More observed in the breech than the observance, methinks.
Congratulations, metrojournalist. What Israel is to international law congruity is to your writing. More observed in the breech than the observance, methinks.
Israel is one massive strategic liability for the US - an increasingly bigoted state, run by a right wing ideologue who has explicitly taken credit for killing the Oslo Accords and who clearly and consistently has done all he can throughout his entire political career to make a negotiated end to the conflict impossible. The current round of Palestinian attacks on Israelis are the acts of people who have given up hope, who are lashing out in despair against their oppressors. The US has been complicit in Israel's obstructionism for decades and, as a result, is complicit in the oppression of the Palestinians. American cowardice and complacency have not helped either the Israelis or the Palestinians. Instead, the US has simply enable the worst elements in Israeli society, hyper-nationalists who are more than comfortable insulting the US, so confident are they in the influence of their supporters' political power in the US. The best thing that Obama can do now is allow the UN to pass a resolution that recognizes the borders of Palestine and deprives Israel's occupation and settlements of the legitimacy they crave. An even better move is to cut the US military support to Israel and illustrate that there really are consequences to slapping the US President in the face one too many times, but I doubt that even Obama, at this late stage in the game, is ready to do that.
83
Excellent, spot on analysis.
sigh...you and your ilk continue to show just how little you know about the tiny nation of israel and it's history since it's birth. that you don't remember or wish to remember the millions of Arab League soldiers that were massed on its borders in 1967 intent on driving it "into the sea" (to quote Nasser) or the history of arab nation repudiation and ghettoization of palestinians is a evidence of your own failed education.
3
Thank you for your excellent assessment, for stating the unbridled truth and for having the courage to do so. It is intolerable that the US continues as the great enabler of over 60 years of slaughter, occupation and brutal suppression of Palestinians by Israel. Under any other circumstances the US itself would have invaded given the sustained horror, no joke.
There is always an uptight spoiled brat with an over-inflated, undeserved ego everywhere, but who gets away repeatedly with mindless behavior - there's Pakistan in South Asia, Israel in the middle-east. N Korea, . The world puts up with some of those, because of a super-power or two that want to maintain the status-quo. We need to see for ourselves what would happen if their bluffs are called out in the open. Israel knows that it can get away with anything as both the Dems and Reps do not show spine when it comes to Israel. Enough should be enough, but a republican president would bend over backwards to Israel and a democratic Prez would sulk and turn his back smiling in helplessness.
11
Why should the US continue to provide billions to a wealthy country---and one that continues to defy international law? At a minimum, there should be no more aid unless Israel ceases building settlements in Palestinian territory.
42
Our support for Israel economically and politically is a failed policy. It has emboldened the right wing in Israel and its Prime Minister Netanyahu to oppose a peaceful resolution with the Palestinian people as well as to impose its own interests on the American political scene. The time HAS come to deal with Israel realistically. Netanyhu and the majority of Israelis who continue to elect him are using the U.S. instead of appreciating that without our billions in money and weaponry their security would be in a more perilous position.
31
Israel has given up land and has gotten rockets and terrorism in return. Why should they commit suicide by giving up more land?
2
My Jewish friend said to me: My son lives in Jerusalem. I would like to have him put a prayer for our dying mutual friend in the Temple Wall. I was taken back. After all; the Temple Wall is the most sacred spot in Jewish religious and national consciousness. His offer clearly was a hand extended out of true compassion across a wide bridge between his religious tradition and mine and then to an unbeliever friend who time and again had, in our conversations with him, repudiated belief in any form of God.
Later, when I thought more about this heart felt expression of genuine concern, I said to myself: is one prayer for only one person enough? Shouldn’t there be other prayers? What about the thousands who have suffered in the past and are suffering today as a result of the absolutist religious certainties that have grown out of our common Hebraic foundation? And, as for the history of Wall itself, don’t we now see eerie parallels between 70 C.E. when the Romans destroyed the Temple and massacred the Jerusalem Jews and the threats to Israel today from the hostile Muslim nations that now surround it. In fact, the Islam these Muslim nations practice, with their suicidal adherents, has now become so absolutist and extremist that the nations not only present a threat to Israel, but to all of Human civilization. Given the present growth trajectory of this religious fanaticism, the future human loses could be in the tens of millions.
www.InquiryAbraham.com
Later, when I thought more about this heart felt expression of genuine concern, I said to myself: is one prayer for only one person enough? Shouldn’t there be other prayers? What about the thousands who have suffered in the past and are suffering today as a result of the absolutist religious certainties that have grown out of our common Hebraic foundation? And, as for the history of Wall itself, don’t we now see eerie parallels between 70 C.E. when the Romans destroyed the Temple and massacred the Jerusalem Jews and the threats to Israel today from the hostile Muslim nations that now surround it. In fact, the Islam these Muslim nations practice, with their suicidal adherents, has now become so absolutist and extremist that the nations not only present a threat to Israel, but to all of Human civilization. Given the present growth trajectory of this religious fanaticism, the future human loses could be in the tens of millions.
www.InquiryAbraham.com
6
I agree with much of your thinking but as to,
" is one prayer for only one person enough? Shouldn’t there be other prayers? What about the thousands who have suffered in the past and are suffering today..."
the Talmud teaches us, "to save one life is to save the world."
" is one prayer for only one person enough? Shouldn’t there be other prayers? What about the thousands who have suffered in the past and are suffering today..."
the Talmud teaches us, "to save one life is to save the world."
1
There can be no real change in US support for its incorrigible Israeli client until there is weakening of the powerful pro-Israel lobby here. Such political changes occur gradually, and this one is under way. The younger generation of American Jews is increasingly disenchanted with an Israel that is becoming more theocracy than democracy. The very existence of a "J Street" would have been unthinkable just a few years ago; now they place full page adds in the NYT. Adelson and his ilk are dying, and that he has become a joke is a sure sign of his decline.
There is hope that a more even handed US will be able to help achieve peace in the Mid East.
There is hope that a more even handed US will be able to help achieve peace in the Mid East.
31
No more peace process! It is time for the world to recognize that greater Israel, eretz Israel, has existed for 60 years and extends from the sea to the Jordan.
For years the "peace process" has been used by Israel as cover for the creation of an apartheid state in which half the people who live within its borders have been effectively made into voteless, second class citizens who may be brutalized at will.
In return for international recognition of the State of Greater Israel, it is time for Israelis to start looking after ALL the people who live in the land it has conquered and occupies.
As for the notion that for demographic reasons, a unified, democratic state makes impossible a Jewish one... well, Israelis have had 60 years to come up with an alternative. Let them now live with the facts on the ground.
For years the "peace process" has been used by Israel as cover for the creation of an apartheid state in which half the people who live within its borders have been effectively made into voteless, second class citizens who may be brutalized at will.
In return for international recognition of the State of Greater Israel, it is time for Israelis to start looking after ALL the people who live in the land it has conquered and occupies.
As for the notion that for demographic reasons, a unified, democratic state makes impossible a Jewish one... well, Israelis have had 60 years to come up with an alternative. Let them now live with the facts on the ground.
31
I totally agree with you on a one state solution. How to convince Palestinians that in the end this is the only true and ultimately rewarding way forward, no more painful in the end than the sustained horror that exists today.
When you've got a lemon make lemonade was never more true.
When you've got a lemon make lemonade was never more true.
1
Excellent editorial. I will never understand Netanyahu's position. He has done great harm to Israel's international standing and to the peace process, and has been openly rude - to the point of childish - to President Obama. I resent the over 3 billion that Israel receives in aid, and Netanyahu certainly has no right to ask for more. On the contrary, Israel should not be given any aid. Netanyahu has continued policies of blatant theft and bigotry, and for that, no nation should be rewarded.
56
You wish to punish the Israeli people, or Netanyahu? Yet the editorial doesn't do a good job distinguishing between them, either.
3
You cannot understand Netanyahu's position for the mere fact is has not been included in the editorial, nor has it been reported in the NYT, as in other newspapers.
3
3.1 Billion dollars to Israel a year? While programs in the United States are being drastically cut? And while we are in debt?
And Trump light, also known as Netanyahu asks for even more money while he continues to violate all the UN rulings on land grab by Netanyahu?
Amazing that the United states would even consider giving the man a penny. If we must give money it should be for peaceful things like food and education for countries that are in extreme poverty. But no, we are going to send the largest amount of money to a country that stubbornly refuses to grant the Palestinians any relief? And borrow money from China to do so?
Shameful. Please let me make the budget.
And Trump light, also known as Netanyahu asks for even more money while he continues to violate all the UN rulings on land grab by Netanyahu?
Amazing that the United states would even consider giving the man a penny. If we must give money it should be for peaceful things like food and education for countries that are in extreme poverty. But no, we are going to send the largest amount of money to a country that stubbornly refuses to grant the Palestinians any relief? And borrow money from China to do so?
Shameful. Please let me make the budget.
64
There is not now, there has never been, and there never will be a "two-state" solution for Israel + Palestine. Because Arabs in Palestine do not want one - they want a "No Israel" solution, and nothing else. And their supporters in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are cheering this on.
Read Caroline Glick's "The Israeli Solution" if you want to know more.
Stop pretending that Arabs in Palestine are interested in "peace". They've never demonstrated such an interest. Israel isn't digging tunnels into Gaza, Arabs are digging tunnels into Israel. The money that pays the Arabs digging tunnels used to kidnap or kill Israelis could have been used to start businesses. But Arabs in Palestine aren't interested in producing products - they're interested in killing Israelis.
And while we're at it, stop all American funds going to the PA.
Read Caroline Glick's "The Israeli Solution" if you want to know more.
Stop pretending that Arabs in Palestine are interested in "peace". They've never demonstrated such an interest. Israel isn't digging tunnels into Gaza, Arabs are digging tunnels into Israel. The money that pays the Arabs digging tunnels used to kidnap or kill Israelis could have been used to start businesses. But Arabs in Palestine aren't interested in producing products - they're interested in killing Israelis.
And while we're at it, stop all American funds going to the PA.
21
Hard not to wretch reading your unhinged reply to KarlosTJ.
$3.1b per annum is a profligate amount of subsidy/welfare for a wholly self-sufficient prosperous free-market society. And how much to Saudi Arabia and Egypt?!? I think the American people are finally waking up to the lies and propaganda being used to soak them while their own country swirls down the toilet, starved for self-investment by establishment neoliberal slobs on both sides
It is a defense policy alienated from reason but in force because there ain't a moral, sensible person to stop it because the gerrymandered system is irrecoverably broken; been corrupted by a vicious group of self-serving gorillas. No one doubts Israel is in the thick of it surrounded by reptiles and crazy Muslim zealots but you reap what you sow and the OCD military maniacs influencing/controlling policy (and the money) in the American and Israeli civil governments need to be gagged, blindfolded and sent to the metaphorical rubber-room for at least three generations. The fifty plus years of bloody-minded military-enforced apartheid, cultural rape and deprivation perpetrated by a subset of inhuman, backwards, violently corrupt garbageheads ruining the lives of actual individual human beings must be stopped. American primacy can not last forever and you can bet what the right-wing Israeli kooks continue to sow will one day surely, surely, surely, on this seemingly inalterable course, be a harvest of woe.
$3.1b per annum is a profligate amount of subsidy/welfare for a wholly self-sufficient prosperous free-market society. And how much to Saudi Arabia and Egypt?!? I think the American people are finally waking up to the lies and propaganda being used to soak them while their own country swirls down the toilet, starved for self-investment by establishment neoliberal slobs on both sides
It is a defense policy alienated from reason but in force because there ain't a moral, sensible person to stop it because the gerrymandered system is irrecoverably broken; been corrupted by a vicious group of self-serving gorillas. No one doubts Israel is in the thick of it surrounded by reptiles and crazy Muslim zealots but you reap what you sow and the OCD military maniacs influencing/controlling policy (and the money) in the American and Israeli civil governments need to be gagged, blindfolded and sent to the metaphorical rubber-room for at least three generations. The fifty plus years of bloody-minded military-enforced apartheid, cultural rape and deprivation perpetrated by a subset of inhuman, backwards, violently corrupt garbageheads ruining the lives of actual individual human beings must be stopped. American primacy can not last forever and you can bet what the right-wing Israeli kooks continue to sow will one day surely, surely, surely, on this seemingly inalterable course, be a harvest of woe.
How dare Mr. Netanyahu. Who does he think he is, a Republican Senator or Republican Representative?
Really, the Republicans have set a terrible precedent for how they've treated President Obama and let's not forget how outrageous it was that they invited Netanyahu to speak to Congress last year.
Let's take that $3Billion we give Israel every year and put it into our infrastructure. At least something positive would come out of that money like jobs and better roads and bridges.
Really, the Republicans have set a terrible precedent for how they've treated President Obama and let's not forget how outrageous it was that they invited Netanyahu to speak to Congress last year.
Let's take that $3Billion we give Israel every year and put it into our infrastructure. At least something positive would come out of that money like jobs and better roads and bridges.
281
You forget we have a republican congress so that's a non-starter. When is the last time the republicans did anything that meant better anything for ordinary Americans?
Years ago there was old joke that because Bibi Netanyahu visited America so often he was sometimes called "The Congressman from Tel Aviv."
2
Don't forget Mr. Obama is Black and the Israelis are tremendously racists.
1
I know this question maybe too simple, but why is the U.S. giving Israel military and war funding? How did this happen? And why don't we give money to Palestine?
40
70 years of Palestinian Islamic terrorism against Israel and their pledge to eradicate Jews from the Middle East. But why not research the history, the broken peace deals, Arafats $1billion? You have a lot of catching up to do, and should do, if it's of any real importance to you.
2
Israel , the sole middle east democracy and only real ally there in the war on terrors given credits to defend itself against Palestinian terror and 22 mostly hostile Arab dicitatorships as well as Iran, which threatens to wipe it off the map.
2
In answer to your third question: because Palestinians aren't Jewish.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of racists on all sides of this dispute, and Netanyahu seems to think that his blatant disrespect of a black President will play well with his constituency.
61
When you don't have an argument, play the race card.
2
Netanyahu does not see Israeli interests in the same way the NYT does. His policy is fully understandable once you recognize that he does not want a peace agreement with the Palestinians, will never allow a Palestinian State, and is instead pursuing a policy of slow ethnic cleansing of the territories with the hope that most of the occupied territories will one day be annexed to Israel.
79
Right, we've seen so many peace proposals offered by the arabs, and so many strenuous efforts made by hamas, iran and abbas to push forward various plans, yeah thanks for sharing your incredible insights...
3
Israel, quite prosperous, no longer needs unreimbursed foreign aid from America. Hence it buys us little if any leverage. It is a waste of money.
Israel DOES need our advanced anti-missile technology. They should pay for it, since now they can.
As for Netanyahu, he went all out backing Mitt Romney against Obama in 2012. Very inappropriate to take sides in another country's election, and rash when that country is Israel's one essential backer. And then to get it wrong! Obama, being a grown-up, didn't retaliate, but it can hardly have helped relations.
Even after that debacle, Netanyahu won his election, which suggests just how impoverished Israel's political talent pool must be.
Israel DOES need our advanced anti-missile technology. They should pay for it, since now they can.
As for Netanyahu, he went all out backing Mitt Romney against Obama in 2012. Very inappropriate to take sides in another country's election, and rash when that country is Israel's one essential backer. And then to get it wrong! Obama, being a grown-up, didn't retaliate, but it can hardly have helped relations.
Even after that debacle, Netanyahu won his election, which suggests just how impoverished Israel's political talent pool must be.
101
Bill U. New York: no, Bill U, it shows how politically divided Israel is, much like our own Republican party, but for better reasons, namely, questions of life and death, war and peace - much more rational reasons than the ones with which the religious right have fractured the Republican party.
1
Our "political talent pool" is no bargain.
I agree that Netanyahu implicitly expressed support for Mitt Romney and that it was inappropriate. But Obama interfered in Israeli elections by far less subtly with full force and definitely and very pronounced against Netanyahu. So to say he didn't retaliate or that he didn't interfere is really wrong
2
Rudeness is a two way street. Barack Obama is the first American president in recent memory who hasn't visited Israel, not even for the pre-requisite photo ops (praying at the Wailing Wall, shaking hands with the Prime Minister in the Knesset, etc). Poor Joe Biden was reduced to the sorry role being an understudy as he went to Israel because Barack Obama can't be bothered meeting with Bibi Netanyahu because he wouldn't have the home field advantage. Didn't anyone else find it a bit strange that Bibi Netanyahu always had to come to Washington? However, the ultimate irony of this pathetic situation is that in January 2017 Barack Obama won't be President anymore of the United States whereas Bibi Netanyahu will still be Prime Minister of Israel.
17
Why shouldn't Netanyahu have to come to DC? WE are the ones paying HIS country. If I am eating in a restaurant, the waiter comes to me; I don't go fetching my food from the kitchen.
1
Obama visited Israel in 2008 and prayed at the Wailing Wall. http://www.timesofisrael.com/where-obamas-visiting-in-israel-where-he-is...
Get your facts right!
Get your facts right!
1
Excellent point Sharon5101 - Obama never visited Israel, but had plenty of time to visit Arab states. Interesting. Definitely a pointed snub.
3
Our country's provision of so much foreign aid to Israel for anything military is precisely the sort of foreign entanglement our first president warned against in his Farewell Address. We should tell Mr. Netanyahu in no uncertain terms to take a hike. As for any two-state solution, that's permanently dead and always was because it is totally antithetical to fundamental Zionism.
58
paul becker bluffton sc: " As for any two-state solution, that's permanently dead and always was because it is totally antithetical to fundamental Zionism."
Factually, Paul, it is also antithetical to fundamental pan-Arabism, the present goals of Hamas, and the maps in every Arab country which shows Greater Palestine as extending from the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea.
I'm sure you appreciate the update, Paul, so you don't have to thank me.
Factually, Paul, it is also antithetical to fundamental pan-Arabism, the present goals of Hamas, and the maps in every Arab country which shows Greater Palestine as extending from the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea.
I'm sure you appreciate the update, Paul, so you don't have to thank me.
3
Israelis need a good does of reality about this weird relationship with the US.
57
To portray Israel as the obstacle to peace and aid to state solution is disingenuous. It was Palestinians who walked away from peace, a good deal, and an equitable compromise solution in the Oslo agreement and later at Camp David. The fact is that Palestinians do not want to recognize the State of Israel. The underlying agenda of the Islamic countries in the Middle East is to eliminate Israel.
18
LOL just last week abbas rejected another proposal by VP Biden, and a poll of gazan arabs this week shows widespread support for terrorism:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/majority-of-west-bank-palestinians-oppose-u...
But of course, the pathetically clueless editorial board of this despicable "publication" ignores such inconvenient facts.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/majority-of-west-bank-palestinians-oppose-u...
But of course, the pathetically clueless editorial board of this despicable "publication" ignores such inconvenient facts.
3
As usual, there is no discussion that the $3 billion is provided as CREDITS, which can only be "spent" with US companies for US products, for example, armaments. There is no "check" in the amount of $3 billion that is delivered.
This is as much a "make work in the US" program as an aid to Israel program. It supports manufacturing jobs all over the US. That is one reason that Congress is so willing to approve this expenditure.
Those who think we are bundling up dollars and sending them (as WAS done in places like Iraq and Afghanistan) need to be better informed.
Why does the editorial not explain the facts underlying the aid?
This is as much a "make work in the US" program as an aid to Israel program. It supports manufacturing jobs all over the US. That is one reason that Congress is so willing to approve this expenditure.
Those who think we are bundling up dollars and sending them (as WAS done in places like Iraq and Afghanistan) need to be better informed.
Why does the editorial not explain the facts underlying the aid?
54
To the extent that your explanation is right, it proves that the U.S. likes to give welfare to corporations while cutting funds to every human services program that used to make America great.
Stop corporate welfare.
Stop corporate welfare.
If you are correct in your assertion and our government really has no better way of supporting employment than giving money to those who buy our products (as we did after WWII), it remains true that we should not give it to people who have apparently learned the method of getting rid of people they don't like from their own experience. If that method as practiced in the early 1940's is to be condemned then Israel's treatment of the Palestinians is equally reprehensible. Perhaps we should give these credits to the Palestinians. In any case, as is so often the case for people who have suffered injustice at least some Israelis have learned the effectiveness of such behavior from their own experience and are now demonstrating their competence. We don't want to finance that project.
3
Money is fungible. That $3.1 billion in credits allows them to redirect $3.1 billion of internal revenues from defense to other areas.
2
To portray Israel as the obstacle to peace and to a two state solution is disingenuous. It was Palestinians who walked away from peace, a good deal, and an equitable compromise solution in the Oslo agreement and later at Camp David. The fact is that Palestinians do not want to recognize the State of Israel. The underlying agenda of the Islamic countries in the Middle East is to eliminate Israel.
37
If Israel can make peace with Egypt and Jordan, and if it can largely live in peace with Lebanon and Syria, all of whom are much more formidable than the Palestinians, it can surely make peace with them.
@thunderbolt: There has NEVER been a good deal presented to the Palestinians. They rejected UN Resolution 181 because although Jews owned just 6% of the land, the UN gave them 56% of the land, SOLE access to the Red Sea and 2/3 of the Mediterranean Coastline for their minority illegal immigrant Zionist population.
ALL deals heavily favored the Jews, who by the way attacked first in 1947 before the resolution was even signed.
The UN and International community has let Israel get away with tens of thousands of murders and preemptive strikes on Palestinians and neighboring countries.
I'm sure President Obama is very pleased that the Jewish apartheid leader of the terrorist State of Israel cancelled his visit.
ALL deals heavily favored the Jews, who by the way attacked first in 1947 before the resolution was even signed.
The UN and International community has let Israel get away with tens of thousands of murders and preemptive strikes on Palestinians and neighboring countries.
I'm sure President Obama is very pleased that the Jewish apartheid leader of the terrorist State of Israel cancelled his visit.
1
Repeating the usual lies aren't you. So in your bubble, the Palestinians, who agreed to give up 78% of the land to Israel and only create their state on the remaining 22% are the ones who not willing to compromise???? Don't you think it's the powerful party that is perpetuating a brutal occupation and slowly confiscating more land is to blame?? In what world do you live?
1
It is time for American taxpayers to so "NO" to funding the current criminal regime in Israel.. American dollars kill innocent Palestinians and help finance the illegal occupation of State of Palestine.
134
Greg Lyon, France: it is time for the French to learn some history about the Middle East and say "NO" to the rabid anti-Semitism which abounds in France and is considered normative by those who reside in Lyon and who forget how quickly Frenchmen rounded up Jews during WWII and dutifully turned them over to the Nazis and now consider themselves heroes. Ignorant dunces think that there is a State of Palestine and that it goes from the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea and along all the beaches yellow frogs croak in joy!
1
Every other day, there is an article about Palestinians killing their gay citizens or threatening to or killing Israelis or attacking Israel with rockets. But the terrorist regime of Hamas, thanks you for your continued support.
2
talk about a path toward getting out of debt...
The US needs to work for regime change in Israel. Netanyahu is far from having majority support in Israel, and now might be a good time for a Jewish Spring?
96
Obama doesn't have the majority support in the US. Just look at his disapproval figures. The worst for any president in the last 60 years.
The only danger is that what may replace him could be worse(hard as that might seem).The settlers and far right grouos are becoming more vocal and forceful in their actions and demands - and Netanyahu -while he helped create & nurture this monster - is trying to keep them together in his shaky coalitiongovernment.
1
It is not our responsibility to meddle in the politics of other nations!
As an American of Jewish ethnic heritage, some sixty years ago I began supporting Israel with thrice-weekly donations to plant trees there. Later my family and I purchased Israel Bonds, which were never ever redeemed in all those years. But now its been more than twenty years since anyone in my family donated to Israel. We were sickened by the murder of Rabin and even more by its celebration on the right. But nothing prepared us for the vicious racism and disrespect towards the President we voted for by Netanyahu. While we are appalled at the disfunction of the PLO and disgusted by the hate and ignorance peddled by Hamas and shoved down the throats of Gazans. Nonetheless, we watch with broken hearts the increase in anti-Israel and anti-Semitic not only in Europe but here in the USA, we are not surprised, given Netanyahu's and the Israeli right's ugliness.
705
Netanyahu had perfectly good relationships with Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell. But if he has personal problems with President Obama, you are all ready to play the race card. Calling him racist is unfair and unsubstantiated.
Any your last sentence smells of the old "they brought it on themselves" excuse that has been used to justify antisemitism for centuries. Face the unpleasant truth - more people hate Israel for what it is than for what it does.
Any your last sentence smells of the old "they brought it on themselves" excuse that has been used to justify antisemitism for centuries. Face the unpleasant truth - more people hate Israel for what it is than for what it does.
I wish all comments were as tempered and reasonable as yours.
Would much of the "anti Israel and anti Semitic" actually echo your sentiments and be anti Netanyahu and Israeli government policy? I believe that his & his supporters and masters words, policies and actions are the biggest enemy to what Israel could be and to the good name of the Jewish community.
As long as Benjamin Netanyahu is Prime Minister of Israel there will never be peace between Palestine and Israel. It is waste of time and money to meet with him. I hope that President Obama never invites him again to the White House.
79
It is disingenuous at best, and ignorance at worse to blame Netanyahu and Israel alone for a lack of peace. How about giving Abbas and Hamas their fair share of the blame?
1
Obama is seen as weak throughout the Middle East, because he is weak. For Israel to refuse to go along with Obama is quite simply a way of appearing strong. Iran kidnaps Americans and captures US sailors, Russia laughs in Kerry's face and does what it wishes, Assad treats the US and Obama's 'red line' as irrelevant, the Kurds go their own way and open an office in Moscow, the Saudis go adventuring in Yemen and don't show at a Camp David conference hosted by Obama and Kerry, and now Israel announces the cancellation of a trip in the media? Seems like Israel is giving Obama more respect than the other players in the region. Perhaps more than he deserves, based on his actions.
14
On the contrary. Many in the Middle East are upset with President Obama, because he doesn't just blindly follow the policies of his predecessors. The Saudi's are upset that he doesn't endorse their government unequivocally in their dispute with Iran. Ditto for Israel. Obama wisely sees that it's their neighborhood and they have to get along together even if it's a cold peace. We have very little strategic interest in this area, as energy is no longer a problem. Why do we have to "Carry their water" for them? If this is being "weak" then I'm all for it. It saves us a lot of trouble and treasure.
don't forget Obama did not do enough to free Jonathan Pollard. He could have been released years ago (and should have been) but thanks to Obama did not receive the pardon he deserved. Disgraceful.
Mr. Obama is President of the United States. Mr. Netanyahu's disrespect applies to the office as well as to the man. What he thinks in private is his business, what he does in public represents Israel, and it represents how Israel respects the government of the United States by how the prime minister acts towards the President.
1
Does anyone really think it's only 3 billion a year? Maybe Bibi can get more from Putin, then they can both ride horses shirtless.
49
It seems that the terms of a "deal" mainly constitute the amount of American
largess that Israel will deign to accept.
Is the amount of extortion a "deal"?
Netanyahu deserves the back of our President's hand.
His arrogance is breathtaking.
Obama should wait until after our election ( so not to embarrass Clinton and to keep her on the reservation ) and then REDUCE the aid package.
It should be reduced to zero but I can't seriously entertain that pipe dream.
largess that Israel will deign to accept.
Is the amount of extortion a "deal"?
Netanyahu deserves the back of our President's hand.
His arrogance is breathtaking.
Obama should wait until after our election ( so not to embarrass Clinton and to keep her on the reservation ) and then REDUCE the aid package.
It should be reduced to zero but I can't seriously entertain that pipe dream.
67
Matt san francisco, ca: now, perhaps, you can understand why Obama is President and you are not. You have zero understanding of foreign policy, or our need to have Israel as an ally, and less understanding of the history of the Middle East which was forged by the anti-Semitism (for Jews and Arabs alike) of the British, and the perfervid hatred of Israel by its enemies. Israel's fears for its survival are real beyond your limited powers of observation and its request for military aid is a reflection of that fear. Furthermore, Matt, Israel, our only real ally in the region, feels betrayed and threatened by the recent nuclear deal with Iran, its sworn enemy, so there is some rationale for the request.
And Obama never deigned to make a state visit to Israel, the only President in recent history to have so rudely and pointedly snubbed a vital ally, for cheap political gain with the Arabs.
And Obama never deigned to make a state visit to Israel, the only President in recent history to have so rudely and pointedly snubbed a vital ally, for cheap political gain with the Arabs.
2
What you are seeing is not disrespect but the inevitable erosion of power of a lame duck president. Obama hasn't ben viewed as Issrael's greatest friend so why wouldn't Israel wait for his successor to negotiated an aid package?
As to putting at Netanyahu's feet the failure of a two state solution, there never was a two state solution that the Palestinian's could agree to. Such a peace would require a Palestinian leader to tell his people that they are never going back to their orange trees in Jaffa, and that leader hasn't been born yet. Most Arab states accept the fact that Israel exists and is not going away, but the Palestinians don't
As to putting at Netanyahu's feet the failure of a two state solution, there never was a two state solution that the Palestinian's could agree to. Such a peace would require a Palestinian leader to tell his people that they are never going back to their orange trees in Jaffa, and that leader hasn't been born yet. Most Arab states accept the fact that Israel exists and is not going away, but the Palestinians don't
13
An important distinction is that Obama's not a lame duck until his successor is chosen.
The Palestinians recognized the terrorist, apartheid State of Israel's right to exist years ago.
There has NEVER been a deal offered to the Palestinians that didn't heavily favor the Jews. They were right to turn them all down.
In 1948 the Jews owned just 6% of the land, but the UN gave the minority, illegal immigrant population of Jews 56% of Palestine and 2/3 of the Mediterranean Coastline and SOLE access to the Red Sea. The Palestinians couldn't even fish in the Red Sea.
The Zionist illegal immigrant Jews from Europe attacked the indigenous people FIRST in 1947. It is documented.
There has NEVER been a deal offered to the Palestinians that didn't heavily favor the Jews. They were right to turn them all down.
In 1948 the Jews owned just 6% of the land, but the UN gave the minority, illegal immigrant population of Jews 56% of Palestine and 2/3 of the Mediterranean Coastline and SOLE access to the Red Sea. The Palestinians couldn't even fish in the Red Sea.
The Zionist illegal immigrant Jews from Europe attacked the indigenous people FIRST in 1947. It is documented.
Netanyahu is playing a dangerous game. I don't think he quite realizes how much damage he is doing to the US-Israel partnership. He has somehow convinced himself that AIPAC will always be able to provide enough pressure to leave the aid package unchanged and with no strings attached. But he is souring the Democratic party which, given present trends, will eventually be the majority party. At that point there will be a blowback and support for Israel will tank.
124
Aid to Israel is American-taxpayer-funded handout to American defense industries. "Support" for Israel is corporate welfare and jobs here at home, thus will have a very hard time "tanking."
If it looks, smells, tastes and sounds like racism, guess what it is.
84
"Good on you," as we say in Britain. And very noble too.
Three black men a day shot down like dogs on the police streets of the U.S.
"How many ears must one man have
To hear his brother's cry."
Three black men a day shot down like dogs on the police streets of the U.S.
"How many ears must one man have
To hear his brother's cry."
Israel got very comfortable calling the shots in Washington when Bush and the Republican neo cons were in charge (Exhibit A being Iraq). Now there is a president who puts US interests first Netanyahu is naturally upset.
420
Or you could have it completely wrong, since the editorial did not include Netanyahu's explanation for the cancelled meeting (a meeting he requested, let's not forget). Israel says it contacted the White House, information also left out of this editorial. Shouldn't both sides of this very pressing issue, a cancelled meeting, be included? Or would that diminish the agenda.
5
The US has never fought a war for Israel. We have fought a war for Islam in Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Libya, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq because we wanted regime change in Iraq. We also lost 245 troops in Lebanon, and 17+ defending Saudi Arabia.
2
Netanyahu has a lot better at understanding the dynamics of the region than Obama...
After all, it wasn't Bibi that pulled troops out of Iraq and ignored the development of ISIS on the grounds that they were merely the junior varsity, or were suckered by two of the most monumental egos on the world stage today into allowing Iran to skate on the nuclear weapons development issues.
After all, it wasn't Bibi that pulled troops out of Iraq and ignored the development of ISIS on the grounds that they were merely the junior varsity, or were suckered by two of the most monumental egos on the world stage today into allowing Iran to skate on the nuclear weapons development issues.
4
The Times issue in which this editorial appears contains a laudatory piece about a woman singer being allowed to perform in Gaza - as long, of course, as she leaves out any love songs and restricts her repertoire to the evils of Israel and the Palestinian struggle. The article even describes the panic that ensued when Tel Aviv was included in a drawing; heaven forbid the mention of a city destined for destruction by Hamas. That article should have been printed side-by-side with this editorial.
Your editorial misses the central point of the conflict - there is no evidence that ceding land or sovereignty will lead to mutual recognition and peace. In fact, if Gaza is the example, the opposite is the case.
Yes, Netanyahu is a blustery, unpleasant politician who would fit right into the American presidential campaign. And yes, Israel is asking for a lot of money (most of which would be turned over to US defense contractors) and should try to live with less. And yes, Israel can be ham-handed in its public relations.
But the underlining fact is that Israel lives in a very dangerous area with enemies sworn to its destruction. Israel has very little room for making mistakes, especially ones that reduce its physical security. When the evidence is clear that giving up ground in the West Bank won't lead to another Gaza disaster, then today's editorial will make more sense. Until then, the Times is asking Israel to gamble its future survival, which the Times asks of no other country.
Your editorial misses the central point of the conflict - there is no evidence that ceding land or sovereignty will lead to mutual recognition and peace. In fact, if Gaza is the example, the opposite is the case.
Yes, Netanyahu is a blustery, unpleasant politician who would fit right into the American presidential campaign. And yes, Israel is asking for a lot of money (most of which would be turned over to US defense contractors) and should try to live with less. And yes, Israel can be ham-handed in its public relations.
But the underlining fact is that Israel lives in a very dangerous area with enemies sworn to its destruction. Israel has very little room for making mistakes, especially ones that reduce its physical security. When the evidence is clear that giving up ground in the West Bank won't lead to another Gaza disaster, then today's editorial will make more sense. Until then, the Times is asking Israel to gamble its future survival, which the Times asks of no other country.
46
@Who's on first
Maryland
Er...Israel is illegally occupying the entire west bank and has turned Gaza into a ghetto
Maryland
Er...Israel is illegally occupying the entire west bank and has turned Gaza into a ghetto
248
John is "spot on". No wonder in the UN no country agrees with and votes with the USA on matters concerning Israel/Palestine. AIPAC's
positions are outrageous--look instead to J Street, the Jewish
organization whose positions give hope that, somehow, some where,
some time, the Palestinians, will be given back land they lived in since the time of the Romans! Sharing of the land between both the Israelis and the Palestinians is the only hope for future peace for either party.
positions are outrageous--look instead to J Street, the Jewish
organization whose positions give hope that, somehow, some where,
some time, the Palestinians, will be given back land they lived in since the time of the Romans! Sharing of the land between both the Israelis and the Palestinians is the only hope for future peace for either party.
13
Negotiations are actually difficult when both sides are engaging in reprehensible acts. Only when each side acknowledges this AND truly want an end to active hostilities can a settlement be reached. Huffing, puffing, ranting, and railing is best left to the carnival barker(s); patient plodding will (maybe - non-zero probability) lead to a grudging compromise.
When will the NYT face the truth that not just Netanyahu, but a significant majority of the Israeli people support the continued theft of Palestinian territory in stark violation of the law, most obviously the 4th Geneva Conventions. As long as Israel is unconditionally handed more than $3 billion annually and protected from the natural consequences of their actions by America's veto, diplomatic support and military muscle its leaders will simply do what they want and treat their benefactors like dirt. Israel has a right to exist and to defend itself proportionately and the US is right to guarantee its security, but horrifically wrong to keep enabling its shameless persecution of Palestinians on what is their own legal territory. There is no greater injustice in the world today. Obama, who no longer has to worry about being reelected, has an opportunity to allow the Security Council or the International Court of Justice to consider the positions of both parties and offer a recommendation of a fair agreement by not vetoing a Security Council motion calling for it, or better yet sponsoring such a motion.
180
True but he is afraid of poisoning the well for the Democratic candidate in November.
When 50% of billionaires are backers of zionism, US politicians have to be prepared to kiss rings!
When 50% of billionaires are backers of zionism, US politicians have to be prepared to kiss rings!
Ah, the Geneva Conventions, U.N. security council resolutions.....always quoted by the Israel-haters. Israel has been the target of concerted military attacks by the Arab states in the region since 1948, 1967, and 1973, and continued attacks by Hezbollah in the north, and Hamas to the west. That's the fundamental problem, but, that's always a part of history that is not discussed. Had the Arab countries accepted the original U.N. resolution creating Israel and those 1948 borders, none of this mess would have occurred.
2
Tom Barrett Edmonton:
Some basic education is in order:
1] the occupation of the West Bank is a topic of serious discussion and soul searching in Israel, both in the [free] press, the internet, and many books and periodicals. The Israelis would like to stop the occupation, but you are dealing with an enemy that wants to take back all of Israel.
2] Israel does not treat its benefactors "like dirt". You could just as well argue that Obama treated Israel "like dirt" because he snubbed Israel by never visiting our most important ally in the region.
3] The question of just what is and what is not Palestinian territory is, in fact, what subject of negotiations and there is NO legal definition of what is their territory. You are simply wrong.
4] Tom Barret - there are many greater injustices in the world, just look around or read the papers. It would help you immensely in obtaining perspective about the Middle East situation.
5] The foreign policy of the United States is not dictated by the resolutions of the Security Council or the International Court of Justice, which are often recognized as historically being anti-Israel.
Some basic education is in order:
1] the occupation of the West Bank is a topic of serious discussion and soul searching in Israel, both in the [free] press, the internet, and many books and periodicals. The Israelis would like to stop the occupation, but you are dealing with an enemy that wants to take back all of Israel.
2] Israel does not treat its benefactors "like dirt". You could just as well argue that Obama treated Israel "like dirt" because he snubbed Israel by never visiting our most important ally in the region.
3] The question of just what is and what is not Palestinian territory is, in fact, what subject of negotiations and there is NO legal definition of what is their territory. You are simply wrong.
4] Tom Barret - there are many greater injustices in the world, just look around or read the papers. It would help you immensely in obtaining perspective about the Middle East situation.
5] The foreign policy of the United States is not dictated by the resolutions of the Security Council or the International Court of Justice, which are often recognized as historically being anti-Israel.
3
Yes to the idea of a Security Council resolution setting out the parameters for peace.
222
"Yes to the idea of a Security Council resolution setting out the parameters for peace."
Now, that's a pipe dream if there ever was one.
Now, that's a pipe dream if there ever was one.
1
Carolyn: They've already had a few UN Resolutions for peace beginning with #181 back in 1947. The fact your comment got an editor's pick is a pretty good sign that some aren't paying all that much attention.
2
Have you ever read anything that has come out of the UN in the last 40 years? A popularity contest amongst the worst violators of human rights and promulgators of hatred, competing as to who can be more anti-Israeli? The UN has long past it's expiration date and should be limited to vaccinations.
2
The article refers to, "the new 10-year defense agreement the two governments are negotiating." What is there to negotiate? The US taxpayer forks over $3 billion a year, and gets absolutely nothing in return. That's the disaster of a deal that I'd like to hear Trump talk about, but even he won't go there.
86
Actually, the U.S. gets plenty in return. First, the history behind U.S. aid to Israel dates back to Soviet hegemony in Europe and the Middle East. Egypt and others were within the Soviet sphere of influence (e.g., Egypt attempted to close the Suez canal), and Israel was the sole U.S. ally in the eastern Mediterranean. After the cold war, Israel stood alone against rising Islamic terrorism, and this continues today, even more so as ISIS and others export terror beyond the middle east. The plight of the Palestinians is an afterthought of al Qaida and ISIS. The U.S. receives very valuable intelligence and cooperation from Israel in fighting the jihadi threat, including the lying theocracy of Iran.
2
This is what happens when two ethnic groups believe God gave them the exclusive right to occupy the same territory. It's a law of physics that applies to societies too. It's a fantasy, but admittedly, one side is more insidious that the other. The initial occupation of that territory after WWII surely inflamed the tensions that already existed. Yes, Jews have lived there for thousands of years, but millions of displaced refugees fled there after the war, changing the balance dramatically.
Look at the current mess created by the refugees fleeing Syria today. They are a smaller group trying to relocate within a much larger area. Europe is struggling to keep up. The US has taken only a fraction of those people.
The US could accept every Israeli, people who could quickly assimilate with our society, and contribute here, as opposed to accepting handouts. But won't. Not because we would refuse them the privilege, but because they believe God gave them exclusive right to the land they are fighting and dying over.
Religion, what is it good for? Nothing, if its goal isn't a peaceful globe to be enjoyed by all. Forget all the wailing, the kneeling facing Mecca, or whatever else you might think will illicit God's assistance. God isn't listening. What more evidence do you need? There's a very good reason for that fact. It really isn't that hard to figure out.
Look at the current mess created by the refugees fleeing Syria today. They are a smaller group trying to relocate within a much larger area. Europe is struggling to keep up. The US has taken only a fraction of those people.
The US could accept every Israeli, people who could quickly assimilate with our society, and contribute here, as opposed to accepting handouts. But won't. Not because we would refuse them the privilege, but because they believe God gave them exclusive right to the land they are fighting and dying over.
Religion, what is it good for? Nothing, if its goal isn't a peaceful globe to be enjoyed by all. Forget all the wailing, the kneeling facing Mecca, or whatever else you might think will illicit God's assistance. God isn't listening. What more evidence do you need? There's a very good reason for that fact. It really isn't that hard to figure out.
40
We'll relocate you, Mr. Rink, from LaFayette, IA to, say, The Congo, or maybe Northern Siberia.
Better get your bags packed, sir.
Better get your bags packed, sir.
Why would there Israeli's want to assimilate? Perhaps when public schools are open for a regular school day on Christmas day they'd be interested.
I have yet to understand why the settlements are commonly seen as reducing the land available for the Palestinians. We are talking about buildings (generally built so as to monopolize the local water supply, which is never mentioned) that anyone can live in. Assuming the political will ever exists.
10
They are taking that land from the original Palestinian owners so it sure reduced their land.
2
The settlements are being built on what is considered to be Palestinian territory.
How disingenuous your comment is, (which I mistakenly "recommended" before hitting the Reply button which is what I meant to do). Even Netanyahu and his minions wouldn't pretend the, "huh, just us folks using buildings" attitude you aspire to.
How disingenuous your comment is, (which I mistakenly "recommended" before hitting the Reply button which is what I meant to do). Even Netanyahu and his minions wouldn't pretend the, "huh, just us folks using buildings" attitude you aspire to.
Netanyahu cannot agree to the new defense agreement without implicitly agreeing to the president's nuclear agreement with Iran.
Bibi finds himself stuck at the end of an intractable logical cul-de-sac, his adamant refusal to accept any negotiation that is not a full concession by opponents before-the-fact.
For him to save face, to avoid the implicit admission that he's been an obdurate obstuctionist he has to take a page out of Mitch McConnell's playbook and delay, delay, delay, never say "yes" to Obama, and hope nobody notices how weak and shallow Bibi will be shown to be when he agrees to with the next president what he won't agree to with Obama.
Bibi finds himself stuck at the end of an intractable logical cul-de-sac, his adamant refusal to accept any negotiation that is not a full concession by opponents before-the-fact.
For him to save face, to avoid the implicit admission that he's been an obdurate obstuctionist he has to take a page out of Mitch McConnell's playbook and delay, delay, delay, never say "yes" to Obama, and hope nobody notices how weak and shallow Bibi will be shown to be when he agrees to with the next president what he won't agree to with Obama.
53
Perhaps it's time to revisit the way U.S. assistance to Isreal is made in cash deposited in a Federal Reserve account all at once on the first day of the fiscal year and permitted to gain interest. Those features are unique and permit the use of funds without traceability back to lobbies ta and others.
So if the amount of aid is to be increased, perhaps it should be upon condition that the funding is managed like U.S. assistance to other nations which is allotted monthly or quarterly, not permitted to gain interest in U.S. Banks, and monitored closely to ensure the appropriations are used for their designated purpose.
So if the amount of aid is to be increased, perhaps it should be upon condition that the funding is managed like U.S. assistance to other nations which is allotted monthly or quarterly, not permitted to gain interest in U.S. Banks, and monitored closely to ensure the appropriations are used for their designated purpose.
25
Netanyahu's ability to act as he does and still get $3 Billion + fror the U.S. government year after year and unwavering support from the U.S. simply reflects the nature of political power in America.
76
Perhaps it's time to revisit the way U.S. assistance to Isreal is made in cash deposited in a Federal Reserve account all at once on the first day of the fiscal year and permitted to gain interest. Those features are unique and permit the use of funds without traceability back to lobbyists and others.
So if the amount of aid to Israel is to be increased, perhaps it should be upon condition that the funding is managed like U.S. assistance to other nations which is allotted monthly or quarterly, not permitted to gain interest in U.S. Banks, and monitored closely to ensure the appropriations are used for their designated purpose.
So if the amount of aid to Israel is to be increased, perhaps it should be upon condition that the funding is managed like U.S. assistance to other nations which is allotted monthly or quarterly, not permitted to gain interest in U.S. Banks, and monitored closely to ensure the appropriations are used for their designated purpose.
106
If I were boss, my country, the US, would leave the Middle East and its insanity. Just leave. Take our 3.5 billion aid, and our massive commitments in military assistance, and return home to spend our money on our own citizens.
We have tens of thousands living under bridges, our infrastructure is a mess, and we (literally) kowtow to the Israeli far right.
But of course, people like me never get to be boss in America, because special interests like AIPAC run our elections and our national congress.
America, come home. We need you, and the Middle East is insane, and will stay insane.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
We have tens of thousands living under bridges, our infrastructure is a mess, and we (literally) kowtow to the Israeli far right.
But of course, people like me never get to be boss in America, because special interests like AIPAC run our elections and our national congress.
America, come home. We need you, and the Middle East is insane, and will stay insane.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
144
@Hugh Massengill,
3.5 billion? And none of it for the care of our own country, our own citizens?
3-14-16@10:44 am
3.5 billion? And none of it for the care of our own country, our own citizens?
3-14-16@10:44 am
Your understanding of foreign policy is childish. Part of why we, and others, spend so much overseas in various ways is to stabilize areas and secure access to resources. While I don't always support our interventionist policies, compared to the price of war, $3 billion/year helps keep the region from more countries being broken by the likes of IS and Hezbullah, and from the Islamism that is destabilizing from the middle east to Africa to Europe just a little at bay. Big picture. Besides, Israel is a democracy, an ally, has a right to exist and is at existential threat in a dangerous area that threatens the world.
2
A "pox on all his houses" has never been a realistic solution. But, it DOES feel good.
It's troubling that candidates for the highest office in America have to pledge fealty to a foreign nation.
186
They don't. They just choose to. Shine the light.
Joseph, that was untrue when it was tossed at John F, Kennedy, too. The ignorant bigots said he would follow the Pope first,
Let's not go backwards 50 years, okay?
Let's not go backwards 50 years, okay?
Netanyahu is playing an election year political game and attempting to force a Democratic President to accede his demands or risk Jewish support in the US. Overplayed. It's time for President Obama to respond by a 20% cut in military aid. The new President can always change his/her mind but the negotiating position will be far stronger.
137
Overplayed?
A bit premature, is it not.
You are reminding me of all of those people who believed that John Kerry was elected President based on the exit polls.
A bit premature, is it not.
You are reminding me of all of those people who believed that John Kerry was elected President based on the exit polls.
2
Remind me remind me again, other than continued fractious relations with the rest of the Arab world, what, exactly do we get for our $3+ billon per year?
168
An ally in the Middle East who will not sell us out and which is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world whose existence is imperiled by religious fanatics who want to annihilate it.
Reason enough?
Reason enough?
1
The US began providing billions in aid to Israel in the 60s as humanitarian and infrastructure (ie military personnel and arms) aid and has done so ever since. Peace with Egypt was only achieved when the US agrees to provide Egypt with the same!
That aid to Egypt is the reason why the military is so strong in Egypt and could remove the democratically elected leaders and put the US puppet back in power.
Without it Egypt would not be as "friendly" to Israel.
That aid to Egypt is the reason why the military is so strong in Egypt and could remove the democratically elected leaders and put the US puppet back in power.
Without it Egypt would not be as "friendly" to Israel.
The US began providing billions in aid to Israel in the 60s as humanitarian and infrastructure (ie military personnel and arms) aid and has done so ever since. Peace with Egypt was only achieved when the US agrees to provide Egypt with the same!
That aid to Egypt is the reason why the military is so strong in Egypt and could remove the democratically elected leaders and put the US puppet back in power.
Without it Egypt would not be as "friendly" to Israel.
That aid to Egypt is the reason why the military is so strong in Egypt and could remove the democratically elected leaders and put the US puppet back in power.
Without it Egypt would not be as "friendly" to Israel.
Ther will be a price to pay for for his foolish megalomania. The mood in the American populace is shifting towards him and money could be at stake eventually.
21
Who is the "he" in your post?
"The Palestinians will never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity"
late Israeli Ambassador to the U.N., Abba Eban
Wonder if that fits the Israelis as well?
late Israeli Ambassador to the U.N., Abba Eban
Wonder if that fits the Israelis as well?
43
It sure fits Netanyahu.
Bibi is cut from the same cloth as bigots all too prominent in Congress and farther afield. He reminds me of Ian Paisley of Northern Ireland and indeed of the worst of the republicans of that bloody place. Narrow ideology, arrogance, and narcissism serve no one well.
87
It's pretty simple for Netanyahu. First, he has to appeal to the fanatics in Israel itself so he can stay in office. Denigrating foreign leaders who oppose anything one's country does is standard procedure for demagogues everywhere. Any disrespect to Obama personally gets him support with Republicans in the US, who control Congress and have their own reasons for tearing him down. Finally, Netanyahu knows that the US will support Israel materially, whether or not it mouths disapproval of Israel's actions. This is the really critical element - Israel always gets the carrot from the US with no stick no matter what it does.
109
Netanyahu is mirroring the GOP with his anti-Obama tactics. He is using obstruction as tool to further his position. Doesn't work. After eight years of total obstruction, the GOP has only furthered its own demise and accomplished nothing.
He is using using blatant and aggressive disrespect for the President also in an attempt to enact his agenda. In dong so, he has built a fervent anti-Israeli reaction in America, and lost the support of many American Jews. Benjamin Netanyahu is the prototype for Trump, with the exception that he has a powerful intellect and tremendous oratorical skills. Netanyahu has perfected the GOP tactics of obstruction and disrespect. In fact, he would be their ideal uber candidate.
Israel is as far away from piece and stability as it has ever been. It is on a path of never ending militarization and conflict. Never compromise. Ideological purity reigns supreme. Sounds like GOP utopia to me.
He is using using blatant and aggressive disrespect for the President also in an attempt to enact his agenda. In dong so, he has built a fervent anti-Israeli reaction in America, and lost the support of many American Jews. Benjamin Netanyahu is the prototype for Trump, with the exception that he has a powerful intellect and tremendous oratorical skills. Netanyahu has perfected the GOP tactics of obstruction and disrespect. In fact, he would be their ideal uber candidate.
Israel is as far away from piece and stability as it has ever been. It is on a path of never ending militarization and conflict. Never compromise. Ideological purity reigns supreme. Sounds like GOP utopia to me.
285
More likely, Netanyahu is trying to highlight tensions with Obama in order to mobilize voters to focus on the perceived importance of electing a US President who is seen as sympathetic to Israel.
This incessant need to protect the president from disrespect just makes him appear even weaker. A politician earns or demands respect. This president has difficulty commanding respect. You want to blame everyone else for that.
5
Two portrait Israel as the sole obstacle to peace and to a two state solution is disingenuous. Don't forget it was Palestinians who walked away from a good deal and an equitable solution in the Oslo agreement and later at Camp David. The simple fact is the Palestinians do not want to recognize the State of Israel. The underlying agenda of the Islamic countries in the Middle East is to eliminate Israel.
28
portray. lol.
What, exactly, was the deal they "walked away" from? Please include a map.
A good deal for who? And the Palestinians have recognized the state of Israel.
Benjamin is only following worthy American examples, such as Republican senators, Cruz, Rubio, Trump. What do you expect?
40
The relationship b/w Israel and the US and how Mr. Netanyahu treated President of the US is one of the major reasons for me to switch to Trump. Who does Netanyahu think he is when dealing with the US, probably the only country in the developed world that unconditionally stands with Israel in so many Mid-east issues? I bet he believes he got the US in his pocket because of the influence that certain groups help develop. I hope he deals with Trump in a year. And I hope Trump does what he said he would do.
18
"certain groups" - The Jewish people. The poster made a not-so-veiled anti-Semitic comment.
Really? Trump?
Do you know anything about narcissists, confidence men, or psychopaths?
Do you ever wonder about how Hitler came to power?
Do you know anything about narcissists, confidence men, or psychopaths?
Do you ever wonder about how Hitler came to power?
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. I don't think Trump manages to do that well, however.
Time for Israel to stand on its own feet. $4+ billion a year to a foreign country, when we are cutting our own Soc. Sec. When we are not providing for our own vets. When we are cutting education and health etc.
Nope. Done.
One knew the relationship was going down hill when Israel hired hard Right Republicans to be advisers and spokesperson and Lobbyist. Then our own congressman in secret alliance with Israel commit treason against our POTUS.
Enough!
Our blood and treasure are better spent at home.
Nope. Done.
One knew the relationship was going down hill when Israel hired hard Right Republicans to be advisers and spokesperson and Lobbyist. Then our own congressman in secret alliance with Israel commit treason against our POTUS.
Enough!
Our blood and treasure are better spent at home.
335
If we out-sources our VA to the Israelis, you'd see far fewer problems than we see in that organization today.
Also, Dobby's sock, it is impossible to commit treason against Barack Obama since the repeal of the Alien and Sedition Act.
If wish to be taken seriously, you should really make the effort to get your facts straight.
Also, Dobby's sock, it is impossible to commit treason against Barack Obama since the repeal of the Alien and Sedition Act.
If wish to be taken seriously, you should really make the effort to get your facts straight.
2
Here's the deal, Israel's problems cannot be solved by the U.S. PERIOD. If Israel wants peace, they need to act like they want peace. (I'm not sure they do...they want an excuse to attack their neighbors because they are out of land. Their population is out of control...)
What Pres. Obama figured out, on our behalf, is that there is no functional reason for us to stay in this quagmire(we no longer need their oil)...and if Israel doesn't even like us...well, there is no loyalty reason to do it either.
Bibi - maybe you need to find a new patsy.
What Pres. Obama figured out, on our behalf, is that there is no functional reason for us to stay in this quagmire(we no longer need their oil)...and if Israel doesn't even like us...well, there is no loyalty reason to do it either.
Bibi - maybe you need to find a new patsy.
207
We no longer need whose oil?? The arabs ?? we still buy a lot of it. And if that were not the case, we would have destroyed them long ago. Israel does not export oil, and if you don't know that, why are you writing comments?
"They are out of land..." No, they are not. In situation peculiar in all the world, the State of Israel owns 94 percent of the land within the Green Line and administers it through agencies mandated to benefit only Jewish development. (The land is not sold, only leased long term.) There is virtually no free market in land, which explains why Arab Muslims and Christians have little chance of achieving property rights. Total state control is issue #1.
The second point is that 80 percent of the Israeli population lives on just 20 percent of the land within the Green Line. The West Bank is fervently desired because it is conveniently located in the center of the country, where Israeli population is now concentrated. Northern areas are underdeveloped and southern regions even more so.
Much of the south is desert, but at least it is within borders Israel set upon announcing a state. This land is every bit as historically significant as the West Bank but is largely ignored in a critical missed opportunity. A NASA-like development of innovative desert communities could accommodate relocated settlers and population growth, as well as producing technology with high export value to any desert country. Israel has the water to make this happen -- so much, through desalination, that it exports water and has closed water plants to keep prices artificially high. There is a path to peace that doesn't involve appropriating the West Bank; Israel willfully ignores it.
The second point is that 80 percent of the Israeli population lives on just 20 percent of the land within the Green Line. The West Bank is fervently desired because it is conveniently located in the center of the country, where Israeli population is now concentrated. Northern areas are underdeveloped and southern regions even more so.
Much of the south is desert, but at least it is within borders Israel set upon announcing a state. This land is every bit as historically significant as the West Bank but is largely ignored in a critical missed opportunity. A NASA-like development of innovative desert communities could accommodate relocated settlers and population growth, as well as producing technology with high export value to any desert country. Israel has the water to make this happen -- so much, through desalination, that it exports water and has closed water plants to keep prices artificially high. There is a path to peace that doesn't involve appropriating the West Bank; Israel willfully ignores it.
We no longer need Israel's oil? What oil do you speak of ? Israel had no oil
2
$4 Billion a year? Excuse me but is Israel a State of ours? Here's what suggest be done. I suggest the occupant of the Power Oval, both the current one and the next in line, tell Netanyahu and Israel that they can go pound some salt. They should be summarily cut off. $4B can do a lot of good here on the domestic front. It is better spent in that fashion, than in the incessant never ending enabling we've been doing (to little effect) over in the sand-trap of the Middle East. It's time Israel learns to stand on its own two feet, and most especially they should learn to play better with their neighbors in that sand-box of theirs.
John~
American Net'Zen
John~
American Net'Zen
386
Or we don't spend the $4 billion here either because it's all borrowed money anyway.
3
It's mostly borrowed from ourselves and spent on ourselves. You've fallen into the right-wing fallacy of believing that a government budget is like a family budget. Hint: it isn't.
1
$4 billion is what we cut food stamps by last year.
1
As the Obama administration comes to a close, perhaps it's time to recognize President Obama's dignity and grace in the face of insulting disrespect. Yet, the President has held his ground and has not compromised his vision or principals in the face of outrageous insult. Thank you, President Obama.
753
We are going to miss Obama. We are much better off today than we should have been able to expect we would be, when viewed from the bottom of that deep chasm 7 years ago. His steadfastness, resolve and determination while up against a GOP-dominated House that has done absolutely nothing except pass lots of anti-abortion measures, has been the mainstay of the nation in troubled times.. The 112th, 113th and 114th congress’s, that have endured unceasing obstruction led by Boehner, McConnell and now Ryan are the most shameful, lowest rated and least effective in US history.
90
The President gave away the store while being insulted. There's no dignity in that. There's dignity in saying no when you represent the taxpayers of the US.
1
Yes, and well said.
There is never going to be a Palestinian solution as long as the Palestinian leadership is divided between the death to Israel terrorists of Hamas in Gaza, and the moribund patriarchy of the PA/Fatah on the West Bank.
The only deal Hamas will agree to requires a that Israel sign a national suicide pact, and the only deal PA/Fatah will agree to is a deal Hamas approves.
The current political status on the Palestinian side has more than guaranteed the end of whatever hope for the Oslo Process may have remained when the Obama Administration took office.
Looming over that reality, the nuclear deal with Iran is not dissimilar to the nuclear deal the Clinton Administration signed with North Korea, in fact, some of Clinton's negotiators were also Obama's negotiators. And Iran has just tested missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads to Israel. Plus there is nothing to prevent Iran from secretly using some of the billions in sanction money being returned to them for the purchase of nuclear weapons technology from rogue state North Korea.
Whatever "opportunities" Netanyahu may have "lost" certainly would have included the above two major storm clouds. In that regard, anything ventured would have certainly been rewarded with no net gain towards a permanent peace by the Israelis.
Cue cheers from the terrorists in Hamas, ISIS/ISIL, Hezbollah, and the Assad Tyranny.
The only deal Hamas will agree to requires a that Israel sign a national suicide pact, and the only deal PA/Fatah will agree to is a deal Hamas approves.
The current political status on the Palestinian side has more than guaranteed the end of whatever hope for the Oslo Process may have remained when the Obama Administration took office.
Looming over that reality, the nuclear deal with Iran is not dissimilar to the nuclear deal the Clinton Administration signed with North Korea, in fact, some of Clinton's negotiators were also Obama's negotiators. And Iran has just tested missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads to Israel. Plus there is nothing to prevent Iran from secretly using some of the billions in sanction money being returned to them for the purchase of nuclear weapons technology from rogue state North Korea.
Whatever "opportunities" Netanyahu may have "lost" certainly would have included the above two major storm clouds. In that regard, anything ventured would have certainly been rewarded with no net gain towards a permanent peace by the Israelis.
Cue cheers from the terrorists in Hamas, ISIS/ISIL, Hezbollah, and the Assad Tyranny.
18
The president has enabled the worst players in the Middle East with his own brand of meddling. It's not nation building but his own ego building.
2
Hamas and all the nuts on their side helped bring in Netanyahu and all the nuts on his side.
Now only the nuts are in charge - if we get Trump here -Full House!
Not sure where to move to.
Now only the nuts are in charge - if we get Trump here -Full House!
Not sure where to move to.
In his speech to the US Congress, Mr. Netanyahu stated, ""We are no longer scattered among the nations defenseless. We the Jewish nation can defend ourselves." Perhaps it is time to allow Mr. Netanyahu to test his thesis.
Once and for all can we finally say it -the interests of the United States are our priority and if that conflicts with Israeli interests it is not our problem, it's theirs. Israeli leaders don't hesitate to put themselves first, let's become comfortable with doing that for ourselves.
133
Are they really lost opportunities? Or are they deliberate cynical plays for power and attention? Every day opportunities for peace are shunned in favour of policies, plans and acts to annex more and more land from the Palestinian people - while at the same time banging the rattle for more money for security to protect these lands.When will Mr Netanyahu learn that respect is earned?
63
Why wouldn't Netanyahu disrespect the American president. He's just following the lead of the GOP.
70
Why does the NYT define a blatant dismissal of our President by a foreign Demagogue as a "squabble". The Times speaks of the disrespect of an [always-with-the-hand-out- for- American- Tax- Payer -money] ingrate, ( my assessment) and turns around and does the same thing by according this foreign "leader" equal stature as our President- why?
129
"Military aid alone will never guarantee Israel’s security." True, but it sure helps. Otherwise, but for Iron Dome, Israel would have been destroyed by the rockets and missiles launched at it. (That said, I find Bibi offensive. Even so, I don't know what domestic audience he must be playing to.)
14
Please don't lie. Israel is not facing an "existential crisis". It has the most powerful military force in the Middle East. It has a nuclear arsenal that we help them hide from the world.
The Times has never understood terrorist, and therefore can never see the Israel that will never be at peace until they are gone. When will that happen? Maybe in a few generations. The idea that you can establish a peaceful relationship with Palestinians is insane, since they are terrorists. Gaza has proved that. This is the same trap that occurred with Iran, another terrorist state. Lost opportunities? No, just sane reality.
17
It is not nearly enough for the New York Times Editorial Board to wag its finger at Prime Minister Netanyahu for playing his own political cards. The three parties have a history of trial and error over the past seven years that includes not only "a weak and aging" Mahmoud Abbas, but a Palestinian President who directly supported the terror that occurred last week in Tel Aviv, that happened to kill a young American Army veteran Taylor Force, and seriously wound his wife, even as the Vice President was in nearby visiting former Israeli President Shimon Peres. Incitement on all sides must stop and political leaders and pundits should not be given a pass for giving rise to anger, hated and fear. It is not as simple as blaming Israel and the New York times has a responsibility to do its homework and say so!
11
Desperate hopeless people often take evil wrong headed actions. Look at our current political environment. Demagogues stoke the fear and anger to their political advantage. Mr. Netanyahu is a maestro of mayhem
Please provide one single fact, Mr. Leighty, to support your outrageous statement that "AIPAC is still spying on us".
6
More and more people around the world can finally see that Israel has had no interest in peace with justice and have used the pretence that they had to stall any any attempts to reverse the occupation and landgrab ... in the US more people are beginning to see this reality too ... the day when the tipping point arrives is the day that there is hope of a real and lasting peace ...
52
Hopefully that will never happen. I hope the United Sates would never turn its back on its truest ally, the lone democracy in the middle east, and the only small Jewish homeland in the entire world, smaller than the state of New Jersey. The day we do that is the day American civilization will effectively come to an end.
1
The simple fact remains: it's not Obama who must go, but Bibi and his ultra-conservative cheerleadering squad of settlement builders. We can not even flirt with the idea of a peace brokerage until this man is gone from his post
72
Rather then INCREASE our aide to Israel, we should CEASE all aide to Israel.
Aide to Israel has no benefit to the American people; that aide benefits only pols kowtowing to pro-Israeli interests, and seeking pro-Israeli largesse.
• The Israelis killed and wounded U. S. sailors aboard the USS Liberty operating on the high seas.
• The Israelis are on a land grab of Palestinian Territory.
• The Israelis elected two former terrorists to be their Prime Minister (Begin and Shamir) and then elected Ariel Sharon -the butcher of Sabra and Shatila
• The Israeli Administration occupies, in clear violation of international law, territories they gained by war
• The Israeli Administration is guilty of a massacre in Deir Yassin
• The Israeli Administration is guilty of War Crimes - yes, War Crimes - in Gaza
• The Israeli Administration is guilty of Collective Punishment of the Palestinian people
• Our support of Israel is illogical, an international embarrassment and is morally repugnant.
Lastly - Ask the parents of Rachel Corrie if they think the American taxpayers should give $500.00, or any aide for that matter, to every citizen of Israel.
Aide to Israel has no benefit to the American people; that aide benefits only pols kowtowing to pro-Israeli interests, and seeking pro-Israeli largesse.
• The Israelis killed and wounded U. S. sailors aboard the USS Liberty operating on the high seas.
• The Israelis are on a land grab of Palestinian Territory.
• The Israelis elected two former terrorists to be their Prime Minister (Begin and Shamir) and then elected Ariel Sharon -the butcher of Sabra and Shatila
• The Israeli Administration occupies, in clear violation of international law, territories they gained by war
• The Israeli Administration is guilty of a massacre in Deir Yassin
• The Israeli Administration is guilty of War Crimes - yes, War Crimes - in Gaza
• The Israeli Administration is guilty of Collective Punishment of the Palestinian people
• Our support of Israel is illogical, an international embarrassment and is morally repugnant.
Lastly - Ask the parents of Rachel Corrie if they think the American taxpayers should give $500.00, or any aide for that matter, to every citizen of Israel.
77
$750 to every citizen of Israel.
Building settlements has been an obstacle to peace. However, the Palestinians have rejected agreements that required giving up the right of grandchildren of refugees from the 1948 war returning to Israel proper which would mean the end of the Jewish state. The world not providing asylum for Jews in danger proved the need for such a state.
Arik Sharon, the builder of settlements woke up and started a process of evacuating settlements in the Gaza strip and the West Bank. What was the result? Rocket attacks on a million Israeli civilians and the closing of its only airport for a few days. It is not Netanyahu's policies that get him reelected as much as Hamas policies. Even now, instead of rebuilding housing, they rebuild the tunnels into Israel which could cause a massacre of civilians or the kidnapping with which to bargain for the release of terrorists from Israeli prisons.
Arik Sharon, the builder of settlements woke up and started a process of evacuating settlements in the Gaza strip and the West Bank. What was the result? Rocket attacks on a million Israeli civilians and the closing of its only airport for a few days. It is not Netanyahu's policies that get him reelected as much as Hamas policies. Even now, instead of rebuilding housing, they rebuild the tunnels into Israel which could cause a massacre of civilians or the kidnapping with which to bargain for the release of terrorists from Israeli prisons.
2
Unfortunately, you seem to be looking at the effects rather than the causes of such events while being selective in some of them, and here's where you're wrong about them.
The IAF only hit the USS Liberty because they though it was originally an Egyptian naval ship due to its resemblance and that there were no US naval ships there, plus Robert McNamara admitted that mistake of that ship being there.
There haven't been any new settlements in the West Bank, just expanding the ones they already have not to mention many of them are going on lands the Palestinians originally had no interest in while there hasn't been a single Israel living in the Gaza Strip for over a decade since the unilateral withdraw back in 2005.
I will admit that those PMs had a past, but if they moved on since then, this becomes irrelevant and I can easily name a number of US presidents such as George Washington and Ulysses S Grant that did similar actions by such logic not to mention other countries.
The land you're talking about was what Israel legally won in the Six Day War and the victor does get to keep that land as their own even though they are disputed territories.
I won't argue with what happened, but I'm surprised you weren't outraged by the attacks Arab extremists did to Jews elsewhere in the mandate.
However, you're okay when Hamas launched qassam rockets.
Yet you don't mind the fact that Hamas actually placed their own people into harm's way.
An autopsy proved otherwise on your claim.
The IAF only hit the USS Liberty because they though it was originally an Egyptian naval ship due to its resemblance and that there were no US naval ships there, plus Robert McNamara admitted that mistake of that ship being there.
There haven't been any new settlements in the West Bank, just expanding the ones they already have not to mention many of them are going on lands the Palestinians originally had no interest in while there hasn't been a single Israel living in the Gaza Strip for over a decade since the unilateral withdraw back in 2005.
I will admit that those PMs had a past, but if they moved on since then, this becomes irrelevant and I can easily name a number of US presidents such as George Washington and Ulysses S Grant that did similar actions by such logic not to mention other countries.
The land you're talking about was what Israel legally won in the Six Day War and the victor does get to keep that land as their own even though they are disputed territories.
I won't argue with what happened, but I'm surprised you weren't outraged by the attacks Arab extremists did to Jews elsewhere in the mandate.
However, you're okay when Hamas launched qassam rockets.
Yet you don't mind the fact that Hamas actually placed their own people into harm's way.
An autopsy proved otherwise on your claim.
2
There are three pressing issues: failure of this editorial to speak to the context of Israel's six-decade military occupation and forced "acquisition" of Palestine; failure of Israel to acknowledge its no-longer-secret nuclear arsenal of upwards of 300 hydrogen, neutron and atomic warheads amassed over the past 30 years, with Israel still refusing to join responsible world nuclear powers and sign on to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and the Obama administration's failure to economically leverage Israel to the peace table by cutting off $$$billions in largess to Israel annually.
72
And just who would be sitting across from the Israeli's? Which terrorist organization leader? The one about to be an assassination target of the other terrorist organizations? The one with a human rights record so much superior to that of Israel?
2
Netanyahu is a political hack that cares only about re-election and political power. Not unlike some of our politicians.
Israel needs to come to grips with the ultimate issue of demographics. Their overall prosperity results in a low birth rate while the birth rates of their neighbors goes up. Circling the wagons around shared ethnicity, religion, and culture will only further isolate them. If they truly endorse democracy, eventually there has to be a one state solution.
"Settlers", the lack of a true separation of church and state, and a goal of citizenship based on a single group will not stand the test of time.
It will be difficult given the history and conflict. It will take leadership on a grand scale which is sadly lacking at present. But a single state is the solution.
Israel needs to come to grips with the ultimate issue of demographics. Their overall prosperity results in a low birth rate while the birth rates of their neighbors goes up. Circling the wagons around shared ethnicity, religion, and culture will only further isolate them. If they truly endorse democracy, eventually there has to be a one state solution.
"Settlers", the lack of a true separation of church and state, and a goal of citizenship based on a single group will not stand the test of time.
It will be difficult given the history and conflict. It will take leadership on a grand scale which is sadly lacking at present. But a single state is the solution.
16
There is something very wrong with some men and it appears at this time Israel may have no choice but a leader such as Mr Netanyahu.
Men who are unable or unwilling to use their minds to control their bodies are a problem throughout the world. They wage war, rape, pillage, enslave and may destroy our planet before they complete the necessary mental maturation.
Men who are unable or unwilling to use their minds to control their bodies are a problem throughout the world. They wage war, rape, pillage, enslave and may destroy our planet before they complete the necessary mental maturation.
7
American aid to Israel is far greater than 3 Billion per year. Aid to Jordan, Egypt and the Palestiniian Authority to play nice with Israel should be added to that figure. And all this to a country that is undemocratic and often harms American interests. Why? Our corrupt political system. And Israel is demanding a raise? Enough, already!
108
Pangolin check your facts. Israel is the only true democracy and American ally in the Middle East. You may not agree with Israeli policy but it is definitely a democracy.
American policy around the world is often disagreed with but that doesn't change the fact that America is a democracy.
Allies back each other especially in rough times despite disagreements in particular areas of policy. Suggestion of pulling support at the time of disagreement isn't a true ally and doing something like that would undermine America's credibility on the world stage.
American policy around the world is often disagreed with but that doesn't change the fact that America is a democracy.
Allies back each other especially in rough times despite disagreements in particular areas of policy. Suggestion of pulling support at the time of disagreement isn't a true ally and doing something like that would undermine America's credibility on the world stage.
2
Where is Eisenhower when we need him? Recall how he forced the Franco-Israeli-British force to withdraw from seizing the Suez Canal in 1956=57. Were he alive today, he would inform Netanyahu that there would be zero, that is absolutely no, military aid until the settlement issue and all other barriers to a two=state solution were resolved. Israel is a petulant child that is rewarded for being a bully. What nonsense.
110
Not the same situation geopolitically or regionally. In 1956 Britain and France sought to short-circuit Nasser's pan-Arab revolution, one that ultimately gave birth to the short-lived United Arab Republic. The Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact maintained a Cold War alliance with the "Non-Aligned" nations recently independent, all former European colonies. Israel was relatively poorly armed compared to today and joined the attack mainly to expel the Egyptian army from Sinai.
Today, Israel has a significant nuclear weapon arsenal and believes itself to be surrounded by religious and ethnic enemies determined to destroy The State and exterminate all Jews residing within its borders. No flexibility possible.
Today, Israel has a significant nuclear weapon arsenal and believes itself to be surrounded by religious and ethnic enemies determined to destroy The State and exterminate all Jews residing within its borders. No flexibility possible.
jerusalem.
What's " funny " is the fact the two states solution was buried long ago by Yasser Arafat, at the time Bill Clinton acknoledged clearly the fact and historians since agree, Arafat did not accept any negociated solution and prepared the second intifada, denying anything " jewish " existed in Jerusalem.
This almost killed the peace camp hopes in Israël letting another policy be implemented, let the palestinians see that time is not in their favour nor violent solutions, hence the israeli building in " the territories "
No signal came since from the arab camp that would give an indication that they are now ready to rely on a negociated and permanent solution that acknoledges the fact that jews have any rights being in the region as a sovereign nation.
Needless remind all arab countries expelled their old jewish populations and staged many wars against Israël.
Nonetheless a part of public opinion forgets the facts and prop up weak evidences, gossips about unimportant personnal disagreement between leaders (Obama/Neteanyahu) only to blame again one and only one side, Israël.
What's " funny " is the fact the two states solution was buried long ago by Yasser Arafat, at the time Bill Clinton acknoledged clearly the fact and historians since agree, Arafat did not accept any negociated solution and prepared the second intifada, denying anything " jewish " existed in Jerusalem.
This almost killed the peace camp hopes in Israël letting another policy be implemented, let the palestinians see that time is not in their favour nor violent solutions, hence the israeli building in " the territories "
No signal came since from the arab camp that would give an indication that they are now ready to rely on a negociated and permanent solution that acknoledges the fact that jews have any rights being in the region as a sovereign nation.
Needless remind all arab countries expelled their old jewish populations and staged many wars against Israël.
Nonetheless a part of public opinion forgets the facts and prop up weak evidences, gossips about unimportant personnal disagreement between leaders (Obama/Neteanyahu) only to blame again one and only one side, Israël.
2
The best solution....but how to sell it to the ignorant voters....brainwashed by the $$$$$$$ in advertising and the irresponsible Congress.......There was no Internet and Super Pacs when Eisenhower was in power and elected officials were standing for US first.....not acting as traitors.....but, you have a great point
Poor Mr. Netanyahu, always misunderstood. Reading public opinion in Israel drives everyone crazy as it is evenly split between Hawks and Doves. The problem is the citizens are bombarded with Americanized propaganda and Fox News. Current Donald Trump diatribes should send Mr. Netanyahu scurrying towards Obama but he is loosing sight of what matters to Israeli security. A new, softer Israeli political mindset would strengthen military options in the long run. Bluster and ego is a dangerous perspective for Israel.
19
Netanyahu and his political allies are literally destroying American Jewish support for Israel. Israel on its own cannot long survive; it is rapidly being seen as another apartheid South Africa
120
Mr. Netanyahu never misses an opportunity to insult this administration to appease his right wing coalition in Israel. In the past, he has timed his settlement expansion announcements to coincide with visits by Secretary of State Kerry and Vice President Biden to Israel. Although his actions have deeply divided American Jews, it has not cost him any lack of support from the Israeli population who continue to reelect him. Criticism from the world community or the NYT for that matter will not deter him in the least. Behind him in the U.S. stands the Republican controlled Congress which on his visits to the U/S. gives him thundering standing ovations. And it is a given that most Republican Presidential candidates will pledge that one of their first steps should they win office will be to visit him and give him militarily all that he desires. So these are not lost opportunities to Netanyahu, rather they are strategic opportunities for him to continue his hard right wing policies which politically continue to benefit him.
88
Prime Minister Netanyahu's constituency includes several million Sephardic Jews driven from their homes in Sunni Muslim-majority countries. They understand the consequences of being driven from Israel should it come to that and put no faith in Palestinian Arabs' decency or humanity.
2
" . . . it is a given that most Republican Presidential candidates will pledge that one of their first steps should they win office will be to visit him and give him militarily all that he desires."
True, but that is only part of the story. Make no mistake - Hillary is no less under the spell of Bibi/Israel. And Bernie's position on the subject is effectively slathered over in ambiguity.
However, it has been one of the most under-appreciated aspects of Obama's administration that he has not allowed Washington's priorities to be steamrolled over by the arrogant ham-handed megalomaniac from Jerusalem in spite of Congressional groveling.
True, but that is only part of the story. Make no mistake - Hillary is no less under the spell of Bibi/Israel. And Bernie's position on the subject is effectively slathered over in ambiguity.
However, it has been one of the most under-appreciated aspects of Obama's administration that he has not allowed Washington's priorities to be steamrolled over by the arrogant ham-handed megalomaniac from Jerusalem in spite of Congressional groveling.
We cannot solve the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Many Palestinians subscribe to the idea that Israel should not exist. Israel is trying to drive the Palestinians off the land with its settlement projects. They offer the Gaza Strip and the West bank, which is like offering Rhode Island and Tennessee while controlling all the land between (they get to decide who can cross between, on what roads, and when the access will be shut), as a possible "nation" for the Palestinians.
Both sides engage in violence, hate speech, and other destructive behavior. Despite our efforts for decades, little changes. While we should still support Israel (though I question the amounts of money) and provide humanitarian aid to Palestine, our other actions should have to do with containment - they will have to duke it out themselves for they will not cooperate in our efforts - we waste our time.
Both sides engage in violence, hate speech, and other destructive behavior. Despite our efforts for decades, little changes. While we should still support Israel (though I question the amounts of money) and provide humanitarian aid to Palestine, our other actions should have to do with containment - they will have to duke it out themselves for they will not cooperate in our efforts - we waste our time.
8
I wish there were a way to keep Netanyahu out of the country. He doesn't deserve any respect from anyone here, and has done more to aggravate the situation with the Palestinians than anyone living.
39
The opinions of this editorial board are consistently, and surprisingly, anti-Israeli. Israel has sacrificed more blood and treasure, and shown more restraint, for peace with the Palestinians than we ever would. If the US were is Israel's position we would have thrown every adult Palestinian into a Guantanamo prison and simply commandeered the land long ago. And while the editorial board is busy complaining about how much we give Israel, why not at least acknowledge what Israel gives us in return; a stable, democratic foot hold in an other-wise sea of war and totalitarianism, most of our advanced technology including radar, cell phone, computer and nuclear science, and virtually all useable intelligence from the Middle East. The relationship is not as one-sided as this editorial board would have you think.
22
If they are that good then they do not need us. Bibi is not Moses.
Thank you for that comment. Very true.
2
Similar to the US, Israel is the overwhelming military power in the region, and the only functional democracy.
Standards of behavior are higher for the more accomplished and capable, sorry, that's life.
Standards of behavior are higher for the more accomplished and capable, sorry, that's life.
Netanyahu is the Israeli equivalent of Cruz and Rubio. If either of the two is elected, it will bury the two-state solution for all time. That means no peace in the Middle East for as far into the future as one can see.
26
We hear all the time of Anti Semitism being on the rise. It seems Anti Semitism is what people call Anti israeli ideas when they are afraid to call it what it is. Has anyone in the world turned more people Anti Issraeli than this lunatic Bibi they sure are hiding pretty good.
32
Re anti-semitism with regard to Israel. Here's how the US state department describes it. Any attempt to delegitimize or demonize Israel and any attempt to hold Israel to a different (higher) standard than any other country in the world is held to. I'd add don't lie about Israel, which many commenters on this type of thread do. Often grossly exaggerating the amount of military aid that Israel receives (while ignoring the fact that most of that aid never leaves the US but supports our economy (the war machine in the US is a separate issue); whereas, the humanitarian aid to the PA (and to the UN) is often money down the drain); redefining and then accusing Israel of ethnic cleaning, genocide, and apartheid; and refusing to acknowledge that it takes two, or in the case of Israel and the palestinians, three to tango. Maybe if many of the commentators didn't do so, I'd have more respect their opinions.
2
Cancel aid to Israel and then watch Netanyahu beg for a meeting. Israelis are to blame for the leader they elected. What have they done for us lately?
69
You are aware that Bibi has actually been rejecting US aid for Israel lately, so I don't think this will affect him in any way or form.
2
Mr. Netanyahu's strategy will not work. Israel has destroyed the consensus in America that gave it overwhelming support by Netanyahu's disrespect for Mr. Obama and its consistent mistreatment of the Palestinians and their legal right to occupy their own land. It is no longer seen as the exiled underdog fighting for space against tyrannical resistance. Mr. Abbas has done his work well. American public opinion is moving toward a European-style disengagement.
36
Puerto Rico, a US territory, whose residents are US citizens is going broke and the US Congress is dragging its feet to take action. In the meantime, Israel gets billions in aid and its Prime Minister insults the President of the United States, for he knows the US Congress will grovel at his feet, as it did not too long ago when it invited Netanyahu to speak to a joint session of Congress.
The GOP candidates, too, are falling all over themselves trying to declare who is a better friend of Israel. Little wonder then that Netanyahu wants to wait for elections to see if he can get "a better deal with Mr. Obama's successor."
Lost in all this is the long term US national interest. As long as Israel is seen as dictating terms to the U.S., Palestinians would not consider the US as an impartial peace broker and any chance of negotiated peace will remain elusive, as it has for decades and especially during Mr. Netanyahu's tenure.
The intransigence and petulant behavior of Netanyahu is not in Israel's interests nor in the bilateral interests of Israel and the US.
The GOP candidates, too, are falling all over themselves trying to declare who is a better friend of Israel. Little wonder then that Netanyahu wants to wait for elections to see if he can get "a better deal with Mr. Obama's successor."
Lost in all this is the long term US national interest. As long as Israel is seen as dictating terms to the U.S., Palestinians would not consider the US as an impartial peace broker and any chance of negotiated peace will remain elusive, as it has for decades and especially during Mr. Netanyahu's tenure.
The intransigence and petulant behavior of Netanyahu is not in Israel's interests nor in the bilateral interests of Israel and the US.
69
I have always felt uneasy around men with comb-over hair-dos, this article allowed me an oppourtunity to see that comb-over myself.
It's obvious you can't trust a man who lies to himself.
It's obvious you can't trust a man who lies to himself.
27
There are a lot of things that can be said about Netanyahu. but that is the most shallow rationale I have ever heard.
3
One of the kindest men I know has a comb-over. He dedicates his life to volunteer work, which enriches a very, very poor community. Sounds like you've missed out on meeting some great people, because of your silly biases.
3
Israel shouldn't get a penny of aid until they turn over all their nuclear weapons to the US, sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and agree to IAEA inspections. No theocracy in the Middle East should have WMD. We are hypocrites sanctioning Iran while providing weapons and money to Israel.
72
Hey Tom don't hold your breath-Oh and by the way Israel just added five German built Dolphin class submarines capable of carrying ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads which will be at the command of Israel's prime minister. This will give the Jewish state the second strike capability it needs to deter its enemies. You should also know that Israeli technology is cutting edge and that you have also benefited greatly from it. This includes a new bandage to stop blood flow in trauma case, Pill Cam invented by an Israeli company which is the standard of care for evaluating the small intestine, and many other achievement such as WAZE an APP you may use to avoid traffic invented in Israel. Finally the Israelis share military intelligence and many Americans are employed building war planes and other state of the art military systems like Iron Dome. Finally, the money Israel receives from the US is in the form of loans with a built in and structured pay back. By the way make sure tp avoid using Pill Cam as it is an Israeli invention as is WAZE.
Are the lost opportunities mentioned in the title really a mask for deliberate and calculated action by Netanyahu and his supporters - to make it harder for any meaningful peace with the Palestinian people; to shout down any questioning or whisper of challenge as unfriendly, hate or antisemitism; while all the time appropriating and annexing more land and banging the rattle for more money to secure this annexation? Magicians call it sleight of hand; parents call it controlling tantrums; spoiled kids call it demanding and getting what they want, to some they are missed opportunities - but to Netanyahu & co they are deliberate power plays.
607
There are similarities between how France and Britain got the US involved in the Libya war, how Saudi Arabia got the US to help it in its war against Yemen and how Israel deals with the US. In all three cases the tail wags the dog: the US - the assumed superpower - feels powerless not to do what its minor allies want.
To a large extent this is due to the US not doing its homework. It is blindly following its allies and when finally public upheaval causes it to look at the merits of the case it is afraid to lose face when it changes course. What doesn't help is the pressure of the neocons who have never seen a conflict that they don't like. In the neocon view allies with a stain are desirable because they have nowhere else to go.
Obama could easily tip the scales against Netanjahu by reminding everyone that Israel is stealing Palestinian land and property on the West Bank. He could go on suggesting that Netanjahu is a chief of thieves. It is his reticence that gives Netanjahu the space for his misbehavior.
To a large extent this is due to the US not doing its homework. It is blindly following its allies and when finally public upheaval causes it to look at the merits of the case it is afraid to lose face when it changes course. What doesn't help is the pressure of the neocons who have never seen a conflict that they don't like. In the neocon view allies with a stain are desirable because they have nowhere else to go.
Obama could easily tip the scales against Netanjahu by reminding everyone that Israel is stealing Palestinian land and property on the West Bank. He could go on suggesting that Netanjahu is a chief of thieves. It is his reticence that gives Netanjahu the space for his misbehavior.
19
Don't blame anyone but Netanyahu for his bad behaviour.
1
Ruthlessly stealing Palestinian land and property on the West Bank.
Refusing to let Palestinian farmers dig new wells when their old ones run dry.
And Palestinians continue to take pot shots at Israelies as they have for the past 75 years.
Refusing to let Palestinian farmers dig new wells when their old ones run dry.
And Palestinians continue to take pot shots at Israelies as they have for the past 75 years.
Netanyahu and Israel face a dilemma with respect to the Palestinians similar to Thomas Jefferson's analogy of a man holding a wolf by the ears. The wolf hates the man because of his mistreatment, but a decision to release the animal might not conciliate it. The Israelis have oppressed the people of the West Bank for half a century, making it impossible for them to control their own lives. A simple withdrawal from the West Bank, however, might fail to satisfy the Palestinians, with the result that they could decide to unleash a devastating, even if suicidal, attack on the hated Jewish state.
Netanyahu, for his part, seems intent on further inflaming the crisis through his settlement policy. This odd approach to improving Israeli security probably stems from the political reality that only the settlers and their supporters have the capacity to exert pressure on the government. Neither the Palestinians nor Israeli peace advocates have the resources or numbers to deter Netanyahu from rewarding the only people who can threaten his political future.
Under these conditions, the decision to react so bitterly to the Iran deal seems rather foolish. Netanyahu's petulance could only anger Mr. Obama. At the very least, such hostile behavior toward Israel's only foreign friend can not strengthen a relationship on which the country depends so heavily. Not for the first time, Netanyahu has demonstrated that he lacks the maturity and vision to serve Israel well.
Netanyahu, for his part, seems intent on further inflaming the crisis through his settlement policy. This odd approach to improving Israeli security probably stems from the political reality that only the settlers and their supporters have the capacity to exert pressure on the government. Neither the Palestinians nor Israeli peace advocates have the resources or numbers to deter Netanyahu from rewarding the only people who can threaten his political future.
Under these conditions, the decision to react so bitterly to the Iran deal seems rather foolish. Netanyahu's petulance could only anger Mr. Obama. At the very least, such hostile behavior toward Israel's only foreign friend can not strengthen a relationship on which the country depends so heavily. Not for the first time, Netanyahu has demonstrated that he lacks the maturity and vision to serve Israel well.
27
@ James Lee - an excellent post.
To continue the analogy, I think Netanyahu is hoping the wolf will die of starvation eventually. Maybe we should start feeding the wolf, even if only peaceful morsels.
To continue the analogy, I think Netanyahu is hoping the wolf will die of starvation eventually. Maybe we should start feeding the wolf, even if only peaceful morsels.
1
That Israel needs billions of dollars in military aid from the United States is a testament to its own inability to create a secure state in the Middle East. Some of that is not surprising. Its land was taken forcibly from its inhabitants by the United Nations and it has striven for years to expand that through the occupation of yet more territory. Its form of government does not treat Jews and non-Jews equally which especially affects its Arab citizens.
Most of the world does not believe that god gave the land that is now Israel to the Jews. Neither does most of the world believe that Islam's god commands his followers to take that land back. The problem is that the Arabs and the Jews believe those things and there is no reason to negotiate a peaceful solution when an almighty being is guaranteeing your absolute victory.
Someday, perhaps, the gods will decide to fight among themselves and leave us in peace.
Most of the world does not believe that god gave the land that is now Israel to the Jews. Neither does most of the world believe that Islam's god commands his followers to take that land back. The problem is that the Arabs and the Jews believe those things and there is no reason to negotiate a peaceful solution when an almighty being is guaranteeing your absolute victory.
Someday, perhaps, the gods will decide to fight among themselves and leave us in peace.
20
I don't think Israel's interests are furthered by Netanyahu's clumsy actions.
13
Oh come on people! Israel can do no wrong. Our job is to shovel money to Israel as fast as we can just so they can go on and just have Apartheid in their country for millions of people in an open air prison. Also we must support Israel unconditionally because they are our only ally am the only true democracy in the Middle East. We know this because they kill humiliate and prison people every day just because they are Arab. That is what a true democracy looks like!
44
In essence, Netanyahu set out to insult the President of the United States because he dislikes him on a personal level.
He didn't need to request a meeting, but he did.
He could have told the White House that he wanted to cancel the meeting, but he didn't.
There was absolutely no reason to deliver a deliberate insult like this, apart from Netanyahu's need to display his contempt for President Obama.
He reasons (undoubtedly correctly) that no matter how much he disrespects the President, there'll be no political consequences.
In terms of actions, President Obama was incredibly supportive of Israel, but he wasn't as effusive in his praise of Israel's behaviour as Netanyahu would like, hence this crass behaviour.
He didn't need to request a meeting, but he did.
He could have told the White House that he wanted to cancel the meeting, but he didn't.
There was absolutely no reason to deliver a deliberate insult like this, apart from Netanyahu's need to display his contempt for President Obama.
He reasons (undoubtedly correctly) that no matter how much he disrespects the President, there'll be no political consequences.
In terms of actions, President Obama was incredibly supportive of Israel, but he wasn't as effusive in his praise of Israel's behaviour as Netanyahu would like, hence this crass behaviour.
58
My vote for a Congressional candidate in a Democratic primary was based solely on the fact that one of the candidates came out against the Iran nuclear deal. That was not the candidate I voted for, although I was personally acquainted with him and had no other complaints. But after the Republicans invited Bibi to speechify in Congress and the Repubs gave hime a standing ovation, I thought enough was enough. Also, the anti Iran nuclear deal letter signed by 47 Republican Senators went to Iran, not to President Obama or Secretary of State John Kerry. The guy I voted against would have made a decent Democratic representative, but enough disrespect has been shown by the Republicans; we don't need Democrats in Congress to join in.
1
Time to leave these two implacable enemies to sort it out themselves. If truth, they have more to gain by becoming a single state and will, if left on there own, resolve the conflict. We have not helped. The United Nations has not helped. Neither have France nor Britain when they tried their hand at it. Time to walk away.
15
Netanyahu has been voted by the majority of Israeli, so they have to deal with it.
The parallel is with our Middle America voting for Republicans and grid-locking our Congress.
What can we do?
The parallel is with our Middle America voting for Republicans and grid-locking our Congress.
What can we do?
1
It's too late. Whether a Two-State Solution ever existed except in the minds of well-intentioned men -- was remotely possible, let alone practical as a long-term proposition -- will be long debated in coming centuries. But whatever future historians decide were the might-have-beens, that boat has left the dock; long ago. It's impossible now.
Which leaves us where, and with what?
With another World War. World War III.
New players, new alliances. Russia and Israel will resuscitate Assad's regime to forestall any further rise of the al-Qa'idah Organization throughout the region, if not the world. Damascus, although besieged, will not fall to al-Qa'idah or ISIL. ISIL, simultaneously al-Qa'idah's ally and rival, will continue to bedevil Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Africa, Afghanistan, Europe and the United States. Erdogan will totter and fall, undone by his role in the Syrian Civil War and corruption. The Kurds will declare independence and establish a state in east Turkey, northeast Syria and north Iraq. Turkey, Iran and ISIL will launch genocidal campaigns to prevent it, vastly expanding the scope and viciousness of the conflict. Israel, Europe, Russia and the United States will support the Kurds for very different strategic reasons. The Palestinian/Israeli conflict, initially lost in the glare of these developments, will be ended by the expulsion of West Bank Arabs into Jordan. What happens to Lebanon and Jordan then is anyone's guess.
And then it gets worse ... .
Which leaves us where, and with what?
With another World War. World War III.
New players, new alliances. Russia and Israel will resuscitate Assad's regime to forestall any further rise of the al-Qa'idah Organization throughout the region, if not the world. Damascus, although besieged, will not fall to al-Qa'idah or ISIL. ISIL, simultaneously al-Qa'idah's ally and rival, will continue to bedevil Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Africa, Afghanistan, Europe and the United States. Erdogan will totter and fall, undone by his role in the Syrian Civil War and corruption. The Kurds will declare independence and establish a state in east Turkey, northeast Syria and north Iraq. Turkey, Iran and ISIL will launch genocidal campaigns to prevent it, vastly expanding the scope and viciousness of the conflict. Israel, Europe, Russia and the United States will support the Kurds for very different strategic reasons. The Palestinian/Israeli conflict, initially lost in the glare of these developments, will be ended by the expulsion of West Bank Arabs into Jordan. What happens to Lebanon and Jordan then is anyone's guess.
And then it gets worse ... .
3
"Military aid alone will never guarantee Israel’s security. For that, there needs to be progress toward a Middle East peace deal."
In other words, according to the NY Times editorial board, there is no answer other than the two-state solution the Times prefers. Yet, the Israelis beg to differ. They won't be told how to solve their problem, especially by those who have no risk in the outcome. Clearly Netanyahu and Obama don't like one another. Ah well, get over it. Israel must come to its own decisions about what is in its best long term interests. Obama's suggestion of a fiat by UN Security Council resolution is just more poking Netanyahu with a stick in order to codify the terms before negotiations even begin. While I think Trump is a bloviating idiot, he's got a point about how one negotiates. Acquiescing before negotiating is not Israel's tactic. The two state solution will only become relevant when the Palestinians have a single government run by a leader who can speak for his/her people, including all militants. Until then, the facts on the ground speak for themselves.
In other words, according to the NY Times editorial board, there is no answer other than the two-state solution the Times prefers. Yet, the Israelis beg to differ. They won't be told how to solve their problem, especially by those who have no risk in the outcome. Clearly Netanyahu and Obama don't like one another. Ah well, get over it. Israel must come to its own decisions about what is in its best long term interests. Obama's suggestion of a fiat by UN Security Council resolution is just more poking Netanyahu with a stick in order to codify the terms before negotiations even begin. While I think Trump is a bloviating idiot, he's got a point about how one negotiates. Acquiescing before negotiating is not Israel's tactic. The two state solution will only become relevant when the Palestinians have a single government run by a leader who can speak for his/her people, including all militants. Until then, the facts on the ground speak for themselves.
9
Well, if we aren't allowed to advise them on how to solve their problems, perhaps they should go without our $4 billion in military aid.
14
It was a fiat by the UN that created Israel in the first place while the indigenous Palestinians were not consulted. Perhaps this is the way to bring about peace today, by giving each party a fait accompli.
Clearly there is anti semitism in the world but that is not the principal reason for the Obama Administration's attitude towards Israel. America sends a great deal of money to Israel (3 Billion currently and being asked for more in the future), so why the billigerant attitude from Netanyahu? Being in favor of a 2 State solution is not being anti Israel. The disrespect shown by Netanyahu towards our President is what it's all about and coming from a right wing demagogue like Netanyahu, should make the US reconsider the blank check we give in terms of money and support. When Netanyahu is gone, there is the possibility of positive change, until then, it's a waste of time.
144
Unfortunately, there will be positive change when Netanyahu has gone. Those waiting in the wings: Bennett, Leiberman, Ya'alon, Hertzog, Shaked and the rest are far, far worse.
I could never understand the logic of creating ever more inequality between Israel and the Palestinians, yet the US continues to do so through military support for Israel, billions of dollars each year.
Start creating *Equality*: I say take a billion or so from current commitments each year, earmark it for Palestinian education etc. That would get some authentic attention from the world all around.
In similar economic fashion to the rich in the US believing they are meant to be special over everyone else, DOING something about areas of inequality speaks far louder than mere rhetoric.
I find the problem is the quality of our learning: quality goes inexorably further astray when we fail to continually address fundamental quality *first*. Pull hierarchy off its contrived/enforced pedestal: fundamentally support all actions heading more toward equality. That is doing something fundamentally different, behaving in a qualitatively opposing fashion.
The rich and powerful are not as important as they thought/assumed they were.
Start creating *Equality*: I say take a billion or so from current commitments each year, earmark it for Palestinian education etc. That would get some authentic attention from the world all around.
In similar economic fashion to the rich in the US believing they are meant to be special over everyone else, DOING something about areas of inequality speaks far louder than mere rhetoric.
I find the problem is the quality of our learning: quality goes inexorably further astray when we fail to continually address fundamental quality *first*. Pull hierarchy off its contrived/enforced pedestal: fundamentally support all actions heading more toward equality. That is doing something fundamentally different, behaving in a qualitatively opposing fashion.
The rich and powerful are not as important as they thought/assumed they were.
20
Have you seen the textbooks that the palestinians use to 'educate' their children? They refer to the birth of the modern state of Israel as the stealing of palestinian land. Have you seen the tv shows for kids produced by the palestinians? They brainwash the children into wanting to kill Jews. No, the United States doesn't need to put additional money towards this hatred. The palestinians need to stop telling their people that victory will come when all of Israel is destroyed.
2
I don't understand why we continue giving charity to Israel when their head of state treats our president so disrespectfully. We should pull the plug. Netanyahu obviously feels that he doesn't need us, so we should wish him luck and find a more appropriate way to spend our money.
154
It's more than unreasonable for Netanyahu to ask for more aid. In fact, all the monetary and defense aid Israel receives from us should be cut. Israel holds over 200 nukes yet Netanyahu keeps on whining Iran can wipe them off the map. What the bully Netanyahu wants is to control American policy. Should Hillary Clinton become president, I have no doubts she will allow it, as she has pledged to support Israel.
Peace is not possible in the Middle East until the Palestinians are freed from Israel's jaws and form their own state. I don't see that happening with Hillary as president. Obama has one last chance to open negotiations on that score.
Netanyahu's present shameful disrespect of President Obama and in the past when he addressed Congress is very much like biting the hand that feeds Israel - money and defense equipment.
Peace is not possible in the Middle East until the Palestinians are freed from Israel's jaws and form their own state. I don't see that happening with Hillary as president. Obama has one last chance to open negotiations on that score.
Netanyahu's present shameful disrespect of President Obama and in the past when he addressed Congress is very much like biting the hand that feeds Israel - money and defense equipment.
49
The one thing that Israel has going for it when it comes to handling the occupied territories is that the Palestinians won't use the same tactics that were successful in the South during the Civil Rights movement. That is, they want engage in peaceful non-violence to press for voting rights. If they did so, then the Israelis would come under a lot more pressure from the West than they already under.
8
If the Palestinians forsook all violence and gave up weapons and guns, bombs and rockets, Israel would be forced to make a deal wirth them because it would be seen as the new Germany, the new South Africa and new "Old South" , using violence and racism to oppress it's minorities.
The Israelis are not blind, and they have seen what non violence has gained American blacks.
They know that to successfully get away with violence they must be seen as acting against violent Palestinian factions.
The day the Arabs and Palestinians give up the guns, ISrael is doomed to live with them or they will lose half their population in a decade, and eventually end up another failed Crusader State.
The Israelis are not blind, and they have seen what non violence has gained American blacks.
They know that to successfully get away with violence they must be seen as acting against violent Palestinian factions.
The day the Arabs and Palestinians give up the guns, ISrael is doomed to live with them or they will lose half their population in a decade, and eventually end up another failed Crusader State.
A UN resolution on Israel-Palestine peace would be a useful initiative if it's based on the parameters reported by the Wall Street Journal on March 7:
"Details of a new tack by the administration are in flux, officials said. ...But in one scenario, the U.S. would push Israel to halt construction of settlements in the Palestinian territories and recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, a key Palestinian demand.
Palestinians would in turn be asked to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and end claims on a right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Under that scenario, the administration also would recommend the establishment of two states based on the 1949 armistice line between the armies of Israel and its Arab neighbors. Like proposals in previous rounds of negotiations, the approach would recommend land swaps to account for Israeli settlements built since 1967."
Norman Spector
Canadian ambassador to Israel and the Palestinian Territories 1992-1995
Victoria, British Columbia
"Details of a new tack by the administration are in flux, officials said. ...But in one scenario, the U.S. would push Israel to halt construction of settlements in the Palestinian territories and recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, a key Palestinian demand.
Palestinians would in turn be asked to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and end claims on a right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Under that scenario, the administration also would recommend the establishment of two states based on the 1949 armistice line between the armies of Israel and its Arab neighbors. Like proposals in previous rounds of negotiations, the approach would recommend land swaps to account for Israeli settlements built since 1967."
Norman Spector
Canadian ambassador to Israel and the Palestinian Territories 1992-1995
Victoria, British Columbia
17
No politician and no government are going to recognize "the Jewish State of Israel". It would negate the rights of Arab-Isrealis and negate the established Palestinian right of return.
When the United States of America recognized Israel in 1948, President Truman explicitly declined to use the terms "the new jewish state" and instead crossed out those words and replaced them with "the State of Israel".
There was no "Jewish State"requirement in the peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan.
The demand for "Jewish State" recognition is simply a strategy to make peace talks impossible by moving the goal posts (once again), and prolonging the colonization of the West Bank.
When the United States of America recognized Israel in 1948, President Truman explicitly declined to use the terms "the new jewish state" and instead crossed out those words and replaced them with "the State of Israel".
There was no "Jewish State"requirement in the peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan.
The demand for "Jewish State" recognition is simply a strategy to make peace talks impossible by moving the goal posts (once again), and prolonging the colonization of the West Bank.
2
The solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is well-known, is acceptable to the West and the to rest of the world, is consistent with official US foreign policy, is consistent with UN Resolutions and international law, is consistent with the principles laid out by the Quartet, and is consistent with the proposal put forward by the Arab League.
It is what the world demands and what Israel refuses to accept:
2 viable states; 1967 boundaries with mutually agreed land swaps, right of return negotiated using both (limited) property and (fair) compensation.
It comes down to what Netanyahu & Co. wants vs what the rest of the world needs.
It is what the world demands and what Israel refuses to accept:
2 viable states; 1967 boundaries with mutually agreed land swaps, right of return negotiated using both (limited) property and (fair) compensation.
It comes down to what Netanyahu & Co. wants vs what the rest of the world needs.
2
It is re-assuring that Canada recognizes the "Palestinian Territories", as illustrated in your former title. The Palestinians have recognized the State of Israel, but Netanyahu & Co. refuse to recognize the State of Palestine.
Ergo: why give money to Netanyahu & Co.
Ergo: why give money to Netanyahu & Co.
1
"That Mr. Netanyahu’s government announced this decision in the media rather than to the White House is not a surprise, considering the disrespect the prime minister has shown Mr. Obama in the past. It’s hard to understand how that serves Israel’s interests." If it's hard for the NYTimes editors to understand it, it's impossible for so so many of us here in Israel to understand. Ah, the perils and disappointments that come with - and in - a democracy . . .
12
Billions of dollars a year to Israel. Why? The U.S certainly could use it!
50
Because a world without Jews is a cold and dark place.
2
Absolutely good advice, the Security Council option is the best move Obama could make in the time remaining. He owes nothing to Netanyahu or Likud but he does have an obligation help Israel/Palestinians face reality.
Hugh Faulkner
Rougemont
Switzerland
Hugh Faulkner
Rougemont
Switzerland
15
Netanyahu's insulting behavior toward the U.S. President and the American People could actually be viewed as an improvement in Likud diplomacy.
After all, the Prime Minister of Israel from the Likud Party Menachem Begin attempted (while serving as an elected member of the Knesset) to assassinate the sitting West German Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, in March of 1952. He did succeed in killing one policeman and injuring two others with a parcel bomb.
After all, the Prime Minister of Israel from the Likud Party Menachem Begin attempted (while serving as an elected member of the Knesset) to assassinate the sitting West German Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, in March of 1952. He did succeed in killing one policeman and injuring two others with a parcel bomb.
21
Netanyahu has a stranglehold over American foreign and domestic policy by the fact that the donors determine who gets elected to the House. I cannot remember an American President being treated with such disdain by a small Middle Eastern country which is the largest recipient of foreign aid while still never being satisfied.
His attempts to sabotage the Iranian treaty have left him smouldering and while Iran has no nuclear stockpile, Netanyahu will not be happy until Iran is taken down.
He presides over a country that has walked into isolation, seen the rise of BDS and called the Palestinians “beasts”. The rise in Jewish extremism and the Kahane principles have become the norm while the Government funds the extremist group Lehava; this is Netanyahu’s legacy.
Netanyahu has stated that the occupation will never end while still stealing valuable dunams of arable land in the West Bank for further settlement expansion. Abbas is impotent and has done nothing to further the cause of the Palestinian people. It is too late in the day to talk about a two state solution when one party is resolute in its opposition and America too weak to impose sanctions to force Israel to the negotiating table.
His attempts to sabotage the Iranian treaty have left him smouldering and while Iran has no nuclear stockpile, Netanyahu will not be happy until Iran is taken down.
He presides over a country that has walked into isolation, seen the rise of BDS and called the Palestinians “beasts”. The rise in Jewish extremism and the Kahane principles have become the norm while the Government funds the extremist group Lehava; this is Netanyahu’s legacy.
Netanyahu has stated that the occupation will never end while still stealing valuable dunams of arable land in the West Bank for further settlement expansion. Abbas is impotent and has done nothing to further the cause of the Palestinian people. It is too late in the day to talk about a two state solution when one party is resolute in its opposition and America too weak to impose sanctions to force Israel to the negotiating table.
44
The reason given from the Israeli government for canceling Netanyahu's trip to the U.S. was that he was actually coming to the annual AIPAC meeting in Washington DC, where several U.S. Presidential candidates may be appearing, and Netanyahu didn't want to be seen as interfering in U.S. Elections (after being slammed in 2012 for meeting with Romney).
The editorial board attributes a different motivation to Netanyahu, but provides no source. Also Israel claims it notified the White House directly, not solely through the media.
Netanyahu is of course free to come to the U.S. or not. It seems some in the media look to condemn Netanyahu no matter what he does. He's damned if he comes; he's damned if he doesn't.
Regardless, someone should get the facts right.
The editorial board attributes a different motivation to Netanyahu, but provides no source. Also Israel claims it notified the White House directly, not solely through the media.
Netanyahu is of course free to come to the U.S. or not. It seems some in the media look to condemn Netanyahu no matter what he does. He's damned if he comes; he's damned if he doesn't.
Regardless, someone should get the facts right.
17
either way, Netanyahu is not welcome
Baloney. This has been a pattern of Netanyahu's since the get-go.
1
Agree. "Reportedly", means the NYT does not have a legitimate source. Using "reportedly" more than once points to an agenda. Mr. Netanyahu was the one who originally asked for the meeting, not Obama.
3
Is either side really interested in peace? Mr. Netanyahu certainly isn't. His policies, positions and hold on power depend on conflict. For much the same reasons, I don't believe the Palestinian leadership is interested either. While this all plays, arms manufacturers rake in the billions of dollars under the guise of foreign aid paid for by the US tax payer. Enough! How about we see what happens when neither party has access to such aid?
18
Keep in mind that Israel is the only US ally in the world not to have a US military base in their entire country. Israel doesn't need the US to help fight their battles by any means. As a matter of facts, the recent attacks on the Gaza Strip to stop Hamas were all done without US intervention whatsoever. The most the US gives in military aide is weapons but nothing else. Meanwhile, many other countries that ally with the US have military outposts while Israel has none. One other thing, Israel was neutral in both Iraq wars as neither of them were fought for Israel's benefit at all.
2
"It’s hard to understand how showing disrespect to the president of the United States serves Israel’s interests." -- NYT
Yet, at last check, Israel wanted the US to increase its yearly aid from around $2 billion to $5 billion. And we know, through the Republicans and AIPAC, they'll get it.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-usa-meeting-idUSKCN0SY1WJ201511...
Yet, at last check, Israel wanted the US to increase its yearly aid from around $2 billion to $5 billion. And we know, through the Republicans and AIPAC, they'll get it.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-usa-meeting-idUSKCN0SY1WJ201511...
21
Netenyahu's disrespect to President Obama is disrespect to ALL US taxpayers. Why should this rude belligerent foreign leader be able to take the largest amount of American Aid.....and demand even more?
The "qualitative edge' that America has blindly donated to Israel for decades has been used to prop up the occupation, building more and more settlements against our and the world's repeated requests. This is undoubtedly what is causing all the current 'troubles'. How could it not?!
American tax dollars are not only supporting and furthering troubles and oppression, they are also enabling Israel to supply free healthcare and education for their own at our expense. Stop this particular welfare check. Thanks!
The "qualitative edge' that America has blindly donated to Israel for decades has been used to prop up the occupation, building more and more settlements against our and the world's repeated requests. This is undoubtedly what is causing all the current 'troubles'. How could it not?!
American tax dollars are not only supporting and furthering troubles and oppression, they are also enabling Israel to supply free healthcare and education for their own at our expense. Stop this particular welfare check. Thanks!
116
The U S, out of empathy, and some guilt, for the horrors to the Jews during WWII, supported the creation of a Jewish state. Noble! And then it got politicized. When a nation is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, the courtship of America's Jewish vote became an objective of both parties. The 'who loved Israel more' ad became a fixture of our political landscape. And then there are the 'Born Again' Christians who believe that the Second Coming of Christ will occur when Judea and Samaria are reunited: ergo this group's blind support for Israel's territorial expansion(read 'settlements'). Our political parties recognize this group as yet another voting block and courts them. That reinforces the first reason for our politicians unrequited and examined love for this country.
Unrequited love is defined as a one-sided love that is not openly reciprocated or understood as such by the beloved. But our politicians get employed and we get to support a state that often has fascist inclinations - especially in its dealings with non-Jews. Before the cry 'anti-Semite' is heard, please Google http://www.thehypertexts.com/Israeli%20Prime%20Ministers%20Terrorists%20..., the USS Liberty, Jonathan Pollard, the attack on the King David Hotel, the breaking of hands of Palestinian boys for throwing rocks; the list goes on and on. And we support this state for what reason? And how much does our unrequited love costs us in the eyes of the world? Paul Spletzer
Unrequited love is defined as a one-sided love that is not openly reciprocated or understood as such by the beloved. But our politicians get employed and we get to support a state that often has fascist inclinations - especially in its dealings with non-Jews. Before the cry 'anti-Semite' is heard, please Google http://www.thehypertexts.com/Israeli%20Prime%20Ministers%20Terrorists%20..., the USS Liberty, Jonathan Pollard, the attack on the King David Hotel, the breaking of hands of Palestinian boys for throwing rocks; the list goes on and on. And we support this state for what reason? And how much does our unrequited love costs us in the eyes of the world? Paul Spletzer
1
Mr. Netanyahu wants war with Iran. The war, of course, to be fought with our men, their lives and our treasure. Netanyahu is the "Dick Cheney" of Israel and they are welcome to him. President Obama has handled Netanyahu just as he should have.
307
What a ridiculous claim. Netanyahu appealed to our Congress because he most certainly does NOT want war. Meanwhile, Iran is testing missiles, in clear violation of the "agreement", that say "Israel will be wioed off the map", in Hebrew.
2
Israel's precarious position in its "dangerous neighborhood," and
to alienate world leaders, the public, and even Jews with his arrogance
(and false assumption that he is the leader of world Jewry.)
Netanyahu's disrespect for President Obama is consistent with his identification with the GOP, and with the increasing racism in Israel itself.
True, Antisemitism is on the rise in many areas of the world, (often confused
with disapproval of Israel's behavior), the Palestinians react to
their hopelessness following years of promises by lashing
out, the PA has been weakened, and Iran is ambivalent
at best about its recent (and welcome) accord.
None of these, contrary to Netanyahu's contention, is a greater
danger to Israel's existence than the country''s current status,
directly a product of the machinations of rightest coalitions and the man
who will have lead Israel for as long as Ben Gurion if he finishes out his term.
Always the "victim" despite massive military power and
elastic moral and legal standards, Netanyahu, like our Trump
has played on internal divisions and fears in his country to
weaken its democracy and put it at risk of becoming yet
another fanatical entity in his "neighborhood."
If he cannot be a partner in negotiations for a solution that
furthers democracy for all residents of Israel, including
the Palestinians in the territories, he cannot be a partner, period