Netanyahu and Obama are at point of no return

Who needs Obama? Certainly Israel doesn't . Stop kowtowing to this Pig of a man. Yes , I said it! He has no love for Israel and he never will. In fact, His hatred of Israel will only grow in time. So yes, I say forget this degenerate of a man and the friend of very unsavory people of strange and unusual persuasions and dare I say demonic types. He will try to bring Israel down, but we won't let him. He has to trod over G-d , and you know that is not happening. So , hang it up you old serpent and crawl back into your pit.

Your article is full of fear. Let Israel decide and not any foreign power. Giloi is right

O'Bama is nothing but trouble. He sold out to the banks and declared victory that by indebting our children and grandchildren he avoided depression; he sold out to the health insurers and called health insurance reform a success; now he plans to sell out israel and get a piece of paper with two signatures and declare peace. I think that Israel will stand up to the USA and even forego aid. Obama is an existential, albeit non-violent, threat to Israel.

Akiva Eldar is absolutely correct. I am an American Jew and I am fed up with Netanyahu's and Israel's arrogance. He blatantly insulted Washington, he humiliated us and I salute Obama for having given him the cold shoulder, he deserved it. You don't bite the hand that feeds you. All the billions Israel is receiving from us could be put to a much better use right here in the US. It is about time Israel realizes that it is not the only kid on the block, Obama is the president of the U.S. and has to look after our best interest and not Israel's.

Actions speak louder than any words. The US goverment is doing the best it to help peace along despite Netanyahu. The country he leads should wake up in smell the reality of the world. What happened 50 years ago was terrible but that does not give anyone the right to act in a one-sided fashion 50years later. Peace comes not on your terms but instead by two groups finding a true middle ground. Again, take a smelling salt and read some history books. Respectively.

If you love Bibi so much, why not join him in Israel and admire him close and personal? How good a American citizen can you be for putting Israeli interests ahead of America's own? If you are not happy with the president that was elected by the majority of US citizens, stop griping and respect those who think that US interests MUST come first - always. Stop griping and biting the hand that has and still feeds Israel so handsomely. Methinks that your connections to Israel are clouding your views. Too bad!

Obama saw his father once or twice after he left his mother and himself. He is not a Muslim -- When he lived in Indonesia he went to local ublic school He is not a Muslim -- nor has he ever been. I presume his mother was born a Christian . Don't know about her practices. Heis some kind of a Christian -- but it appears that regular Sunday church is not in his practice.

There are many more of us here in the US that love Israel and are imbarassed by our President. Obama is an unfortunate mistake of America's voters that will be changed soon enough. The American public will always be close friends with Israel. Israeli soldiers fought and died to defend their country so,the spoils of war(West Bank & East Jerusalem)go to the victors. Solve the problem. Send the Arabs back to Jordan and Syria, develop the whole of Israel, be strong and be Jewish!

Cool!

does he follow the religion & culture into which he was born ???

Since the " State" of Isreal is a product of what happen to european jews . solve the problem giving the european jews a piece of Poland , germany ,france ,etc. The state of Palastine had nothing to do with the holocust . solve this problem in europe give the jews a portion of europe .As I said give them land in france ,germany ,Poland etc .

He is an highly intelligent man. Does he in heart of hearts believe Israel can have safety based on "67 borders? Does he really believe the Arabian world will not villify Israel for ever? He has highly informed advisers. Or is he just a "chancer". I"ll go down in history as having forced a Palestinian State into being and then "what the hell ..." Come on Obama you"ve read all the history...what do you really believe?

Hey, Mr. Souza. According to most of my Jewish associates, the US dethroned Saddam Hussein, in part, to help Israel. Do you disagree? Does this affect your view of Israel as a strategic burden for the US? We all know that AIPAC and Jewish Congressmen (e.g. Joe Lieberman) were pro-invasion of Iraq. They put Israeli interests before US interests. Likud lies and arrogance are opposed to US interests. The US should be suspicious of the current Israeli government's motives.

Friend, if you for one moment think Obama is "moderate," I beg you to read the ideology of James H. Cone, part and parcel of the communist beliefs of our commander in chief. There is nothing "moderate" about this leader.

Washington, DC is nearly all Afro-American, and should be the capital of a contiguous Afro-American nation. If anyone should realize this, it is Barack Obama -- who is demanding that Israel surrender its capital to an Arab MINORITY. I would love to see DC separated from the US, along with Chicago -- it would be the surest way of getting rid of Obama.

one should not be fooled into believing that the arabs are helping with the radicals. what they give with one hand, they take back with the other hand, many times. saudi is financing wahabi madrassas and mosques in macedonia, kosovo and bosnia. nor are they shy about blackmailing their american ally. they have done it with the uk. hence the sale of advanced weapons. you surely know this better than i do. i agree that netanyahu has made some mistakes. however, i am convinced that obama will not be satisfied with anything less than a total capitulation, the sort that would not be acceptable even to livni or barak. israel never had steady allies. forget not that during the yom kippur war, all european countries denied overflights to transport planes from the u.s. to israel. yet israel was at risk of annihilation. the diaspora jews cannot be fully counted on. they are easily manipulated. they believe in tikkun olam, more than in israel. shavua tov and chag sameach. cipora.

hard to take it if you wake up with your throat cut by your loving brothers in the morning.

waist to an unelected despot,where justice means public executions and mutilation,where half the citizens are subject to gender apartheid and the other half live by laws unacceptable in any civilised countery. Where religious freedom is not tolerated,where no churches can be built,where Shiites do not get a voice etc etc etc.

To Michael N - Have you ever read the Bible about Israel ? The Israelis are God's chosen people,even though all gentiles can be grafted in to be God's children, too, if they choose Jesus. The ONLY way to God is through Jesus in this church age. Jerusalem is God's chosen city, and it will never be diveded. He says "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you." You don't mess with Israel or Jerusalem.

America is already joining the Arab League, with its muslim president bowing to the Saudi king and essential destruction of the country within the next decade. Soon we will all be part of the Third World, or perhaps Forth...

Isreal did not start the war that won them the occupied territories, they were defending themselves. They have ALL the right in the world as the victors to do with that land as they see fit. Who is Obama to dictate what Isreal should do with there own capital? Should the Americans give half of Washington away to the indians? Isreal is the only true allie we have in that area!

In my opinion this situation could lead to the arabs declaring an independent state of palistine and the UN backing it up with nato air support Similar to what happened to serbia when kosove declared independance from serbia and british and us air power or its suurogates would try and back up the arabs in the west bank

Are you are putting the Pals on a par to A sovereign COUNTRY ISRAEL? I thought you might have had a modicum of decent thought process,seems I erred. That you say:Netanyahu`s procrastination and the Palestinian obstinance or Obama`s prodding and encouragement. It seems the climax will come, only at the point where both the Palestinians and Israelis exhaust all their own political capital... and finally realize there`s nowhere else to go. What procastination would that be? Bibi has been saying it clearly has been consistent on what he believes. The one who doesn?t want to understand is BO. No means NO. Tell it to the neverlanders who are at the mercy of their Arab Brethren not,I mean NOT! at Israel's or Netanyahu?s door. I have heard some stupid remarks by some here who think are armchair politicians and you are another to the existing list. If Israel will fight endlesly to survive and damn BO for his unwarranted interference than so be it. I have great trust in Netanyahu and I hope he will not give an inch to the bullies of this world(no name)but you know exactly who I mean.

Why on Earth would anyone expect Obama to act like an American, he is a Muslim, and this latest behavior should prove that to all. He is not to be trusted. By anyone. Israel, most of us Americans love you and support you and believe you ought to be able to build wherever you want to build, it's your country. Don't give it away to the muslims.

The timing of all these announcements is worthy of the Wise Men of Chelm. What's the pressing need to step on the toes of your major & only world ally ? Perhaps you've got Iran all solved (ya chantarish Yishai )

For dynasties,supper powers have come and gone Greeks,Romans,Ottomans,British Empire,Germany (only for a short time)Still after all of those, gone into oblivion here are the tiniest people/country on earth through all their vicissitudes still maintain their presence here Like a great miracle that so many dismiss, attacks vociferously with condemnation casting their greedy and jealous eyes on. And Obama will (said it before)Rue the day if he continuous on his path of destruction. Ultimately my country the US and its citizens will suffer. So will the ME as a consequence even if Obama thinks he is trying to achieve peace,it will the peace of the grave.

Israel provides very little to the US. We pay billions of dollars to keep Israel's neighbors from a constant state of war. Finally, an administration and military command capable of understanding the true relationship between the US and Israel. It is time for Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights, end the blockade on Gaza, end all settlement construction including East Jerusalem, and support the establishment of the state or states of Palestine.

More than that,Obama has been disrespectful to Israel's Prime Minister,and the world is aghast at his actions versus the only real and democratic country who's friend he is supposed to be.Bears caling Obama worse names than just A DISGRACEFUL of the FIRTS ORDER EVER To behave toward a Statesman. He would not dare behave in such a manner against any Arab country would he? I bet not for THE BOWING and scraping is his only FASHION.Acting as a proper Muslim/Arab. Next thing I suggest should be A SHOE thrown at him for behaving like COUNTRY BUMBKIN and not a US Pres'. Erdogan got it from a Kurdish man,so the next one should be BO...

More than that,Obama has been disrespectful to Israel's Prime Minister,and the world is aghast at his actions versus the only real and democratic country who's friend he is supposed to be.Bears caling Obama worse names than just A DISGRACEFUL of the FIRTS ORDER EVER To behave toward a Statesman. He would not dare behave in such a manner against any Arab country would he? I bet not for THE BOWING and scraping is his only FASHION.Acting as a proper Muslim/Arab. Next thing I suggest should be A SHOE thrown at him for behaving like COUNTRY BUMBKIN and not a US Pres'. Erdogan got it from a Kurdish man,so the next one should be BO...

Are you are putting the Pals on a par to A sovereign COUNTRY ISRAEL? I thought you might have had a modicum of decent thought process,seems I erred. That you say:Netanyahu`s procrastination and the Palestinian obstinance or Obama`s prodding and encouragement. It seems the climax will come, only at the point where both the Palestinians and Israelis exhaust all their own political capital... and finally realize there`s nowhere else to go. What procastination would that be? Bibi has been saying it clearly has been consistent on what he believes. The one who doesn?t want to understand is BO. No means NO. Tell it to the neverlanders who are at the mercy of their Arab Brethren not,I mean NOT! at Israel's or Netanyahu?s door. I have heard some stupid remarks by some here who think are armchair politicians and you are another to the existing list. If Israel will fight endlesly to survive and damn BO for his unwarranted interference than so be it. I have great trust in Netanyahu and I hope he will not give an inch to the bullies of this world(no name)but you know exactly who I mean.

"we need to support isreal so that we will keep the peace.you dont want a thermo nuke war in the world ." Are you saying that we need to support Israel so they don't use their nukes? Like some kind of blackmail? "Give us unconditional support or we will start a nuclear war. You don't want that, do you?" You make it look like the world's first priority must be to get rid of those Israeli nukes. We don't want Iran getting them, but Israel is already a rogue nation with nukes. It would be much easier to get the whole UN to agree to sanctions for Israel than for Iran. And if we agree on sanctions for Israel that would make it easier to get sanctions on Iran too! Israel could in that way be a big help toward stopping the Iranian nuclear program.

REally, have you ever looked a a map of Israel? They are a threat to the great big American nation and their wimpy president and congress.....get real

You should be more carefull in using the argument of true and anti American for political preferences. The Holocaust started in the mind of people this way in Europe.

On the one hand, he tells AIPAC that "we do not want to rule over the Palestinians." On the other, he says the 250,000 Palestinians who live in Jerusalem (10% of the total) will live under Jewish rule forever.

America cannot claim to be a champion of democracy in Tehran and ignore the claims of the Palestinians in Jerusalem. America cannot claim to be a champion of democracy and allow the occupation of the West Bank to continue for another 43 years. America cannot claim to champion human rights and to pay for weapons that make the siege of Gaza possible. And last, but not least, America cannot sanction (and pay for the airplanes for) an Israeli attack on a fifth Moslem country, Iran, and claim it is not shoulder to shoulder with Israel in a clash of civilizations that, no doubt, will cost thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of American lives. See, Gen. Petreaus & Sec. Gates: Lack of Mideast Peace Threatens U.S. Interests (3/25/10) http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1159165.html

Israel has assimilated 1 million Pals; the mega-sized Arab countries have attempted to assimilate none. They instead evict them when possible, or just keep them in refugee camps, as a fraudulent symbol of anti-Israel pretexts for warfare. The entire Palestinian suffering issue is a complete sham and total fraud on the West. The Arabs of course know the score - it's their game. Arabs don't care about Palestinians as a people they want to help. Saddam Hussein gave families $ only after they donated a martyr terrorist. That's all the Arab world is concerned with. The Pals are their best club for beating Israel. It's amazing that any Israeli still doesn't realize this 40-year-old fact. Tell the U.S. to shove the "linkage" farce.

we need to support isreal so that we will keep the peace.you dont want a thermo nuke war in the world .

To # 53 all I can say is, "some ally." With friends like that, who needs more enemies?

From what I read, I can't tell if Obama and Netanyahu have "made up". I certainly hope so. We have enough troubles going on right now, without being arrogantly rude to our closest friend in the Middle East. I find this behavior on our part unacceptable. Israel is a very small country with very little space; that is why Israel has to build close to her border. Some people seem to have to make a mountain out of a molehill regarding everything! This is no way to treat a Netanyahu deserves an apology.

Obama has shown the world just what he's made of by throwing his childish temper tantrum. His treatment of an allied head-of-state was reprehensible and shameful.

Israel should not depend on Obama. Obama will notsupport Israel.

A very timely analysis. For anyone here that supports Netanyahu's agenda and criticizes Obama I ask a single question: what advantage, strategic or otherwise, does the historical alliance with Israel provide for the U.S.?

I am truly ashamed of the way our despicable president treated the leader of Israel the other day. I want the people of Israel that I love your country and your people and I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and your land. May Almighty God bless and keep His people Israel. Shalom

The electorate always get what it deserves. Bibi is following in Arik's footsteps. We really did not need an intifada so Arik could take a walk on the Temple Mount. We also don't need the next Palistinian response to Bibi's intransigence. How many of us have to die for this stupidity? International law is clear in this regard. Stop building and start walking the walk about peace instead of just talking. Gaza is a concentration camp. Hopefully the United States and Europe will exert enough pressure economically on both sides to force them to the negotiating table.

In America, it is no longer politics as usual. The US is run by a liberal party that could very possibly soar in popularity now that the health care package has successfully passed and they move on to other important legislation. Americans are tired of war, we have fought the Muslim extremists for years on end and want to see peace finally taking hold in your region. All the Obama administration is asking for is cooperation from your ruling coalition in putting forward certain 'facts on the ground' that can give talks some forward traction. What amazes me, is that despite the fact that only short term 'tokens' are being requested, vicious and personal attacks have stemmed from Israeli leadership, even going to personal and grotesque characterizations of President Obama. This political immaturity has to stop, the Israeli electorate and their government need to understand the new realities and rise to the call for cooperation between friends and allies.

The status quo being relentless expansion and the brutal treatment of the Palestinians. Before this month's events the US and most of the world were content to meekly protest about Israeli excesses. Not anymore - get used to the new reality.

I just hope Israel knows how many Americans love her, and are horrified by how our "president" is treating her and her representatives. Our president is an anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Israel, anti-capitalism, anti-constutition president... he seems to hate anything good, moral, Christian... anything that isn't marxist, socialist, or communist - it was how he was brought up; he was surrounded by it and it oozes from his every pore. I just can't believe this fool is the leader of the free world and is hell-bent (literally) on destroying it. (I didn't vote for him - I saw through him and his lies from the start, as did many of us... but not enough, obviously) He does not speak for America. As a Christian citizen of the US who loves freedom and capitalism, I say do whatever you have to do, Israel, and just hold on for a few more years until we elect a God-fearing, Israel-loving president once again. And please pray for us, just as many of us pray for you. God bless you.

Oh sure, M.K., M.D. it's just a slow news week and next week when the Americans are distracted Israel can get back with gusto to the business of occupation. After all, it's not about justice it's about what the one can get away with.

Is there any surprise here? What did you expect? His name isn't David, it's Hussein.

Mr. Eldar...with Jews like you we don't need Hamas and other extremists for our enemies. You serve the same purpose. Wait. In some ways you are even worse.

they are handling over Israel and at the same time dancing in the streets.

I am not happy with your website. Instead of standing with Bibi, your article seems to have a left-wing slant to it. Your articles should be in support of Netanyahu, not slanted against him.

Nope... not by a long shot: "The Rasmussen Polls indicate that 32% of Americans strongly approve of Obama?s performance, wheras 42% strongly disapprove, giving him an index of -10." Neither "healthcare" nor his callous treatment of Israeli Heads of State will earn him approval from any but the most radical (a severe minority, btw) in America.

Netanyahu stands tough for the settlers but undermines Israel's future. The Israeli Jewish settlers in the West Bank have been aggressively violent towards the Palestinians. The IDF has been passive in enforcing justice. The world will not cave in to the settlers nor the violence propagated by the Netanyahu leadership. This Netanyahu-Lieberman disdain for the Arabs, the Quartet (Russia, USA, EU and the UN) as well as many other nations is destroying the future of Israel. It is not possible for Israel to survive without friends, and friends require respect and trust. This is a world of diversity that must be accepted and honored. .

"Real Patriotic Americans" I read some other user comment... Real Americans know Israel is the promised land of G-d's chosen people. And the Nation's Capital must remain undivided. We love you, Israel and will soon be rid of this odious administration.

People of Israel. Like i have always stated, Obama, his Washington thugs and the Hamas are not to be trusted. Stay strong and be vigilant!

Yes... this is a point of no return. But not because... Obama has political calculations or the strategy of rivals in the Middle East. This is a genuine difference in the way both Obama and Netanyahu view this conflict. And mostly, this exposes the kind of statecraft both men represent. I believe this clash was inevitable... because Bibi doesn't possess the statesmanship or the will-craft that's needed. Where Obama... genuinely believes in a future with a Palestinian state. No matter what happens from here on... Netanyahu's procrastination and the Palestinian obstinance or Obama's prodding and encouragement. It seems the climax will come, only at the point where both the Palestinians and Israelis exhaust all their own political capital... and finally realize there's nowhere else to go.

"There are plenty of Americans like me who would gladly trade off our Bamboozler in Chief Obama for a real leader with guts, vision and backbone--that`s right, Bibi PM of Israel. And there are many Americans who have this same opinion. Obama is a troublemaker--here and abroad! Bibi for president of the USA" Wow. That is wrong on so many levels. Netenyahoo is a two faced jackal who speaks of peace, but does nothing to show he's sincere. If he truly cared about peace, then he'd actually do the right thing, and halt ALL building in contested areas. No natural growth bull shit. No letting subordinates green light construction in East Jerusalem. But "Bibi" does no such thing. He lets it continue, and only speaks of making sure it doesn't happen again (not letting our VP find out about more illegal projects during a visit to Israel.) If many Americans have the opinion that you do, that a scumbag like Netenyahoo would actually be beneficial to our country, then we are in VERY big trouble.

the newbie one term teleprompter reader is no match for bibi in many ways: 1.integrity= zero! bowing to enemies and attempting to throw friends under a bus is the act of a bloody coward! 2.'leader' of a bankrupt nation. all it 'has' it owes to china. israel economy through sheer jewish genius (eat your hearts out durson,mechanic,swiss whatever etc)is on a full upswing in spite of the economic turbulence that has caught almost the whole world!

Requesting a freeze on construction in East Jerusalem is a reasonably modest request. The Israeli response of, "Absolutely not!" can't help but rankle a lot of Americans. How long does the right wing in Israel think they can go on kicking the U.S. in the shins before they elicit a serious reaction? What will the right wing do if Americans start equating American deaths in Afganistan with cheap housing for ultra-Orthodox in Jerusalem? I'm a pretty typical American Jew. Liberal politically. Go to a Conservative Shul. Send my kid to Hebrew School. Vote mostly Democratic. Think that J Street has a point. If I'm starting to wonder about this, what about non-Jews in the U.S.?

the b.h.o. is coming off thinking b.h.o. won because of its U.S.A. obamacare win and feeling like haman. don't bow to b.h.o. thank G-D I did not vote that! b.h.o. thinks it won there is no win b.h.o. gained the whole world lost its soul!!!!

I find it great to read this article and see such a sensible voice emanating out of Israel.. it's a pity the tone of the comments isn't as balanced and reasonable.. If more Israeli people were to be heard in these moderate tones i could see your country being much more warmly welcomed around the world. A friendly Israel is a strong Israel

Every super power that turned against the je ws ended up loosing power shortly and eventually fading into oblivion. The Pharoahs, Greeks, Romans, Turks, Nazis, The British empire, Pan-Arabism and now, ladies and gents, Obama is cursing his country by rejecting Israel. That the US is loosing itself as a super power thanks to it sucking up to everyone else in the world and being stupid with money is maybe just setting the balls in motion for an eventually that the big Man upstairs already saw the leader of the world's most powerful nation turn to.

You describe Obama's actions in a very naive fashion. It is not that he is ignorant of the history of the Middle East conflict. He, and his Secretary of State, know perfectly well the history of the area. However, read his speech in Cairo, watch the video of Hillary Clinton hugging and kissing Arafat's wife and of Obama bowing down like a pauper before the king of Saudi Arabia (who is a mere two steps removed from a tribal chieftan Ibn Saud) and then say Obama is acting from ignorance. He acts from hatred of Jews, fastered in his church of 20 years.

When one looks back, it is clearly seen that the greater the "friendship" of a US President to Israel (meaning that he applies less pressure on Israel to pursue peace), the less is accomplished. Our greatest "friends" were Clinton and G. Dubya Bush. Clinton did everything Barak asked him to do, including in Camp David. The result: no peace, only Intifada II. Dubya Bush came up with the Roadmap, a plan but no pressure on Israel. Nothing useful resulted. Looking back at the "bad" presidents, Nixon helped Israel with military equipment in Yom Kippur, but then prevented Israel from vanquishing the Egyptian Third Army. He preserved Egypt's honor, and peace became possible. Carter was even insulting in his pressure on Begin. But he ended up godfathering the Peace Agreement with Sadat. Papa Bush was publicly pushing Shamir, even causing his regime to fall, This resulted in the Madrid Conference which led to Oslo. It is now Obama's turn to do some good. If Netanyahu is unable to freeze construction in Jerusalem while peace talks detrmine what should belong to each side (thus eating the pizza while discussing how to divide it), let him fall. We don't need zealous nuts as Prime Ministers.

I'd also like to add, that do not underestimate the American people's resolve on this issue. If the issue gets the media coverage it deserves, and the debates among Americans begin, we will be with prez Obama 100%. But there has to be open and honest debate for people to take notice on how to handle the situation. In the end, we Americans would be better served by aligning ourselves with the Arabs. Our 2 greatest national interests and security concerns are terrorism and oil. Both will be resolved instantly by siding with the Arabs. Israel is a burden and we know it. She gives us nothing but headaches. She says she helps us battle terrorism, but who needs her when the Arabs are on our side.

You state "Obama decided his moderate Middle East coalition is more important than Netanyahu's extremist one." Wrong... there is nothing moderate about Obama. Many Americans were shocked over the excessive response by the Obama administration, to an announcement of what basically amounted to the building of condos 3 years from now, in a Jewish neighborhood. Many were further shocked that he would continue to antagonize a nation we consider an ally. While the press may be reporting that he embarrassed America with the poor timing of the announcement, that is overrated. It would have passed through our news cycle with barely a blip if Clinton, Axlerod, Biden and Obama himself, had not created a media firestorm. American's have wised up to the fact that Obama will use any situation to create a crisis to influence his personal objectives and policies. As a senator he made his lack of respect and support for Israel very clear. Nothing has changed since he has become President.

Just a slow news week in DC so the theme is beating up on Israel to fill the headlines. Next week it will be somebody else's turn.

'It`s time for the world to understand what is right.' The world understands fine, thanks - settlement building on occupied land is illegal and Israel must desist and get out of E J'sem and the OPT. 'Jerusalem belonged to the Jews before and now they have it again. I believe that they will not give it or any part of it up any time soon.' This seems to have switched from right to might - you are saying that, having illegally stolen it, they are going to hang on to the stolen goods and defy Obama and the rest of the world. That is probably a fair forecast, looking at the extremist Jews in the coalition. Whether it's a wise, moral or 'right' course is an altogether different matter.

Obama's approval rating is rising fast now that health care is finally passed, and most Americans want him to say NO to Israel's requests for a long time. We are tired of doing everything Israel tells us to do. That was Bush, not Obama. We wanted change, and we have it, so Netanyahu better get his ducks in a row.

You obviously do not understand US democracy. Congress passes laws, but its domain is limited and it relies on the Executive to enforce them. Congress cannot dictate how the President deals with foreign countries. Both houses could pass resolutions demanding a certain vote at the UN and Obama would be perfectly free to disregard it. Obama cannot give foreign aid without Congress approving the funding, but he does not have to release foreign aid allocated by Congress. Congress has very little ability to interfere with a rational Israeli policy. If Obama wants to cut off aid to Israel and vote against it in the UN, Congress can do nothing about it. Moreover, "support of Israel" does not necessarily mean support of the settlements and occupation. The recent Congressional letter re Israel said nothing about these issues. The vast majority of Americans support Israel's existence, but far fewer support its WB and Gaza policies.

Finally we have a president Obama who says that this settlement/land/checkpoints dispute is endangering our security, and it is. Backing Israel's brutal wars and settlements is very bad for the US in a lot of ways. If Israel would respect and recognize Palestine, things might change. Until then I hope Obama holds fast to his position. And Israel should keep its assassination squads at home.

In response to "South African rabbi" I feel I have to defend the honour of Israel-critical South African Jews. There are several thousand of us, some prominent in public life including in recent cabinets, the media and in the legal world. (Some of you may have heard of a South African hero of mine, Richard Goldstone.) This minority of Jews sees all too clearly the resemblance between Israel and our own late unlamented apartheid regime.

the US has already been discredited by Iran's continued defiance. The US might need a scapegoat but that is a different matter. blaming the Jews is always easiest.

No use trying to talk reality and reason to folks living in fantasy land. Those who jeered you for pointing out the danger to Israel in Netanyahu's policy of humiliation and insult every time Obama tried to promote peace are now blaming Obama for standing up to Netanyahu. Rabid people are incapable of comprehending reality.

making peace is important but committing suicide is not. Painting everyone as left and right, moderate and extremist is also not helpful. Bibi is no extremist and if we have to have a fight for our existence I would rather he be PM anyday. He will up for Israel and not lead us into a suicidal path. Obama is not that smart and his history and background has shown him inept at understanding Israel and the middle east. It is not the bush politics of Chicago here. Yes we have to have borders and and I would agree settlements in areas deemed to be future Palestine stopped. But Jerusalem is another matter, and prisoners released as a gesture make no sense. Building up Abbas will not help if you also don't make him accountable here. He is not exactly a passive partner or a friend of Israel, indeed, events like the naming of that square after that woman terrorists(a hero to Abbas) is why the gulf is so wide and Israel does not trust Abbas at all nor his intentions. Read his arabic script

The words "outside of Israel" were a cop out. In which country are the houses that you object to being built? Israel can't rely on Obama for anything. He's destroying and possibly willfully so, the US economy, and wouldn't blink and eyelid, but my secretly smile, if Israel were to be attacked by Iran. I wonder why you spend your time here when the US economy is going down the tubes, or maybe you hadn't noticed. Mike

At last America is standing up to Israeli extremism, even if the shift is barely perceptible. America and other western nations needs this kind of Israeli friendship like a hole in the head. Assassinations, sieges settlements , passport stealing, apartheid-like supression of the PAL's where does it end? And the "cost" of this support is extremism and radicalisation of the entire muslim world. Muslims & arabs are angry and they have EVERY RIGHT to be. Israel is trampling over them and giving the two fingers to the West. Wake up Israel and smell the coffee! Peace and respect for the PALS in the fullest sense is the only way out of the hole it has made for itself.

It's time for the world to understand what is right. The Arab Nations have forced war on Israel many times. Each time with a view to destroying both it and all its people. Each time they have lost. The Arab Nations excluded Israelis & Jews from their holiest shrine. The Arab Nations lost each & every conflict, not because they were weaker, but because Israel, knowing there was no alternative, sacrificed it's finest. Well, Jerusalem belonged to the Jews before and now they have it again. I believe that they will not give it or any part of it up any time soon. The Arabs should look to Ramallah as a beautiful Capital.

The USA would do fine without Israel. And Israel would do OK without the USA. Look at Albania, a nation with half Israel's population that went decades surrounded by enemies, no allies, little trade. They did OK. They don't have to get along, so they can choose how to interact. Will the USA keep giving Israel unconditional support? Or with conditions? Can the Israeli Lobby fully control Obama? Will the lobby lose influence as its power gets more visible? Jewish votes matter in presidential elections, in a few key states. They matter intensely for a few senators and congressmen. But for most of congress the Israeli Lobby's influence is more subtle. It isn't votes. Something less -- democratic. Something that offends voters when they notice. Whoever wins this round, Israel's power will be less next time. Is the USA getting too weak? Does Israel need a new protector? But who else can be controlled so well? When the USA is sucked dry there's no other protector in sight.

All the previous Israeli governements (probably with the exception of Rabin) were tricksing like hell, when it came to settlement expansion and the peace process. It's just that they weren't as cheeky as the current right-wing governement, and also a little bit smarter when it came to hiding their true intentions, and making "nice-nice" with the U.S. and the rest of the world. From that point of view, the Netanyahu/ Lieberman governement is actually kind of a refreshment, because it doesn't leave anyone abroad under any doubt anymore, who currently the biggest hurdle to a peace deal between Israelis and Arabs is....

Neither Obama nor I have a problem with Israel building housing IN Israel. The problem is the Israeli insistence on building Israeli racially segregated housing outside of Israel. And Israel cannot convince Russia or China that Iran has a bomb or that they are building one. And Israel's government supposedly shows them the "classified" stuff it won't show the public. Israel can't be trusted to even follow the promises made by its Prime Minister to its closest ally. Why should anybody believe that government on the questions of nuclear weapons? You have our nuclear umbrella. What more do you want? And what is your offer to us? What are you willing to give up?

That map encompasses all land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Only, the first stage includes Jerusalem as their Capital. Do not underestimate the tragedy that awaits the true planners of the Palestinian People who sit in Damascus or Tehran. If it were not for the constant threats, Israel could have well had peace and a stable Palestinian State living in peace and possibly even harmony. For that reason alone, both Hamas and Hezbollah are guided by Damascus and Tehran. For that reason alone, the right wing faction has grown in Israel. Have a nice day.

I do agree on some points. However you are wrong about the UK Jewry. They are not wimpish. They support an Israel that does not exist. For Israel has changed. The majority of diaspora Jews are shocked at the behavior of the far right, for what they read or hear in the media may well be the first sign of the times. Israel was once the shining light. Now its a mere flicker of a candle. A third intifada is about to unfold. Countries that were once our steadfast allies are aghast over"certain" affairs. That includes some damming accusations by the Goldstone Report and of of the overkill in the second Lebanon War and OP.Cast Lead. Sure, it was not on PM Netanyahu·s watch. However, the far right have in fact taken over daily government affairs to the delight of the media and the enemies of Israel. This state of political mayhem has caused a rift in the Jewish Diaspora. Far greater than many think. Have a nice day in sunny South Africa. Shabbat shalom from sunny and snowy Swiss Alps.

Israël likes buiding walls : looks like its present government of extremists has hit one. It has been a long time since real US interests, not those of the jewish US minority with its de facto double allegiance, are not the same as Israël's ones. It is now exposed in crude light.

The gracious president and his team are at the point of desperation. The unruly coalition of PM Netanyahu with his partner and friend DM Barak may well have to renegotiate with the far right. This must be done with all haste. For the unfortunate circumstances surrounding this current state of affairs could well turn our cherished land into a rogue state. The US needs is Arab partners, not only for oil & gas, but for its ongoing war against Al Qaeda,Taliban and the Global Extreme Islamic Challenge. Israel can well defend itself alone. However, reading between the lines, Israel appears to be the spoiler. Obviously, the Arab League has taken notice. They will ram through some pretty harsh proposals. The career diplomats in today's Israel can hardly contain this continuous damage control. I agree, both PM Netanyahu and Mr.Obama have reached the critical point of no return. Shabat shalom me harei Schweiz.

Israel will have no choice but to accept a Palestinian State, but it will not be in Obama's interest to have a confrontation with Israel over East Jerusalem. He doesn't need to add more fuel to the fire of his American opposition when every American election is determined by voter turnout. Why inspire politically apathetic religious voters to cast their ballot? There are limits to what Obama can and will do; So much for inevitablity.

you can also add that many people projected into Obama what they wished him to be. Believe me, many American Jews, and not just Jews, suffer now from buyers remorse. Let hope we can all survive the term in office of our socialist 'messiah.'

Obama hasn't changed policy in the last 42 years. Why should Obama change it just to please some right wing wackos? US policy was set under Johnson and continued through Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush. It has remained unchanged on the settlements. They are not legitimate and expansion of Israel can only occur through negotiation, not at the point of a gun. Obama should not change US policy, especially not for the current Israeli government. The US supports Israel, but NOT its perpetual expansion.

Yet never mentioned in the Koran so why do the Palestinians want it. Beats me as they don't even call it Jerusalem in Arabic. I think all Israelis deserve to see the Palestinian map of their future Jerusalem before Israel makes any commitment.

It is too late for america to wakeup now. Israel became a bully, intransigent, unable to see clearly where the waves are heading. Israel is not legitamate, it stole the land and kept on claiming it is biblical land promised to them by god. Not true, the wold knows it. what is happening is a crime that is going on for 62 years under the watchful eye of the entire world with no one to raise a finger. It is time to wakeup world, israel is a periaha, will eat up any thing in the way. and harm its friends by forging their passport. It is all criminal behaviour. Israel CANNOT live in peace. It is against its ideology and nature. This has nothing to do with jews they are good people.

Surely something must be terribly wrong with a man who seems to be far more concerned with a Jew building a house in Israel than with Muslims building a nuclear bomb in Iran". Columnist Burt Prelutsky.

Eldar is right. The point of no return has come. The question for Israel is should she even try to come back? Everything for Obama is about winning his next election. He believes that if withdrawals from the war fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan are in progress,and the politics of both nations are not a complete mess, he will have a good chance of winning. He's not wrong. This contextualizes why he views Israeli behavior as such a liability. If American Jewry were united behind Israel like South African Jewry instead of being wimpish like British Jewry, it could be otherwise. but these diaspora behavior patterns are long established. Israel should have no expectations of an immediate reconciliation with the USA. But Israel will have to moderate her actions seeing that America will be unilaterally establishing a Palestinian State as its new ally. Israel must not knee jerk into anti-Americanism, try to keep relations decent and look for other strategic alliances.

The american government of Bush/Cheney was not loved, but all of America's enemies walked and talked very carefully, since they never knew just how far they could go before they got steped on and ended up on a hangman's scafold. The american government of Obama wants to be loved by all, but that is not going to happen. Those who hate america still do so, but now they no that they can say and do whatever they want without any fear of consequences. So now Obama expects the friends of America be the only ones who must fear the consequences of his wrath??? Obama accepts all the insults and anti-american actions of Ahmadinejad without responding, but expects that Bibi must cower in fear??? Not likely. Obama needs Bibi's help in becoming more than a one term president, Obama's support does nothing for Bibi's political future.

If Bibi continues along his current path, it could be the best thing for the Palestinians. Should Bibi tell the USA adios, he loses his automatic veto at the UN Security Council. The ONLY thing that has not kept Israel from being decalsred a complete pariah state is that automatic veto. Remember Bibi, we only waited two years for rogue state Iraq to follow the UNSC resolutions before we went in.

bigger bully always wins

The simple fact that Bibi refuses to face is that Obama is much more pragmatic than Bush and his little pack of neocons, who had a very narrow and singular view of the U.S.'s foreign policy toward Israel. Obama sees the bigger picture here and so do Gen. Patraeus and Def. Sec. Gates. There is a fragile balance of moderate Arab countries that America NEEDS to be allied with in order to confront Iran. Obama knows that he needs to show, once and for all, that America is committed to a truly fair and just solution to the Palestinian/Israeli situation or it will lose that moderate Arab support. What Bibi, with his child-like antics, does not seem to comprehend is that everything Obama is doing is actually in Israel's long term best interest. Sometimes the tantrum throwing brat needs a calm and rational adult to tell them, very firmly, "NO" followed by "You don't understand why now, but you'll thank me when you grow up".

Given that the US didn't make a sound last year as Israel slaughtered over a thousand human beings, it seems far-fetched to imagine they are upset with Israel now, over a few buildings in Jerusalem. What we are witnessing is the elaborate, choreographed positioning of the US and Israel as 'estranged'. Meanwhile, yesterday was business as usual, with the US vetoing three more UN resolutions against Israel, bringing the total of UN resolutions Israel has ignored to almost 70.

The basic parameters of the world's demands on both the Israelis and the Palestinians have been set forever. But if in fact those of us who for years have been saying, "Israel doesn't want peace; it wants land" are correct, then in fact the other thing we've been saying for years, "The Palestinians don't have a partner for peace" is true, too. Obama is just forcing Israel into admitting that it would rather continue their racist colonial adventures, and to remain a pariah in the world, than they would join the brotherhood of man and become a part of the modern world. Apartheid and Colonialism are dead and will not be tolerated in the world. Now we get to see if the Israelis can see that handwriting on the wall.

who is behind all terror against the united states and its allies? certainly not israel. it is the very same muslim states that hypocritically have been blaming israel for their own perfidy. who gave fawning speeches to the muslim world while american soldiers were dying in that same world? none other than obama. who decided to engage with the terror states of iran and syria? none other than obama. has he achieved more than bush? to the contrary. assad, who at least feared bush, is threatening war against israel. iran continues giving advanced missiles to hezbollah, continues its nuclear and ballistic missiles weapons and killing its young. as for the arab league. its member states continue to blackmail the west, it continues to keep palestinian refugee camps and it continues to spit on america while depending on american security. is netanyahu a tzadik? no, but he must be quite stunned to realise that israel has been designated the official scapegoat for islamic terror.

Just a reminder to all the Bibi naysayers, it is the US Congress that passes laws, not President Obama. No less than Nancy Pelosi said that both houses of congress are solidly behind Israel.

Mr. Eldar's sober analysis is on the mark. Israelis and Republicans alike have and still do understimate Obama's steally resolve to tackle the ills of the US. He passed the health bill, he makes progress in Afghanistan, he is about to sign an important agreement with the Russians, and will embark on important financian regulatory measures. He is resolved to move the Israeli- Palestinian negotiations into a high gear, expecting substantive results, or else. He has no time for fools or for obstructionists and prevaricators like Netanyahu. He got his number and he does not like him. Israel , regretably has positioned itself aginst the interests of the US. Well, there is a heavy price to pay for this folly.

When we don't have the consensus within the Israeli government to decide upon taking some necessary steps towards initiating the peace talks with the Palestinians, it's really unfortunate to all. How different would it be if the coalition states that the announcements of Jerusalem construction of 1600 units, to now another announcement albeit lowered number of only 20 units at the Shepherd Hotel, was not prudent in context to peace talks, while on the other hand, the Quartet is asking to temporarily refrain construction as the core issue of Jerusalem is addressed? There's really no difference in what it implies. It implies that there are areas which remain disputed territories within the vicinity of Israel's capital - and that's been on the table for decades or 42 years - to address the disputed ownership of areas within the region of , let's call it, "Greater Jerusalem."

if you don't even know Election Day is always the day after the first Monday in NOVEMBER (i.e. on a Tuesday, but if November 1st is a Tuesday, election day is November 8th)

Calling the current government 'extremist' is simply spin. The people voted these people and and in any election will probably send exactly the same people back again more likely than not. Obama may think that he is making progress, but he has in reality set back any hope for negotiations. A new coalition will require new elections and by that time who knows.

Obama administration is promoting appeasement and racism and preventing Peace. Obama needs to pressure Arab world to accept Israel as a Jewish state and start normalizing. This should be a first step. Telling Jews they cant live in Jerusalem is promoting Apartheid against Jews, not peace. Obama has done more to ruin the US in a year than any president before him. Good intentions and horrible execution equals real damage in the US and abroad. IN everyway Obama has failed, Honduras, China, Israel, Arab world, even Eurabia. Stop appeasement and start working towards peace. Cancel Palestine. Create peace.

A very silly analysis. Yes, America has moved from a friend of Israel, from a neutral mediator, to assume the role of a senior advisor of the Sunni-Shia Arab block, extending from the Palestinian Authority through to the Arab League, and, it is hoped, Iran. We should not be fooled. Just as Obama actually spoke of an undivided Jerusalem under Israeli control and then threw that under the bus, there is no reason at this point be trust that the strategy is to forge a coalition against Iran on Israel's back with Israel concessions--the policy could just as easily morph back into engagement and the attempt to forge a grand American-Islamic-Arab entente, including Iran, and with Israel reduced to dhimmi status.

Consider the fact that Obama's approval ratings are at an all-time low and Netanyahu's at an all-time high. The Prime Minister's views represent the will of the majority of Israelis, as poll after poll has shown. Obama has more to lose here than Netanyahu.

Good news as far as it goes, but AIPAC and the money will keep the US Congress in line with Israel's wishes. Hopefully the American people will read and note that Israel is a danger to the US and act accordingly.

There are plenty of Americans like me who would gladly trade off our Bamboozler in Chief Obama for a real leader with guts, vision and backbone--that's right, Bibi PM of Israel. And there are many Americans who have this same opinion. Obama is a troublemaker--here and abroad! Bibi for president of the USA!

what does really damage the american interests in the middle east and arab world isnt Netanyahu, but 7 years of iraq invasion. but of course, it is always easier to blame someone else...

It is clear enough on this side of the Atlantic. Barack Obama is the Presient of the US, leader of the strongest nation on earth. Whether he liskes it or not, he has responsibilties around the world. Obvious and plain that: - Israel cannot absorb Arab lands captured 45 years ago, on which Arabs live - Building settlements in the captured territory simply irritates a delicate situation. - Unless Israel decides to exterminate Arabs, or Arabs somehopw manage to exterminate Israelis, both will -- somehow -- have to live in this "land of two peoples", as Buber called it. - Certainly, Israel does not assist the US in any way. The US defends Israel (note large arms deal); the US must defend Israel. That is a burden when Israeli leaders build settlements, expel Arabs, and win supporters for the lunatic government in Iran.

Finally someone who is able to present the real issues. It was always going to happen. Nethenyahu and his crazy coalition has accelerated the process

Yes, and the American alliance with Britain would have been a strategic burden on its attempts to placate German and the USSR -- had they wanted to. Mr O wants to placate some of the most unsavory nations in the world, and sees Israel as a problem in his bowing, groveling attempts at ingratiation. Mr O has got to go. Americans: vote him out.

Did Congress change or did the American Jewish community change? Or both? Bibi better remembers that 70-80% of American Jews voted Obama.

Obama knows that Israel will continue to choose expansion over peace until they are forced to change. Obama is ready to supply the force, but before he does, he is making a crystal clear case that Israel refuses to comply with the long time American position on settlements. Netanyahu thinks that he still has a negotiating position but has nothing. Unless he joins forces with Kadima immediately and suspends all settlement growth indefinitely, including EJ, Bibi's days are numbered. Israel is acting in a hostile fashion to Americas position and Obama will take the steps to treat Israel as a hostile.

President Obama should be supported by all patriotic Americans.

If Israel will sacrifice its relationship with America for settlements. What chance do the Palestinians have?