Netanyahu better shape up before U.S. tensions get worse
'Obama isn't only sticking the knife in,' a minister said, 'he's twisting it and enjoying it.'
By Yossi Verter Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu Barack Obama Israel news Middle East peacePrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned from the United States Thursday with egg all over his face but also with a painfully sharp insight - gone are the days when the White House was considerate about the intricacies of Israeli domestic politics.
Former prime ministers used to tell American presidents, "Understand, I have a problematic coalition." This no longer works. Obama is not making any effort to show sensitivity to Netanyahu's distress and worse - he's ignoring it as though he intends to wreak some political chaos here.
"Obama isn't only sticking the knife in," a minister said, "he's twisting it and enjoying it."
Shock treatment, a senior Likud figure said Thursday about Netanyahu's experience in Washington. If it changed him, Netanyahu will soon have to make a strategic decision whose importance cannot be overestimated. He will not be able to make this decision in the seven ministers' forum, with people like Benny Begin, Moshe Ya'alon, Avigdor Lieberman and Eli Yishai.
Netanyahu will face the dilemma Ariel Sharon faced in the autumm of 2005, when he quit Likud and formed Kadima to carry out the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. He will have to ask Tzipi Livni to join him in forming a new government without his "natural" partners, Shas or Lieberman. A government with new, different guidelines and a totally different coalition balance of power.
It is doubtful if he can and wants to do so, but slim as the chance is, Bibi may yet surprise us - and himself.
Some of his associates are pressing him to take the leap, create a political big bang and go for the Kadima option. They are in the minority. But the alternative is much more worrying, not to say horrifying. If he intends to continue his game of stalling, foot-dragging, hemming and hawing, he could find himself with no working coalition before autumn. He will be facing a sharp rift with the United States, a standstill vis-a-vis the Palestinians and possibly deteriorating security. Labor won't be able to remain in the coalition. All Labor's ministers except Barak speak openly and shamelessly today about when to quit. September's the latest, they say - at the end of the construction freeze in the territories.
Without Labor Netanyahu will remain with a 61-strong coalition, totally dependent on the right wing or Likud extremists like Tzipi Hotoveli and Danny Danon. He will have only one choice - to hold elections or add Yaakov Katz and his friends from the National Union to the coalition. In this case Israel will become, as far as the United States is concerned, a member of a new "axis of evil." That even Netanyahu doesn't want.
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these aliyah dodgers squatting here and there around the globe; they sure are a hoot, aren't theY? They are all upset with Obama because he has no intention of putting up Bibi's two step BS. How refreshing is that? I predict his reelection in 2012, that is unless the Myan's are right with their calender. Regards. Ballistic.
It's nice to see an American president actually developing some vertebrae where Israel is concerned. America's unquestioning support of Israel has cost thousands of American lives, trillions of American dollars, and much of our vaunted freedom. For what? So Israel's lunatic fringe can destroy any and all potential for peace in the Middle East? Israel is a sovereign country and can do what it damned well pleases. The United States is a sovereign country, too - and needs to start minding its own best interests. The United States needs to cut off any and all aid to Israel until Israel's and the United State's interests again coincide. That means - zero aid of any nature to Israel until Israel stops building new settlements, stops providing any support of any kind to existing settlements, and removes any and all settlers from occupied land. I believe - strongly - in Israel's right to exist peaceably next door to its Arab neighbors. It seems tough love is what's needed now.
Hanging tight to the left taxpayer mammary gland. Why worry if there are bad relations? Cause you know what side the bread is buttered on. Tough talk, just tosh.
Russia and Israel have nothing in common. Putin knows about Israel's double dealing and he has not forgotten Georgia. Remember? Georgia's president said "Israelis are in charge of our war and peace". You guys dream on. Tea.
I think the US should be gathering world support for sanctions against Israel rather than against Iran. It is US support of Israel that has caused 9-11 and the loss of trillions of dollars on this stupid war on terror. We should be supporting the underdogs, the Palestinians. The Arabs are the ones with the oil.
I think you, Yossi Verter better shape. Do you really think Netanyahu and not obama, has to shape up? Get your head on straight. Menecham Begin said it right long ago to the US: We are not a vassal state, or a bananna republic. Bibi declined to be a puppet of obama. He is the leader of one of the greates countries on earth. It is too bad, that you dont think so.
Obviously, you are a Muslim hater, but I for one do not share your sentiments. I would have to say that this is a perfect time for the great United States of America to "appease" Muslims of the world, if a greater war in the Middle East is to be avoided.
It's not his style.
When Barack "The One" Obama does what is best for US interests - why is his popularity falling so fast? This little Muslim appeaser will have his wings clipped in the upcoming midterm elections and he can be very happy if there is no impeachment against him until 2012.
If you resent US political interference in the zionists internal policy, then why the hell is bibi going to Washington? to meet AIPAC and interfere with US internal politics?
"In this case Israel will become, as far as the United States is concerned, a member of a new 'axis of evil.'" Unfortunately, global citizenry not only already consider Israel a member of the "axis of evil," but actually considers Israel the "hub."
article mostly just wishful thinking by an israeli leftist? Obama came into office and began insulting Israel and kowtowing to Israel's enemies. So are that many israeli's really concerned that Obama continues the anti-Israel line? If Israel avoids peace talkes that force it into making any territorial concessions that damage its security, is there any serious risk that a center-right coalition can stay in power until Obama leaves office in less than three years?? The more Israel tweaks Obama's nose, doesn't that make it easier for Lieberman and Bibi to build a closer relationship between Russia and Israel, especially considering all the common interests that Israel and Russia have??
It's very simple. Obama is US President. He is not interfering with Israeli politics. He is doing what he thinks is right for US interest. It's about time.
Events have been set in motion which will take on a life of their own. Everybody predicted that when Bibi formed his ultra right wing coalition there would be problems with America before long. Now that it has happened is anybody surprised? It is simply Israeli arrogance which leads to these little cusps in history. American support is taken for granted. So secure are some Israeli leaders that they are confident that the support will continue no matter how badly they treat the American leadership. Israel got away with it with Clinton and Bush, not so with Obama. Bibi will not end the year in office.
This is a sick administration that will be staggering after the midterms. Stay tough Bibi!