Netanyahu leaves U.S. disgraced, isolated and weaker

During the previous US administration, Hamas (the terrorist group) was elected to lead the Palestinians; hardliner/whacknut Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected "president" of Iran and is now ramping up a nuclear threat; and Israel was HUMILIATED in a war with Hezbollah. It was a trifecta of failure. WHAT HAPPENED? You had in the US White House a true kindred spirit--a simple-minded but devoted Christian Zionist who -- with a narrow-minded and bellicose foreign policy -- UTTERLY FAILED to improve Israel's security. Now you have to deal with a thinker, who despite his inexperience, learns quickly, and tries to build bridges. That requires him to consider the interests of Israel's most ardent foes (i.e., the people with whom you might want to make peace). And for this, you vilify him, taking your cues from the know-nothing American Right. It's a grave error in judgment. Just ask yourself, how'd that last guy in the White House-- the one you loved so much -- work out for you?????

Praises to you, for saying " IT IS NOT A SETTLEMENT, BUT YOUR CAPITAL"!!! You are doing the right thing, to build on your land. I know that the Gaza strip should have NEVER been given up to the people who do not keep their words, and change their minds. I know that GOD is with you and your people, and that you have all the rights in the world, to do as you please, I have seen people praying at the temple and NO one interferes, but if one little thing is done, lies are said and we don't hear what really happened, just what they want us to hear, but don't worry, PLEASE DON'T GET DISCOURAGED.My parents had the privilege to have taken a tour to Israel about10 years ago; and they as well as many others talked about how clean and beautiful it is, but not the other sites, peaceful way of saying it...It is sooo unfortunate that we can not all live in peace, but KNOW THAT MANY PEOPLE LOVE YOU AND ARE PRAYING FOR YOU, YOU ARE An HONEST,and HUMBLE PERSON. GOD BLESS...

As an American liberal, I have no fondness for Arabs, whose religion is inherently intolerant to modern democratic freedoms. However, being neither Christian nor Jew, I have no special fondness for Israelis, either. I see no reason why my country should have a special relationship with Israel. What I see in the way of both Israeli and Palestinian behavior does not inspire my approval. Instead of debating this point of view, I suggest that Israelis respond rationally to it, and its implications. No amount of self-righteous self pity or claims to God's special feelings for Jews will impress me, and you will find that this is a common point of view in America. I don't believe in God, and I observe that Israel has turned from being a victim to being a persecutor. Stop abusing Palestinians, and stop Israeli expansionism, or lose our backing. It's that simple.

One after another the Likud PMs go to Washington thinking that we should keep sending them huge piles of money year after year to support their weave and dodge of any peaceful opportunities. We Americans, should not be sending billions to governments that do their level best to destabilize whole regions. The idea was that after Bibi had his victory lap around the AIPAC crowd the administration was supposed to be brought into line. News here, American kids are at risk as never before because of Likud ultra nationalist policy, that will be what we look at more than what keeps AIPAC happy.

Well put,however at the rate BHO is running like a headless chicken is expalanation enough for people to understand the intricacies of our governing system don't you think? I mean when you wrote:The" US congress represents all Americans. No, it does not and it was never intended to be so! Each congressman/congresswoman has, as a first obligation, to represent their 1/435th of the nation. Each Senator represents 1/50th of the USA. Each of those congressional districts and states are unique demographically & geographically & each has unique wants & needs from the federal government. You see that's what I meant.So,obama is running LIKE A HEADLESS CHICKEN to see which way the wind is blowing.

Part of the reason everyone is beating up on Israel is because she is perceived to be weak. The Arab/Iranian forces have gained in perceived strength, while Israel has been deminished in recent years. No wonder UK and US no longer value Israel as an ally. The Jewish State must change this perception of Israeli weakness. The best way to show the Arab world "who is boss" is to demonstrate Israel's nuclear might. Israel should detonate a powerful thermonuclear device underground in the Negev, followed by an ICBM launch demonstrating capacity to deliver such a device anywhere in the world. Believe me, the anti-semites will quickly craw back in thier holes, and Obama will be rolling out the red carpet for Bibi.

A much misunderstood story - Canute was not trying to turn back the waves. He was demonstrating to his advisors that he didn't have power to control nature.

The headline should be "America disgraced and humiliated by Obama's disrespect for Israel and snub of Netanyahu". Please forgive the American public for the humiliating behavior of Barack Obama, President-in-shame, and his administration. God bless His chosen people of Israel, and Jerusalem, the City of David. Tana-Lee

People wearing keffiyeh on the subway in NYC now get more congratulations ("Solidarity!") from people than ugly stares. Baristas give them free stuff in coffee shops. Israel is definitely no longer cool. It's good for Iran that Netanyahu is angering American the way he is.

Bibi, keep doing what you are doing... in two years there will be a new president which hopefully will will do a better job supporting Israel.

Obama is the elected voice of the USA in the world. He has to weigh our interests not necessarily among world personalities but among each nation's evolving policies insofar as those policies affect the USA. What affects the US in the world is the business of the American President. He has to act in the best interest of our country first and its allies next. That includes Israel. Someone asked if "The" US congress represents all Americans. No, it does not and it was never intended to be so! Each congressman/congresswoman has, as a first obligation, to represent their 1/435th of the nation. Each Senator represents 1/50th of the USA. Each of those congressional districts and states are unique demographically & geographically & each has unique wants & needs from the federal government. For those who want to know how our government works (as well as any human entity can work), THE FEDERALIST PAPERS & THE ANNALS OF AMERICA are good places to start...but not to stop.

History does repeat itself and Torah does have it down just right. 1 Kings 18 :21 And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said: 'How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' And the people answered him not a word. Israel must move forward with strength. This is what is required now. The time for compromise B"H is over now. Any concessions that Israel gives is to our detriment. But enough of that. Moving on. Barack Obama is flexing his muscles. It won't always be so. He has an election to worry about and Israel is very far from being a campaign issue. The closer he gets to campaign for the house and senate the more he must mollify Jewish-Israeli sentiments or risk losing that voting bloc. Look at it this way. Obama is getting in some pot shots that are merely for show. Israel still runs their own show. Whatever spin the newspapers put on this it is to create drama and controversy. That's the news.

well done Sol Kashberg (5) spot on, told it succintly & to the point; the USA money is all that matters

For once the American establishment tries to slow down the destructive forces rooming among Christians, Jews, Muslims, Americans, Europeans, Israelis, Arabs, Persians, Indians and all the rest of us. Still, those of you who do not like this peace effort will not have to worry, because your behavior and the behavior of people you do not respect will probably keep the kettle boiling for decades. Much energy will be invested in enhancing, maintaining and solving these senseless conflicts, instead of being invested in the production of wealth and good relations. So go ahead, praise the sword, injustice and corruption. You will be much poorer, and the rest of us slightly poorer, but what the heck: the national and religious egos will triumph.

Netanyahu showed he is trying to make peace inspite of obama's long held prejudice against Bebe and Israel. If you can tell the quality of a man by how he treats another when he has the edge over him, obama has shown himself to be a disgusting human being. To see the Israel left gloating over Natanyahu's treatment shows that these "Jews" have forgotten that when Jews are mistreated the secular ones are treated just as bad as any black hat Jew and that any excuse can be used to single out Jews to blame them for causing the hatred and bias. Do we not know better?

Natanyahu made the Jewish State of Israel a stronger nation. We thank you for your courage keep up the good work. G-d bless you and Israel

and get used to it or leave if they still don't accept reality. They have 55 arab countries to go to we have only one homeland to continue to live in Israel.

"I never trusted Obama from the first day that I heard his full name and/or the countries he lived in (eg, Kenya, Indonesia)." And that makes you what? Oh, yeah- an unthinking bigot. To think this is what the Jewish people have come to...

Stay strong!

bp - you said "None of what you say, C.O., detracts from the fact that Netanyahu keeps telling the Palestinians to "stop creating preconditions" at the very same time he doggedly creates very tangible preconditions (in W. Bank, E. J`lem)! Devious hypocrisy!" I can see why you would think that Netanyahu's behavior is creating pre-conditions on the ground. But this will continue to go on until there is a final peace agreement. This was also the situation when Abbas started negotiations with Olmert in 2008. Why were there no demands to stop building then? Why suddenly now there's this huge pre-condition? Even Arafat didn't insist on this pre-condition in 2000. Why suddenly now there's this pre-condition for the PA to even sit down to negotiate? I believe there is more chance for Israel to dismantle settlements by the PA engaging in a real negotiation than by refusing to even sit down to talk. Think about it.

I understand he wanted to pass his health care plan, but multi-tasking is an essential trait a president must have, especially a president of the world's only super power. With that said, I firmly believe Obama fears the Israeli lobby and won't dare cross the line. He knows in about a year and a half, the election season will begin. Should he put Israel in her place, he will surely never serve a second term. As such, the status quo will remain, Israel spits on the Americans, and they accept it and continue to spoil the brat.

I quote from Avi Issacharoff (Haaretz) today: "Netanyahu must also recognize the changing reality on the Palestinian side. Until 2004, the Palestinian Authority was led by Yasser Arafat, who was perceived by the Americans and Europeans as a terrorist. Now, the Palestinian leaders are viewed in Washington and within the EU as true partners in the peace process and in the effort to create a Palestinian state. It is Israel's leaders - specifically Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Likud Minister Benny Begin and Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon - who are far from being perceived in that way. In the past, the U.S. saw settlement construction as a "stick" used to deter Palestinian terror, but today it is viewed as an obstacle." None of what you say, C.O., detracts from the fact that Netanyahu keeps telling the Palestinians to "stop creating preconditions" at the very same time he doggedly creates very tangible preconditions (in W. Bank, E. J'lem)! Devious hypocrisy!

- & you don't need to be on the far left to see that. it's tragic as it wouldn't have cost anything to try to be more forthcoming towards the pals & make real negotiations possible. israel could still have retained a strong, unwavering position, not reducing any of its basic demands. the only cost would've been to clean up its own system internally, delineating a clear boundary vis a vis the settlers instead of letting them strengthen their grip on the rest of the country, increasingly as 'a state in a state'. now any trust /hope there still may've existed as to israel's willingness to a possible settlement w/the pals is being drained. for sure, nobody's gonna blame the pals for this break-down. it seems only an internal israeli crisis that ushers in new elections (giving livni a chance) could possibly turn the tide now. but it would take a battle & a national awakening to make a real change.

Hey Raymond, off with the My-optics for a moment even if they look so cool. Hasn't Israel been successfully showing the world "who is boss" for the last 65 years? I think it's time to experience some of Obama's change? New perspective from new optics?

Beyond the immediate, an essentially easy, question of whether Israel should be allowed to continue building in East Jerusalem during peace talks (and thus determine part of the outcome by new facts on the ground, there is the basic question: Is Netanyahu really capable of concluding a peace agreement with the Palestinians? The answer to this seems to be a definite NO. Netnyahu's positions are far behind those of other recent government (Barak, Olmert) and there is no hope the Palestinians will accept. For example, giving up the Jordan Valley (which once upon a time was viewed as protection against Iraqi tanks (under Saddam z"l), nor will Netnyahu agree to divide Jerusalem. Netanyahu knew this and was not interested in pursuing peace when running for PM. For example, he agreed then only to self rule, no state for Palestinians. Why did Netanyahu even run for PM? He was "promoting" the danger from Iran and would "solve" it. A ridiculous fantasy, and now the US wouldn't even cooperate.

I think Netanyahu looks stronger now. He did not capitilate to Obama and his pro arab minions. We all knew Obama was anti Israel from Day One.

humiliation?isnt that relative?ya'll got new weaponery and what happened during Biden's visit?ya'll arent playing with a full deck here.

Is that what Esther thinks? Too bad you are so patronizing toward her to have to explain for her, but perhaps she doesn't mind if her thought processes are as confused as you imagine them to be The reality is that the Palestinian Arabs participated in a declared war of extermination against the Jews and lost, and that explains a great deal about the current Arab-Israeli conflict, but you (or is it Esther?) don't want to deal with those aspects and their history.

Benny we are all settlers in Israel. Or have you forgotten? The settlers Obama wants removed have been there for eons.Not new,BUT OLD.And will stay there and we will build apartments for them. When people talk about buildings,they imagine HUGE HOUSE COMPLEXES.Stupid ignorants,we are going to build and doing so as we speak. So,there you are...

... if we do no heed the wise and well-meaning, including Obama, who are telling us that we cannot remain unchecked in our efforts to delegitimize and disenfranchize the Pals... this beloved land must be shared fairly, not brutally monopolized, as this shtetl coalition are trying to do...

with Iran effectively?

morning many of my non Jewish colleagues are crowing over Netanyahu's "spectacular" performance in standing up to what I continuously overhear is an ever more despised U.S. president. One even quipped that Netanyahu should run for U.S. President!

.... our political paths have diverged since Netanyahu took over together with Lieberman and Shas, instead of Kadima. That was the beginning of a downward path into....the present situation. As such, while we continue to share a lot of things, music, as well as Israel herself, we are at opposite ends of "how to"! There is nothing you, or I, can do about it. I believe I am closer to the reality than you are. That's all. And, even more important: we don't live in a vacuum......

but I think he's definitely on the wrong track. His "making nice" with Iran has gotten him nowhere, and even beating up on Israel is not enough to win him a lot of love in the Islamic world. U.S. allies should take warning that friends yesterday can be sacrificed for new friends today. Who's next? Taiwan?

Netanyahu has taken Israel down the path to self-destruction. He fails to recognize the need for international partners and the compromise that must go with that. Israel needs the USA but the USA does not need Israel. Israel also needs Arab partners. It cannot continue to suppress and take advantage of the Palestinians and ever expect to develop the Arab partnerships. The world continues to evolve and it will not wait for an isolationist state with policies that are offensive and destabilizing for the rest of the states. The Netanyahu-Lieberman-Ultra Orthodox coalition is too obsessed with self-interest and zealotry. The USA is correct when they say Netanyahu panders to settlers.

Netanyahu desperately trying to spin the line that relations between the United States and Israel are normal. When the shadow of Ytzhak Shamir looms ever larger. Israel's coalition is desperately trying to sell the line that everything is OK to an Israeli public who put front line and centre the relationship between Israel and the United States as being the top priority of the Prime Minister. Ironically it was the United States getting rid of Shamir that paved the way for Netanyahu. Labour will leave the coalition within the week, and Livni will (having won the election) become Prime Minister Then there will be a two state solution, or civil war in Israel.

"The point is, once Israel`s enemies know that the Big Brother has abandoned it, they will attack. This is the scenario within this decade: (i) Israel isolated and abandoned by USA and EU. (ii) Iran, Syria and Turkey will form an alliance to settle the Israeli question once and for all. They will want to finish off what the Nazis failed to do."

In my opinion Netanyahu stands as a hero much like Mattathias Maccabee. He has stood for Israel and the Jewish people with resolve and for that deserves only praise. Barak Obama is not G-d and certainly does not speak for Him. Thank you Mr. Prime Minister for your courage and remember G-d's words to Joshua, "Be of a good courage." Jerusalem will remain the capitol for all Jews everywhere.

First, where are the Arab moderates ?? I'll tell you, there are none, or they have been executed as collaborators. Second, the last *moderate Jews* were the ones who remained silent while 6 million fellow Jews were slaughtered in the Holocaust. Sorry, Never Again. Moderate Jews are viewed as weak dhimmis by the Arabs. No Can Do.

Problem is, Israel is not a peace keeping nation. Sure it has its liberals and thank God for them. But in the main all you have to do is look down the pro right comments and they read like spoilt, cruel children. The accusations of Obama being pro Islamist are ridiculous. The right wingers here seem to that pro arab human rights = pro islamist and anti Israeli sentiment = anti semitism. The Israeli right wing is a war monger and the mother of all terror.

"To the moderates, speak up and oppose the racist extremist views of the present Israeli government and their cronies in AIPAC." - Damien Those people spoke loudly during the last Presidential election. American Jews voted overwhelmingly for Obama.

Israel does not depend economically on anyone. In case you haven't checked, Israel is the Silicon Valley of Greater Europe. The Buffetts of the world can't wait to invest in Israel. The Palestinians on the other hand.... that is a sorry bunch, always with their hand out.

he (and most probably advisor Emanuel) picked a fight over a fundamental issue that most Israelis/Jews agree - sovereignty over Jerusalem. Attempting to intimidate the PM into submission with threats and an obvious unprecedented ice cold backdoor White House reception to a supposed ally, BHO has not only strengthened the PM but has cast doubt on any U.S. commitments to Israel. BHO has singlehandedly damaged U.S. foreign policy. Alienating Israel and leaving a more popular PM/Israeli government with that age old isolated outlook, makes a sole Israeli strike on Iran ever more probable. But more importantly, the possibility of peace becomes more remote as Arabs are encouraged to hold out from sitting with Israel in face to face negotiations as they undoubtedly expect more to be squeezed out of Israel.

Sir, it is well known for decades that Israel wants Jerusalem and al-Quds. The difference is that Obama spells out what all other US-Presidents put under the rug, i.e. that al-Quds has to be part of a peace deal between the Pals and Israel. The then and now PM Netanyahu had problems with al-Quds already in Sept. 1996 when The Jerusalem Post had an interview with the then Egypt. Foreign Minister Amr Moussa who complained that the Netanyahu government is expelling Palestinians from Jerusalem.

"And then you still wonder why the Arab world is hesitant to accept Israel...!" The world is tired of the Arab world being hesitant to accept Israel. The Arab world could have accepted Israel more than 60 years ago, but for the last 60 years and up until today it has not done so. Now the Arab world is asking Israel to give up this and give up that to make peace on Arab terms, and there is absolutely no guarantee that if Israel agrees to those terms the Arab world will finally "accept" it. By accepting Arab terms, Israel puts itself into more existential danger; for example, giving up the Golan in exchange for a "promise of acceptance" does not sound to me like a strategy to successfully defend Israel, and dividing Jerusalem is a 100% sure recipe for disaster and mayhem.

It is Obama that looks weak, ignorant, anti-Semitic, and a threat to our troops.He's an embarrassment.Stand strong Bibi.The Majority of the US, the Jews, and the Christians in the US and the world stand with you.Jerusalem should never be discussed.never.Next...

Not for long, bloodsucker. Mark my words, your "bills" are too expensive for us goyim, and we are sick and tired of you and your fanatical kind, not moderates mind you.

I imagine Esther knows of crimes past. Maybe Esther is not focusing on Arab fanatics from the Mandate period though, or looking for excuses for immoral behavior by todays Israelis by way of reparations for past Arab abuses, and more likely she focuses on the largely defenseless and put upon community of Palestinians who lose their livelihood TODAY, to the wall or the young hoodlums who run riot in the orchards or she regrets the harm to peace caused by those that are evicted from their homes that they have inhabited for generations in east Jerusalem so that ultra orthodox fanatics can move in.

Esther's words are few & truthful . A very articulate lady .

mr netanyahu has arrived at a point where it is asked of him to change course. will he?

'so what is israel getting for giving up her sovereignty?' -Kohn A country that depends economically on another country is not sovereign.

I know there are reasonable and moderate Jews who oppose the insanity of the AIPAC delegation. Jews who realize that living in peace with your neighbours means a lot for your mental health. Could these extremist war mongerers be putting up such rhetoric to ensure unending funding from the US. Think about it? To the moderates, speak up and oppose the racist extremist views of the present Israeli government and their cronies in AIPAC.

law. They insight war. No peace will stop the Arabs. They will continue until the Jews are out and Obama the Muslim is helping them. Are you that dense? What are you some self leftist hating Jew? Go live with the Palestinians bigot...

He's wise enough to know, in great detail, Jerusalem's 3000 year legacy as part of Jewish homeland, old enouph to know what occurred during brief oppressive islamo-facist rule prior to 1967, what it took to get their asses thrown out, and smart enough to know what to do to prevent it from ever happening again. Go BiBi!

Though gentile Canadian I support the continued existence of Israel. Nevertheless the two-state solution is necessary. The US should arrange defensible borders for Palestine and Israel. A wider corridor for access to West Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Part of Golan Hts for Israel. A US and UN "tripwire force" along the borders. A formal US-Israeli defence treaty. But if any Jewish "settlers" are to remain in the new Palestine they must become Palestinian citizens. Time to end this wasteful conflict for good!

IRAN CAN BUILD A BOMB BUT, ISREL CAN'T BUILD ON HER OWN LAND? ISRAEL- 1 USA - 0 .

I prefer to be on God, Israel and Netanyahu's side. Rather than Obama and his side,_______ (fill in the blank)

I AM APPALLED AT THE CONCLUSION DRAWN BY THE AUTHOR CONCERNING NETANYAHU'S DILEMMA. I CAN STATE AS AN AMERICAN THAT IF YOU ASK ME TO STAND WITH LET'S SAY THE BRITS OR EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS, I'LL CHOOSE MY COUNTRYMAN EACH AND EVERY TIME. HOWEVER IN THE CASE OF THE "SETTLERS" I PREFER TO HUMANIZE THEM AND JUST CALL THEM JEWS WHO HAVE CONVICTION ABOUT THEIR JEWISH IDENTITY AND RIGHT TO LIVE IN THEIR HOMELAND. I LIVED IN CHINA AS A JEW FOR 13 YEARS; HOWEVER I AM DENIED THE RIGHT BY BILLIONS TO LIVE IN HEBRON OR JERUSALEM OR TEKOA AS A JEW? SOMETHING'S CLEARLY NOT KOSHER!

State Department has come out of the closet. America is losing its vision and moral turpitude, as if OIC is going to give up Islamic Goal of ruling the planet with oil, oppressiveness, terror.Obama seems to be female counterpart of Osama. The US pandering is losing friends and emboldening Hate and Evil.

In historical context, the enemy segregated Jews in Palestine, treating them as dhimmis, second-classs subjects (Wistrich, 2010, p. 690); set upon the local Jewish population in the 1830s, looting houses and raping women (Kimmerling and Migdal, 1993, p. 8); on 4 April 1920 set upon Jews of the "old Yishuv," who were not even part of the Zionist movement, chanting about drinking Jewish blood and clubbing to death a British military pilot who tried to stop the violence against Jews (Morris, 2001, p. 95; Kramer, 2008, p. 210); and so on in 1921, etc.

It's good to see Obama stand up for human rights and international law. In retrospect, I think he only backed down earlier because he feaared that the Goldstone Report posed a real threat to Israel. Thus, he closed ranks and put support for Israel ahead of dealing with the spoiled, intransigent Netanyahu. Now, it's time to get back with the program. E. Jerusalem is not part of Israel any more than Kuwait was ever part of Iraq. The UN SC clearly rejected and denounced Israel's claim to have annexed it (Res. 476, 465). No country in the world, except Israel, recognizes any right of Israel to E Jerusalem or any of the W. Bank. Israel is like a thief claiming that he owns what he has stolen. It means nothing. East Jerusalem is not open for negotiation. It must be disgorged from Israel along with the WB. The only question is how high a price must be imposed before Israel accepts that it cannot commit flagrant violations of international law without consequences.

The one who has been disgraced is not PM Bibi but the arrogant BHO. And Mr.Benn up there has got the story wrong because he wants to see Netanyahu gone.. WISHFUL thinking he ain't going anywhere and will be our PM for as long as we like. Nice to see you here Pssd off...A

And hope he continuous in the same vain and gather strength from us THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. Wasn't it funny when Obama was about to leave on a visit and his clique urged him to stay and sort out the HEALTH CARE BILL.And wow without wasting a single minute MAGICALLY the bill was passed?? Ooooh THAT'S HOW OBAMA's spurious MAGIC WORKS. Result?BS

If Mr.Benn up there in his ivory tower thinks my Prime Minister failed,then I'd like to know would he have done better? Possibly,BY BENDING ON HIS KNEES LIKE A DHIMMI and kess O's feet. I am proud with my PM Bibi.He stuck by his word and STOOD UP FIRMLY. If Benn up there thinks he has been humiliated HOW SO?WHERE IS THE PROOF?

Obama isn't anti-Israel. His Chief of Staff served in the IDF and most his friends are jewish. He is anti Netanyahu fucking up his plans against Iran.

"he has blocked weapons sales while he has been arming the arabs, including egypt" Every President since Carter has supplied Egypt with weapons. what's more i think you'll find the US has and is continuing to supply Israel with far greater quantities and quality of weapons than it supplies Arab nations. You might sound a little less hysterical if you cast your mind back to the last President. Yes G.W.Bush, who also turned down Israel's request for bunker busting bombs to enable Israel to extend the range of damage it can cause and denied it permission to overfly Iranian nuclear sites. Think on and try to eliminate the tantrums. They cloud your thinking. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/washington/11iran.html

I truly hopes Bibi stays strong and does not cave in to Obama's provocations. If so, he will be the first Israeli leader in a generation who follows in the footsteps of Israel's founders. Stay Strong - we are all behind you!!

Classic example of your drivel. What do any of the irrelevant questions you ask have to do with the relationship of the US and Israel? Again, you can't dal with the substance of the issue.

Anyone who thinks that the muslims surrounding Israel are thinking peace with the jews and israel are brainless. There has never been any overtures toward peace by the so called palestinian arabs. Let all the arab countries recognize Israel then lets talk peace. Amazing how stupid the world is thinking that islam will be tolerant towards something esp israel or a split jerusalem

Obama got nothing for his display of bad manners and 'demands' of Israel while his silence on Shalit and the rockets from Gaza speaks volumes. Obama cannot do anything to make Israel his slave and bow to his will. He must be extremely frustrated that Israel just cut his demands off at the waist and sent his 'demands' back on the horse they rode in on. Israel expects to be alone while Obama is still President. Plenty of warning from his sinister minister, Jeremiah Wright. Obama painted himself into a corner, as an attorney, he should have known the answer to his demands prior to making them. Obama has a dozen eggs on his face over Israel. An ill advised public humiliation for Obama, a huge victory for Israel, AGAIN!

-many of them are christian zionists, while the others are american jews. do you really think that they are all foreign agents?- Christian Zios for rather bizarre doctrinal reasons insist on the strengthening of Israel for the sole purpose that world jewry might end up there.Regardless of their motivations they are acting solely in the interests of a foreign state so of course they should register as agents of that state. Its called being honest.

There are elections coming up in Europe and America. Netanyahu must begin to speak to the people of Europe and America. They can vote for leadership that will continue the process of Islamisation, or leadership that will strengthen European and real American values. The Israeli government is not willing to be Islamised, and neithr should Westerners. In the end "we are not bound to win, but we are bound to stay true...." Isn't that what Obama said? Speak to the Israeli people and like Churchill tell them to expect their toughest battle, but Israel shall not relent, shall not commit suicide, shall not be cowed out of existence, and it shall not be divided for the sake of a false peace. Better do it now then wait 20 years and be thouroughly cooked.

What about HUMILIATED? lol And the "proper" English word is not "weaker". It's "feminine", twatbreath.

Obama is temporary, Israel is forever and forever blessed by the G-d of Israel who dwells in Zion. Shalom.

OBAMA LOST, NOT ISRAEL. ISRAEL- 1 USA- 0

so you know, the same ones who have become known as 'the mad bombers'. Even the Muppets removed theirs by 'poliical correctness'. Too bad such a thing doesn't exist w/ the exploding pals.

my biggest gripe is the pro palestinian stance Obama takes against Israel, our only loyal ally in the ME. Couldn't be more proud of Israel and Bib's brave position to keep Israel, all of Israel as Promised. Best news in recent memory. Hate to say it but, (not you) an old saying says it all, "Yankee go home." Obama isn't the President of Israel.

U:"It`s time to take the gloves off and declare the Jewish State from the River to the Sea." And then you still wonder why the Arab world is hesitant to accept Israel...!

to deserve the title; Observer should enjoy open eyes., NOT blindness to realities. Based on the perpetual Israeli maneuvering, Pals have experienced the Israeli neogitiations tricks for too long not to conclude what they now came to realize. You can enjoy being Canadian, but definitely not a balanced observer.

Every country will look after its interest. USA is no different from this behavior. In fact USA has betrayed its friends; from Reagan to Carter. It should surprise no one if Obama abandons Israel. USA will one day abandon Israel regardless a Dem or Rep president. The point is, once Israel's enemies know that the Big Brother has abandoned it, they will attack. This is the scenario within this decade: (i) Israel isolated and abandoned by USA and EU. (ii) Iran, Syria and Turkey will form an alliance to settle the Israeli question once and for all. They will want to finish off what the Nazis failed to do. (iii) Israel will use nuclear arms to go down with its enemies. (iv)Saudis and Gulf countries will remain neutral and reap the benefit. (v)USA and EU will again suck the Arabs for oil. (v) the payment will be islamization of EU first and USA later. (vi) Everyone will wish Israel had been there to keep the check but too late. Enjoy Jew hating while there are Jews around.

do you want to live in a shtetl? that is what obama is offering. assad is threatening war; iran wants israel punished; the un wants israel to pay war reperations; the uk has expelled an israeli diplomate. obama has stopped imposing strong sanctions on iran; and he has refused to sell certain weapons to israel. so what is israel getting for giving up her sovereignty?

dont forget the influence of rahm emmanuel in the whitehouse.. finally a more moderate jewish voice is rising above the hysterical cackles in the us

If Obama backs down from Netanyahu and demands the peace process resume under the same Israeli expansionist backdrop, then it is the U.S. which is left disgraced by this row. If Obama makes Israel pay for its intransigence, then the peace process will win, and the disgraced people in this party will be Netanyahu and his far right allies.

On St.Patrick's Day last week President Obama spent much of the day wearing Shamrock and attending Irish events and being photographed in PUBLIC with the Irish PM and other ministers, including the Foreign Minister. At a Dinner in the evening part of the entertainment was provided by a traditional Irish Dance Troupe from Public School 95 in the Bronx. What was most intersting about this is that all the chidren were of Hispanic or Afro-American origin. On the same day in New York members of the IDF (IRISH Defence Forces- 58th Reserve Batallion). marched Down 5th Avenue. Before the parade began the Irish attended Mass at St.Patrick's Cathedral along with the 69th INf. of the US Army (The Fighting Irish). I am writing as one who would like nothing betterthan to see the Israeli Army getting an equivalent warm welcome in NY- and also serving alongside the Irish in UN Peacekeeping Operations.

I agree with total settlement freeze, but even if Israel agrees to a settlement halt..There is still Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah..Can anybody answer this question? When Fatah and Israel signs a final deal, will Iran and its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah drop the Jihad they started? The only party that US can pressure is Israel because as much as the current Israeli goverment is far right, pressuring Israel wont cause some Lunatic Jew to blow up any where, but pressuring Palestinians cause rage and anger resulting in violance and bombings.

that an eventual settlement will see a palestinian east jerusalem capital & international control of the old city. Conservative US hegemony is on the wane & most fairminded citizens of the world will press for a more equitable solution. U must adjust your strategy long term to acknowledge geopolitical realities in world politics. without US funds your IDF is too weak

and Bibi is getting caught on the wrong side. By linking him to the illegal settlement activities and the settler movement in general, Binyamin has defacto become their leader. Barak is jumping ship any day, if, and that is if he would like a second term in office one day. He is an ambitious little settlement builder, but he's ego will get in the way. If it stand between Baraks ambitions and those of the settlers, Barak will break with them.

Go for it,sue immediately for it all back as the govt. does not need it Can't wait Sol for your class action. PS Do Jews in Iran publicly condemn the Mullah dictators? Do they have death to Iran demonstrations or throw stones at praying Moslems? Do Jewish lecturers demand a Republican guard leave the lecture hall because he is in uniform and armed?

one person in HEAVEN

When Obama signed the health care bill, he signed the death warrant of the US economy and liberty, so is hardly in a position to admonish Netanyahu. As per Hillary Clinton's AIPAC speech, Netanyahu does indeed have courageous and difficult choices to make. He can choose to make Israel the equivalent of a Mongolian ally to the US, or he can show loyalty to his countrymen, as in the Jewish settlers, and proceed on with making Jerusalem the capital of Israel. The US also has to make courageous and difficult choices. A good start would be to withdraw all political and financial support to the Palestinians, so that they, too, will be incentivised to make courageous and difficult choices.

Let them try.Israel not .................

it is basically irrelevant whether netanyahu is right or wrong about ramat shlomo, etc.... what matters is that he cannot accept being treated like a vassal, or a dhimmi. obama has acted like a potentate. he is absolutely disgraceful. bibi cannot accept such treatment without surrendering israel's sovereignty. nor is it even the case that obama has done anything for israel. quite to the contrary. he has blocked weapons sales while he has been arming the arabs, including egypt. personally, i am appalled.

Hey you Israeli people, Only when you recognize the rights of Palestinian people to live side by side with you on equal footing then you will be granted the legitimacy as a nation. I believe Obama is putting you back on correct track which will allow you to integrated your self to international community. Administrating the conflicts is no more workable. You should settle the conflicts. Obama is helping you to get the legitimacy. Do not loose the amazing opportunity.

Israel and Jerusalem the capital of the Jewish State not for SALE at any price. Jews will survive with ot without USA and the world. Am Israel Hai Haleluya

he leads a country which depends on our welfare checks to survive, and he has the chutzpah to pick a fight with our prez. this is an insult to the american people and not just to our leaders. someone should whisper a few words in his ear: YOU ARE NOT ALL THAT.

If the us is a super power then why does Iran spit in their face and the US is impotent.

Netanyahu and his cohorts full of baloney. Only interested in using other pople and taking their money to use for themselves at others expense and giving nothing in return. He should leave with his tail between his legs like he deserves. He and the rest of them cry all the way to the bank with other peoples money1 All of a sudden he claims to representthe Jewish people. He could care less about the Jewish people. All he cares about is making appeals for other peoples' money. and give a big zero in return.

Israel voted for bibi not obama. 1.During bibi's last tenure the fewest number of citizens lost their life to terrorists by comparison to future incumbents. 2.Recently the head of the army and I believe the minister of defense had discussions how we shall manage without USA military subsidy. 3.The gift from the final day of the bush administration is some sort of very powerful radar however it is manned exclusively by USA military personel. 4.The JSF the F35 the USA is only prepared to have a repair centre in Israel manned exclusively by USA personnel. 5.Declassified meetings from pentagon of 1967 the week of the 6 day war show that in the event of Israel being to successful in a mideast war USA would have to invade Israel to contain her, events overtook USA. 6.1948 USA refused to sell weapons to the new born state in the hope of a still birth. Israel is between a rock and a hard place but it is very clear that despite generous offers by Ehud Barak in 2000 and by Ehud Olmer.

I am amazed at what an arrogant and obstinate politician Bibi is. Does this guy have no EQ?? It was right of the US to treat this petulant and impertinent tyrant the way it did. You have only yourself to blame for blowwing away this opportunity. Do you believe an almighty God would rather you treat the Palestinians the way you do or live in peace as in required in the 10 commandments. Please sort out your morality issues.

Natanyahu is not trained in the art of deceipt and deception like lawyers Obama and Clinton. I am not surprised that after Obama's Health Care Victory, he sees himself as the Ruler of the Universe. He will be brought down to size by the faltering US economy and its' failure to create jobs. The economy always determines the results of an election in Western countries not foreign policy except perhaps Israel whose security and existece is as threatened as never before. Bibi is elected by the Israeli people. They are united behind him by a large majority on the status of Jerusalem.

Un fortunately, I am afraid, our people wont follow you

....believing that he, Lieberman and Shas (plus the settlers) can survive a conflict with America and its President Obama! A ridiculous hope...

Perhaps you should do the job of the Prime Minister.

His arrogance is unbelievable. He went to the US in order to challenge the US PRESIDENT on his own turf. The arrogance of this fool defies description, and is symptomatic of Israel's attitude to the rest of the world.

Haaretz's poll conducted about a week or so ago revealed that the Israeli public think that Obama is fairly treating the issue...Apparently it's your PM and his settlers that are only interested in land grab

Why Israeli people are getting angry when they don't get all they want? Lucky the US tries to stop the apartheid regime and stealing. Enough is enough. The EU supports Barak Obama.

I just wonder when the people of Israel would finally understand that they are not better than any others, that they can not and should not oppose the whole world, and that they, as a small country, located in the middle of the arab world should make friends with them. I am just wondering when the World would stop tolerating their arrogance. When they will start pay attention to the International Community, without which the State of Israel is not able to exist (financially). WHEN???

I don't here Clinton or Obama "speaking the truth" to their "friend" the King of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia merrily goes along beheading 100+ people a year, half of which are foreign nationals from from Indonesia and Malaysia. The sword beheadings are done in horrific bloody public Islamic rituals in town and city squares across Saudi Arabia. US drinks the oil and pays with F15s while it condones this insanity. Is there any disgrace lower than that? Eh? Any words on THAT, Aluf Ben?

Obama would have still done the same whether Bibi remained in Israel or went to Washington, D.C. Bibi is not disgraced. Obama has been hammering at Bibi even before PM entered office last year. Obama has been abusive publicly and very shrill in doing it. I contacted my US Congress persons and expressed my extreme displeasure with Obama in this matter. I will be voting for US Senator and House Representative this coming November.

The USA is the superpower, NOT Israel. Bend over and take the spanking.

Israel is causing this problem for themself!! they isolated themself with their bully ways!and arrogance ways

Alas, no progress on peace will be possible as long as settlers are running the country. No American will support Israel when it insists on building outside its border and on palestinian land. The colonial era ended 50 years ago in the Western world, it is time for the Israeli society to put an end to the malevolent actions of settlers who prevent any possibility of peace witht heir illegal outposts.

Now, when US,Europe and arab countries have seen, that Israel is not giving in it's settlement policy putting to hold the peace negotiations with the Palestinians because of that. The world start to give up with Israel.Hopeless...The peace is not in the first place in it's "priority list".Now it is time to try to create the better relations with the neighbouring arab countries,too.

I never trusted Obama from the first day that I heard his full name and/or the countries he lived in (eg, Kenya, Indonesia). His eloquent speeches and good looks do not make him a better friend of Israel - Bush was 10 times better and so was Clinton (the man). They certainly don't charm Netanyahu, who seems/feels further isolated by Obama's rebukes and ultimatums, and I agree that he needs to stay strong and unbending to proceed with Israel's ongoing policy of building in Jerusalem.

Well it wasn't the US that voted him into power. He did actually come second, Kadima won the elections, but Kadima would never have a rascists scum like the former Moldovian bouncher, now FM of Israel. Barak and Livni will take over soon and Binyamin cut down to sieze. It's just a matter of time. Without American support Israel is doomed.

... that Bibi regarded them as the main source of his mis-placed euphoria, before secluding himself with Obama...

"I find it it interesting that the PA always creates reasons why it can`t start negotiating, always waiting for more concessions before the actual negotiations begin."CO "There`s little incentive for the PA to start negotiating"CO There never has been any incentive---Israel has nevr given any. The gig is up Canadian observer(part time.)

American Thinker: Obama and Clinton Flunk the Pinocchio Test at AIPAC 3 Mar 2010 ... To win over the doubters, Obama declared that as far as he was concerned, Jerusalem must remain Israel's "undivided" capital. ... www.americanthinker.com/.../obama_and_clintion_flunk_the_p.html - Cached 2.Abbas slams Obama for saying Jerusalem to stay Israel's undivided ...Obama also criticized McCain during his address to AIPAC, for what he said was the Republican ..... jerusalem will never remain israel undivided capital ... www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/990490.html - Cached - Similar

Israel doesn't have too many "friends" in the world today, in case you haven't noticed. Ever stop to think, considering so many countries have serious problems with what it's doing, that the problem is with Israel and not Obama? How much is it going to take before Israel realizes that when everyone else is saying its wrong, chances are that it is? And actually Paul, of all the rest, Obama is probably a better friend to Israel than most. Just think about it.

Oh Isreal, the times are changin... and Netanyahu; the self inflicting damage maker is not getting it. THE TIMES ARE CHANGIN and the jewish people in and outside Isreal want peace now before tomorrow. Also, the palestineans want their state, the Syrians their Golan back, while Nasrallah is still have unfinished business with zionist israel, so the times are really changin...

Israel doesn't have too many "friends" in the world today, in case you haven't noticed. Ever stop to think, considering so many countries have serious problems with what it's doing, that the problem is with Israel and not Obama? How much is it going to take before Israel realizes that when everyone else is saying its wrong, chances are that it is? And actually Paul, of all the rest, Obama is probably a better friend to Israel than most. Just think about it.

from what i have read, aipac is an organisation with 100,000 mebers. many of them are christian zionists, while the others are american jews. do you really think that they are all foreign agents? maybe you want to register mebers of the u.s. congress, too. after all, they attend aipac functions. such accusations smack of mccarthyism.

It seems to me that main question has not been done : why US is pushing Israel to isolation using the matter of east jerusalem for this purpose? To me the answer is clear : US , ONU and Europe are trying to take distance from Israel as the conditions of a war against Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas are quickly coming up.Morevover they're trying to spark off the fire to let Israel do the dirty job alone. Cowards western countries!

... the disenfranchized Pals in East Jerusalem who lost their homes to the settlers?... or the West Bank Pals who were forced to forfeit their groves and orchards and family lands to voracious settler expansion?...

Unfortunately, Obama had weakened the USA to a point the U.S. had lost respect across the world.

Netanyahu, stop playing around. He should be admonish by hisown people. do not promise new generations peace. ashame

At this pace, Netanyahu will be around to lead his people to their new homeland in New Jersey. Happily, as has been so often pointed out, he's great at dealing with America. It's his strong suite.

If he stands with Israel's enemies, then the American people will have to decide about Obama.

It isn't whether Bibi is with America or the settlers. It's whether he is with the settlers or the whole non-Jewish world. The EU, everyone, is saying get back to the 1967 borders. Getting land by force is universally agreed as illegal.

What a bunch of anti Obama morons who write here. Get a clue he is not anti Israeli. Israel leadership is anti peace. Obama wants a fair deal for Israel including security AND including Iran not gettting the bomb. He is getting little help but gameplaying from all the parties. So now he is playing the game too.

"We are all anxiously waiting for the "honey trap" for Iran." CJK That is only possible with very close ties between the two countries. So, how do you suggest the US bring US-Iran ties closer? Should we sell them some arms at cut-rate prices? Maybe an AA system. You may not have noticed, but the US and Iran don't get along too well. So how should the US improve that relationship so a honey trap can be set?

Ramat Schlomo is NOT Jerusalem, never was. And maybe if the Israeli government built some housing inside Jerusalem for its non-Jewish inside Jerusalem, the US would look more favorably on the building. How many thousand apartments have been built that are available for non-Jews, in Jerusalem, at subsidized prices?

PR Newswire United Business Media "US Department of Justice Asked to Regulate AIPAC as a Foreign Agent of the Israeli Government" http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-department-of-justice-asked-to-regulate-aipac-as-a-foreign-agent-of-the-israeli-government-88190712.html The Israel Lobby Archive. The Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy. "FBI Investigates AIPAC For Espionage and Theft of Government Property in 1984." http://irmep.org/ila/economy/

Israeli civilians in East Jerusalem are illegal immigrants. At least according to the law.

The Americans know all about tricksters and shysters - they had their own - he was called 'tricky Dicky' [Nixon]; but at least Nixon proved himself a statesman too - if only because he renewed US ties with China. The British too know a little about megalomaniacs - they had their King Canute, who thought he could order the waves to cease breaking on the shore.

Health care is passed. It's time for our great president to bring social justice to the world. The Palestinians will see a state under Obama. The blockade on Gaza will end. The Golan Heights will be returned. All West Bank Settlements will be dismantled. East Jerusalem will become the capital of Palestine. Finally, and Obama is the man to do it. Social justice and international law will prevail.

Ben Gurion directed Israel toward an American Alliance and this has been the Israeli reality for decades. But Ben Gurion's Zionist lectures never convinced many American Jews, let alone Americans, to change their idea that it is America which is the world's best hope. If you take out balancing scales and start to pile up on either side which way Israel is going to go vis a vis the current American ultimatum, I think you will find that there is a Palestinian State at the end of the exercise. If only Israel had reduced its dependency on the USA a few decades ago. As for mediation, China and Russia would be a better bet because those nations don't present an ideal which competes with Zionism among Jews. The cost of Bibi going with the settlers with over 40% of Israel willing to share Jerusalem is way too high, and besides, Bibi is part American.

We grew tired of the former US president and his right wing, religious when it suits you, conservatives. As will Israel. Time to elect more moderate leaders Israel. Oh, that's right, there's no such thing in the land of the settlers.

Playing AIPAC against POTUS, insinuating he will be a single term president is a kind of bluff which cannot work. General Petraeus public and written remarks on US policy towards Israël hampering and endangering US interests have not been rebuffed by US administration. Times have changed. It is irreversible. Occupation of others land is not.

... what have you go against the USA that you should wish upon them such a clownish coalition empowered by Fox TV?!...

....thinking that he, with his Likud, Lieberman and Shas (plus the settlers) have the slightest chance to survive America's and its President's will! The issue of settlements and Jerusalem will NEVER split the American people! They are NOT existential issues for Israel! THE CONGRESS WILL GO WITH THE PRESIDENT! THE REPUBLICANS TOO!

Kol Hakavod to Bibi. May G-d give him the strength and courage to stand up to Obama and his henchmen.

Most of the Jews in Israel are Russians, and Russia will not allow its people to be annihilate. Look back at Israel beginning, Russia was sending the bulk of the people and the Bitish Zionists were providing tacit support for Israel creation. At that time USA were Bossom buddies of the Arabs. Israel will survive but BiBi got to change his extremist ideology. Temper your Zionist rightwing fervor for everlasting peace in the Holy Land.

... with equal rights for Israelis and Pals, not the segregated and apartheid city of today, where fanatic Jews prevail, and the Pals must knuckle under and even forfeit their ancestral homes and properties...

Aluf has the emotional intelligence to distinguish friendly from hostile intentions and actions which most of Israel's sad leaders (both Kadima and Likud) so sadly lack. Netanyahu has been played for a fool, and his weak-kneed apologetics alternating with blustering statements has been very embarrassing for all Jews and Israelis. He should resign forthwith in my opinion.

... is behaving in so boorish a fashion to his immediate neighbors in the ME, that the whole ME is fomented with bitterness and feelings of segregation and injustice...

... but it's a sad day when one has to be proud of a USA president, for taking a decided stand against ones own ill-advised PM...

When your friend does something that you find to be morally reprehensible, do you blindly support him? When you think that they doing something so stupid that it damages not only themselves but also yourself, do you support them? Does it make you a better friend? If you do, you must believe in serving drinks to your friends who happen to be wrestling with alcoholism. Both Israel and Iran are at their core theocracies. Who'd of thought that it would be the Iranian people risking their lives and standing opposed for what they believe to be right. I guess that the Palestinians have become dehumanized, or the lifestyle has become so comfortable that the Israeli citizens are willing to turn a blind eye.

I applaud Prime Minister Netanyahu for standing up for G-d's chosen people Israel! When will President Obama, VP Biden & Sec. Clinton get it through their heads that Israel DOES have a right to exist, and DOES have a right to build within it's own G-d-given territory? And, Israel DOES have a right to defend itself! There's one part of this article I disagree with, and that is the assertion that Mr. Netanyahu left D.C. "disgraced, isolated and weaker." If anyone should be disgraced, it is President Obama and his Administration for its treatment of our one true ally in the region! I apologize to the people of Israel for the actions of our elected representatives. Please know that Obama & Co. does NOT represent how the American public feels about Israel. I am a Christian Zionist and proud of it!

Why does Obama (with his vast skills and experience in world affairs) humiliate our friend and ally in such a way. Israel is the only democratic nation in the whole middle east that stands with us and they should be treated better. No stipulations have been put on the Palestinians before talks but Obama has put one on Israel. Not right!!

The state of Israel has lost any respect the rest of the world may have once held for it.No longer are nations blinded to its governments agenda.Where once nations championed Israels right to exist and self defence now many are turning their backs,as they should.The arrogance and self righteous approach Israel has adopted seems to have falsely emboldened it.The consequences will be massive and enduring.As for the right wing nationalists who preach against its detractors gather speed they are in no way a match for the rest of the world when push comes to shove.Choose your path wisely Israel otherwise you are likely to be left dangling over the cliff with the rest of us watching with a "told you so" look on our faces and unwilling to extend a rope!

the election.

It is Obama who is a disgrace. 40% of the world's Jews now live in Israel After Obama makes the American army impotent. Iranwill team up with Russia (as if they already haven't ) and wipe out Israel without impunity. Then they will take over Europe too because there won't be an American Army to Protect them either. I wonder then will the Jews in the US be happy they elected Obama.

Read the comments sections in American newspapers. When there are clashes between the American government and a foreign government, Americans are going to take the side of the American government. Public opinion has given Israel a pass on a lot of things -- ranging from settlements to the very fact that Israel defines itself as a Jewish state rather than a secular state -- because our leaders have avoided confrontations with Israel. Truth is, if Obama wants to take a stand on settlements, it's going to be Israel left out in the cold. We don't really need Israel, and standing up to you guys would probably help us in the Arab world, which actually has strategic importance.

BP - read your history. 1) Israel-Egypt peace treaty of 1979 - Israel removed all settlements in the Sinai after the treaty took effect 2) Israel withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 - Israel removed all settlements in Gaza History has shown that Israel can remove settlements if that's negotiated in a treaty or even if not (as in 2005). I just don't buy your justification for the stalling by the PA. If Abbas really wants peace - then start negotiating the terms for peace, including the issue of settlements. There are plenty of things that the PA is doing that are counter-productive to peace initiatives and that run counter to international law, just as you claim Israel is doing. But Israel is not insisting that they stop doing them before they will start negotiations. THAT'S WHAT NEGOTIATIONS ARE FOR. So start the negotiations, already!

I have been a huge Bibi fan since his 1st stint as PM. Most Americans come down on the side of Pastor John Hagee as opposed to anybody in the Obama administration. Most Americans understand Isreals God given right to self governance. We understand the US/UN/Russia or anybody for that matter has no business meddling in Isreal's affairs. I wish that when you speak of the Obama administration you would not refer to them as "America, The Americans or the United States" since they bear no resemblance to real Americans who fully support Isreal. God Speed Isreal

Is this all Obama is capable of, setting a "honey trap" for an ally and a prime minister? I believe that Aluf Benn might be right. The world has not witnessed such a purposeful, public humiliation of an ally in memory. Setting honey traps is not the mark of leadership. It is the mark of thuggery. We are all anxiously waiting for the "honey trap" for Iran.

Aluf is very dramatic but it seems to me that everything is fine with the US and Israel. Its the creation of the media that is the problem here.

Bibi is a very strong man who suffers the slings and arrows from Leftists very well. In The President of the USA, the Zero, Netanyahu has met someone who really hates Israel. And in Haaretz, we have an extreme Leftist newspaper that also hates Netanyahu. Therefore, it isn't surprising you use such inflamatory rhetoric in your headline. Bibi can take it. As for The Zero - just wait while he continues making statements and pronouncements that do nothing but let his fellow Muslims know that he is not going to support Israel in any fights. He will start an Intifada against Israel with his attitude, and/or another open warfare conflict.

Mr. Benn may not understand enough about our government in America. The US Congress, which ultimately controls the purse strings of the country, overwhemingly supports Israel and Netanyahu. True, there are some points of contention with the White House and the State Department, but the latter has been anti-Israel for a long time. I beleive the White House will eventually come around. After all, Obama is still learning.

...so then the people who've lived in Jerusalem their whole lives must be Israeli citizens. Why are they not all being given the right to vote?

Netanyahu has begun the destruction of Israel. Europe and now the USA are turning against us. We should vote this idiot out of office before it's to late.

you are really sick man with the pen you really are.

This is what he gets for allowing a bunch of fanatics and drunks to run most of the important ministries of his government. Israelis must realize that the Demos are in power because The R's ran this place into the ground. Wishing for an American president to fail is stupid foreign policy for Israel.

world opinion overwhelmingly wants israel to stop building in jerusalem and expanding settlements. only israel's right wing and zionist extremists stand with bibi against the tide of history, and that cannot endure. third, fourth, and fith intifidas are already in the works because of israel's unwillingness to negotiate. no individual or country can endure against the tide of history. bibi, be warned. learn or be overwhelmed.

Israel agreeing to abide by international law and stop creating preconditions, i.e., "facts on the ground" that are tangible preconditions (both in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem)--agreeing to this is not a "concession." Only an ideologue blinded to common sense can not see this. Bibi is fond of admonishing the Palestinians to stop insisting on "preconditions" while at the very same time he goes merrily on creating preconditions in the form of never-ceasing settlements in the West Bank and invasive building in East Jerusalem.

Obama is saving Isreal from self distructive behavior. I am glad Obama is reminding this idiot that USA pay your bill and u can not indanger American national security. Isreal is ungreatful to their friends. Just look how they stole European passport and use to murder people and indanger their citizen. Just look how they steal USA secerets. It is time stop this non sense and make peace.

stands with America or with the settlers.....but in reality it's whether he stands with Israel or with the settlers. It's costing Israel a lot to maintain these goons.

Each country looks out for itself. Who is Aluf Benn in sympathy with - certainly not Israel. Apparently, Aluf Benn hasn't learned anything from the Gaza debacle. As a matter of fact, Obama's mistaken style is to push away the former alies of the USA, such as England, in order to charm its enemies onto his side. Iran hasn't stopped laughing.

Well finally, the real truth is starting to emerge. The zionist have no real plan for peace. The whole world recognizes the occupied lands and east Jerusalem as the future Palestinian state. It's time for Israel to accept that peace with the Pals is far more important then land grabs for settlers. Good for Obama to finally force the Israeli's to toe the line. As far as all those concessions Israel keeps making, somebody please name one. One that doesn't involve something that already belongs to the Pals. Israel wanted recognition on it's right to exist and they got it from Arafat in 1993. That's seventeen years ago, and you Zionist are still demanding the same thing. Enough is enough. It's time to stop American aid to a State that has absolutely no interest in US foreign policy.

..vote, you're so used to Bibi :-) " "Oh..bami baby.. :-) ..you...you ...wwouldn't!! Would you ? :-( " "Uh huh :-) Bibi/....We would! :-)" "Why Obami, baby, pal, friend..:-( WHY?" " 'Cause...we...can, Bibi :-) And guess what Bibi.. :-) " "What... :-( " "YOU CAN'T :-) !! So be a good frog and get out of the pot before we turn th' heat t' high! OK . :-) " "But Obmi, baby, we're not a frog... :-( " "I know, I know. :-) It doesn't hurt a frog! :-) . So get out of the pot 'cause we'd hate to see you splashin' hot water around on us if you think you can get out later :-) "

what concessions did the PA get, you slow thinking propagandist? There is what's called international law, have you ever heard of that? The PA is following it, and the US trying to now for once, but why is Israel beyond international law??

President Obama has not kept his word to his American pro-choice supporters (the health insurance reform act denies poor women the right of choice) or his homosexual supporters (who are denied the right to marry or enter a civil union and are still discharged from the US Armed Forces if they or someone else discloses reveals their homosexuality), so what makes anyone think he will keep his promises to Israel?

Terrible--Thats what happens when we have a Muslim President--legal or Not.

and if you are an anglo and only like your own kind its not going to be good for you...but that may change as mono cultural anglos run out of white friends and make black and spanish...its adptibility and familiarity

If the new American president is not a friend of Israel, it's because he's not supposed to be. To reprise the old line, a country does not have friends or enemies; it has interests. Israel needs to be humiliated and reminded we don't need it -it needs us. Any time it wants, it can decide to go its own way and do without our money and diplomatic support. We made it as a nation for a long time without there being an Israel, and we can do it again if necessary.

and certainly not i...being pssd off is your normal state...enjoy

That is their agressive nature. They are mean, vicious, low slamming, plotting, throwing dirt, manipulative, slanderous, populist, fact twisting, racist, insulting and what no more as well. What is new? No people in this world stay afraid of the same thing forever. Let them foam. Guess they have bad breath more often too then Dems.

Bibi misplayed his hand---badly. He came to DC to parlay AIPAC and Congress AGAINST the President. Minor-leaguers like Eric Cantor gladly 'politicized' the issue against HIS President(?)..Obama's NOT going to back down here. The sad part is that Bibi does not actually ACCEPT the fact that his "ally" is a smart man who can clearly see the game that Bibi's playing. The grandstanding at AIPAC costs him here. Obama's the Commander-in-chief of the US. Cantor, Joe Lieberman, Linsay Graham and co have no authority to "trump" Obama. Israel thinks that they can circumvent this President. YOu know who can see that "plan" coming, from a mile away? This President.

Shifting patterns...Have read an interesting article and watched maps about the GOP strongholds and states in the Reagan and Bush years and how this is falling because of the influx of new Americans in those places, many Hispanic, Asian or otherwise not WASP-GOP-diehards and so. The fall of big parts of the traditional white WASP middle class under the GOP robber baron's was helpfull too. The future looks even bleaker for traditional white GOP diehards in this respect. The ever changing face of America. (Those who think Israel can go on occupy the WB forever untill Pals give in should take a look at demographics as well in Israel, WB and Gaza.) Now if this is all true, midterm elections in the US should give interesting results confirming this trend (the day guts, guns and God bites the dust by courtesy of the new American suburban citizen living at the outskirts of traditional GOP strongholds?). It is possible. Why do I hear nothing about no tea parties anymore so sudden.

Although it was difficult for PM Menachem Begin to take the major steps towards peace with Egypt, he indeed reached a peace agreement with one of Israel's significant adversary. Getting over the hurdle of that risk for peace promoted PM Begin as a heroic figure despite the tragic and controversial activities of his past with the Irgun during the British Mandate, the casualties of the Lebanon War, etc. This is a very different period from that when PM David Ben Gurion refused to capitulate to the U.S. sentiments just before the unilateral declaration of Israel's independence in 1948, even at the advice of his foreign minister, Moshe Sharett. That type of perseverance is unlike the attitude of the present government - which is essentially delaying the necessary steps to achieve a necessary peaceful settlement with the Palestinians. Either they want to preserve Israel as a Jewish state or not, because the changing demographics and its global reputation are not in its favour.

ANF: "Don`t get too excited, son. There is only so much Obama can do to damage Israel before the leaders of both houses of congress put a stop to his rampage." Let us know how things are going at the end of the year. Obama has recently played his biggest card so far - Gen. Petraeus statement that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is affecting US National Security. This is a highly regarded general in Washington. Any house representative or senator who goes against the U.S. Military statement that U.S. troops are in danger, you could kiss that cushy government seat goodbye. Someone has posted earlier a fact - the U.S. Military is the most powerful lobbyist in Washington. Next time you see Rep. Eric Cantor, ask him to shutdown Gen. Petraeus statement. See how far that will go.

The intent of Netanyahu is clear. To humiliate, degrade, destroy the Obama administration and reduce the United States of America to his captive and suplicant nation. I hope Obama has the balls to stand up to Israel. Israel does not subsidized America. America subsidizes Israel. Israel does not protect America with it's UN Veto, America protects Israel from the consequences of it's actions. America does not need Israel, but Israel desperately needs America. Time for Dr. Frankenstein to curb his monster.

Nothing Israel can do will ever satisfy its enemies, western or arab alike. Therefore it is time to stop playing Mr. Niceguy and letting your country be invaded and cut up into little bits by the Islamic hordes. Better to just admit that you're there until the Arabs and their Western allies finish you off, and that you're not going quietly. Netanyahoo may have got a very public Jew-kicking in Washington, but I believe the Israeli people are very capable of putting up a good defense. It's time to take the gloves off and declare the Jewish State from the River to the Sea.

Congress has a lot less power to interfere with the President's foreign policy than it does with his domestic policy. For example, they have no say-so on U.N. votes.

Hussein Obama will destroy his own country much before he will be able to destroy Israel

just love the anger and whining of all the israel haters who cant control their rage and are predicting the "demise" of Bibi. Guess what,stop predicting the future you want and start dealing with the reality that he is our prime minister and has the will of the people!!!

Netanyahu we are proud of you for standing up to this failed marxist leader bringing our nation to its knees. Middle Americans fed up with the machinations of congress and his 2 jew advisors cannot wish for 2010 to come soon enough - and 2012.

The new American President apparently never was a friend of Israel. Micromanaging municipal building in East Jerusalem seems curious to the overwhelming majority of Israeli citizens while he fiddles before the burning issue of Iranian nuclear weaponization and sponsorship of an "axis of resistance". The issue is not settlers or the President but whether the President stands for a moderate policy in the Middle East or, by default, Ahmadinejad. That the American President chooses to pettily humiliate the Israeli Prime MInister is no disgrace for Bibi, despite all his imperfections This all will be remembered, as will be remembered the countless days of decision for Iran that have come and gone, when the current Administration offers Israel its word on security guarantees in exchange for Israel's voluntary suicide. Yes it would be nice to get along with gazillions of petro-dollar rich Arabs and pretend that Iran is no threat, but let's drop the theatrical moralism and high school snubs.

Israel is with at this time...Stay strong !

With treatment like this of Israel from the Americans, the PA has very little incentive to start negotiations. I find it it interesting that the PA always creates reasons why it can't start negotiating, always waiting for more concessions before the actual negotiations begin. What's really interesting is that nobody is focusing on why the PA isn't willing to start negotiations - as if their reasons are perfectly valid and if only Israel would stop building in E. Jerusalem everybody will be happy and the negotiations will start. Wake up, people! Don't you see - the PA's strategy is to delay, delay, delay - they keep getting concessions and now pressure on Israel from the US and they didn't have to do anything, or make any concessions! It's clear to me that the PA will continue to make up excuses to not come back to the negotiating table, in order to keep getting more concessions.

Now if only Congress would see it in those terms. But maybe they are a lot closer to that view than they used to be, there hasn't been much pushback against Obama on this issue. The recent comments of General Petraeus, to the effect that failure to resolve the Palestinian issue is undercutting US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, should certainly be politically helpful to the Obama team's effort to be firm with Israel.

Obama - channeling Khalidi and Wright - may have gotten Netanyahu to cave under the pressure, but he's only brought war closer. He's just signaled to the Palestinians that he is their advocate, that he is delivering their state on a platter with nothing to be expected of them. Moreover, a weakened Israel is just too much of a temptation for Iran and her proxies - Hizbullah and Hamas. War is coming. The US administration has also signaled that they cannot be trusted, that even "rock solid" friendship means nothing to these punks. This is a pure "I'll show them who's boss" moment.

Obama is the one in trouble. One by one, his power and Democrat allies are falling by the wayside. The Republicans are furious, beyond traditional politics. They are foaming at the mouth, ready to get rid of him and his cronies. This is a battle to the death. Israel will soon be off Obama's radar, Israel will long outlast Obama. Newt Gingrich is one of the leaders ready to come off the sidelines to whack Obama into oblivion. He will join Huckabee, Romney, Palin, et al, who will defang the monster destroying America, Barrack Hussein. Even McCain, who was statesmanlike during the campaign, wants to rip Obama's head off. Bibi must hang in there, knowing his friends in Congress are going for the jugular, and the US supports democracy over tyrants like Abbas.

Don't get too excited, son. There is only so much Obama can do to damage Israel before the leaders of both houses of congress put a stop to his rampage.

To #1. You are an Idiot. What an irrelevant comparison. No wonder there is a problem between USA and current Israeli gov.(not for long). You obviously have the same intellect as your hero.

Netanyahu has managed to do what Israel's declared enemies have not achieved. His arrogence has endangered Israel and put offside Israel's greatest friends. Obama may not be the closest friend of Israel but certainly the United States has been. Australia is angry over the passport affair and usage of its documents. That country has given Israel more support than any other save the USA. The present government of Israel is a disaster and should resign for the sake of Israel. Let realistic and diplomatic people take charge.

ANF: "Obama is an Israel hater who prefers to pander to Arab despots, to kiss their rings, than to deal in a professional diplomatic way with America`s strongest ally." Or, put another way: The USA has a path that **it** has decided it wants to go down, and a Netanyahu-led Israel is determined to block that path by means fair and foul. America therefore has a choice: 1) Baulk, as if the Israeli tail really is in charge of wagging the American dog, or 2) Trample all over the top of Netanyahu with a "it's nothing personal, you understand...". Call it the "Rachel Corrie Rule Of Superpower Politics" if that makes you feel any better...

Next Step: UN Security Council resolution declaring specifically annexation of East Jerusalem as illegal and to return all civilians who have moved in, to be removed. Enforceable by UN Force. This is what will happen if Netanyahu doesn't stop now. Actually, he can't stop because of Shas and Lieberman. So, remove the E. Jerusalem settlers by UN Force and keep the UN Force there to enforce it. US told Netanyahu that they won't veto the resolution. That is why Israeli government panicked. It's classic good cop bad cop strategy.

SPANK! SPANK! SPANK! WAAAA.....AAAAH!!!

We should thank Obama for trying to rescue Israel from the fanatic religious-nationalists and their collared and leashed politicians, like Netanyahu, who are waiting for scraps to fall off the table and into their pockets. The Israeli "silent majority" and their Jewish counterparts around the world want this conflict brought to at least a simmer from the mess it's in right now. As a Zionist, and a one time Oleh, the recent rhetoric out of Jerusalem is, frankly, embarrassing. I have no illusions about the Israelis and Palestinians holding hands and skipping through the flowers as buddies. But to save Israel from it's further moral decay due to the infection of lawlessness in the territories that has spilled into the Green line, just get out. Who cares if the Palestinians want to fight among themselves. Let the Arab countries and the rest of the world worry about that.

Aluf Benn sums it up: [Obama will] "demand that he stop zigzagging and decide, once and for all, whether he stands with America or with the settlers." Bibi is, of course, going to attempt to do both, like a shark who must keep swimming or drown. Following that meeting Obama now know he has no choice, because there is no way that Bibi will ever change. Obama has only one choice left to him i.e. take Bibi down, and then put his head on a pike "to encourage the others". No other step can take Obama forward towards his goal. You are a goner, Bibi.

Clearly the author can barely contain his disdain for Bibi and joy at Obama's insistence on total Israeli capitulation and surrender to his new client state Fatahland. The question is not "whether he (Bibi) stands with America or with the settlers." but rather whether Obama stands with Israel or the Islamo-facist enemy of the west which supports Israel's enemies. That answer has been delivered loud and clear. Resistance to Obama is NOT futile, but it will take three years of endured suffering and Jewish blood to reach the next respite.

As long as the US keeps paying Israel's bills, we don't really care what they think.

We shouldnt support right wing fanatics of any religion whatsoever. No exceptions

sent back to their rooms. In Bibi's case, he got sent back to the hole he's made not only for himself but for Israel as well. Good luck, Bibi, you'll need it!

Batten down the hatches; Obama is an Israel hater who prefers to pander to Arab despots, to kiss their rings, than to deal in a professional diplomatic way with America's strongest ally. He doesn't have a single negative thing to say about Iran, Libya, North Korea , Venezuela: nope, he just harps on about Israel. Thankfully, the congress is overwhelmingly pro-Israel, so his ability to do real damage is minimized. Bibi needs to stay strong; the Israelis can make life pretty miserable for Obama as well.

Good job. Finally, representing the people who put you in office. Tell the American's that you will give up Jerusalem when they transfer sovereignty of New York to Iran.