Netanyahu's second chance
It's Netanyahu's turn to prove Obama's statment that he believes the PM wants peace and is ready to take risks for it.
Haaretz EditorialPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a second chance from U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday.
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U.S. President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walking at the White House, on July 6, 2010. |
| Photo by: Reuters |
After more than a year of tension between Washington and Jerusalem, accompanied by expressions of mutual dissatisfaction, Netanyahu received a friendly welcome in the White House. Obama was profuse in his praise, smiles and florid figures of speech, and said he believes that Netanyahu wants peace. The president also called on the Palestinians to open direct talks with Netanyahu and indicated support for Israel's policy of nuclear ambiguity.
The close ties with the United States are Israel's strategic support, and it is difficult to overstate their importance to Israel's survival, security and prosperity. If Netanyahu came under justified criticism for his role in damaging relations with the Obama administration over the past year, he can feel content with these efforts at rehabilitation.
But don't get confused: Obama's gestures of friendship, which can be partly attributed to the impending congressional elections, do not change anything about the administration's basic policy.
Obama has made it clear that his goal was, and still is, the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. And he expects Netanyahu to help reach that objective, through negotiations with the Palestinians and confidence-building measures aimed at strengthening the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and improving the economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu must take advantage of the chance he has been given, say yes to Obama, and act seriously and swiftly to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestine. But his appearance at the White House on Tuesday raises doubt if he will do so. Netanyahu was careful not to make any statement deviating from the political line of the watchful right wing. He did not say the words "Palestinian state" and focused on warning of the security risk involved in withdrawal and on the demand to change Palestinian textbooks. Once again, it seems that Netanyahu prefers his political partnership with Avigdor Lieberman, Moshe Ya'alon and Eli Yishai to a partnership with the president of the United States.
Obama says he believes Netanyahu wants peace and is ready to take risks for it. Now it's the prime minister's turn to prove, in words and in deed, that he is worthy of this belief and is not merely trying, as is his wont, to gain more time in power without taking the peace process forward.
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Barack Obama is desperately trying to save face and limit the damage to his midterm (November)electio ns so an about face to reclaim back some of the Jewish vote that deserted him is his main strategy ?
you are really all fu... up leftist that run this paper and am i glad you are not part of any israeli society? you would destroy israel in mer one week if you have a chance then name it democracy you all out of line shut down your paper and get out
i can't believe that Obama is so naive as to believe anything Bibi or any other Israeli tells him. For years and years the Israelis have out-foxed and manipulated a string of US presidents.Maybe Obama has a plan, otherwise he will be conned again.
obama need Netanyahu to win mid term election, this is Obama second chance. not the other way around
Obama gives Bibi second chance! Other way round dude! Obama's Israel strategy is so misguided/lame, that even the Jews were taking flight from him! Bibi has helped stem Obama's free-fall and has given him a chance to redeem himself. At least until the mid terms!
Obama is not granting Bibi a second chance. He realized his anti-Israel actions along with his US actions are going to cost him the mid-term elections. Since the Jewish democrats are the number one campaign contributors to the DNC he is trying to play nice with Israel. Bibi should distance himself from Obama and look to securing Israel DESPITE what Obama and his anti-Israel democrat administration says!
Bibi like any Israel and Jew wants peace desperately. Do you like the idea of your family members being bombed, shot, gassed, rocketed, beaten, stabbed, cleansed, kidnapped? and now potentially nuked? Nor do we, and these are real issues that Jews and Israelis face day to day and have for way too long, so naturally we pray for peace we even greet each other this way and say Goodbye. Shalom Shalom
Nothing has changed from 1948, Arabs are still attempting to deny Israel our independence and we as Israelis cannot decide whether we want to force them to be our friends or force them by winning our war of independence. Hint: They don't like us like that.
Obama is not giving Nathanyahu a chance. Please don't be fooled. He is only doing it to get votes for the fall elections. Please open your eyes! I do NOT think the Americans will be fooled again.
I doubt the US electorate will be so forgiving to BHO! Check the polls.
Obama's approach was totally wrong... Bibi didn't even need to hesitate about nixing settlement freeze... Obama gave him carte-blanche to decide whatever he wishes...
No, it's not time for BB to live up to US dictates; it's time for OB to stop dictating how Israel can continue to appease terrorists. When will the Haaretz editorial board members and the citizens that identify with their agenda open their eyes to the reality that it is literally impossible to negotiate a successful peace with an organization whose raison d'etre is your destruction. Forget about Hamas - Fatah's basic goal is "the eradication of Zionist economic, political, military and cultural existence." (Art. 12 of the Fatah Charter) No matter how nicely Fatah whispers in our ears, their message has never changed: they want us gone. Period. You can't change that with negotiations. It-won't-work. It should have been obvious in 1993 (the beginning of Oslo), and it certainly should be painfully obvious 17 years, 3 wars, 2,000+ dead, and 10,000+ missiles later. But in case the statistics don't impress, pay attention to what the supposedly peace-minded Abbas reported yesterday: that at the Arab League Summit back in March, he had stated that he would support a pan-Arab attack on Israel. Wake up!
The opposite is true. Obma needed Natanyahu for the mid- term election.
If "Netanyahu prefers his political partnership with Avigdor Lieberman, Moshe Ya'alon and Eli Yishai to a partnership with the president of the United States" I say good for him. At the end Israel will triumph, BeEzrat Hashem!
...will disappoint Obama.
Netanyahu is the one who gave Obama a second chance. when elections will come Obama is history
At what point do the so-called "Palestinians" have to do something other than shout "not enough"? When do they build Israeli confidence with meaningful "gestures" - or is this "peace-process" a one-way street?
It is Obama who is seeking a 2nd chance as Americans are deeply troubled, extremely disappointed and very angry with him.
Give it up Haaretz, there is no occupation and we will not give up our dream to have our own nation in order to please blood thirsty Jihadist. Please tell your Saudi handlers this next time they sign your pay checks.
Hard to imagine even the looniest lefties doing that spin. But not being a wacko I can only laugh. What Obama is saying is "I got an election coming in November and I gotta stop bashing Israel for a while. PLEASE work with me on this and I'll suck up to you." Bibi, being a statesman, told Obama to suck away.
Hard to imagine even the looniest lefties doing that spin. But not being a wacko I can only laugh. What Obama is saying is "I got an election coming in November and I gotta stop bashing Israel for a while. PLEASE work with me on this and I'll suck up to you." Bibi, being a statesman, told Obama to suck away.
but will the United States give Obama a second chance in the fullness of time?
Obama will do nothing for Israel and Netanyahu better wake up and listen to an American. This meeting was all about the November Midterm Elections. Obama knows he lost the far right, the right, the independents and the Jewish vote. this was all about showing American Jewshe was playing nice to Netanyahu. Israel don't do anything until after the November 2010 elections because Obama will become a lame duck president and Republicans will take over the House Of Representaives, and alot of the Senate. Americans have Israels back, Obama won';t. Do not cede any land to Syria give up 1 inch of Jerusalem, Many good Israeli Soldiers gav their lives to get that land. to give it back would be a shanda. God Bless Israel and the IDF and the United States and Her Armed Forces.
towards the Palestinians which the previous Israeli prime ministers were willing. In fact, the U.S. administration must be undertaking discussions based on the understanding that PM Netanyahu's coalition is determined to sign a peace agreement on the pre-existing achievements of the Kadima government. The overall concern for PM Netanyahu is the security element of any peace proposal and the U.S. is clearly on the same page there.
I BELIEVE NETANYAHU AND HIS COALITION DO WANT PEACE BUT HE WANTS PROPER PEACE WITH SECURITY AND I WISH HIM THE BEST IN TRYING TO ACHEIVE THIS.THIS NEWSPAPER SHOULD STOP SNIDING AND BACKSTABBING ANS GETS BEHIND NETANYAHU IN ISRAELS INTEREST.
Look. It is simople. The Palestinians are clear in their just demands. They coincide with the position of the entire international community regarding the illegal settlements and take over of East Jerusalem. Nothing new there. Israel's position is not as clearly stated or detailed. All netanyahu says is Israel is panting to start open and direct negotiatons with no preconditions? Is this true? What indications do we see on the ground? What do we see Israel implementing which might be a confidence builder? Very little indeed. Nothing really beyond a minor cosmetic shift here and there. As for preconditions? Even less. We will certainly see an end to the temporary freez come Sept 27, we will see more property taken in EJ and more residents dispossessed there, we will see more "natural growth" and we will see movement in dividing the north WB from the south, with more settlement growth and dispossession in the south Hebron region. We will see a firm committment made to remain in the Jordan Valley. So what will be left. netanyahu defies, does not compromise. He has had far too many chances and has acted like a swaggering bully everytime. This time is no different.
I agree with Dana Milbank's assessment in yesterday's Washington Post that the meeting yesterday was an abject surrender by the U.S, to Netanyahu and the Israel First crowd. Obama kissed Bibi's a** and in return got absolutely nothing. Bibi's takeaway from this is that he can delay any final settlement with the Palestinians till Kingdom Come, all the while continuing the inexorable plantation of Palestine. He knows he can rely on the Jewish fifth column in America that puts the desires of the Israeli government above the national interest of the U.S. and the craven congressmen whose strings they pull to forever forestall any pressure on Israel to stop their oppression of the Palestinians.
Obama has wasted the great deal of good will that accompanied his election by tip toeing around Bibi and the pro Israel lobby in the US. What started as a promising presidency had degenerated into a farce and Obama and his administration have become a joke in the eyes of the world. Every one knows that Bibi is not a man of peace and he is only interested in staying in office by cosying up to the extremists in his coalition while relying on the lobby in DC to keep the pressure on the administration
Why Obama...why not Abbas and Netanyahu....after all is this not peace in the MIDDLE EAST
First of all, Bibi favors expansion over peace. Secondly, even if he did favor peace, he is constrained by his coalition. Obama has asked Bibi to put on a show of peace for him. I am sure that Bibi will do this. Shows of peace are something that Israel has done before. They have even fooled the world into mistaking it for peace progress. Is Obama so easily fooled?
He'll be back hating both Jews and Israelis with you by the day after elections.
So who has the most to lose in the next 18-24 months Barack Obama or Bibi Netanyahu ,i know which candidate i,m backing ,who,s the loser Natallie Durson backing ?
All issues point to a disaster for the Dems in the mid term elections. Netanyahu could have easily let the rift between the two continue right through November, leaving Obamas Dems vulnerable with an already frustrated electoral base. Obama was left with no other choice but to keep his cool, not even able to comment appropriately on the possible expansion of the settlement freeze.
and who exactly are you? Israel's 5th column?
Unlike Mr. Shocken and the radical left wingers who authored this editorial, I am quite pleased if not gratified that our Prime Minister prefers to ally himself with fellow Jews as opposed to the leader of a foreign country. As wonderful as the United States is a nation-state and, for the moment, its president serves as de-facto leader of the world, the Prime Minister of Israel carries the weight of Jewish history on his shoulders. That history runs longer and deeper than the passing shade that is thus far the relative historical depth of the great American nation. I shudder to think of a Jewish leader who would prefer to align himself with a foreigner instead of his blood brothers. Actually, that is what the late Yitzchak Rabin did - and he's the one who first gave guns to the Palestinians - and look where it has gotten us. Stand strong, Mr. Netanyahu and ally yourself with your brothers and your common illustrious history.
Yeah, and while you're at it, don't stoop to accept any more American diplomatic/military/financial suppot!
This Yaakov seems to have been vomited by the old ghetto mentality, We Jews are now members in good standing, - or at least we ought to try yo be- of the world´s concert of nations. Furthermore, how many countries of the world´s 200+ emtities would like to achieve that status, whatever some people may think it is worth? Shalom / Peace / Salam / Paz
I agree with you that Mr. Netanyahu should place the interests of Israel first, just as it is the duty of President Obama to put the interests of America first. As Israel has increasingly lost credibility throughout the world it has become more and more difficult for the United States to give the blind support that it so often has given in the past. I am proud that President Obama has shown the political courage to do what is best for America.
Netanyahu has lost the chance of the Land of Israel. Israel has lost his friends. New leaders, starting with the new government must continue. Please, let's look at the image abroad.
Only after we will begin hesitating that perhaps the critisism abroad are meant to be constructive as opposed to bashing and undermining us shall we be concerned with our image abroad. Biz dan
What are you talking about Tony as Israel is now a bonafide member of the OECD and more and more non-Muslim counties are lining up to strengthen ties with Israel ,Greek Cyprus,Bulgaria,Georgia are just some examples ,what image are you talking about?
What has changed this time? President Obama needs. What has not changed? Israel relations with USA representatives and people are good and stable ---------------- The declining popularity of president Obama in USA, the resent losses of Democrats in elections , the next critical elections to senate and House of Representatives are the key factors needs for a different media coverage of the meeting with Netanyahu Obama has not changed his Islamic Chamberlain style policy resulting: N/. Korea is aggressive as never before Turkey jointed the Islamist club Iran opposition was not supported by Obama and the Islamist grip has increased Islamist aggression in Yemen. Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Hamas, Hisbula, and terror by individuals in USA and worldwide are on the rise -------------- WHAT AMERICA IS SAYING TO PRESIDENT OBAMA? 1; The Senate and House of representatives In a letter to president Obama date Jun 17 2010 329 out of 435 members of the USA House of representative by 87 out of 100 senators demanded: Fully support of Israel rights to self defense Urged Obama to remain steadfast in defense of Israel Called Obama to veto any resolution in UN security council criticizing Israel http://www.bruneinews.net/story/651968ators 2: Public opinion survey by Gallup Support for Israel in U.S. at 63%, Near Record High http://www.gallup.com/poll/126155/support-israel-near-record-high.aspx
Netanyahu keeps being given more chances but still does not perform. Zealotry sustains Netanyahu while Obama fears Jewish pro-Israeli lobbyists. This is a stalemate that neither has the courage to forcefully resolve.
If Israel government sees this warm reception as an acceptance of its previous wrong policies, it is likely to have new crisis. Problems are still there and nothing has changed. they are waiting to be solved.