Row with U.S. questions Netanyahu's fitness to lead
When Netanyahu declares media exaggerated crisis with U.S., it's clear he has not learned anything.
By Yoel Marcus Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu Israel newsWhen Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares at a cabinet meeting that the media exaggerated in describing the grave crisis with the United States and throws in a few more phrases from the "it'll all be fine" department, it is clear that he has neither learned nor forgotten anything. You didn't have to read Thomas Friedman's devastating column in The New York Times to know that there is a limit to the Americans' patience and their willingness to let us pour mud on their heads and call it rain.
If Bibi genuinely did not know, as he foolishly claims, that 1,600 more homes were being planned for East Jerusalem, he does not deserve to be prime minister. If he did know, and permitted Interior Minister Eli Yishai to announce the plan exactly during the visit of Joe Biden, who is both U.S. vice president and a friend to Israel, then there are two possibilities, each worse than the other: either stupidity or fear of the extremists in his cabinet. Either way, he is playing with fire.
It's not just the personal insult to Biden, our only friend in the White House today. It's the insult to the institution of the presidency, which no American can forgive. The presidency is sacrosanct in American democracy, and when Bibi rolls his eyes and says the incident should not have occurred and that in any event it happened in good faith and "we know how to handle such situations and shall do so calmly and responsibly," he reminds me of the guy in the joke who is looking for the "eye and ear" doctor. No such thing, he is told. "What's your problem?" And he replies, "What I hear is not what I see."
Ehud Olmert, Tzipi Livni and Ehud Barak sought to close a deal with the Palestinians. But Bibi's government, trapped between Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu, is trying to sweep everything that has been achieved and all the expectations of the current government under the rug. Bibi cannot begin to grasp the damage he is causing to U.S.-Israeli relations with the whole settlements issue. My guess is that he tried in vain to phone President Barack Obama. Instead he got Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who told him off in no uncertain terms. It was the first time that the settlements were linked to the future of bilateral relations.
Clinton did not use diplomatic language when she accused Bibi of undermining "trust and confidence in the peace process and in America's interests" by announcing plans to build 1,600 homes just as we came to start proximity talks with the Palestinians. The fury radiating from the White House is so great that were someone to introduce an anti-Israeli resolution in the UN Security Council the United States would join in.
Biden could have forgone his dinner with Bibi and Sara and returned home immediately. But it was important to him to rescue us from ourselves, emphasizing in his speech at Tel Aviv University that we are damaging our relations with Washington just as it is pressuring Iran to change its policies. That is, there is a connection between sanctions on Iran and the peace process with the Palestinians.
Livni was right when she attacked Bibi on Sunday for placing our national security in Yishai's hands. In retrospect it is clear how right she was to refuse to partner with Yishai in order to become prime minister without elections. America "hand" Zvi Rafiah, a great believer in America's feelings of friendship for Israel, said: "For more than 30 years I have not heard so harsh an American rebuke, and for the first time I fear for the future of our relations with the United States."
The cabinet violated two principles, that of not surprising America and of not calling our credibility into question. Had Bibi apologized immediately for Yishai's lapse and promised not to undertake any construction unilaterally, it might have been possible to weather the incident. But by attempting to do damage control and by running off to tell "the gang" that everything is fine, he further enraged the president, who has not scored many successes and who does not really like us.
Bibi's casual attitude toward his scandalous conduct calls into question his fitness to continue serving as prime minister. "When we surprise the U.S. administration we erode the confidence in the cabinet's commitment to a two-state solution," U.S. affairs expert Dan Halperin said.
Bibi has indeed remained the same old Bibi, who does not even fit the old saying that the clever man is someone who can extricate himself from a situation that the wise man would not have got himself into in the first place.
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... he is simply manouevered along by the strong ultra-rightists in his coalition... ... he seems to say things by rote, as if he is instructed to do so by some 'higher authority'...
This is the first time I've seen "Punchy" Sulzberger's, failing, N.Y.T.'s writer, Thomas Friedman, name quoted in any publication in years. At least the paper has a few readers left, and I do me left.
I am 'goyim' big time, but a fan of the Jews. I am also American, and having vistited Isreal and seen a lot of reasonable, good people, I don't quite understand what is going on there. Jews have provided both men of peace, and men of war. (As has the U.S.) But now that the U.S. is definately trying to further peace, I don't understad why it would be so spurned. Do what you must, but why spit in the face of the peace-makers? It makes no sense!
Americans have already realized that electing Obama was a mistake. While he will remain a lame duck president until his term ends in Jan 2013 the democratic party is expected to be massively defeated in the upcoming congressional elections in 2010 The new leadership of the Republican party is more pro Israel than it ever has been. Its leadership fully supports Israel's settlements Bibi can continue to laugh at Obama. He has no power to do anything against Israel.
If I were a settler, I would have no question about Netanyahu's fitness to lead. He's given them everything they've asked for, and who knows, he might give them some real raw meat, a war with Iran.
your opinion page article was spot on. this american has very negative views of Israel; but so long as there are people who visualize different than your idiotic government theres hope.
Yeah bro you are right - lets see anybody try to remove healthcare when its on the books. I have lived in the states and its something everybody worries about - for peace of mind it worth evrey penny and its undoable once its there - like income tax... but thats a different story.
Have you got learning difficulties or what? Take a look at the population statistics and how many permits re issued. Fact is you have no right to control building in East Jerusalem it is not your turf. Get back on your own land and leave the others to decide there own fate as you would yours. Isreal is giving Judaism a bad name. G-d knows if anyone should have learnt the lessons of intolerance its you guys - and its not to buy bigger boots!
sr: "when it`s not sovereign israeli territory why is israel not reprimanded when she builds arab houses in east jerusalem?" Because the Arabs of East Jerusalem are "protected persons" under international humanitarian law, and as such the occupying power (i.e. Israel) is OBLIGED to provide for their basic needs. And having a roof over your head is a basic need, Saul.... You become an occupying power when you seize "authority" over territory, and when you seize that authority then you **also** take up the "responsibilities" that go with it. And the occupying power's legal responsibilities are owed to the occupied, and not to its own citizens. If it ignores that obligation and instead assists its own citizens then it is aiding and abetting its own carpet-baggers, and that is very, very illegal.
G144: "The Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Jewish Temples and the holiest site for Jews, on which Muslims built mosques, is as important to Jews." Yishai is planning to build apartments on that site too!?!?!?!?!?! Holy Cow! Does Bibi know about this?
Let's remember that Bibi/Likud did not win the election; Kadima and Livni won. Kadima saw the danger in forming a coalition with the religious right, and opted out. Bibi has made his own bed, let him try to lie in it. Europe is talking about taking away trade rights for Israel, and the UN would not mind passing some resolutions against Israel and the only thing that prevents that from happening is the US. It does not take a genius to see that one out to respect the relationship that has your back and not try to embarrass that friend, especially so publicly.
Yoel...you as a die-hard leftist, neo-marxist stooge would, of course, do better than Bibi! Frankly, pseudo-journalists like you do nothing to advance to case of informative reportage. Fifth columnists like you would prefer someone who would be a lacky to Obama.
Yoel...you as a die-hard leftist, neo-marxist stooge would, of course, do better than Bibi! Frankly, pseudo-journalists like you do nothing to advance to case of informative reportage. Fifth columnists like you would prefer someone who would be a lacky to Obama.
The ONLY PROBLEM: The U.S. doesn't know the God of Israel .. God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob when the U.S. knows Father God-Yeshua-JESUS CHRIST .. Then TRUE peace will come to Israel & TRUE deliverance & enlightenment will come to this sinfiul, dark, evil world. DARKNESS cannot see where it is going .. JESUS CHRIST -YESHUA Messiah is THE TRUE light the ONLY LIGHT of this world .. the ONLY TRUE PRINCE of PEACE. God IN THE FLESH, time to open your eyes people WAKE-UP AMERICA .. WAKE-UP WORLD ! WAKE-UP ISRAEL !
Philadelphia, USA at 4:20 EST the 23rd of March; News for all my friends in Israel; Called my senator and the aid said the phones are ringing of the desks; Americans are mad that the Obama Administration is using such harsh threats toward Israel over the 1600 housing units announcements while Biden was kissing Abbas on the WB; I think that where he kissed him? Callers are demanding that the president layoff Israel and start using harsher language toward Iran. Don't count the American people out on these issues facing Israel; Americans have no love for the Arab/Palestinians who danced in the streets on 911!
Netanyahu is no more than a racist killer who if given the chance would oblitirate the Palestinian people all together. Having said that, the USA, which supports Israel by sending billions of dollars and other aid every year to Israel, which allows Israel to continue with its crimes against the Palestinain people, are no more than criminals themselves. The USA, the most powerful nation on this planet and its allies can easily stop Israel's criminal actions and force Israel to end the occupation and return the lands it stole from the Palestinians. But, Israel's actions fuel tensions in this region and this makes billions of dollars for the American arms manufacturers and oil companies. The USA telling Israel that building the new settlements in Jerusalem will tension America's ties with Israel, is all a show to try and make the USA look better in the eyes of the Arab countries and the Palestinians, but no one is buying into it. Obama, actions speak louder than words.
or....maybe they just can't help themselves. The implacable right will fall, their types always do. But, at what cost and how much of Israel will they take with them. When the issue is the viability of the State, (and I'm sorry to say that it still is given the horrific armaments surrounding the country), it is not a time to pick a fight with your closest ally over 'nits and lice'. The entirety of Judaism is not defined by the hard right coalition and their need to get into their minutia of the moment. Bibi knows better, he just can't get himself to do what he has to do. That is why he may consign himself to infamy.
Yaela - there are already so many Israeli flies in that soup that this latest cockroach made it only fit to be flushed down the toilet ! David
Survival of Israel depends on reconciliation with the Palestinians and its Arab neighbors. It cannot survive forever as a seige nation. The cost both economically and psychologically will wear the nation down. Today we see disintegration within Israel between the various formulas of Judaism. Intolerance of one's own fellow Jews does not bode well for the existance of a Jewish state. However Netanyahu panders to the very groups that worship narrow self-interest and zealotry. He has not had the courage to assist middle-Israelis in formulating a vision that will bind the nation together. He further alienates the Palestinians and other Arabs that are so critical as eventual regional partners. The time has passed for Netanyahu. The downward spiral needs to be corrected.
How clear it is and why can't the Israeli's get it? Bibi & his coalition are mainstream Jewry's worst nightmare.
when it's not sovereign israeli territory why is israel not reprimanded when she builds arab houses in east jerusalem? after all, east jerusalem is east jerusalem. according to you it's not sovereign israeli territory. such israel would not be allowed to build ANY houses there, whether arab or jewish ones. however, as i said: when israel builds arab houses, she is not reprimanded. by the way: do you think that east jerusalem is sovereign arab territory? if yes, where is it stated?
when it's not sovereign israeli territory why is israel not reprimanded when she builds arab houses in east jerusalem? after all, east jerusalem is east jerusalem. according to you it's not sovereign israeli territory. such israel would not be allowed to build ANY houses there, whether arab or jewish ones. however, as i said: when israel builds arab houses, she is not reprimanded. by the way: do you think that east jerusalem is sovereign arab territory? if yes, where is it stated?
My very best to you. Lou
I didn't vote for this great man(sorry.) I'm dumping the GOP and becoming a Democrat. I'll vote for him in the next election. Most Arizonans that I talk to are going to do the same. Just think, Republican Arizona becoming a Democrat State, and all because of a man Israel calls the "N" word. I love my President, Michelle, Hillary, Biden, and of course Rahm. Salaam/Shalom
Obviously you have been visiting Pluto as the lack of oxygen is making your brain into mush. I am a PROUD Atheist, so I couldn't possibly care less about your little dingleberry religion. And if the Christians didn't like Obama, he would have NEVER been elected. And don't overestimate the power of the Jewish vote. You comprise less than 2% of the population, so by-and-large the Jewish "vote" is largely irrelevant. Jewish money, on the other hand (along with control of the Mass Media) is another topic. So, whether the Zionists like it or not, if the 2012 elections are free, fair and HONEST, Obama WILL be re-elected.
washington's behaviour in this case makes me think that washington was just searching for an israeli fly in the soup for being able to complain and to leave the restaurant aka peace process. anyway, the whole thing is unfair, in my opinion, since the palestinian flies in the soup don't seem to bother washington. in any case we don't hear and see washington as outrageous as in view of an israeli fly. in this context one has to admit that mr. marcus is right when saying that the present american president doesn't like israel very much.
Netanyahu is proving to be an even worse disaster this time than last, as he's now totally the pawn of the hyper-religious extremists. its time for a true secular democracy without the influence of theocracy. perhaps bibi should go back to selling furniture.
washington's behaviour in this case makes me think that washington was just searching for an israeli fly in the soup for being able to complain and to leave the restaurant aka peace process. anyway, the whole thing is unfair, in my opinion, since the palestinian flies in the soup don't seem to bother washington. in any case we don't hear and see washington as outrageous as in view of an israeli fly. in this context one has to admit that mr. marcus is right when saying that the present american president doesn't like israel very much.
The American Christians love Obama? Oh please. The loudest voices arrayed against Obama are Christians, who compare him to Hitler. U.S. Jews support Obama generally, though some may have misgivings about his Cairo speech and the present tussle with Israel. Not J. Street, however, an American pro-Israel, pro-peace largely Jewish advocacy group that has millions of members. The idea that American Jews walk in lock-step politically and culturally is a pure myth.
The Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Jewish Temples and the holiest site for Jews, on which Muslims built mosques, is as important to Jews. Yes President Obama, it is not hard to say. Just say it already!
..Biden is bigger person, politician and statesman not to leave Israel in a huff or in skipping a pre-planned dinner with Bibi & wife. The "condemns" word is strong language for diplomats...and the opportunity to resolve it that night with the Prime Minister was the proper thing to do. Remember, the day before, Biden gave the speech that contained the phrases to affirm the relationship. "When israel and USA have no separation, things work well." Also, Biden reaffirmed that we would "continue to support the defense of israel."
Uh huh. You just keep telling yourself that, Zionist. You are in for a big surprise and soon. The American gentiles LOVE Obama, at least so far. (How hard is it to look good after King George?) And unless your "polls" are strictly Jews and the far-right-wing, bible-thumping, single-digit-IQ loonies, you are full of it. Don't believe me? Ask any gentile friends (if you have any) and see what THEY say!
why don`t we hear the same outrage from washington when israel announces the building of arab houses in east jerusalem?" Please elucidate... " the outrage comes only in view of planned jewish ... ..ISRAELI ... ..housing units." It's illegal, it ain't sovereign Israeli territory. Why do you ask?
and embarassing yourself your country and your people
Israel agreed no new building in the West Bank and explicitly stated that does not include Jerusalem. Obama and Biden are flipping out over this and ignoring Palestinian violence, the PA's incitement against Israel.
Bibi will be remembered, not just as Israel's worst prime minister, but also as her last.
I have an idea---give the US Netanyahu, and we will give you Obama. Of course, you'd have to pack your bags quickly. Obama would kick out all the Jewish people, and you'd have nowhere to go. Many of us in the US would be glad to have Bibi as our leader.
The US should of course continue to pressure the Israeli gov. Maybe a new election and/or a new constitution would give Israel more friends in the world. You need to liberate Yourselves from the religious and the ultraorthodox who now run the country. Their way leads only to further clashes with the rest of the world and more wars.
Obama, whom I like personally, is not a very good leader. The current row with Israel, which he and his people are escalating, is a good example. Polls in America show that Israel is more popular than is Obama!
why don't we hear the same outrage from washington when israel announces the building of arab houses in east jerusalem? the outrage comes only in view of planned jewish housing units. why?
Odd, isn't it? Shame this article focuses only on Eli Yishai. He's dependent on Avigdor Lieberman too, chose to make him our representative abroad, our Foreign Minister. These two gentlemen are the public face of Israel today, Bibi's the glue.
Your parents, right?
no Paris left behind...
least of all it's independence. What folk're asking for is, that Israel abide by the law. It said it would, it hasn't. http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y#the-big-lie
The former "Green Line" is defunct as far as Jerusalem goes.." Under which treaty? And, under which treaty was the green line any more than a mere armistice line? "..just as ethnic Germans no longer live along the Volga or in Poland or in the Sudetenland" All of which were governed by treaty...
Yoel, your journalistic skills does not make you an especially deep or very perceptive thinker.If as you say, Biden is "our only friend in the White House today" and President Obama "does not really like us', then there is not much of a relationship that is worth preserving is there ?
L: "Israel should ask herself whether it is good for her to hang on in this oppressive relationship that is holding Israel back from living upto all her potential." Oh, Israel actually *has* a future after it has kissed off the USA, Liza?? How do you figure that? Do you assume that Israel can "break up" with the USA and **STILL** receive a) $3billion a year in military hardware? b) USA loan guarantees for its borrowings? c) an unquestioned veto in the UNSC? Israel will have none of those things, and (a) will leave it weak, (b) will leave it destitute and (c) will leave it exposed. Liza, the USA isn't holding Israel back. It is actually propping Israel up. Take that prop away and Israel will be just a banana republic. And banana republics are a dime a dozen, luvvie.
its nothing to do with bibi!! its do with a very dishonest broker the present us administration who incredibly want to negotiate and dictate the terms !!! its usually done by the mafia ! AN OFFER YOU CANT REFUSE !
It's our future at stake while they're sitting pretty in the White House. Giving into international pressure from any nation is, quite frankly, suicide.
no doubt . btw ,Bambi the Unborn would have found another reason to clash with Israel and you know that. Describe ,pray ,this herculean efforts America makes againt Iranian nukes.
Serbia is not a quilty one, what has happened? The ethnical cleanings, thousands of people obliged to leave their homes, raped women, killed children...And why? because of Milosevic's unrealistic dream to have a bigger Serbia for only the "pure" Serbians. He got many opportunities to stop -even the possibility to have Kosovo (in Rambuillet-meeting). You know, even most of the Serbians hated him. The people of the nations do not always have the leaders they deserved.
#5 Steve, the Iranians are no threat to the US, never have been, and never will be. There is not one iota of evidence that their nuclear activity is anything but what they claim it to be. Some 73% of Americans apparently believe Iran already has nuclear weapons! This is the result of fear mongering, the kind that took us all into Iraq in pursuit of fantasy weapons. The Israelis and the Palestinians have to learn to share that land and the sooner they both recognise that the better for the lot of us.
To stand up for what is right is a noble thing to do. Netanyahu has shown that he is carved from the same tree as Israel*s ancient,great kings. Yoel,do you hint that Netanyahu should grovel before the omnipotent U.S.A in order to be "fit"? A healthy relationship is a partnership of two equals,if not,the sanest thing to do is to divorce. Israel should ask herself whether it is good for her to hang on in this oppressive relationship that is holding Israel back from living upto all her potential. IF Israel followed the Jewish Ethics,then the advice is right there to be followed:"NEVER-EVER give upon your independence"!In my opinion Israel SHOULD indeed follow the wisdom of our Scriptures,so that she may LIVE and thrive! As far as I understand Yoel,we the Jews still worship only one G-D. PS.:the U.S.A*s problem is that she does not acknowledge nor care for historic facts. See what she did to Serbia! How could a country with no (sense of) history respect history of others???
to a 3rd intifadah that is.
The former is, at best, a kindergartner, at worst, pro-Arab and pro-Muslim (his name is BARACK HUSSEIN Obama - names with Muslim and Arabic connotations. He may not be Muslim himself, but he definitely has a pro-Muslim bent). The latter is a bumbling weakling. not the master of his own house.
To use the expression 'Judenrein' shows that your thinking didn't progress further than the people who exercised it in the previous centuries and that apparently it is now good to strive for a 'Palestinian-rein'land. Which puts you on par with and makes you as despicable as any anti-semite. Your 'legal' arguments hold only if it is applied in full for Palestinians who held property in Israel. Which then leads automatically to a right of return and a one-nation solution. But that doesnot fit nicely into the Jewishness of the State of Israel, isn't it? So, a political solution will indeed forgo legal claims. Is already exercised by Israel in practise for the Palestinians. So, make up your mind. You can't have it from both sides. Maybe then we can live in peace here. Or decide to be transformed from repressed into the repressor, and then the story of violence and conflict will continue. Do we learn from the past? Apparently not. But that is a choice. A choice you made here.
Jerusalem after the Six-Day War of 1967 is not the Jerusalem before King Hussein of Jordan started firing on it on June 5, 1967. The former "Green Line" is defunct, as far as Jerusalem goes, just as ethnic Germans no longer live along the Volga or in Poland or in the Sudetenland. Get used to it.
Very well written and straight from the heart. Bibi's was sooo desperate to become the PM that he chose the worst partners for his coalition. Its a coalition where he cannot do anything otherwise the govt will fall. If he tries to go soft on the Palestinians then the Shas n Avigdor will butcher him otherwise the the cowboys in Washington will have his head. I honestly believe that this is the time to make peace as Obama is a true and fair man and will make sure peace is achieved in a amicable manner. I honestly feel Tzipi Livni should act magnanimous and assure Bibi that she will not call for fresh elections if the right winged fools pull their support, instead join the coalition with labour for the sake of the state of Israel to forward peace and achieve a legacy which will be remembered and appreciated for years to come.
I agree Netanyahu as the Leader is aware of all the facts, passing the buck is out of the question. Leiberman or Feiglin are better suited to the task ahead.
why don't we hear the same outrage from washington when israel announces the building of arab houses in east jerusalem? the outrage comes only in view of planned jewish housing units. why?
sorry but tzipi cant even set her foot in the UK where she is branded a war criminal . Options are running out ... U need a candidate endorsed by J street as your new prime minister ... Will be more universally acceptable ... No more radicals
Obama is on life support. He needs something to kick start his gloomy presidency and he has it in his mind that and Arab/Israeli peace will be the pill. One would hope that Israeli politicians would factor this in to the equation.
Its not the timing its the whole settlement enterprise. the US is realizing it signals Israels intentions...no land for peace
he will never change so you gave him another chance to make your life miserable...enjoy!
New elections, please.
As an American, I am more concerned about our VP who talked out of one side of his mouth at Tel Aviv Univ and the other when he got back here. I am more concerned about our Secy of State who is concerned more about exploiting a zoning issue against Israel in order to bring down the Israeli government; when she should be concerned with the Iranian danger to the USA. I am more concerned about my Pres who continues to sucker Abbas into indefensible positions when he beats up the Israeli govt.
So what. Wars change things. You'll note that lots of Germans purchased land east of the present Polish German border in 1876. Undoubtedly paid good Marks for it, too. But they don't seem to have it today. Should they? The question is not land deeds in 1876 but how two peoples can live in a rather narrow strip of land west of the Jordan. Open your eyes to the big picture, or when the body bags start flowing, be prepared to acknowledge your hand in the deaths of innocents.
This is finally coming out in the US conservative talk radio, which have significant listener counts: 1. That the increase in building is in an area of no dispute. 2. That the increase is in an existing development. 3. That the site has a long history of proper planning and is therefor not controversial. Conclusion: 1. The US State Dept. has manufactured this "crisis" in order to wrestle some sort of concessions out of Israel, perhaps a moderate position on Iran's nukes. 2. Mr. Netanyahu's decision to keep on building is correct, and to politely but firmly invite Washington out of their business. Opinion: We think The Obama Administration is a single term administration having failed in every economic and diplomatic mission. They do not reflect the views of the vast majority of Americans who are very pro-Israel and appreciate the quality of friendship we share with you. Recommendation: Israel take whatever actions it must to ensure its survival and do NOT appease your enemies.
The land was originally bought for building homes for Jewish poor in 1876. 3 times Jews were driven from this place and finally the Jordanian Legation razed the area and made it Judenrein.The land is NOT Arab land but belongs to Jews since they purchased it legally in 1876.