New York – Wall Street Journal Slams Obama For The Full-Blown Diplomatic Crisis With Israel

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    FileNew York – In recent weeks, the Obama Administration has endorsed “healthy relations” between Iran and Syria, mildly rebuked Syrian President Bashar Assad for accusing the U.S. of “colonialism,” and publicly apologized to Moammar Gadhafi for treating him with less than appropriate deference after the Libyan called for “a jihad” against Switzerland.

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    When it comes to Israel, however, the Administration has no trouble rising to a high pitch of public indignation. On a visit to Israel last week, Vice President Joe Biden condemned an announcement by a mid-level Israeli official that the government had approved a planning stage—the fourth out of seven required—for the construction of 1,600 housing units in north Jerusalem. Assuming final approval, no ground will be broken on the project for at least three years.

    But neither that nor repeated apologies from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prevented Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—at what White House sources ostentatiously said was the personal direction of President Obama—from calling the announcement “an insult to the United States.” White House political chief David Axelrod got in his licks on NBC’s Meet the Press yesterday, lambasting Israel for what he described as “an affront.”

    Since nobody is defending the Israeli announcement, least of all an obviously embarrassed Israeli government, it’s difficult to see why the Administration has chosen this occasion to spark a full-blown diplomatic crisis with its most reliable Middle Eastern ally. Mr. Biden’s visit was intended to reassure Israelis that the Administration remained fully committed to Israeli security and legitimacy. In a speech at Tel Aviv University two days after the Israeli announcement, Mr. Biden publicly thanked Mr. Netanyahu for “putting in place a process to prevent the recurrence” of similar incidents.

    The subsequent escalation by Mrs. Clinton was clearly intended as a highly public rebuke to the Israelis, but its political and strategic logic is puzzling. The U.S. needs Israel’s acquiescence in the Obama Administration’s increasingly drawn-out efforts to halt Iran’s nuclear bid through diplomacy or sanctions. But Israel’s restraint is measured in direct proportion to its sense that U.S. security guarantees are good. If Israel senses that the Administration is looking for any pretext to blow up relations, it will care much less how the U.S. might react to a military strike on Iran.

    As for the West Bank settlements, it is increasingly difficult to argue that their existence is the key obstacle to a peace deal with the Palestinians. Israel withdrew all of its settlements from Gaza in 2005, only to see the Strip transform itself into a Hamas statelet and a base for continuous rocket fire against Israeli civilians.

    Israeli anxieties about America’s role as an honest broker in any diplomacy won’t be assuaged by the Administration’s neuralgia over this particular housing project, which falls within Jerusalem’s municipal boundaries and can only be described as a “settlement” in the maximalist terms defined by the Palestinians. Any realistic peace deal will have to include a readjustment of the 1967 borders and an exchange of territory, a point formally recognized by the Bush Administration prior to Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. If the Obama Administration opts to transform itself, as the Europeans have, into another set of lawyers for the Palestinians, it will find Israeli concessions increasingly hard to come by.

    That may be the preferred outcome for Israel’s enemies, both in the Arab world and the West, since it allows them to paint Israel as the intransigent party standing in the way of “peace.” Why an Administration that repeatedly avers its friendship with Israel would want that is another question.

    Then again, this episode does fit Mr. Obama’s foreign policy pattern to date: Our enemies get courted; our friends get the squeeze. It has happened to Poland, the Czech Republic, Honduras and Colombia. Now it’s Israel’s turn.


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    70 Comments
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    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Wow some one sees things as they are

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Kudos to the wall street journal for saying it as it is…

    DizzyIzzy
    DizzyIzzy
    14 years ago

    This administration seems to following a standardized checklist of what liberal democrats are supposed to do when given power. If it wasn’t so destructive, it would almost be funny.

    chief doofis
    chief doofis
    14 years ago

    Rightly or wrongly, an American Rabbi acted in an unusual fashion (R. Avi Weiss) and many Orthodox Jews discussed the matter, both pro and con. This is what happens when a group CARES about what is right or wrong. (I leave the decision making, in this aspect, to others)

    President Obama, “davened” in a church where the pastor spewed anti Semitic, anti Israel, and anti American vitriol for a generation. Unlike us, he can drive to another church on Sunday. If we don’t like our local shul, it’s often difficult the find another within walking distance. Ess failt nisht Black churches in Chicago, and with the ability to drive, the Obamas could have found a new “makom kavua”. By choosing not to, they showed us their true anti Israel, anti America and anti Western colors. 80% of American Jews voted for this (except for those who don talis and t’fillin every day).

    They sowed the wind, and now we are reaping the whirlwind! Forget America, we need the Ribbono Shel Olam, quickly!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Once upon a time there was France who was the good friend of Israel then one day De Gaulle decided that he will join the Arab front so Israel found a new friend the United States. It looks like that Israel now has to start looking for a new friend, as Obama thinks that the dictators and terrorists are to be courted whilest the ally – Israel – needs to be humiliated. Unless Israeli politicians insist on a public apology from the US Administration, I srael desrves what it gets

    Sasregener
    Sasregener
    14 years ago

    It’s amazing that not one Jewish or Israeli publication has the insight or backbone
    to state what the WSJ said, and what needs to be stated loudly and publicly.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    אין לנו על מי להישען

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Aside from the valid accusations that the Obama administration has emerged as a staunch anti-Israeli, probably anti-Jewish voice, the problem is that they have refused to recognize facts. There has never been a single concession by Israel that had positive results. Study the history. Every inch that Israel conceded became a launch point for military or terror activity against Israel. And people still have the guts to call Israel the aggressor. That chutzpah is unequaled in the civilized world.

    I only hope that we, the people, will be privileged to catch Obama and his co-conspirators with impeachable offenses so that the world can view their true characters. To all the fools that bought the “Jews vote Democratic”, shame on you. Look what you have helped build.

    Abe Bird
    Abe Bird
    14 years ago

    Obama squeezed Britain too while stuck neutrality in Falkland island crisis. What’s going on in the WH?

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    The WSJ was always the voice of reason in contrast to the leftist Liberal NYT. Clinton jumped on the bandwagon to criticize Israel because she sees which way Obama is going and jumps on board. She is strictly a copycat and gets her licks in when it cnat backfire on her. She is timid, not creative, not loyal, and blows with the wind. Biden, is a long time Israeli supporter. He said thanks for the apology and lets move on. Obama and Clinton are turning it into a big deal. Idiots.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    At least this story has distracted from the attacks against Israel’s Dubai fiasco.

    James Dean
    James Dean
    14 years ago

    I wonder how Israel will react the next time the USA asks not to sell UAVs to China. Obama is opening up a window for Russia and China to step into the Mid-East in a big way. Are his advisers are really that dumb?

    PMO
    PMO
    14 years ago

    I agree with him on everything… almost.

    On a personal level, as a yid, his opinions are spot-on.

    However, as an American I understand why the rebuke was necessary. The United States does not exist to stroke the egos of Israelis. The United States does not exist for the purpose of helping Israel. The United States ONLY interest is the United States, and our only interest in Israel should be those interests that benefit us.

    This is why the US needs to get out of the “peacemaking” business. Republicans and Democrats ALL seem to think this is the prize of the century. IF we continue to have “mid-east peace” as a national goal, we will always be disappointed. Our goals are not the same as the goals of Israel. Mr. Obama would be wise to continue to seek bridges into the Muslim world and forget about “mid-east peace”. Let Israel take care of that part, we have little strategic interest in how the Israel/Palestinian issue plays out. We do, however, have a strategic interest in diminishing Iran’s hold over Syria, Lebanon and other nations.

    It is difficult to be a yid and be loyal to the US. The goals do not always line up, and this is one of those times.

    who cares
    who cares
    14 years ago

    It is better to trust Hashem than rely on “princes”.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    well surprise surprise!it seems that usa is isolating itself from pretty much every country that it NEEDS to be pals with……..you go obama and Biden,im sure the Americans didnt have this in mind when you swore there would be change1

    Ad Kan
    Ad Kan
    14 years ago

    Well I for one am glad that this “slap in the face” occured. Its a chutzpah beyond belief that a country that is our supposed “closest ally” would tel us where to build in our cities. Imagine the US telling England “we don’t want you building in London anymore” that would pretty much be the end of US and UK being allies…its unheard of. US Israel politics are pathetic. Israel is OWNED OWNED OWNED by America. People need to wake up and realize that in Americas eyes, Israel is only important as long as it behaves and does exactly what America wants of it. Israel exists to please America. It can’t make its own military decisions and now it can’t even make the simplest construction decisions without asking the USA first. Its like USA is the MOMMY and Israel is the BABY. P A T H E T I C.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    “Our enemies get courted; our friends get the squeeze”. this has to be one of the most truthful insights into Obama and the left wings foreign policy approach

    US anger = A Blessing in disguise
    US anger = A Blessing in disguise
    14 years ago

    Brouch Hashem that the US is as angry as can be because now Israel is FREE AT LAST and they can do as the please without worry if they will anger the USA since they are already angry anyway so thee is nothing more to loose,

    Israel can now enjoy their freedom – Zman Cheresenu – and destroy all their Terrorists enemies very quickly, before the USA changes it’s mind and pretends to be their best Friend again. Such false sense of freindship will only instill more fear in to Israel and enslave Israel to the USA once again.

    formally
    formally
    14 years ago

    maybe obama is naive and thinks if you act nice to the radical Muslim they will change.

    However, he and unfortunately us will bear the consequences.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    How’s this for all that good hopey, changey ways of the messiahs attitude towards Israel! Is everyone happier now with the messiah? Wait until he begins to come and taqke everyones 401 K’s!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Thank you, Mr, Rupert Murdoch ! Chaver.

    Zionist
    Zionist
    14 years ago

    I strongly believe that netanyahu has a lot of typical Isralei chutzpah. Israel was wrong in what it did while Biden visited israel. I live near an Israeli and he is all azus ponim. All these secular Israelis have a terrible attitude which bodes very poorly for the jewish nation at large.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    To #27 I agree with you. This administration is tied only to countries with “oil”
    . They cowtow to them. They cater to them. You do not have it.== we do not need you. After they throw Israel away, it will be too late for them! It will be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater!! They had a strong alliance and with Hillary’s big mouth are destroying it!!

    true peace
    true peace
    14 years ago

    it is amazing to read all the talk backs

    i have a simple question, if jews can build in ramat shlomo why could they build in tell aviv
    who gives the right for any jew to be in the “middle east”
    why is israel in the middle of a sea of arabs states?

    the song of “never again”, song by so many “lefty” jews rings so hollow… simply, it screams the question what is a jew? what is the holy land? who made it holy and how?

    answer the above and you will understand who gave and got the slap in the face!

    G-d only knows!

    Analyst says
    Analyst says
    14 years ago

    The administration’s strategy, probably well known the WSJ, is to deligitimize Natanyahu, so that a center-left government is elected in Israel, which would be more willing to make concessions to the Arabs.
    Bill Clinton did the same thing to Bibi in the 90’s.
    Despite his apologies, Bibi is aware of the game and will tell Obama “no” in diplomatic terms, so as not to blow the goodwill of the center-right of the American political landscape. This is why J Street was so vocal on this issue since they see an opening to undermine the present government in Israel and hope to increase their leftisit allie”s base consisting of the Arab parties, Meretz and some Kadimah fellow travelers.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Re; to no 35. You are fool, One, of your neighbors is unpleasent, therefore all of Israeli society is condemned. U R a chusid shoitah ,at the least.

    Worse than that...
    Worse than that...
    14 years ago

    Worse than Obama and his no-goodniks, are the Israeli politicos. Rather than closing rank with the PM, and stating unequivocably that they should not intefere with internal government decisions (basically, mind your own business – don’t talk to us about peace negotiations until the PA is ready to give some proof of sincerity) – they use this to attack the PM for their own political egos and gain.
    “Meharsayich u’machrivyich memaich yetzeyoo” nebech.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    No. 38. Oh, to be so ignorant . Which, asylum are you from..

    stormin
    stormin
    14 years ago

    we must thank all those liberal jews orthodox and non orthodox as well as the Kapos in the White House

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Now we see him for what he is with regard to Eretz Yisrael.

    Sam
    Sam
    14 years ago

    WSJ gets it, and says it, better than anyone. If you read the Times over the Journal you need your head checked!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Who planted this guy in the white house?

    Robert
    Robert
    14 years ago

    love the wall street journal
    probably the best newspaper in the world

    the NYT smells of manure

    gop2010
    gop2010
    14 years ago

    Kol hakovod to the gop who are making clear their strong support for israel.House minority leader boehener(r-oh) and whip cantor(r-va) issued a strong public statement taking on obama’s disgusting policy to israel .

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    I rarely watch any TV whatsoever, but last night I watched “Nightline” on ABC.The last comment made by Cynthia McFadden the program’s host discussed the rift between Israel and the US. Her question was “Is the US being too aggressive regarding their attitude towards Israel. She asked people watching the show to blog in their comments. I did so, and brought out the fact that this Administration has pressured Israel without letup and has been leaning over backwards in favor of the Palestinians, who have been expected by this Administration to do little or nothing to encourage the so-called Peace Process.
    I included the unfortunate incident of the young Rabbi father of 7 who was murdered by the Fatah terrorists on 12/24/09 driving home from his job. and when the IDF responded by hunting these murderers down and executing them, this Administration wanted to know why.
    Guess what, they refused to accept my comment. the comments that were posted many were very nasty and anti-Israel, stating that it was about time to put Israel in its place. The blogs were signed and the names appeared to be Jewish . Interesting, right!! This is the Hope and Change.

    Zionist
    Zionist
    14 years ago

    Excellent piece by Bret Stephens in this morning’s WSJ. In forty years of reading newspapers, this is perhaps one of the best pieces I ever read.

    Midi Converter
    Midi Converter
    13 years ago

    An useful review