Washington – For a head of state to visit the White House and not pose for photographers is rare. For a key ally to be left to his own devices while the President withdraws to have dinner in private was, until this week, unheard of.
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Yet that is how Binyamin Netanyahu was treated by President Obama on Tuesday night, according to Israeli reports on a trip seen in Jerusalem tonight as a disastrous humiliation.
After failing to extract a written promise of concessions on Jewish settlements, Mr Obama walked out of his meeting with Mr Netanyahu but invited him to stay at the White House, consult with advisors and “let me know if there is anything new”, a US congressman who spoke to the Prime Minister said today.
“It was awful,” the congressman said. One Israeli newspaper called the meeting “a hazing in stages”, poisoned by such mistrust that the Israeli delegation eventually left rather than risk being eavesdropped on a White House phone line. Another said that the Prime Minister had received “the treatment reserved for the President of Equatorial Guinea”.
Left to talk among themselves, Mr Netanyahu and his aides retreated to the Roosevelt Room. He later spent a further half-hour with Mr Obama and extended his stay for a day of emergency talks aimed at restarting peace negotiations, but left last night with no official statement from either side. He returns to Israel dangerously isolated after what Israeli media have called a White House ambush for which he is largely to blame.
Sources said that Mr Netanyahu failed to impress Mr Obama with a flow chart purporting to show that he was not be responsible for the timing of announcements of new settlement projects in east Jerusalem. Mr Obama was said to be livid when such an announcement derailed Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel this month, and his anger towards Israel does not appear to have cooled.
Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, cast doubt on minor details in Israeli accounts of the meeting but did not deny claims that it amounted to a dressing down for the Prime Minister, whose refusal to freeze settlements is seen in Washington as the main barrier to resuming peace talks.
The Likud leader now has to try to square the demands of the Obama Administration with his nationalist, ultra-Orthodox coalition partners, who want him to stand up to Washington, even though Israel desperately needs US backing in confronting the looming threat of a nuclear Iran.
“The Prime Minister leaves America disgraced, isolated and altogether weaker than when he came,” the Israeli daily Ha’aretz said.
In their meeting Mr Obama set out a number of expectations that Israel was to satisfy if it wanted to end the crisis, Israeli sources said. These included an extension of the freeze on Jewish settlement growth beyond the 10-month deadline next September, an end to Israeli building projects in east Jerusalem, and even a withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions that they held before the Second Intifada in September 2000, after which they re-occupied most of the West Bank.
Newspaper reports recounted how Mr Netanyahu looked “excessively concerned and upset” as he pulled out a flow chart to show Mr Obama how Jerusalem planning permission worked and how he could not have known of the announcement that hundreds more homes were to be built just as Mr Biden arrived in Jerusalem.
Mr Obama then suggested that Mr Netanyahu and his staff stay on at the White House to consider his proposals, so that if he changed his mind he could inform the President right away. “I’m still around,” the Yediot Ahronot daily quoted Mr Obama saying. “Let me know if there is anything new.”
With the atmosphere so soured by the end of the evening, the Israelis decided that they could not trust the phone line they had been lent. Mr Netanyahu retired with his defence minister, Ehud Barak, to the Israeli Embassy to ensure the Americans were not listening in.
The meeting came barely a day after Mr Obama’s landmark health reform victory. Israel had calculated that he would be too tied up with domestic issues ahead of the mid-term elections to focus seriously on the Middle East.
Obama is a rasha of first class!!! he will fall so hard he won’t know what hit him!
Rabosay it is time we did something about the Muslim in the white house. Where’s Agudah organizing phone calls to Congressamen and Senators. This must be stopped now or Israel is in BIG TROUBLE.
It is nice to see that our President actually does have a spine.
However, he is making an enemy of the wrong people. Flexing his muscle with the Pakistanis so they would finally help root-out Al Qaeda was a big step forward. Disgracing Netanyahu is 2 steps back.
Mr. President, you better figure out who your friends are real quick, or you will soon find yourself all alone out on that limb.
If netanyahu is smart, he swollows it, he knows he have to take responsibility for the announcement so this is pay back, I don’t think this should effect or atleast change the relationship for the better or worse
It was expected, everyone knew Obama is anti-Israel. Look who his friends and advisers are. I am though surprised by all those, like PMO, who supported him and Clinton all along.
Israel will have to wait a long time before they get another GW Bush in the WH. Israel’s best US president.
seems like the novi Yechezkels words are more true than ever…. that towards the end of days eretz yisroel will be face by ALL 70 nations of the world in war to include the up till now “friend of Israel ” the USA ….
Shame on you, Barak Hussain Obama!!!
Down with this Muslim Anti Semite president. He wants another Holocaust.
This is scary!!!
So now Jews have no right to live in Yerushalaim. Um Hmm. Its time for us Jews in America to show some outrage at this despicable treatment of our interests and this humilation of Bibi which is a humiliation for all Jews. First off, everyone should begin donating to the Republican Party and to Republican candidates. Second off perhaps we all should descend on Washington in a mass protest.
None of this should come as a big surprise to those of us who all along were very concerned about Barack Hussein Obama. What is terribly disturbing is the fact that our supposed leaders and organizations are paralyzed, unable to rally the Jews for a rally of hundreds of thousands in support of the State of Israel.
We are facing a possible End of Days scenario, or at the very least the most dangerous period for the Jews of Israel and possibly for world Jewry in 60 years.
And what are we doing? Finalizing arrangement for our trip to Florida, or buying tickets for a Chol HaMoed concert?
Wake up, Yidden! A fire is burning!
Bibi, just daven to HKBH for a yeshua, the same as our ancestors did back in Mitzrayim. Agreements made with Canaanim are as worthless as dust…..
What do they think? they can slap the U.S. in the back and not get the consequenses?
They have to be realistic that Israel needs the support of the U.S. like air to breath, and they’ll have to give in to it’s demands like they always did.
I believe that even after that Obama is still pro Israel more then any other foreign leader.
Israel has to learn how to treat thier freinds, not slap them in the face.
I’m sorry , but Netanyahu has himself to blame. He should have known that his meeting with Hussein Obama would be confrontational . Why did he risk his honor and the honor of Israel by for this meeting?
Than all the Democrats like Clinton and Obama say that they do not believe in “imposing” a peace process on friends. What do you call this?
Go Bibi GO!!! we are with you, who cares what the ha’aretz wrote they are left wingers. this is the way you need to go, stand up for the jewish people and israel!!!
Rahm, get out of this possee of Israel haters.
Where is Pelosi and all the other sycophants who posed with Netanyahu for pictures at the AIPAC dinner. Why isn’t Schumer and Gillibrand and any of other of our “good friends” raising hell about the treatment of our only friend in the middle east? What a shanda – they’re only around for a photo-op. Even more of a shanda that Emanuel and Axelrod are from our tribe.
We can’t allow ourselves to be intimidated and pushed around. If we stand up for what we believe, we’ll garner respect. By whimpering and bowing to the demands of those who would sooner be rid of us (don’t kid yourselves), we come across as weaklings and pushovers. Stand your ground, Bibi. We’ve been pushed around for long enough. Just remember that G-d’s on our side — for as long as you remember who runs this world. And it ain’t Obama.
It’s about time Bibi dumps Osama and goes to Russia or China for help. Israel has done it before and succeeded.
why get so offended if your butler doesnt eat dinner with you and the meal was treif so obama has a zchus
Does EY really believe they can repeatedly humiliate the U.S. and other allies time after time and not themselves be the recipients of their own medicine. In his efforts to placate his cabinet allies, he has risked the loss of EY’s only real friend an ally in the world.
It is seriously time to do something about the way this administration is treating Israel. People please call your local Representative and Senator’s office and tell them you are no longer planning to contribute or vote for the party that favors terrorism over democracy.
This has gone far enough. The arrogance of this man is overwhelming. He wants to fight with everyone who he knows will not fight back. The problem is that until the November election his party still has large majorities. We need to counter this by getting his party to tell him to lay off. He is a bully and must be brought back down to earth.
There is nothing to see here really. While we focus on how Natanyahu was treated, backroom deal is being reached where the Pentagon will be paying full price for 3 new C130J planes that Israel has ordered. $70 million for EACH plane will be payed by U.S. foreign assistance funds, of course with OBAMA’s signature on the deal.
Israel is tasting its own medicines a little. With Natanyahu’s orchestration, Turkish delegation was humiliated in front of global cameras, escalating diplomatic tensions between the countries. Now, the White House continues to feel humiliated for Biden’s visit, so Obama is doing it in return to signal to the Arab world that U.S. doesn’t just let the tail wag the dog unconditionally.
Time for Israel to jut out their chins, stick to their guns and tell the bin laden administration to shove it. Start some military maneuvers call up reserves and you’ll see how obama will come crawling back. Israel is the only stabilizing force in the region. America has more to lose than Israel if America cools off relations with Israel. I take my hat off to all those that stated the true intent of Obama/Clinton when they ran their campaigns. All this is a pretext they are using to distance themeselves from Israel. This administration will lose BIGTIME. As if buiding some apartments is the obstacle to peace. One term President, one term Senate Majority.
the problem is not with Obama. It is entirely with the insane religious right in Israel who stupidly embarrased the State’s most important ally. Incredibly ironic that a group that contributes nothing to Israel is influencing policies. Israel has to come up with a different political system-one in which it is not necessary to appease a bunch of religious fanatic parasites to form a government. The US response was appropriate in the situation.
i think thats just horrible that obama would do that. why did it take 2 days to be reported. obama probably wanted to smoke alone. im beginning to think “one termer!”
It’s time we try to impeach obama. First he shoves healthcare down americans throat and now this I had enough. I honestly believe his arrogance will be his downfall. Instead of doing what the people who voted him in say to do he says “he knows better”. I didnt vote for him and I think his place in history will be one of the worst presidents we ever had.
What did u expect?if he humiliated biden and bite the hand that fed you for over 60 years then don’t expect to be invited for dinner
Its plain arrogance and hisgarus beumois the way natanyahu is behaving with all the frum leshem shomayim co alition members egging him on.they should be machnia and makir toivah to the USA even if they may mot like it at the moment its not a reason to spit in the face of your best friend and ally
It shows that yidden are kofu toyv instead of thankfull for what support America has given yidden over the years.What will other nations think?”don’t bother helping the jews,in the end they’ll just be chutzpedik back.Its not worth it”
Sometimes you have to take the good and the bad
First of all Netanyahu is NOT a head of state. Shimon Peres is the head of state. Second of all, it’s amusing that anyone would worry about the phone lines. Wasn’t it Bill Clinton who had trouble with Israelis tapping his lines that got him in to trouble?
The fact is, the whole world is against Settlements.
The fact is, the West Bank and the Arab part of Jerusalem belong to the Arabs.
The only reason the world doesn’t put more pressure on Israel to give back does land is, because many Arabs don’t want peace. But this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try; and this is Mr. Obamas position. If you look at this objectively you would agree with him.
Israel always thought they are so powerful that they can ignore the chareidim and humiliate the Torah..A jewish country that has a policy that Chumetz in Passover must be allowed to be sold in public and Chazer is allowed even on Yom Kipper will chas veshulem turn out to be like the satmere rebbe quotes in Vyoel Moshe..”Hareini mafkir ess besarchem keeilos hasudeh”…It starts out with breaking up with USA,UK and most european countries…
The true HUSEIN’s colours!
My advice to the Israeli administration is not to answer the phone when Special Envoy Mitchell calls. He should instead spend some time with Jimmy Carter. You want to isolate Israel? no problem. Don’t send Israel your negotiators, let’s suspend all negotiations, status quo on all the territories, no land for peace, don’t call us, we’ll call you.
I can’t take this no more its time to make a demonstration in Washington the kind that the world has never seen. We need to show that we will not take this lying down like we right Now. Does any body have ideas how we can organize such an event and deliver the message to washington.
I guess the only one we can rely upon is Hakadosh Boruch Hu. It is about time! Now maybe we will really really really start davening for Moshiach.
if obama will not push israel to make peace they will never do this in there own somebody has to be crazy not to see that at their own. look at that one day after israel said that they are ready to resume the peace talks they are anouncing the building of more homes in the disputed teratory and bibi still wants obama to believe him that this was not a plan from before does he think obama is a fool why does he treat him as a fool of course he is getting angry every normal person would have gotten angry if treaten that way bibi should stop with his chutspa behaver and behave like a friend not to say one way and in public act difrently
I don’t know why Netanyahu came to the White House. He should be firm and build, build, build.
No one tells the blacks that they can’t build in Chicago.
What kind of a world is this when Jews can’t live in Jerusalem.
Everyone should write and call the White House protesting the treatment of the leader of an ally country. And yes Israel is a country, it is not something Obama can boss around.
How will we get through 3 more years of this president?
Stand up Jews and speak up, loud and clear. It is Pesach time and history keeps repeating itself.
P.M. Netanyahu, stay strong, the only language Obama understands is strength. He will ultimately come bowing down to you. In his heart he knows that this is all a pretext to further his agenda. The only time Israel enjoyed peace and quiet was when they were in a position of strength.
Israel never humiliated the USA. The Israelis are building homes in their own country and if that’s called humiliating , then so be it. Let’s learn from the Black Caucus in the Congress. They band together and speak out if they feel one of their own has been demeaned or attacked. Chucky Schumer , where are you? You’ve come to all Jewish functions , graduations , ladies auxiliaries , Bat -Mitzvahs , and melave malkas over the years. Where are you now when we need you?
Obama and his shortsightedness will destroy America and all the progress made in the last 60 years. Typical selfish narcissistic personality disorder.
To quote the vice president “This is a bleeping big deal”! When oh when will we restore some dignity and etiquette back to the White House and presidency of the United States? Who does Obama think he is Bibi’s father? Sit here and think about what I said and when you are ready (sic to apologize and do what I tell you to do) you know where you can find me.
I was so upset when I heard Bibi was visiting the President after he was already slighted by Obama when he visited the Middle East but chose not to visit Israel. That was the first slap in the face. This is the second. Strike three and we had better make sure HE is OUT!
The Jerusalem Post is reporting that Obama is giving Bibi until Saturday to come up with an answer. Don’t fold , Bibi. Let the anti-Semites of the world choke on their own bile. Don’t give in.
It is going to be a long three years, my friends, hang on tight…
These we have to keep land and expand notions without giving in are the best for Israel. This is good news. Us congress will support Israel. Great job Bibi!
why disputed land? you attacked Israel, you lost, period. Don’t attack, you won’t lose land.
Build, Bibi Build.
Build, Bibi, Build.
Lshana habah byerushalayim Habenuya!!! Lets make it mean something.
Im Eshkachech yerushalayim, tishkach yemini….
all my jewish friends in the shul i daven that voted for OBAMA all i can say I TOLD YOU SO
Al yaivosh mipnei hamaligim