APN condemns what can no longer be dismissed as anything other than reckless statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that inject Israel into the American presidential race.
In the early stages of the current election campaign, APN launched our "Responsibility over Rhetoric" project, an effort to educate candidates about issues relating to Israel, and to dissuade them from turning Israel and its security challenges into a political football on the way to November 6th. Never did we imagine that we would face statements by an Israeli politician - Israel's prime minister, no less - which do just that.
While the "Responsibility over Rhetoric" campaign was designed to address American politicians, we today find ourselves in the unhappy position of having to direct it at Israel's leader, urging him to cease playing this reckless, damaging game.
Less than two months before presidential elections, Prime Minister Netanyahu chose this week to publicly lash out at the White House over Iran policy differences, sought to embarrass President Obama over allegedly refusing to meet with him, and yesterday fanned the flames by saying that Israeli leaders are tested at times of differences with Israel's closest allies, implying that standing up to Israel's chief ally was a badge of honor.
In the Israeli media, commentators sharply criticized Netanyahu for what they interpret as a clear attempt to intervene in the race for the White House, while sacrificing what may be Israel's chief national security asset: Its relationship with the U.S. government. Two former chiefs of staff of the Israeli military, Shaul Mofaz and Gabi Ashkenazi, chastised Netanyahu for jeopardizing Israel's relationship with the U.S.
Differences between allies are legitimate and even natural. There will inevitably be daylight between Jerusalem and Washington. But Israeli politicians should not abuse that daylight to play politics on America's electoral field, as the presidential race reaches its final weeks.
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I believe that this statement from you is as political as you claim Netanyahu's was.
The fact is that most issues are seen through political glasses and this one is no exception.
You may believe Netanyahu did this to effect the election in America. In Israel it seems it even helps Netanyahu to take on Obama.
I believe the possibility is greater that Netanyahu is doing this because he is truly scared. His job as PM is to protect Israel. Keeping Israel out of a war with Iran is the best way to do so.
His instincts tell him that the best strategy to convince Iran to negotiate will take serious and dramatic signals sent from America that they must give up the goal of a nuclear arsenal or the America will force him to. He also believes that Obama has sent mixed signals.
Obama has tried to reassure Israel with military aid, reassurances and attempts at negotiations with Iran. But not the level of action that has been convincing in Tehran.
Israel's policy has always been to not allow another country to fight it's battles. The window of opportunity for Iran's "zone of immunity" as fast closing for Israel. America has much more time. But that requires Israel to rely on another country.
Israel does have nuclear weapons but nobody want to them used. So Bibi is stuck between a rock and a hard place and understandably is freaking out.
Up to this point his activity in trying to get negotiations and sanctions against Iran in place has worked. Should he not do whatever he feels he has to nudge Obama and the rest of the world to do more? All of Israel's diplomatic core is trying to convince all of the countries that will listen to stop Iran. America is the only country that has the clout to do so, so of course it is Netanyahu's biggest target to convince.
Agree are disagree with the policy or political ramifications in America, but it seems to me he is doing his job as he feels he must.
Clearly you don't like Netanyahu and prefer Obama over Romney and that is fine but ascribing political (in America) motives to Bibi's behavior seems to me political on your part more so than Netanyahu's.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has every right to speak to the American people. Israel's security rests in the hands of an American administration that has repeated demonstrated disrespect as well as out right contempt for Israeli priorities.
When Secretary of State Clinton bullied Israel regarding legitimate housing needs in Jerusalem. And when President Obama snubbed the Israeli Prime Minister (repeatedly); it would seem to indicate that the American President feels that he has the Jewish vote 'in the bag'. Your piece would seem to indicate that you agree and that Jews should not consider Israeli needs when voting in the the upcoming election. I disagree and Israeli security will be one of my considerations as I choose how to vote in November.