Netanyahu win dashes prospect for a thaw with Obama

[webfact]

Netanyahu win dashes prospect for a thaw with Obama
By JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration signaled on Wednesday it could take a tougher stance toward Benjamin Netanyahu following his decisive Israeli election victory and campaign tack to the right, saying there will be consequences for his sudden reversal on the idea of an independent Palestinian state.

While senior American officials said the administration was still evaluating options, they suggested the U.S. could ease its staunch opposition to Palestinians turning to the UN Security Council to create a state.

"There are policy ramifications for what he said," one official said of Netanyahu's campaign rhetoric rejecting the creation of a Palestinian state. "This is a position of record."

If Netanyahu holds firm to his opposition to a two-state resolution to the Mideast conflict, it could force whoever sits in the Oval Office — now and in the next administration — to choose between the prime minister and a longstanding U.S. policy with bipartisan support.

Hours after the Israeli election results were finalized, the White House quickly reaffirmed its support for the idea of two independent nations living side by side, a central tenet of peace negotiations led by presidents from both U.S. political parties. And the White House sharply chastised Netanyahu's party for using anti-Arab rhetoric in the lead-up to the election.

"Rhetoric that seeks to marginalize one segment of their population is deeply concerning and it is divisive," Obama spokesman Josh Earnest said.

Frustrated by both Israel and the U.S., Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has become increasingly aggressive in efforts to secure a Palestinian state through other means, including the UN Security Council. The U.S. has veto power on the council and has repeatedly warned Abbas it would block his efforts to use that avenue.

But on Wednesday, a senior administration official said only that the administration was evaluating its options on Security Council action and other possible responses, notably not repeating administration threats to block the Palestinians. A second official confirmed the U.S. could decide not to veto Security Council action.

The officials were not authorized to speak by name about internal deliberations and commented only on condition of anonymity.

Most Republican presidential hopefuls welcomed Netanyahu's victory, but they were notably silent about whether they backed Palestinian statehood. Only Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker weighed in, saying the U.S. goal "must remain a two-state solution."

Former Republican President George W. Bush made a two-state solution a cornerstone of his efforts to secure peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Obama also has pursued Palestinian statehood, most aggressively in a months-long push for peace that ultimately collapsed last year.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic front-runner if she enters the 2016 campaign, did not comment on the Israeli elections. As Obama's first secretary of state, she worked closely with Netanyahu and championed an independent Palestinian state.

Aaron David Miller, a longtime Middle East adviser to secretaries of state from both parties, said it was unlikely a U.S. president of either party would abandon support for Palestinian statehood in the near future.

"I suspect it is the fate of both Democratic and Republican presidents to be caught in a situation in which a two-state solution is too difficult to implement on the one hand and yet too difficult to abandon on the other," said Miller, now a scholar at the Wilson Center in Washington.

Netanyahu announced his support for Palestinian statehood in 2009, shortly after Obama became president. He continued to publicly back that position even as he approved new settlements in East Jerusalem, raising questions about his level of commitment.

Earlier this year, the Palestinians joined the International Criminal Court in pursuit of war crimes charges against Israel. Any decision on a possible investigation is now up to the ICC prosecutor.

Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Netanyahu Wednesday. The White House said Obama would speak with the prime minister in the coming days.

The Likud Party's decisive victory in Tuesday's elections marked a stunning comeback in a tight race that put Netanyahu in political jeopardy. In the campaign's closing days, Netanyahu abandoned his public commitment to Palestinian statehood.

While the White House publicly avoided taking sides in the election, it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership. Netanyahu is a fierce critic of Obama's nuclear negotiations with Iran, a country Netanyahu says poses a deadly threat to Israel. Netanyahu also deeply angered the White House by accepting a Republican invitation to address Congress earlier this month and make his case against the emerging outlines of an Iran deal.

Netanyahu's shift on Palestinian statehood now seems certain to deepen the rift with Obama. Despite his past assurances to the West, Netanyahu said this week that any talk of Israel withdrawing from lands it seized in 1967 to make room for a Palestinian state is irrelevant because, in his view, Islamic extremists would seize such territory.

Though the prospects of a peace accord in Obama's final 20 months in office were already slim, Netanyahu's stance slammed shut any hope for a breakthrough without a dramatic shift in the region.

"A push now to try to get to the table would run the risk that you produce negotiations that are bound to fail," said Dennis Ross, a former U.S. Middle East envoy. "What you can't afford now is more failure."
___

Associated Press writers Philip Elliott and Matthew Lee in Washington and Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed to this report.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-03-19

[Clutch]

Again, Netanyahu has shown the world his true colours. Being both openly racist and against peace in the Middle East with the words he has said that cannot be refuted. This man is guaranteed to cause more grief for the Israelis and more death for the Palestinians.

[lucky11]

Again, Netanyahu has shown the world his true colours. Being both openly racist and against peace in the Middle East with the words he has said that cannot be refuted. This man is guaranteed to cause more grief for the Israelis and more death for the Palestinians.

...but surely its what the Israeli people want not America!!!

The elections were democratic so what is the US complaining about, after all, democracy is all that counts and a democratically elected majority of Israeli citizens chose Neteyahu to lead the way and represent their wishes and interests!!

The US doesn't have too many friends now and it is losing it's grip somewhat!!

Edited March 19, 2015 by lucky11

[NeverSure]

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

[Smurkster]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

I would think it would be in their best interests to care a little about what America/Americans think after all it is America and its tax dollars that keep that place from turning into glass

[NeverSure]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

I would think it would be in their best interests to care a little about what America/Americans think after all it is America and its tax dollars that keep that place from turning into glass

Glass. Israel has all of the ways to deliver nukes including an ICBM from a deep water submarine. No they didn't get them from the US.

I'd say it's some Islamic extremist countries that had better be careful they don't turn into glass parking lots.

[Smurkster]

Israel is surrounded by nations that hate it, THEY are the ones that better watch it

[NeverSure]

I would think it would be in their best interests to care a little about what America/Americans think after all it is America and its tax dollars that keep that place from turning into glass

Americans like Israel just fine. It's the lame duck president who's made himself a failure on his part.

[Smurkster]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I would think it would be in their best interests to care a little about what America/Americans think after all it is America and its tax dollars that keep that place from turning into glass

Americans like Israel just fine. It's the lame duck president who's made himself a failure on his part.

there are plenty of Americans who DO NOT like the course of action that has been taken by Israel

[NeverSure]

Israel is surrounded by nations that hate it, THEY are the ones that better watch it

You mean like during the 1967 war when several of those nations attacked israel because they hate it and they got their butts handed to them in just 6 days?

Now Israel has nukes and all of the ways to deliver them.

It's those other countries who'd better watch it.

[Credo]

Yes, there are plenty of Americans who do not like the way Netanyahu has been pulling the US's chain.

Netanyahu might want to learn not to bite the hand that feeds him.

[Smurkster]

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Yes, there are plenty of Americans who do not like the way Netanyahu has been pulling the US's chain.

Netanyahu might want to learn not to bite the hand that feeds him.

+1 and plenty of American jews who are upset by it.....

Edited March 19, 2015 by Smurkster

[JDGRUEN]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

I would think it would be in their best interests to care a little about what America/Americans think after all it is America and its tax dollars that keep that place from turning into glass

Israel has made extraordinary achievements in science, technology, medicine and in many more areas. Their economy runs well, they have created great farming technologies. The stand alone military might of the Israelis produces such defense weapons at the Iron Dome System - which knocks out much of the HAMAS Rocketing from Gaza to the extent that HAMAS says it is unfair to have such a system .. how laughable... Other countries - even the USA are interested in acquiring the IRON DOME system. And their submarine ICBM and Cruise missile capability is very potent - all developed by Israel ...

[dexterm]

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

Presumably, if the USA is subsidizing Israel to the tune of at least $3billion pa, albeit some of that in arms credits, and is propping up Israel in the international arena by continually using its veto in the Security Council, then it has some sort of say on how that influence is being used.

If it is being used to deny Palestinians a right to self determination, then perhaps the US will have to reconsider its support for Israel.

[NeverSure]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Yes, there are plenty of Americans who do not like the way Netanyahu has been pulling the US's chain.

Netanyahu might want to learn not to bite the hand that feeds him.

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Yes, there are plenty of Americans who do not like the way Netanyahu has been pulling the US's chain.

Netanyahu might want to learn not to bite the hand that feeds him.

+1 and plenty of American jews who are upset by it.....

According to Gallup Polls, Americans support Israel above Arabs by almost twice as much as they did in the 1960's. The support is growing. It's a strong majority. It's strong enough, and this has been a big enough mistake by Obama that it could well affect the presidential elections next year in the US.

LINK

[Anthony5]

Israel is surrounded by nations that hate it, THEY are the ones that better watch it

You mean like during the 1967 war when several of those nations attacked israel because they hate it and they got their butts handed to them in just 6 days?

Now Israel has nukes and all of the ways to deliver them.

It's those other countries who'd better watch it.

I would almost mistake you for an American, being such an instigator.

[NeverSure]

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

Presumably, if the USA is subsidizing Israel to the tune of at least $3billion pa, albeit some of that in arms credits, and is propping up Israel in the international arena by continually using its veto in the Security Council, then it has some sort of say on how that influence is being used.

If it is being used to deny Palestinians a right to self determination, then perhaps the US will have to reconsider its support for Israel.

America can't "reconsider its support" when almost 2/3 of the American voters support Israel.

Get over it. Your side lost not only in Israel but Obama lost big face.

[Seastallion]

Abbas needs to strike while the iron is hot. Get some resolutions before the Security Council, just in case that double-talking liar "walks back" his words which are on record. Because if Netanyahu does soften his stance verbally, it will be for the sole reason of disingenuous diplomacy and stalling.

We're assuming, too, that Herzog won't form a majority coalition....it's possible,

[Linky]

If Israel doesn't care about what the U.S. thinks then don't accept any money from them and don't cry about it when the U.S. refuses to veto in the UNITED on Isael's behalf.

We will then hear Israel bleating.

Israel is a very dangerous nation and are top of the list to start WW3.

[Smurkster]

Israel is a very dangerous nation and are top of the list to start WW3.

​this OP obviously has done his research/homework and can see things how they TRUELY are, yes if there is any country going to drag us into WW3 it will certainly be Israel....

[Anthony5]

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

Presumably, if the USA is subsidizing Israel to the tune of at least $3billion pa, albeit some of that in arms credits, and is propping up Israel in the international arena by continually using its veto in the Security Council, then it has some sort of say on how that influence is being used.

If it is being used to deny Palestinians a right to self determination, then perhaps the US will have to reconsider its support for Israel.

America can't "reconsider its support" when almost 2/3 of the American voters support Israel.

Get over it. Your side lost not only in Israel but Obama lost big face.

You mean 2/3th of the Republican voters?

Did you realise that in the next election there again will be a Democrat presidential candidate?

[NeverSure]

You mean 2/3th of the Republican voters?

Did you realise that in the next election there again will be a Democrat presidential candidate?

Yes, I realize there will be a Democrat presidential candidate. Without one the Repubs would win by default.

[Pinot]

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

Presumably, if the USA is subsidizing Israel to the tune of at least $3billion pa, albeit some of that in arms credits, and is propping up Israel in the international arena by continually using its veto in the Security Council, then it has some sort of say on how that influence is being used.

If it is being used to deny Palestinians a right to self determination, then perhaps the US will have to reconsider its support for Israel.

America can't "reconsider its support" when almost 2/3 of the American voters support Israel.

Get over it. Your side lost not only in Israel but Obama lost big face.

You mean 2/3th of the Republican voters?

Did you realise that in the next election there again will be a Democrat presidential candidate?

And that candidate will be a slam dunk.

They never miss an opportunity to try and smear President Obama even when it's a far fetched connection. Israeli voters again elected the wrong man. Most Americans and people of the world would like to see the last of Netanyahu. With him in there there is no chance of peace. Fear, Sheldon Adelson (and his proxy the Republican party) won. Any chance of peace in the middle east lost.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Pinot

[Credo]

There is a bit of mixing apples and oranges here.

Will American's support Israel, yes. Will they support Israel over Arabs yes. Many Americans equate Arab with Islam and that raises questions for a lot of Americans.

I think Netanyahu's little display in Congress and some of his recent remarks see some people wavering in their undying loyalty toward Israel.

The Palestinians do have a point, you know and with a little better PR, they could make some strong inroads.

Again, Netanyahu might want to not bite the hand that feeds him.

[ABCer]

Americans/ USA are feeding Israel? NOT! ... Israeli Arabs have no problems with Israeli Jews... Militant "Palestinians" can go to where from they flocked to Gaza... The only way they make a 'good living' is by Islam oil rich countries paying them to stay where they are and dig the tunnels... What else Gaza Arabs ever produced of value?

[NeverSure]

Again, Netanyahu might want to not bite the hand that feeds him.

Netanyahu won this round. He made Obama look weak at home and abroad.

He also killed any chance that Obama has of going around Congress to the UN trying to patch together a phony deal with Iran. That jig is up because Netanyahu would ignore it, and the American people support Israel.

Congress appropriates money. Congress belongs to the people.

[Steely Dan]

Yes, there are plenty of Americans who do not like the way Netanyahu has been pulling the US's chain.

Netanyahu might want to learn not to bite the hand that feeds him.

Though the Palestinians get fed from the U.S and the E.U although Hamas don't recognize Israel's right to exist and the Palestinian authority glorifies violence against Israelis.

I would also observe that the Palestinian authority (unelected for years) has serially broken the Oslo accords, which were supposed to pave the way to a two state solution.

P.s it's also a bit ironic the Obama administration getting a bit sniffy about Israeli election rhetoric when they are serial abusers of language when it suits them.

[arjunadawn]

"...it was no secret that Obama and his advisers would have welcomed a change in Israeli leadership."

As if the Israeli people give a s... what Obama thinks.

Why do some people say that America should keep its nose out of other peoples' business until it comes to trying to push the Israeli people around?

This was their election. Obama can buzz off.

Obama single handedly gave Bibi this election. Obama does not use soft policy, a big stick, or other tools of state craft; this administration uses criminal-like tools to manipulate, weaponize the region through third parties, employ NGOs as proxies, and actually meddle and overthrow governments directly. Netanyahu's victory was an indictment of Obama. The jews have a greater sense of realpolitik with regards to the middle east than the muslim brotherhood advised US president (sources too numerous to cite). Obama will add one more canister of fuel into the regional war he is creating in the middle east. While the immediate vehicle to conflict may be seen as this election, a broad view reveals every single issue Obama has meddled in inexorably leads to a greater likelihood of war the region. If a person has a narrow view any one issue may look explosive, but rarely is. In the middle east there are so many tinder boxes left smoking and kindling due to this administration's meddling that fairly short time will set them further ablaze- but not before he further empowers DAESH. Can anyone provide one single instance where Obama's middle east meddling has lessened the likelihood of war? Anyone? Anyone?

(Note: The recent incidents where Obama has provided aid to Israel contrary to the narrative I am suggesting above is because he has to; he has no choice)!

[RockyBeerbelly]

Israel is surrounded by nations that hate it, THEY are the ones that better watch it

You mean like during the 1967 war when several of those nations attacked israel because they hate it and they got their butts handed to them in just 6 days?

Now Israel has nukes and all of the ways to deliver them.

It's those other countries who'd better watch it.

Are you actually suggesting Israel should start a nuclear war?

[NeverSure]

Israel is surrounded by nations that hate it, THEY are the ones that better watch it

You mean like during the 1967 war when several of those nations attacked israel because they hate it and they got their butts handed to them in just 6 days?

Now Israel has nukes and all of the ways to deliver them.

It's those other countries who'd better watch it.

Are you actually suggesting Israel should start a nuclear war?

Of course not. Read the post I responded to. If the nations that "surround" Israel attacked as the previous poster suggested, Israel would have to fight with whatever it has.