2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumFormer US Ambassador Indyk: Obama And Netanyahu Have 'Bad Chemistry'
Former US Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk told the Israeli media on Monday that while US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu do indeed have chemistry, at the moment it is "bad chemistry."
Speaking to Army Radio, Indyk called it a "mistake" for Obama not to visit Jerusalem on his pre-election trip to Israel in 2008, and that he erred in not visiting Jerusalem since. It is "very important" that Israelis come to see Obama as "a man that is deeply committed to Israel's security."
With regard to Obama's state of mind, Indyk said that he believes, "President Obama is feeling quite frustrated because he rightly feels that he has done the right thing by Israel, but Israel is not responsive."
Indyk suggested that once Netanyahu has formed his new government, he should "reach out to President Obama and try to turn a new page." He added that the "relations between the United States and Israel are more important than the differences between the two leaders." Referring to these tensions, which have been widely reported, Indyk said that the two heads of state "need to overcome them."
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http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=301251
BlueDemKev
(3,003 posts)He's the perfect example of a self-centered, I'm-right-you're-wrong type of person there is. Israel wonders why the world has no respect for them...why don't they take a look at the assholes they elect to run their country.
JRLeft
(7,010 posts)Why do some Israeli elected officials treat America as if our first obligation is to them. I am sick of that shit too.
BlueDemKev
(3,003 posts)The Likud Party appeals to the Israeli people's basic instincts of fear.
Cosmocat
(14,564 posts)There are a number of things that set politicians into rat like fever pitches of trying to outdo one another in kissing as - Israel is at the top of that list.
fujiyama
(15,185 posts)I don't think it's just "bad chemistry". I think one part of this combination is just rotten altogether - or combustible. I believe it got to the point where James Carvelle was actually hired to help work for Ehud Barak to oust him.
Netanyahu is an opportunistic, untrustworthy, manipulative ass hole - but a very skilled politician. That's why he's been (I believe), Israel's longest serving prime minister. He's just bad news all around.
tarheelsunc
(2,117 posts)I never would have guessed...
davidpdx
(22,000 posts)Obama is a pretty likable guy. It is pretty apparent Israel is trying to make him look bad.
Mz Pip
(27,442 posts)He was running for president of the US. Last time I checked Israel was not part of the US.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Jennicut
(25,415 posts)Obama is not anti Israel but is skeptical and rightly so. Netanyahu has done nothing beneficial to help this relationship. It is his own fault.
Zoeisright
(8,339 posts)will have "bad chemistry" with Netanyahu.