By BOAZ BISMUTH, Israel Hayom—
Washington — or to be more precise, the White House — is U.S. President Barack Obama’s home court. Congress, however, has become a hostile arena for Obama since the midterm elections in November. The Republican majority in both chambers there holds a different outlook from the president on a whole range of issues, both foreign and domestic.
Obama’s biggest problem is that on the most important issue — a nuclear agreement with Iran that he hoped to make his legacy — the Democrats (for example, Senator Robert Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee) are aligning themselves with the Republicans, not him.
Given the distrust of Iran that reigns in Congress and the American public, what is Obama to do? Is he wising up regarding his Iran policy? According to his State of the Union address on Tuesday (the sixth of his presidency), the answer to that second question is no. In his speech, Obama flexed his muscles, but not toward the Iranians, God forbid! Why endanger a potential deal? Instead, Obama flexed his muscles toward Congress.
Obama declared he opposed the imposition of any new sanctions on Iran at this time, saying that such a move would “all but guarantee that diplomacy fails.” The Iranian nuclear issue is becoming a battleground between an oppositional Congress and a president who wields veto power. Such a veto would surely play into the hands of the Iranians.
In the midst of this debate over one of the key issues facing the world today, John Boehner, the speaker of the House of Representatives, invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress. Netanyahu is considered to be an authority on the Iranian nuclear issue and Congress wants to hear his opinion. In case you have forgotten, even before he was elected prime minister for the first time in 1996, Netanyahu viewed Iran as the greatest threat facing Israel. And Netanyahu deserves credit for weaving together an international diplomatic coalition against the Iranian nuclear program.
It is not surprising that Netanyahu’s upcoming address to Congress has sparked a political firestorm in Israel and the U.S. In Washington, this is because of Obama’s known views and his opposition to new sanctions. In Israel, it is because elections are fast approaching and political motives are immediately attributed to anything Netanyahu does, as if terrorism has stopped and Iran’s centrifuges have ceased spinning just because the upcoming elections. Come on, let’s be serious.
Netanyahu will likely receive a very warm reception from Congress. In the Obama era, the White House might not be friendly terrain for Netanyahu. But in Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike have great respect for the prime minister.
Netanyahu’s visit to Washington will take place a few weeks before the elections in Israel. The U.S. has already said it would not interfere in these elections. But Obama’s decision on whether to welcome or shun Netanyahu during his visit will carry some weight.
What will Obama do? Logic says he probably will find time to meet with Netanyahu. If Obama shuns Netanyahu, this would send a very bad message. Let’s remember that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to the whole world, not just Israel.
Perhaps we should put cynicism aside and view the invitation to Netanyahu to address Congress in a positive light. Let’s ignore the internal politics, ego battles and electoral intrigues for a moment and consider the fact that only one other leader has been invited to address Congress three times. His name was Winston Churchill.
My prayer is that Prime Minister Netanyahu realizes and knows that a vast number of Americans are FOR Israel and her safety and survival, no matter what signals our U.S. President tries to send via his words or his blatant absence. Israel has always “had our back”, and as our true Friend and the only democracy sitting in the midst of a hostile Mid-East, we owe Israel that same assurance that, “Yes, we have your back, too.” I applaud any of our government officials who will stand firmly for what is right and good, even if it means going against our President. I hope Israel is able to sense and feel the unwavering support and prayers of many, many Americans.
I thank you and all Americans who stand with Israel.From the bottom of my heart for my family here and others.May G-d Bless you with Strength,Wisdom,Courage to Survive” as America,goes through.This horrific destruction by Muslim Obama.
People like you who stand with G-d will get a double Blessing in your life.
ISRAEL WAS TOLD THAT IRAN STATED THAT IRAN’S POLICY WAS TO WIPE ISRAEL OFF OF THE MAP.
WHAT IF AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF DIPLOMACY AND AN IRANIAN CAPABILITY OF DELIVERY OF AN NTERCONTINENTAL NUCLEAR BALLISTYIC MISSILE IRAN WOULD THREATEN US WITH AN INJUNCTION TO WIPE US OFF THE MAP?
HOW WOULD WE RESPOND?
NOW IS THE TIME FOR A SHOW-DOWN. OBAMA’S POLICY IS REASONABLE, BUT FLAWED.
WHY ?
BECAUSE WE ARE DEALING WITH MADMEN IN IRAN AND SHOULD EXPECT AM ATTACK AT ANY TIME,
Covering this meeting in prayer. I’m glad this nation is not just going to sit back and watch destruction to the world happen.
His Child,As I said in a previous post thank G-d the new Congress and Senate,stand with Israel.Even some Democrats are going to the other side in opposing Obama which is not,or for them.
America is in my prayers here in Israel because it is,the land of my birth.But we must remember these Democrats who are going against Obama,because he does.Not like anyone not doing things his way like a spoiled child.
We must also remember House Speaker Bonehner who invited,are Prime Minister.To speak in front of Congress in early March with out consulting Obama first.As I said above if this had happened,before and it.Was Abbas of the PLO or the Iran dictator they would be welcomed with open arms.
Now he says that he will make life miserable here in Israel before the elections.In the end he will answer to the one true G-d who created heaven and earth,also life giver.The G-d of Abraham,Issac and Jacob.
Sadly, President Obama is a blind man. I see so many articles and read so many responses from other readers and see ignorance and hatred. It has occurred to me that the true followers of Christ are the ones who see what is happening in this world. My prayer is for all eyes to be opened to the truth. Democrats and Republicans alike should follow Mr. Netanyahu’s example and stop playing politics. To him, (Mr. Netanyahu), I say “bravo”. This has nothing to do with Israel’s election being so near. It has everything to with God’s plan and He will protect His first called children ~
Knowing how Muslim Barrack Hussein Obama,feels about Prime Minister Netanyahu.It would be no surprise to me if,he shunned him.Look at how disrespectfully he treated him in the past.On the other hand Abbas of the Palestinian Authority,is welcomed with open arms.The same with Iran’s dictator or Turkey’s anyone who is against Israel,is his friend.Unfortunately Obama is taking his advice from idiots who like him,do not care about America.Also like him all they care about power news flash for all of Obama’s czars,if Israel falls.So does America.
Thank G-d that Congress and the Senate stand with Israel also,that Democrats are.Starting to go against his policy on foreign affairs Obama does not like,when people go.Against his agenda he has a way of making there lives miserable,which he will.Do in spades I also expect that he will put his veto,force in full power.Also he will try to sign more Executive orders when Congress does not,agree with him.
The next 2 years will be extremely interesting especially since,Obama likes.To bully representatives to his way or use the famous race card.Scream Racism if things do not go his way he does not know how,to compromise on anything.