Israel and the United States, more than an ocean that divides
In the far off and distant days of February 2012, we evaluated the relationship of Israel and the United States under the Obama Administration. That relationship is once again in headlines, and we thought a review is in order.
The critical issue at hand is the report that the Obama Admnistration,
The White House currently denies the claim. Of course, recounting all past visits by Israel’s Prime Minister to the US only in Nov. 2010 did President Obama not meet the Prime Minister – Pres. Obama was away on a foreign trip.
But the issue at hand, the reason for the meeting, is Iran. Israel has stated that
“…the United States had forfeited its moral right to stop Israel from taking action against Iran’s nuclear program because it had refused to be firm with Tehran itself.”
From the language being used, regardless if President Obama meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu, the relations between Israel and the U.S. are not at a peak. Considering the potential impact of a unilateral strike, by Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities, it would seem this is not the time to be without conversation.
In December of 2011 President Obama, at a Jewish fundraiser for his re-election efforts, remarked that his Administration was the greatest ally to Israel – ever.
“I try not to pat myself too much on the back,” Mr. Obama told the audience at a Jewish-American fundraiser last week, “but this administration has done more for the security of the state of Israel than any previous administration.” – Washington Times, Dec. 7, 2011
We asked on Feb. 29, 2012, Has the Obama Administration distanced our ally in Israel? The answer we found at the time was that, they are distancing themselves from the Obama Administration at least.
Upon review, considering the latest flap with Israel and the continuing efforts of Iran to create nuclear weapons unabated, we must revise our opinion in part.
Conclusion – There is little evidence that the security of the state of Israel is more improved today than at any time in the past – other than in times of active warfare. The potential of multi-national instability in the Middle East, if due to no other factor, is increased by the failure to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu. There can be almost no greater signal of the disparity in the goals and doctrines of Israel and the U.S. than the comments being reported by the international news media currently.
Has America distanced its ally in the Middle East? There seems no question that they believe so. Has the Obama Administration been the greatest ally to Israel? We doubt that a positive answer can be found in the Israeli government, populace, or even among many non-Jewish Americans.
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