The New York Times reports today that public venting by the Obama administration over Netanyahu’s divisive end-of-election tactics last week runs the risk of swinging Israeli opinion back the prime minister’s way — even among folks who can’t stand him. According to The Times, “The president’s harsh words have been deemed by some to be patronizing and disrespectful not only to Mr. Netanyahu but also to the voters who rewarded his uncompromising stances with a resounding mandate for a fourth term.” “Patronizing” and “disrespectful” are the two words that jumped off the page for me. Below are three examples of why these words perfectly describe Netanyahu’s treatment of Obama.. .
Oval Office lecture During an Oval Office media availability on May 20, 2011, the prime minister delivered a history lesson directly to the president about the Arab-Israeli conflict. Just look at Obama’s body language (starting at 12:13). He’s not pleased.. .
Betting on Mitt Romney You’d think an Israeli prime minister would watch the U.S. presidential election from a safe remove. That he wouldn’t dare to signal favor for one candidate over another, since he would have to work with the victor no matter the party. But we’re talking about Netanyahu here. . . So bad was Netanyahu’s perceived meddling that the day after the U.S. election, one Israeli newspaper headline read, “Bibi Gambled, We’ll Pay,” Netanyahu’s public congratulation of the president with the U.S. ambassador to Israel produced “a very awkward video of Netanyahu congratulating Obama.” The awkwardness has yet to abate.
Accepting an invitation…and spyingpeaker Boehner’s invitation to Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress on the Iranian nuclear talks without consulting the White House is one of the top instances of disrespect shown Obama. That the prime minister accepted only compounded the insult.A blockbuster Wall Street Journal story this week about Israeli spying on the Iranian nuclear talks and then the feeding of selective information to Congress shows the lengths Netanyahu apparently is willing to go to thwart the president.
All this in addition to what he did during his reelection campaign is why I put the blame on Netanyahu for the deteriorating personal relationship with the leader of the free world. That’s why I can understand Obama’s desire and need to make his displeasure clear to the prime minister. If Netanyahu is confused about the reason for the sour relationship with Obama, he need only look in the mirror to find his answer.