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In their fifth meeting in just over a year, President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the special, "unbreakable" relationship between their two countries and committed to moving forward on the Middle East peace process, though they dodged reporters' questions about a freeze on Israeli settlement construction due to expire in September.
The settlement freeze could be a major sticking point to advancing from proximity talks -- in which U.S. Special Envoy George Mitchell has been shuttling back and forth between the two sides -- to the kind of direct talks that will be necessary to construct a plan that would lead to what Obama described as "two states living side by side in peace and security."
Palestinian officials have said the freeze on settlements must be extended before direct talks can begin, but Netanyahu is under intense political pressure not to extend the freeze and could even lose his majority in parliament if he does. Obama spoke repeatedly about "confidence building" measures that could help ensure progress toward peace and suggested direct talks could begin long before the freeze expires.
"I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu wants peace; I think he's willing to take risks for peace and during our conversation he once again reaffirmed his willingness to engage in serious negotiations with the Palestinians," Obama said, going on to say that now more than ever it was time to seize the vision of peace even though it would be hard work. "There are going to need to be a whole set of confidence-building measures to make sure that people are serious and that we're sending a signal to the region that this isn't just more talk and more process without action."
Arab states must be supportive of peace, because peace will not succeed unless the surrounding states have a stake, he added.
On the topic of settlements, Obama said Israel had "shown restraint over the last several months" that he believed had been "conducive to the prospects of us getting into direct talks."
"My hope is once direct talks have begun, well before moratorium has expired, that that will create a climate in which everybody feels a greater investment in success, not every action by one party or the other is taken as a reason for not engaging in talks, so there ends up being more room created by more trust," he said.
He said he had discussed privately with Netanyahu, and with his counterpart Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who visited in June, "a range of confidence building measures that can be taken by all sides that improve the prospects of a successful negotiation." Still, neither he nor the prime minister directly addressed the issue of settlements during the question-and-answer session with reporters and White House officials declined to say whether the matter was discussed.
The prime minister said it was "high time" the two sides began direct talks on peace, that Israel was prepared to do "a lot" to put in place a secure peace and that he was "committed to that peace."
Netanyahu also said the single most dominant issue threatening peace in the region was the prospect that Iran would acquire nuclear weapons and he thanks Obama for stating his determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
"That has been translated by the president into his leadership at the [U.N.] Security Council, which passed sanctions against Iran, by the U.S. bill that the president signed just a few days ago and I urge other leaders to follow the president's lead and other countries to follow the U.S. lead to adopt much tougher sanctions against Iran, primarily those directed against its energy sector," Netanyahu said.
The president praised Israel for allowing more goods into Gaza. A deadly incident involving the Israeli military and a flotilla bringing goods to Gaza forced Netanyahu to postpone until now a trip originally scheduled for June 1.
The prime minister, who has now met with the president five times in the United States, closed his opening remarks by saying it was time the Obamas came to Israel.
"I'm ready," Obama said. Still, the president did not commit to a date for a visit. Obama last traveled to Israel in the summer of 2008, when he was running for the presidency.
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netanyahu and cheney - two of a kind from the invasion of iraq until now, the smirk says it all!
The character of Netanyahu will be tested. Does he work for peace, or does he allow settlements to again grow. The cynical part of me says Netanyahu wants to maintain his Prime Minister job and wil allow the growth of settlements. It's crazy, but to Netanyahu, settlements are more important than peace.
There is no way that Israel will give on the development of new settlements. Netanyahu may think that settlements are more important than peace but I also believe that Netanyhu (and many Israelis) believe that it is new settlements that will increase and ensure Israel's ability to provide itself with the secuirty it seeks, and to defend itself, by way of such expansion. Israel not only faces external enemies but also faces an even more threatening enemy from within as those Palestinians living among and around the Israelis will far exceed the same in population growth. If the Palestinians cannot overwhelm Israel using violent external threats they will in time use their numbers to overhwlem them internally. Therefore Netanyahu and other Israelis know the only way not to be overhwelmed by the population growth of their enemy is to grab up, expand , hold and populate as much territory as is possible themselves.
Sorry, Ron-
But Netanyahu's character has already been tested, Ron. He has six years of military service, including service with an elite commando unit, in the Israeli Defense Force. His brother was killed leading the effort to free the Entebbe hostages in Uganda in 1976. Those are character building life experiences, wouldn't you say?
In terms of meeting that test as Prime Minister of Israel, where Israel's survival is concerned, I'm sure he'll do just fine. I also believe he'll meet the test in his relationship with the United Staes.
President Obama should take full advantage of Netanyahu's character as an ally in his effort to prevent Ahmadinejad and Iran's mullahs from obtaining nuclear weapons.
I don't get the impression that President Obama realizes just how valuable Bibi is in that regard.
I sincerely hope I'm wrong about that, Ron.
As to Netanyahu's belief that settlements are more important than peace...I think you'll find that Israel's survival is far more important to him than any other consideration.
On that...he's most definitely single-minded.
Mixed Bag:
Not to disagree or agree on Netanyuha's character but six years of military service including service with an elite commando unit in the Israeli Defense force is not necessarily always a positive character building experience. Having served with several individuals for many more than six years in an elite U.S. commando / sniper unit that saw action in VN, South America, the Middle East and various parts of Europe I can tell you that not all of our members came away from this experience with their wires properly connected. I love them all dearly, those dead and those still alive, they were my brothers. But as to their characters, oh boy, I would not trust some of them today as far as I could throw them.
I'm a Vietnam vet myself CA, and what you've said is undeniably true.
That said, are you comparing Netanyahu to those of whom you speak?
If the criterion for assessing Netanyahu's character is his undeniable devotion to the survival of Israel...he passes that test, no?
Isn't that what Israelis should expect of him?
Isn't something similar to that, regarding the United States, exactly what Americans should expect from President Obama?
Netanyahu, with his priorities, is an extremely valuable asset to President Obama and the United States in dealing with Iran and the nuclear weapons issue.
It may be realpolitik...but it's a fact.
Mixed Bag:
I don't know of Netanyahu's character. Have not met the man. But I do know that military service, especially those trained for stealth types of action, do not always leave the person in the best state of mind, if you know what I mean.
As to Netanyahu's job. That is to take care of Israel and to protect Israel. Nothing more, nothing less. And if that means going it alone at some point then so be it.
I am not fond of the U.S. trying to tell any country what to do or not do, even friendly nations as Israel, except don't screw with us. But I am just as opposed to other nations, including Israel, telling the U.S. what to do or not do or having any kind of powerful influence as to what the U.S. should or should not do as a nation. No other country appears to have the same external and internal influential force over U.S. foreign policy and affairs as does Israel. I realize that many U.S. citizens have close ties to Israel, but so too do many U.S. citizens have close ties to other countries throughout the world if you get my drift.
Israel can have nukes, but Iran cannot.
Of the two countries- Israel and Iran, which one has more recently attacked one (or more) of it's neighbors?
It has already been detemined by Netanyahu and Israel that it will not allow Iran to produce a nuclear weapon. Especially a nuclear weapon secured on a missle that has the range to successfully target Israel. Israel, whose existence has been threatened by Iran's current leadership has and is telling Iran, don't mess with us or we will act. So your question and point as it relates to what the U.S. should or should not be telling other nations what to do is mote.
moot
Ron, NetenYahoo has No Character, only Character Flaws. His election as PM has provided nothing towards peace, only new settlements that will eventually push the Palestinian People into the Sea.Hopefully he's met his match in President Obama & Obama won't cave as other admistrations have in Isreal's indiscretions falling on Deaf ears.President Obama has Big Ears & does'nt seem to be into playing Politics where the Middle east is concerned.
Just as with Our own religous Nut'z, the ones in the sandBox gain the most attention.
The only difference in Terrorism in the past 10 years, as to what is was back in the 70,80'z, is that Chicken George/Defferment Dick allowed America to be Successfully Attacked.
You Betcha!
Thank you for that well considered analysis...I for one, admire how you studiously avoid any talking points or inflammatory rhetoric either side could use to deflect the logic of your argument. If only everyone could learn from your example, imagine the heightened level of discourse that could be attained.
You definitely fit right in here...
A real quandary there, dangerfield...
Hmmm...
How low to set the bar?
Hmmm.
Off topic...
Has anyone else heard the 'rumor' that Sarah Failin may replace Michael Steele as head of the RNC?
NOW that would truly be the gift that keeps on giving! LMAO
Gotta love the picture with this article. Obama is smiling broadingly thinking, "I got him convinced"....Netanyahu has his smirk, thinking "what an idiot"
Sorry John, Tucson:
I don't see what you describe in that picture at all. What I see is Obama trying get Netanyuha to lighten up and Nettanyuha thinking we are going to do what we want regardless of who disagrees with us including the U.S. Now to me that would make Netanyuha the idiot. For without U.S. support and assitance by way of a cooperative attitude Israel would be doomed. Now under those circumstances who would be the idiot?
Lets be honest CA. Obama is irrelevant here as Netanyuha and the Israeli PAC have congress completely sown up.
Alan:
You may be right Alan, except for the fact that Obama is the Commander & Chief. And I would say that that is a pretty strong and influential position to be in as it relates to Israel's future.
I only watched a small portion of this meeting but I was fully expecting them both to break into the Barney song. I love you...You love me...Wer'e a happy family.
John, Tucson: I agree, that picture is quite interesting. Netanyahu looks like the cat who just swallowed the canary.
Feisty: Palin as RNC chair? From the frying pan to the fire! LOL! Let's hope they go that route, instead of with someone like Liz Cheney (my first thought as to who might replace Steele.)
I thought about the Lizzard as well... but she like her old man is 'laying low' these days!
Ya think it might have something to do with Halliburton? ;0)
Why not Palin? First, the Dems go with an African American, then so does the GOP.
The Dems go with a woman, Hillary, and the GOP??
I think President Obama looks genuinely amused in the picture while Netanyahu looks like he is acting amused. I think President Obama has his number and he isn't going to put anything over on him.
Oh my...
Yes...that's one possible interpretation of the image in the photo.
Take a look at their hands and body positions, Pres Obama is relaxed, hands loose, legs crossed, he looks comfy, Netanyahu is all upright, stiff, feet firmly planted on the floor, hands clenched and looking white-knuckled near his chest, Not at all relaxed...does this help? It sure gives some relevance to their facial expressions too, Netanyahu does Not look the happiest, even with his semi-Bushlike-smirk.
B. Honest.
Just wanted to pop in to say the article you mentioned this morning was very good. Thanks.
B. Honest
Also add to that body language that Obama's leg is crossed Away from that Cheney/Bush look-alike truth-bender. Yep, Obama has his number!
Palin would be a poor choice for the RNC Chairpersonship. Her approval numbers are terrible and fall within the range of that limited to the far right wing base. The republicans need a strong and more diverse RNC Chairperson who can appeal to a much larger number of people than just the far right wing base. Otherwise their ability to grow a large enough tent to be successful on the national level of elections would fall flat.
The problem is that the Republican party is at this time owned by the far right wing base, the likes of Limbaugh, Fox Noise, the religious right and the tea partiers. So to appoint a more viable and inclusive RNC Chairperson would be a difficult task for the more common sense moderate Republicans. Come to think of it, are there any more common sense moderate Republicans left?
Yes, there are a few of us left.
And we feel so unrepresented.
A HISTORIC DAY...
We had the voice of ISRAEL (Netanyahu) and the voice of ISLAM (Obama) at the White House today.
Netanyahu standing next to Obama looks like:
1. Boss & Intern
2. Coach & Rookie
3. Teacher & Student
Maybe, perhaps, hopefully..... in his 4th term, Obama will be qualified to be President.
Indeed! Obama thinks he's somebody special, maybe the Antichrist.
Will, you are so insightful. I truly admire your mastery of the English Language. You are a real winner.
I agree. Will has a way with words. He is my Hero...
WTF
You know that things are not right in your head when ya start hearing voices, it shows things are much worse when you start answering them. I cannot image how insane one must be to Post those voices in one's head and Then START ANSWERING THEM, in posts. Narcissisitic Personality Disorder with schizophrenic tendencies here maybe??
In other words: Will, You Are Nuts!
B. HONEST....
The mark of a President suffering from NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER is a guy that has his teleprompter placed above the audience, so it looks as if he is giving an earth shattering speech, when in actuality he just says the same worn out spiel:
1. It's Bush's fault
2. Hope & Change
3 I inherited this
4. Yes we can
5. It's Bush's fault
BARRAK HUSSEIN will go down as the worst president in the history of the United States ! ! !
Will, you are just a blind, blathering RACIST idiot and are one of the Slowest Moving Mostly Dead variety of Troll, go back to your Faux Neuz corner and sulk for a while.
Yes, We Have A Black President, Get OVER it already!!
President Obama is on line to be one of the Very Best President EVER, and history will prove that, just like Bush is recognized now as the Second WORST President ever. Get A Clue!
The oddest thing about the trolls is that they keep saying that Obama blames Bush. "It's Bush's fault" I don't think he has EVER EVEN SAID SUCH A THING. Not once.
Obama finds fault with the actions of the last administration. I am fairly certain that Obama is savvy enough to know that Bush was never really in charge of anything, Cheney would have had him killed if he had ever even tried to take charge. And with George H.W.Bush's blessing too.
Obama, Netanyahu discuss Middle East Peace, Anything New?
Former Israeli UN Ambassador Dore Gold weighs in on the issue here: http://tinyurl.com/lcur44
Hmmm, if the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs is reporting in, Certainly Anything they have to say won't be Slanted now will it??
I always mistrust these tinyurl's, so very often they take me to a page that sets off my anti-virus alarms, so I have given up on using them!
Netanyahu cannot stop settlements growth just because this could mean accepting that foreign nations are prohibiting the divine right to inhabit the promised land. It's as simple as this. Israel is the owner of the Land of Canaan and will eternally be.
Wow Javier, you are as nutty as Netanyahu and Lieberman.