Netanyahu and Obama Clash on Middle East Policy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House today underscores a stark divergence in vision on the Middle East between the Israeli leader and President Barack Obama. While Obama seeks democratic reforms across the Arab world, Netanyahu is wary of regional instability and the resurgence of political Islam. Netanyahu fears concessions for peace risk being exploited by Iran's expanding influence in the region, making any deal riskier than ever. The Israeli leader is particularly concerned about a potential peace deal with Mahmoud Abbas, given his recent reconciliation with the Islamist militant group Hamas.

Key Takeaways:

• Netanyahu's visit to the White House marks a significant departure from Obama's policy of promoting democratic reforms across the Arab world.
• Israeli officials emphasize that the rising influence of political Islam and Iran's expansionism make concessions for peace riskier than ever.
• Netanyahu is wary of pursuing peace with Mahmoud Abbas due to his recent reconciliation with Hamas.
• The US shares Israel's concerns about the Palestinian campaign in the UN, which could upend decades-old American policy seeking peace deals through bilateral talks.
• Obama has made clear that a future Palestinian state should be based on the 1967 border with Israel, which Netanyahu rejects.
• The US and Israel still have much common ground, including Obama's reiteration that Israel should be a Jewish state and has a right to stringent security arrangements in a peace deal.

Statistics:

• 63 years ago: The Nakba demonstrations took place, with tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees and their supporters protesting Jewish independence.
• 1967: The border with Israel that Obama suggests should be the basis for a future Palestinian state.
• 2-decade low: Diplomatic ties between Netanyahu and Obama reached after their public spat last year over settlement expansion.
• 24 May: Netanyahu is expected to unveil a fresh gesture toward the Palestinians in his address to a joint session of Congress.

Sources:

• "Meaningful changes for democracy in the Arab world which also underscore our explicit rejection of violence, terrorism, and the pursuit of nuclear weapons, that goes for Iran." (Obama's speech, quoted in the article, exact wording not provided)
• Haaretz newspaper article by Aluf Ben, no date provided
• Jerusalem Post article, no date provided
• US Institute for Peace, no date provided
• Washington Institute for Near East Policy, no date provided