The Boehner-Netanyahu Insult: A Potential Black Eye for American and Israeli Politics

Strategic Insights -

President Barack Obama's reaction to the invitation by House Speaker John Boehner to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress has been swift and clear: the White House and State Department will not meet with Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to the US. This decision reflects a growing divide between the two leaders, one that stems from their fundamentally different views on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. While Netanyahu has long been a stalwart supporter of the neo-conservative wing of the Republican party, Obama has sought to rein in Israeli actions and push for a more balanced approach to the conflict. The tension between the two leaders has been building for years, with Netanyahu's visits to Congress in the past serving as provocations to Obama's policies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Netanyahu's speech before Congress was a clear challenge to President Obama's handling of "the grave threats of radical Islam and Iran".
  • The invitation was proposed by Israel's Ambassador to Washington Ron Dermer as early as January 8, without the notice of the White House or State Department.
  • Netanyahu has a long history of working with the neo-conservative wing of the Republican party to sabotage US peace-making efforts, including collaborating on the Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Act in the 1990s.
  • Obama's reaction to the invitation has been swift and clear, with the White House and State Department announcing that they will not meet with Netanyahu during his visit.
  • The divide between Netanyahu and Obama reflects fundamentally different views on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, with Netanyahu advocating for a more hawkish approach and Obama pushing for a more balanced approach.
  • The invitation and subsequent speech have been widely criticized as a breach of protocol and an attempt to undermine American leadership.
  • Israeli commentators have also expressed concern that the speech could endanger Israel's long-term interests in the US.

Statistics:

  • 29 standing ovations were given to Netanyahu in 2011 after his speech before Congress.
  • 75% of American Jews continue to vote for Democrats, supporting President Obama in 2008 and 2012.
  • 80% of Arab Americans also voted for President Obama in 2008 and 2012.
  • 60% of Americans are opposed to new sanctions legislation against Iran.

Sources:

  • Israeli Press reports
  • "The Boehner/Netanyahu Insult" by Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group
  • Syndigate.info
  • Polls showing support for Israeli peace process among American voters
  • Data on Israeli-Palestinian peace process timeline