WarSclerotic

Did Obama ‘Play’ Netanyahu? | Dan Calic | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel.

Obama Got What He Wanted, The Question is Did Netanyahu?

Many so called “experts” were scratching their heads trying to figure out why President Obama came to the Middle East. Some thought it might have been to kick start the stagnating “peace process” between Israel and the Arabs. However, it’s clear this wasn’t his intention. What’s also clear his basic understanding of the issues remains flawed. For example, in his post meeting press conference with Mahmoud Abbas  he said “the Palestinian people deserve an end to occupation…and to feel secure in their communities.”

Pardon me Mr. President, but would you be kind enough to tell us how many Israeli terrorists have launched suicide missions against Arab civilians? Would you also tell us how many Israeli rockets have been fired at Arab homes and schools? The last time I checked it was Israeli’s who need to feel “secure in their communities.”

Prior to Obama’s remarks Abbas delivered what amounted to a carbon copy of the same demands he has not budged from since walking away from direct negotiations in 2009. He also referred to the establishment of the modern state of Israel as the “nakba,” a term which the Arabs often use meaning “catastrophe.” Obama offered no rebuttal to this degrading reference to Israel’s independence.

Thus, it’s safe to conclude no breakthrough was sought, nor achieved with Abbas.

Others thought the trip might be used in part to mend his uneasy relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, while their public banter seemed warmer, the President made it clear he came to “speak directly to the Israeli people.” This was a signal that he was more interested in making inroads with Israeli’s rather than with their prime minister.

Turkey All Along?

So what was the main purpose of Obama’s trip? It appears we found out the day he departed when it was announced that Netanyahu had called Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and apologized for the death of 9 Turks during the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, which was a flagrant attempt to challenge Israel’s efforts to ensure no weapons would be delivered to Hamas, who is committed to its destruction.

After the deadly encounter Turkey demanded an apology, which was not offered, since Israel felt strongly their soldiers acted defensively. Subsequent investigations confirmed this.

It also became clear there were hardcore terrorists onboard from an organization called IHH. The ship was stocked with numerous weapons. Video footage made public confirms Israeli soldiers being brutally attacked after boarding the ship. Since then previously close relations between Turkey and Israel soured.

 With no apology forthcoming unfriendly rhetoric increased and relations between the two countries worsened. Turkey began been pursuing legal action against Israeli military officers who were in charge at the time. Further erosion was evident when Prime Minister Erodogan recently called Zionism “a crime against humanity.” Pressed after his comment to retract it, he refused.

If any apology is owed it should be coming from Turkey. Yet, almost three years after the incident suddenly Netanyahu offers one. It also includes compensation to the families of the Turks who died during the incident, which has been another Turkish demand. Initially Erdogan said he accepted the apology, would drop legal action against Israel, and normalize relations. However, 48 hours later he said  “…compensation will be paid and the blockade on Palestine will be lifted. There will be no normalization without these.” He also announce he would visit Gaza in April and promised to monitor Israel’s “blockade.” Nothing was mentioned about retracting his anti-Zionist comments. He’s also announced plans to visit Gaza in April and intends to monitor Israel’s “blockade.”

Conspicuously, the apology occurred the day Obama departed from his visit. Hmmm….Could it be pressuring Netanyahu to apologize was something Obama planned in advance, but did not make public for fear it would have become a huge distraction before and during his trip?

Netanyahu Covers for Obama?

Responding to critics Netanyahu indicated he initiated the apology due to concerns over deteriorating conditions in Syria. Could this be a cover to protect Obama?

 Prior to Obama’s visit speculation was Netanyahu intended to ask the US to attack Syria if they used chemical weapons, or transferred them to Hezbollah, or approve an Israeli attack if it was deemed necessary. Additionally Netanyahu has wanted Obama to be more forceful toward Iran. He’s wanted assurances if Israel chose to strike Iran, the US would green light it, and provide military support.

Presuming Obama pressured Netanyahu to apologize it seems reasonable he would ask for a favor in return. Enter Netanyahu’s requests regarding Syria and Iran. So the real question is did Obama ‘play’ Netanyahu? We may never know how it came about, however once again Israel has taken a bold step. Let’s hope Obama acts accordingly…

This entry was posted on March 27, 2013 at 5:13 PM and is filed under Uncategorized. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.