White House rips Israel's Netanyahu for 'cynical,' 'divisive' rhetoric

[Coolwalker]

The White House on Thursday criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for warning in the run-up to his election that Arab-Israelis were voting in large numbers.


White House press secretary Josh Earnest called the rhetoric a “cynical” and “divisive” campaign maneuver that marginalized Arab-Israeli citizens and undermined democratic values.


Earnest also slammed Netanyahu for seemingly disavowing support for a Palestinian state during the campaign.




“What is apparent is that in the context of the campaign and while he was the sitting prime minister of Israel, he walked back from commitments Israel previously made to a two-state solution,” Earnest said at his daily press briefing.
“Words matter, and that is certainly true in this instance,” he added. “The president and the administration take him at his word.”


Netanyahu, who decisively won reelection, on Thursday appeared to walk back his repudiation of a two-state solution with the Palestinians. The prime minister denied that he changed his policy, saying the remarks were a reflection of the current political atmosphere.


“I don’t want a one-state solution. I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution,” he said during an interview MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell.


Earnest said President Obama was "aware" of Netanyahu's comments on Palestinian statehood but would not characterize his reaction.


The spokesman said that Netanyahu’s comments on a Palestinian state have “created the need to reevaluate our approach” toward Israel, and said it could be “difficult” for the U.S. to keep opposing Palestinian statehood resolutions at the United Nations.


The U.S. has traditionally objected to the statehood resolutions, arguing the matter should be left to the Israelis and the Palestinians.


He said that security and military cooperation between Israel and the U.S. would remain unchanged.


The relationship between Obama and Netanyahu has been tense, and it is not clear whether the two leaders will be able to rebuild their rapport.


Netanyahu said Thursday he has “no other alternative” but to work with Obama despite their disagreements over how to curtail Iran’s nuclear program.


“We must work together, will work together with the United States and with the president,” Netanyahu said during an interview with NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell.


Early signs indicate the rift between the White House and Netanyahu persists.


White House chief of staff Denis McDonough will deliver the keynote address at the national conference of J Street, a group that has been critical of Netanyahu.


Obama has not yet called Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election victory, though Secretary of State John Kerry phoned the prime minister on Wednesday morning.


Earnest said the call from the president to prime minister could come as early as Thursday, but he would not say whether Obama would bring up concerns about Netanyahu's campaign rhetoric.


http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefi...isive-rhetoric

In simple terms, Bibi is his own man and doesn't listen to Obama.

Coolwalker

[Sheldonna]

The White House on Thursday criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for warning in the run-up to his election that Arab-Israelis were voting in large numbers.


White House press secretary Josh Earnest called the rhetoric a “cynical” and “divisive” campaign maneuver that marginalized Arab-Israeli citizens and undermined democratic values.


Earnest also slammed Netanyahu for seemingly disavowing support for a Palestinian state during the campaign.




“What is apparent is that in the context of the campaign and while he was the sitting prime minister of Israel, he walked back from commitments Israel previously made to a two-state solution,” Earnest said at his daily press briefing.
“Words matter, and that is certainly true in this instance,” he added. “The president and the administration take him at his word.”


Netanyahu, who decisively won reelection, on Thursday appeared to walk back his repudiation of a two-state solution with the Palestinians. The prime minister denied that he changed his policy, saying the remarks were a reflection of the current political atmosphere.


“I don’t want a one-state solution. I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution,” he said during an interview MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell.


Earnest said President Obama was "aware" of Netanyahu's comments on Palestinian statehood but would not characterize his reaction.


The spokesman said that Netanyahu’s comments on a Palestinian state have “created the need to reevaluate our approach” toward Israel, and said it could be “difficult” for the U.S. to keep opposing Palestinian statehood resolutions at the United Nations.


The U.S. has traditionally objected to the statehood resolutions, arguing the matter should be left to the Israelis and the Palestinians.


He said that security and military cooperation between Israel and the U.S. would remain unchanged.


The relationship between Obama and Netanyahu has been tense, and it is not clear whether the two leaders will be able to rebuild their rapport.


Netanyahu said Thursday he has “no other alternative” but to work with Obama despite their disagreements over how to curtail Iran’s nuclear program.


“We must work together, will work together with the United States and with the president,” Netanyahu said during an interview with NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell.


Early signs indicate the rift between the White House and Netanyahu persists.


White House chief of staff Denis McDonough will deliver the keynote address at the national conference of J Street, a group that has been critical of Netanyahu.


Obama has not yet called Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election victory, though Secretary of State John Kerry phoned the prime minister on Wednesday morning.


Earnest said the call from the president to prime minister could come as early as Thursday, but he would not say whether Obama would bring up concerns about Netanyahu's campaign rhetoric.


http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefi...isive-rhetoric

Bibi can't say it, and as a diplomat, a statesman and a gentleman, he won't say it. So I'll say it for him.

"Hey Obie! EFF YEW and the DemocRat jackass ya rode in on!!!"

(there, I feel much better now...heh)

[Hansel]

Obama needs to keep his nose out of Israel's business as he sure cannot manage ours.

I would like to see the Pals become some sort of state but may never see that in my life time. It seem that the eastern part of the Pal territory is reasonable enough but the Gaza strip is anything but reasonable.

[Dan40]

The White House on Thursday criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for warning in the run-up to his election that Arab-Israelis were voting in large numbers.


White House press secretary Josh Earnest called the rhetoric a “cynical” and “divisive” campaign maneuver that marginalized Arab-Israeli citizens and undermined democratic values.


Earnest also slammed Netanyahu for seemingly disavowing support for a Palestinian state during the campaign.




“What is apparent is that in the context of the campaign and while he was the sitting prime minister of Israel, he walked back from commitments Israel previously made to a two-state solution,” Earnest said at his daily press briefing.
“Words matter, and that is certainly true in this instance,” he added. “The president and the administration take him at his word.”


Netanyahu, who decisively won reelection, on Thursday appeared to walk back his repudiation of a two-state solution with the Palestinians. The prime minister denied that he changed his policy, saying the remarks were a reflection of the current political atmosphere.


“I don’t want a one-state solution. I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution,” he said during an interview MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell.


Earnest said President Obama was "aware" of Netanyahu's comments on Palestinian statehood but would not characterize his reaction.


The spokesman said that Netanyahu’s comments on a Palestinian state have “created the need to reevaluate our approach” toward Israel, and said it could be “difficult” for the U.S. to keep opposing Palestinian statehood resolutions at the United Nations.


The U.S. has traditionally objected to the statehood resolutions, arguing the matter should be left to the Israelis and the Palestinians.


He said that security and military cooperation between Israel and the U.S. would remain unchanged.


The relationship between Obama and Netanyahu has been tense, and it is not clear whether the two leaders will be able to rebuild their rapport.


Netanyahu said Thursday he has “no other alternative” but to work with Obama despite their disagreements over how to curtail Iran’s nuclear program.


“We must work together, will work together with the United States and with the president,” Netanyahu said during an interview with NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell.


Early signs indicate the rift between the White House and Netanyahu persists.


White House chief of staff Denis McDonough will deliver the keynote address at the national conference of J Street, a group that has been critical of Netanyahu.


Obama has not yet called Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election victory, though Secretary of State John Kerry phoned the prime minister on Wednesday morning.


Earnest said the call from the president to prime minister could come as early as Thursday, but he would not say whether Obama would bring up concerns about Netanyahu's campaign rhetoric.


http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefi...isive-rhetoric

There can be no better PROOF that bobo knows BiBi kicked his ass all over the world.

[patrickt]

Divisive is President Obama's favorite tactic and he's dividing the country he's supposed to be helping govern. Who is Netanyahu dividing? Is someone who doesn't trust a proven liar and cheat being cynical? I don't think so. But, I guess I can keep my health insurance if I like my health insurance. And, I'm sure President Obama is going to be a uniter and not a divider as soon as he has total power. And, I don't doubt that we're living through the most transparent presidential administration in history. And, there isn't a smidgen of corruption.

Divisive and cynical? Irony is not dead.

[Katzndogz]

Pallys have refused a two state solution since arafat. Israel is finally accepting reality.

[Trinnity]

'cynical,' 'divisive' rhetoric

Exactly what obama does. What hypocrites.

[Roadmaster]

They have refused to give up their rights, land, and lives yes. That is the only way to get peace according to Israel law. The other side that are Muslim refuse stop attacking others even if they get what they want. So the Hebrews and Christians are caught in the middle.

[RMNIXON]

Divisive and cynical? Irony is not dead.

[Pregnar Kraps]

Obama needs to keep his nose out of Israel's business as he sure cannot manage ours.

I would like to see the Pals become some sort of state but may never see that in my life time. It seem that the eastern part of the Pal territory is reasonable enough but the Gaza strip is anything but reasonable.

They have had any number of opportunities or by themselves they could declare a lasting peace tomorrow if they simply wanted it.

They don't.

They never will.

At least not without being persuaded into it.