Opinion  Ron Ben-Yishai
Israeli demands from Obama
Ron Ben-Yishai
Published: 15.08.12, 00:09
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31. #1
PAPO ,   Tel Aviv   (08.15.12)
#1 So if the USA do not want war so shut up and stop informing by intel leaks about what other country have plans....
32. #26 and the second Obama says he lied
Vlad   (08.15.12)
He can kiss any hope of ever brokering any more peace talks goodbye. Forever.
33. It's time we stop relying on foreign powers
Vlad   (08.15.12)
In Obama's second term, Obama and the EU will likely link progress in the peace process to stopping Iran. It's already happened before. Israel will be forced to make concession after concession to the Arabs for worthless guarantees and sanctions. That's why it's time that we went our own way. Send in the Mossad to kill as many of Iran's nuclear scientists as possible, keep them under constant cyber attack, and blow up as much shit that has to do with their nuclear program as possible. And if necessary, in the end, if Iran is on the brink. attack. And do it from Azerbaijan under agreement so US carrier planes can't reach, because Obama may try to forcibly stop it over Iraq or Saudi Arabia.
34. The problem is even less clarity than
Adam ,   Ashdod, Israel   (08.15.12)
Where the red lines are. The US is willing to allow a nuclear capable Iran that has not yet built a weapon. Israel doesnt trust intelligence enough to let the world know of a breakout attempt. It makes no sense to debate the means when the ends are different!
35. What's the record of US?
theo   (08.15.12)
Did they succeed to stop the North Koreea's and Pakistan's bomb? Did they succeed to stop the nuclear collaboration of these countries with Iran? Did they stop Syria to build nuclear facilities? Did they know that 11/9 is going to happen? The americans do not present any record in these issues - simply they are not to be trusted.
36. murderous israel
Matt McLaughlin ,   Kona Hawaii USA 9674   (08.15.12)
Very odd. Mitt keeps talkin about letting Israel bomb Iran. Both Thatcher and Reagan condemned Israel striking Iraq in 1981. Thatcher condemned Israel’s bombing of Osirak, Saddam Hussein’s nuclear reactor, in 1981. “[The Osirak attack] represents a grave breach of international law,” she said in an interview with London’s Jewish Chronicle in 1981. Israel’s bombing of another country could lead to “international anarchy.” I think Reagan said something about, "....the inalienable sovereign right of Iraq, and all other States, especially the developing countries, to establish a program of technological and nuclear development." Iran is no different. In his STAR WARS Speech didn't Reagan say, 'We will never be the aggressor."? I'm looking for the first few Reagan Republicans to condemn the said planned attack against Iran. Betcha not one has the guts to make a stand for fear of being called an anti-something. If Israel attacks first may she descend into hell afire.
37. Israel in no position to demand anything
Tomek ,   Poland   (08.15.12)
from the US. This piece is obviously for domestic consumption as Israelis, in general, are already neck-deep in hubris.Once you foolishly attack Iran, it will turn out you re not able to absorb the retaliation. You simply do not have the space for it. Then, you will turn to begging the US for bailout.
38. Israel wants war, it can go at it alone. Americans are sick
Yotta ,   Canada   (08.15.12)
Of it.
39. President Obama should call Israel's bluff
Ivor Evenbiggergun   (08.15.12)
and give assent for Netanyahu and Barak to mount a military campaign on Iran. Making it perfectly clear that the United states will not go involved in what is a dipute between two countries. Then sit back and watch Netanyahu and Barak reel back their necks suddenly agreeing with all the current intelligence reports which shows that whilst there is concern about Iranian nuclear programme there is no evidence that Iran has militarised their nuclear programme.
40. #34 Adam
(08.15.12)
Exactly, and very well put. When the United States and Israel's goals are completely different vis a vis Iran, netanyahu demanding that Obama wind in the leash so he doesn't have to put up is vaguely amusing. And you are right, at the moment the International community simply wants an Iranian nuclear programme that is verifiable, whilst Israel doesn't want an Iranian nuclear programme at all.
41. All I can say is LOL
Daniel ,   Auckland, NZ   (08.15.12)
Expecting a promise from the US, a country of pathological liars which reneged on every single one of their promises is just rich.
42. The risk to israel of NOT acting against Iran now
zvi ,   LA USA   (08.15.12)
is much worse than the risk of acting and saving our people from possible nuclear devstation.What is Israel more afraid of: A possible Iranian nuclear attack on Tel Aviv or the displeasure of BHO? Further BHO will be much worse in a second term. ACT NOW ISRAEL before it is too late. History will not give our People a second chance.
43. #27 F.U. little arab Living Off Of U.S. Working
(08.15.12)
Class. Let Me Give You The Pure Unadulterated Truth, For a change You Have It WRONG. the persian arabs Have Called For The Destruction Of Israel for a Decade, They Snubed Their Noses at The World and Think ALL THEIR SPONSORING OF TERRORISM Has Gone Unnoticed? Well Bucko Their WRONG and So ARE YOU! Do You Know What ALLY Means?Probably Not arabs Dont have allies! And So mr tuff guy If You Want ToThrow Down, You Can Gladly Have A Piece Of Me, Just Dont Go Crying toyour mommy WHEN KICK YOUR ASS!!!!
44. Allies?
An American Citizen ,   Washington, DC   (08.15.12)
Since when is it acceptable for a country to threaten to start a war if their allies don't agree to their DEMANDS?
45. 27
Eaglebeak ,   Left Coast, USA   (08.15.12)
I can see why you have an inferiority complex. You are just a little man with a big mouth.
46. Demands?
Sam ,   NYC   (08.16.12)
Israel demands something of US????? Have you guys gone bonkers over there? Is Bibi a total putz? If they hope to influence the US elections this way, they're gonna make an awful lot of Americans and others angry. And that's cuttin' the branch upon which you sit. Can you afford to make US angry? CAn you afford to make the world even more pissed off with you than it already is? Are you having an episode of the Masad a Complex going? Don't get caught in the hubris, you didn't look too good in your last anti-Hisballah campaign. There are other methods to defeat Iran - sabotage, assassinations, terrorism. Don't be schmucks now.
47. #1. 100% right
inconito   (08.16.12)
does the usa have become an Israeli colony? what arrogance ! they know they can't nothing against iran, so they are blackmailing
48. # 8 and pakistan to level israel? it's ok?
inconito   (08.16.12)
I'm sure you're not serious, because, I do not think you want to see the Pakistani response to avenge Muslims cremated. do you really want see?
49. To nr 44
Alexander ,   Tel Aviv, Israel   (08.16.12)
"Since when is it acceptable for a country to threaten to start a war if their allies don't agree to their DEMANDS?" Is Israel threatening to attack USA? Are you retarded? Israel has warned the USA that if the USA doesn't get tough on Iran, Israel will attack Iran - in self defense. In case you haven't noticed, Iran has threatened to annihilate Israel from the face of the earth. If that even matters to you. Israel won't attack its American ally. Israel will attack Iran. Iran is no America. Is this too difficult for you to understand? During Iraq War 1, the Gulf War, Israel DEMANDED the right, the God Given right and legal right to defend itself against Saddam Hussein's Iraq and Iraq's missiles. The then Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir told the then US President George H.W. Bush that Israel will send fighter jets into Iraq if Israel is being attacked. Since the US lead coalition of corrupt despotic Arab states refused to back up the USA in case of an Israel intervention, George H.W. Bush threatened Yitzhak Shamir that he would order the US Air Force to shoot down Israeli jets if they attacked Iraq. Isn't that a declaration of war by the former US President George H.W. Bush against Israel and isn't that a blatant violation of all principles regarding friendship and alliance? USA threatened to shoot down the fighter jets of Israel if Israel "dared" to defend itself against Iraq. We ended up with a horrible situation in which Iraq sent missiles and rockets against Israel (fortunately hardly anyone in Israel was hurt) and Israel had to remain passive in order to let Mr Bush keep his God forsaken Arab coalition together against Iraq. Since when is that acceptable? Boy oh boy, you are the epitome of what an arrogant imperialist American means.
50. Demand Schemand
Shelly T ,   USA   (08.16.12)
Funny! Israel can't demand anything of the U.S. Obama will and should say no to all Israeli demands. Israel is little but a parasite to the US. If Israel goes to war with Iran, they are on their own. Good luck with that.
51. #49
An American Citizen ,   Washington, DC   (08.16.12)
Your entire post needs a "citation needed." And I said nothing about Israel threatening a war on the US- rather that it's bad behavior for one ally to threaten to start a war it knows it can't finish on its own (let's talk about the lack of a robust Israeli midair refueling capability and long-range strategic bombers), therefore compelling your biggest patron to finish the job for you.
52. I wish Israel could trust Obama.
a   (08.16.12)
53. To nr 51 "Bad behavior"? You mean like US behavior toward..
Alexander ,   Tel Aviv, Israel   (08.16.12)
...Jews during WW2? You dare lecture me on morality and good behavior? America has nothing to teach Israel and the Jewish people on the subject of good behavior. "Your entire post needs a "citation needed." And I said nothing about Israel threatening a war on the US- rather that it's bad behavior for one ally to threaten to start a war it knows it can't finish on its own..." What's even worse behavior is that your country has stabbed my country in the back and violated our independence, sovereignty, security and safety and even lives on dozens of occasions for the past 64 years. Israel always did the dirty work for America. We made sure that neither Iraq nor Syria have attained or achieved nuclear weapons. We don't get as much as a thanks from you. Bad behavior is that your country is ready to sacrifice 6 million Jews in Israel so that Obama can get re-elected and so that Americans can refuel their SUV's with gasoline from the Middle East. And to hell with Israel and 6 million Jews right? That is an extravagantly shocking display of arrogance towards your Israeli ally. USA wants to wait, but Israel can't wait. It is Israel's existence that is at stake. I know that you don't care but we do. If you don't want to "finish" the job for us, then I suggest that you either take care of Iran yourselves from the very start or two, let Israel handle this. "(let's talk about the lack of a robust Israeli midair refueling capability and long-range strategic bombers), therefore compelling your biggest patron to finish the job for you. " Do patrons sacrifice millions of lives of the very country they claim they "protect"? I really don't care that Iran attacks American soldiers in the Middle East. If you are afraid I suggest USA pulls out of the Middle East and saves American lives and American dollars. Even if Iran attacks American soldiers in the Middle East, 300 million Americans back home are still safe and secure, but if one Iranian nuke lands in Israel, our country is gone. So forgive me for being completely arrogant, but the safety of your soldiers doesn't interest me. What interests me is Israel's survival. Maybe your soldiers will die, but my country is facing an existential threat. Speaking of Israel midair refueling capability, Israel uses heavily modified Boeing 707 and Israel has reached Tunisia in the past which is farther away from Israel than Iran. Who said Israel needs long range strategic bombers?
54. #53
Kim ,   Israel   (08.16.12)
Post #51 responded with two very good points and you respond with hysteria. You also (obviously) misunderstood the initial post. Post #51 was trying to correct you. Stop making a fool of yourself.
55. USA - best country for Jews ever!
moishe pippick ,   nyc   (08.17.12)
"America has nothing to teach Israel and the Jewish people on the subject of good behavior. " There has never been a country as good for the Jewish people as the USA. There has never been a country that has accepted us and allowed us to thrive the way the USA has. Yes there was intense Judeophobia here, and there still is some, but there are nearly as many Jews in the USA as there are in Isreal and there's a reason for that - this place has been very very good to us. We have been here from the start of the country, we have served in all the armed forces in every war, we have ascended heights that our grandparents never dreamed of. If they imprisoned a hundred Pollards, and I'm serious about this - if they sent back a dozen St. Louis's IT STILL WOULDN'T MAKE UP FOR ALL THE GOOD THE USA HAS DONE FOR THE JEWISH PEOPLE. Of course I'm responded to the guy who raged about how terrible America was for ordering Israel not to retaliate against Iraq in 1991 even though, in your own words, hardly anyway was hurt in the scud attacks! Most Israelis are righteous people. Israel has a lot of great things going on there. But don't go and attack the USA like its just another country. It has been the salvation of the Jewish people MORE than Israel itself.
56. Jewish vote in the U.S.
Paul E. Merrell, JD ,   Springfield, OR, USA   (08.17.12)
Re "It is safe to assume that the reason for this is that both sides wish to take advantage of the influential Jewish vote in the US to leverage their positions." Not really. Jewish voters in the U.S. are solidly in the Democratic column. E.g., 76 percent of Jewish voters voted against George Bush in 2004. The more likely reason for Obama is that a solid majority of all American voters are sick of foreign wars. Pre-election is not the time for Obama to appear as bellicose.
57. The Congress will supervise the sanctions, not Obama.
Michael ,   California, USA   (08.17.12)
Attacking Iran will be a suicide for Israel. There is a lot of diplomacy that can be relied upon AND WILL BE under the U.S. Congressional leadership. Obama has been a fair supporter of Israel so far and remains more trustworthy than the Republican alternative.
58. #57. Israel can do to Iran what we did to Iraq.
Chaim ,   Israel   (08.17.12)
#57 Michael. Don't you ever tire of being wrong? Obama is a disaster for both America and Israel. Moreover, Israel can do to Iran what we did to Iraq. Iran is all bluff. It was defeated by Saddam Hussein's far from mighty forces. Appeasers like you are sickening.
59. #55. Moishe. America is NOT Israel's salvation.
Chaim ,   Israel   (08.17.12)
#55. I consider myself a friend of America. Though not Obama. However your claim that America "has been the salvation of the Jewish people MORE than Israel itself" is plain ludicrous. Israel won all her own wars. American policy is often a mixed blessing for Israel. The U.S. State Department has been downright hostile to Israel since before Israel's birth. You live in la la land.
60. #1 and #47
DavidR ,   USA   (08.17.12)
Did you two read the article closely? Do you understand common English punctuation? No where in this article was there to be found quotation marks. Know what that means? It is the authors opinion only. He does not quote any Israeli official using the word demand. So, before you get your panties all in a twist take a course in common English grammar and punctuation.
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