Opinion
View from the Oval Office
Eitan Haber
Published: 06.11.12, 15:04
Comment Comment
Print comment Print comment
Back to article
43 Talkbacks for this article
1. Eitan, you are naive to think that Netanyahu
Julie ,   israel   (11.06.12)
isn't between a rock and a hard place. Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.
2. might hurt, but might help
Larry ,   Los Angeles   (11.06.12)
Chances are it will help no matter who gets in. For certain if Romney wins, but also if Obama wins, it might help since the Dems will see that Israel is not happy with Obama type politics.
3. A great time for Obama to know what Bibi thinks of him
Chaim ,   Israel   (11.06.12)
If G-d forbid he's elected again, he might deal with Bibi more respectfully and be a bit more concerned about Israel's walfare.
4. mr. haber we read you- we vote bibi
miriam ,   israel   (11.06.12)
5. Support for Romney
NYC Girl   (11.06.12)
First of all, Netanyahu has been interviewed on various media outlets here and invariably he was questioned about his support for one candidate or the other....and he was always very circumspect about not taking sides in this election. However, he and Mitt Romney are personal friends going back many years when they worked for the same company in Massachusetts, so to expect him not to feel any differently toward Romney on a personal level than he does toward Obama, would be rather absurd.
6. Eitan Haber
Devorah   (11.06.12)
You call refusing to kowtow to Obama taking a risk? What, exactly, did you expect the PM of Israel to do? Humiliate himself? Humiliate Israel because the wretched puppet in the White House is publicly working out his childhood issues at the expense of those who oppose him? Israel must come from a position of strength, not game playing and not servitude. And just remember, Eitan Haber, we have suffered centuries and centuries of enemies who would destroy us, yet we are still here and thriving. That won't change. Ever.
7. Israel and the USA
Marcel ,   San Jose, Costa Rica   (11.06.12)
The PM of Israel has absolutley no business in meddling in the affairs of other countries, let alone their electoral process. I found Netanyahu's behaviour on his last visits to Washington completely unacceptable. If he's a friend of Romney's, so be it. Netanyahu needs to learn to shut up.
8. a bit simpliste
David ,   Montreal,Canada   (11.06.12)
The fact of being a tight election, they both will realise of the importance of the minorities. If Obama wins, he will keep in mind that the Demo Party will be in jeopardy for the next elections if he plays harder ball. That goes for both parties.
9. No difference
Robert ,   New Jersey, USA   (11.06.12)
If Obama is re-elected, he will punish Israel as it has never been punished. Obama is a thug. He takes revenge on his opposition. One example of many: when in 2010, owners of Chrysler auto franchises were found to have givan cash to Republican candidates, Obama had the dealerships forcibly closed. Israel, pray this man is not re-elected. He will seek to punish Netanyahu, and thus you. That you can take to the bank!
10. GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK HEADS PEOPLE!!!!!
Vlad   (11.06.12)
Netanyahu NEVER openly supported Romney. EVER! The most he ever did was have dinner with him. Now because everyone assumes Bibi wants Romney to win, they act like he openly came out in favor of him or tried to sabotage Obama's campaign! ENOUGH!!!
11. No evidence that Netanyahu "interfered" in US election
Jake   (11.06.12)
A common refrain in the media is that Netanyahu "interfered" in the US election on the side of Romney and against Obama. The only thing that is lacking is the proof - a quote from Netanyahu to support this charge. Let's not forget, Israel is not the "51 state". Netanyahu does not need to be a lackey to a foreign country, and he has the right as premier of a sovereign state to defend the right of his country to make sovereign decisions and criticize foreign nations who would tie Israel's hands. That does not constitute "interefering" in foreign elections.
12. #7, Cite your evidence, or shut up.
Jake   (11.06.12)
You, like everyone else, has failed to provide any evidence, any quote from Netanyahu that indicates he interfered in the US election. Unless you have hard evidence to back up your claim, STFU.
13. When Netanyahu spoke to Congress, he praised Obama
Jake   (11.06.12)
Regarding the Bin Laden hit, for instance, he said "Congratulations, Obama, YOU did it". Of course, "he" didn't do it, but it is quite clear that the mountain of direct evidence from Netanyahu's quotes that he publicly praised Obama's and refrained from criticizing him directly...despite Obama's less-than-subtle nubs of Netanyahu.
14. #1 Julie
Michael ,   Haifa   (11.06.12)
So under the circumstances you describe, maybe our arrogant PM should SHUT UP
15. liar, liar pants on fire
michael Pielet ,   israel   (11.06.12)
total lie. Netanyahu did not take sides during the campaign.
16. Israel must start supporting her friends.
Chaim ,   Israel   (11.06.12)
Haber writes foolishness, like usual. Israel must start supporting her friends. Not her enemies. Obama is a menace to both American and Israel, and will be so regardless of what Bibi does or does not do.
17. eitan...you are a smartoot without any pride
JL   (11.06.12)
18. # 6
Aaron   (11.06.12)
Strength is very importand-- BUT: you forgot: diplomacy is sometimes even MORE importand AND necessary ! - and OBAMA's smile CAN melt down walls ! its very importand !
19. Only an israeli will admitt with pride that he jump in front
(11.06.12)
of line of goyim because he is more important.
20. #7 bit of a hypocrite aren't you?
Gee ,   Zikron Yaakov   (11.06.12)
You are in Costa Rica. I am still waiting for the first statement, action, hint, wink or nod that PM Netanyahu showed the least preference for any American candidate EVER.
21. #14 He did shut up.
Jake   (11.06.12)
And if Obama had visited Israel as President, he would have received the red carpet treatment just like Romney did when he came. And if Netanyahu said something rude about Obama, by all means, provide the quote...or follow your own advice.
22. #18 - Aaron
Devorah   (11.06.12)
No, I haven't forgotten about diplomacy, and I agree with you that it is very important. However, in the case of Obama, we are not talking about a rational person. We are talking about a hateful, spiteful and vindictive man who will only respond to, and respect, strength as we saw in the first debate.
23. haber is not making sense
tom ,   toronto, canada   (11.06.12)
on the one hand, he argues that romney will screw israel if he is elected, but on the other hand, he says that obama will be even worse, just out of spite. so all I get out if this lengthy and pointless piece of prose, is that haber doesn't agree with netanyahu's handling of the situation. but we all knew that already, since doesn't approve of ANYTHING netanyahu does. so other than expressing his personal pique, this "article" is a self-indulgent waste of time and space!
24. Haber Is Hurting Israel. Stop Spreading Lies!
Ariel Ben Yochanan ,   Kfar Tapuah, Efraim   (11.06.12)
25. VERY PERCEPTIVE ESSAY ! As an American, I can say that...
Rafi ,   US   (11.06.12)
... you are spot on! As you know, long-standing national interests are what they are - and change only gradually if at all. Personal relations are important (and nothing could be worse than Bibi's with Obama )... but they are unlikely to surmount the near-permanent national interests. One of the best counter-examples are the relations between US Pres Johnson and former PM Levi Eshkol. By all accounts, the two had a very good rappore; Eshkol was a mensch and certainly nowhere as obnoxious as Bibi. But in the stressful pre-6 Day War crunch time, LBJ did no particular favors for Israel. On the other hand, when in the last days of the war, the Soviets began to threaten involvement, Johnson perceived US national interests were at stake - and he moved the 6th Fleet in position to defend Israel. Bottom line, over time: usually US & Israeli long-term strategic interests align - but not always. Meanwhile Bibi has never done Israel any favors with his LACK of diplomacy & wisdom... but the long term interests will sustain even that... PS: great misah about the NY deli line!
26. Silliest thing I ever heard...
Ayelet HaShachar ,   Maale Adummim   (11.06.12)
27. Just Defeat Netanyahu
kay ,   chicago   (11.06.12)
See to it that bellicose BB/Likud lose the next election held on Jan 22, 2013. it's in your hands. Just do it !! A lot is riding on the Israelis resolve to defeat the maniacal, despot..BB.
28. Devorah @ 6
Moragh   (11.06.12)
How right you are Devorah. The Lord God has promised NEVER to leave you... and He NEVER will... be absolutely certain of that. The Jews have always been His chosen Ones. Didn't He promise never to leave you not forsake you? ... a nd He never will!
29.  NONSENSE MR HABER
D A RAP ARTISTE ,   SAFED OPERA HOUSE   (11.06.12)
Obama has repeatedly behaved appalingly trowards Netanyahu treating him like something he just stepped in .I wish Obama to be dumped in the traswh can of history like the phony he is .He deserves to be disliked by Netanyahu .
30. I see the strategy here . . .
SE ,   Boston, USA   (11.06.12)
IF Obama wins and mistreats Israel as expected, we should place the blame on Netanyahu and not Obama and the Democrats who supported him. You have to love the twisted logic because many american Jews and americans living in Israel are concerned that the mistreatment of Israel would get worse in a second term and now we know the reason why -- it's Netanyahu's fault and not Obama for the mistreatment!!!
Next talkbacks
Back to article