Dems Tell Obama to Back Off Israel Criticism
Congressmen Say Obama Should Stop Pressing Israel, Spend More Time Pressuring Iran
Congressional Democrats are reportedly irked by the Obama Administration’s persistent criticism of Israel’s settlement growth. The Congressmen said it was inappropriate to pressure an ally about “domestic policies” and that instead the administration should spend more time “pressuring the Iranians to eliminate the potential of a nuclear threat from Iran.”
President Obama has called on the Israeli government to stop expanding its settlements in the West Bank, which the Israelis have refused to do. Though it has served as one of the few occasions when a US president has publicly criticized the Israeli government, officials have made it clear that continued Israeli defiance would have no negative consequences.
Obama has said that the US will continue to be “honest” about its position on the settlements, and he met with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak today to reiterate his opposition to the continued construction, even in the case of “natural growth.”
The Israeli government has repeatedly reiterated its rejection of the president’s demands, and says they had “understandings” with the Bush Administration on the continued growth. They lashed out at President Obama for being “unfair” in his dealings with them.
paulBass
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:29 am
i notice one of the usual suspects was missing from the list ?
where is the mrs Harman
paulBass
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:29 am
i notice one of the usual suspects was missing from the list ?
where is the good mrs Harman
Saila
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I'm not surprised at Dems. They get elected by contribution paid by AIPAC and various other Jewish lobbies, and now they are paying back what they were paid for: Put the interest of a foreign country ahead of those of the U.S. It's a shame.
Saila
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Why does a comment have to be approved by site admins? One can go and post a comment on "Forward" (a Jewish publication), and the comment appears immediately, even though the comment may not be Israel-friendly.
On second thought I think it's a good idea that comments be approved/disapproved by site admins. By their rejecting or approving a comment the site would identify in whose pocket they are.
Saila
mcep42
June 3rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Be a little more forthcoming. Who???? Which Demorcratics?? Name names. If its one sobeit, if its 10 , name them. Articles like this may or may not control how one votes and are to vague to have any creditility. By the way Obama should keep up the pressure. Israel should move back to pre 67 boarders and live with a two state solution in peace and harmony.
Peacegeek
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Since this story was based on Ynet and only mentions three members of Congress — it is ever so slightly overstated. That said, it is good to know that antiwar.com is on top of the case and looking for this sort of influence of the Israel Lobby.
jamestcross
June 4th, 2009 at 4:15 am
"Dems Tell Obama to Back Off Israel Criticism" – What "Dems?" Three "representatives" are named in this article: Shelley Berkley (ne'e Levine), Anthony Weiner, Gary Ackerman. Who are these three representing? (Go ahead: screech, whine, dredge up the Holocaust, call me an anti-semite. Oh lordy, honey, I can hear the ADL now: "classic," "canard," etc.))