Kerry heading to Switzerland with Zarif, as Netanyahu goes to Washington (less than 48 hours in DC)

Jerusalem Post ^ | 02/27/2015 00:44 | By MICHAEL WILNER, HERB KEINON

[Dave346]

PM will leave Israel Sunday at around noon, and be in Washington for less than 48 hours before flying back Tuesday afternoon.

Netanyahu’s public schedule this time will be very sparse, with just three events – a Monday morning speech to AIPAC, Tuesday morning’s address to a joint session of Congress, and following that speech, a meeting with bipartisan leadership of both the Senate and the House. This meeting was initiated by Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and Senate Minority leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada).

He will fly back to Israel shortly after delivering that meeting.

While the speech to Congress, Netanyahu’s third, is expected to deal primarily with Iran, his speech to AIPAC – perhaps reflecting the current tension with the White House – will, according to government officials, focus on the importance of the US-Israel relationship.

In that speech Netanyahu is expected to talk about how strong the alliance between the two countries is, and also talk about the history of the special relationship, and the common values and ideals behind it.

While little has been revealed about the speech to Congress, it is no secret that the focus will be Israel’s strong objection to the pact being negotiated between the world powers and Iran.

Israel’s Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, who has come under a great deal of criticism for his handling of the invitation to Netanyahu to speak, has been in Jerusalem over the last week helping the prime minister prepare for the visit, and will be flying with him to Washington on Sunday.

[Dave346]

Looks like the PM is trying to make his trip as brief and non-controversial as possible, given some very difficult circumstances.

[OldNavyVet]

I hope Netanyahu is well protected, but ... Does the Secret Service only protect the President?

[seeker41]

BiBi has his own security and thank God for that!!!

[Star Traveler]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was ORIGINALLY only going to speak at AIPAC ... and then go home. There was nothing else going on ... before!

NOW ... since Netanyahu was invited to speak before a Joint Session of Congress, that was added ... and then he goes home.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is not cutting it short, so to sneak out of town as soon as possible ... LOL ... that was all he was going to do.

ON TOP OF THAT ... Netanyahu is “up for re-election” ... so it’s probably PRUDENT for him to get back to the country he governs, instead of “going on vacation” ... :-) ...

[Don Corleone]

If it wasn’t for the cold and snow you can bet that Bambi would be out on the links.

[grumpygresh]

Don’t think that the 0bama crime syndicate is going to ensure Bibi’s safety. The thug regime is likely contemplating a hit job.

[RedMDer]

Time to get Serious!

March starts on Sunday!
FReepers, Let's GIT_R_DONE!

[Old Yeller]

Maybe Kerry will get buried by an avalanche.

[FlingWingFlyer]

Hanoi Boi going skiing on the Americans’ dime.

[JamesA]

What a weak, cowardly President and bunch of worthless Democrats there are. PM Netanyahu would and will do whatever required to save his Nation, asking for help. And these elected are offended the Potus isn’t notified of his visit. Pitiful weak leadership IMHO. I hope n pray people wake up to what is happening to our Country...grrrrr!