Posted on 01/07/2008 11:11:37 AM PST by bruinbirdman
U.S. President George W. Bush has declined to meet with former Prime Minister and current Likud Opposition Leader MK Binyamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to Israel, slated to begin on Wednesday, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Sources in Prime Minister Ehud Olmerts Kadima party quoted in the report offered this explanation: At the White House, they think [Mr. Netanyahu] is a liar because of his behavior when he was prime minister.
Outraged Likud officials accused Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of sabotaging what would normally be a routine meeting between a visiting U.S. President and an Israeli Opposition Leader, a long-established diplomatic custom.
Given the extent to which the prime minister is willing to endanger the country to survive politically, it is not surprising that the Prime Ministers Office is going out of its way to prevent Bibi (Netanyahu) from meeting with Bush, said senior Likud sources.
A spokesman for Olmert stated that he was unaware of any efforts to block a meeting between Bush and Netanyahu.
Bush has no plans to meet with any politician or other officials opposed to the Annapolis process.
How? In the past American leaders have met with the opposition. Netanyahu requested a meeting, GWB opted not to meet. That's pretty much what the headline says.
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Ironic, given that Bibi is one of the neocons often accused of taking over the Bush administration. I haven't a clue what the "liar" thing is about, my guess GWB just isn't in the mood for bad news.
While I do think the headline is a little overkill, not meeting with Netanyahu is still somewhat of a snub IMO.
Netanyahu stands a very good chance of being Israel’s leader again. Getting his input would seem to be a wise thing to do. And if he is dead set against this peace initiative, it is not only a very important opinion, it is imperitive that our President listen to him, and weigh his opinion very heavily.
Netanyahu has a military background and knows it is better to negotiate peace if there is any basis to do so. He is not a warmonger. He is a realist. We ignore him at the risk of doing severe damage to Israel, and our own interests in the region.
ML/NJ
W only wants to meet and work with is the Evil One!
This:
Given the extent to which the prime minister is willing to endanger the country to survive politically, it is not surprising that the Prime Ministers Office is going out of its way to prevent Bibi (Netanyahu) from meeting with Bush, said senior Likud sources.
It doesn't seem entirely clear to me that President Bush is "snubbing" Netanyahu.
Despite Ohlmert's "concerns", it's GWB's decision not to meet with opposition figures.
From Carl in Jerusalem:
"Bibi was Prime Minister from 1996-99. George W. Bush became President in 2001. The President during the time Bibi was Prime Minister was a fellow named Clinton who came from the other party. What would the Bush White House or anyone in it know about Bibi's behavior as Prime Minister? Does anyone notice Olmert's nose getting bigger than the last time I ran this cartoon?"
Read it all: Olmert blocking Netanyahu from meeting with Bush
btw....I did not see a factual statement that said the 2 would not meet.......in fact a sentence said “they do not know if”.................this is intended crapola so far
the man of value for Israel and USA is Bibi and GW ought to consult with him and listen to him. but then GW has been off on his globalist kick and seemingly could care less!!
This whole story looks made up.
OK Joebuck, please explain how our current foreign policy with regard to the palestinian issue differs from Isreal’s current foreign policy position?
Our policy, is their policy, always has been.
Please explain how Isreali PM, after PM, hasn’t been acting to “throw Isreal under the bus”, yet the United States is?
The childish rants against Bush on this issue are flat out lies. Educate yourself.
Thanks to dennisw for posting the speech on a thread. I agree with you, it was inspiring.
Thanks, ScaniaBoy. Nice to see you again.
Accuracy in reporting makes a big difference.
I’m a Bibi fan, by the way.
Who is GW lisetening to these days; anyone?
Happens all the time, formally, informally, public and private. I suspect GWB is making a statement of support for Ohlmert here. And for his state by December plan. He wouldn't be hearing good news from Bibi, but probably news he should hear.
I think Nancy is wearing her Syria visit attire.
There are numerous ways. Presuming you define Israel's foreign policy as synonymous with Ohlmerts positions given his 10% or so approval rating, the most serious disagreement is over Jerusalem. Israels policy if firmly opposed to division, in fact its illegal for Ohlmert to agree to that position. It will lead to the fall of the government if non-Kadima leaders are to be believed. Since that, among other things, is among GWBs priorities, it probably wouldnt hurt to extend the courtesy of accepting a meeting with Ohlmerts likely successor should Jerusalem be officially put on the table.
I'd have to know what the circumstances were for those pictures. I think President Bush is right to limit himself to the elected head(s) of the government on a trip like this. Even though I have little respect for Olmert, I do retain my respect for the Israeli government.
ML/NJ
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