Netanyahu Praised by Blair, Ignored by Obama

From Anthony Reich

Reports in Israel claim that Jerusalem is concerned about the current breakdown in US-Israel cooperation under President Obama. It is claimed that there is a significant decline in the coordination in state and security matters since Obama entered the White House, and particularly since Netanyahu entered the Prime Minister’s office.

Jerusalem officials attribute this to the fact that the Obama administration does not see Israel as “special” in the Middle East. In addition, it is claimed that Obama wishes to demand that Netanyahu completely suspends construction in the settlements. This approach seems to set the new Israeli administration on a collision course with the White House.

It is interesting to know what American Jews who voted for Obama think about this development.

By contrast, Tony Blair is quoted as endorsing Netanyahu’s ability to be a peacemaker. Blair, the Quartet’s emissary, praised Netanyahu for his focus on improving the Palestinian economy in the West Bank and bolstering its security capacity. Tony Blair also made it clear that he believes that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapons capability.

Whilst it is clear that good relations with the White House are important for Netanyahu and for Israel, I am not convinced that Blair’s endorsement adds much value. The Quartet has proved itself to be largely ineffective.