ISRAEL’S PRIME MINISTER CRITICIZES OBAMA:

Sarah,

This week, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized America’s current position on Iran.  Here’s why:

The Dispute:

The dispute revolves around Iran’s nuclear program.  Iran claims it is developing nuclear technology to build civilian power plants.  Western countries think Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.

To deter their progress, Obama stresses diplomacy and economic sanctions.  He has not taken the military option “off the table” but hasn’t been very specific.  Israel wants the United States to take a harder line.  Specifically, Israel wants the United States to set “red lines” which if crossed by Iran, would trigger a military strike by American armed forces.  America has not done this.

Israel also condemns Obama for urging Israel not to attack Iran.  In the words of Netanyahu: “They (the U.S. and Europe) don’t have the moral authority to place a red light before Israel.”

Lastly, Netanyahu is mad because he claims Obama refused his request for a meeting at next month’s United Nations assembly in New York.  Obama claims it is merely a scheduling conflict; he will not be in New York at the same time as Netanyahu because he is scheduled elsewhere.

The Political Dimension:

Some observers think Netanyahu’s comments are designed to influence the American election.  Romney’s policies are more in line with Israel’s and Netanyahu may be trying to speak to the crucial Jewish vote.  A majority of Jews voted for Obama in the last election.

Netanyahu’s words put Romney in an interesting position.  On one hand, they may strengthen Romney’s claims that Obama is soft on Iran and is weakening our ties with Israel.  On the other hand, Romney does not want to be forced into promising a military attack.  By and large, American voters are not interested in starting another war.