Obama’s re-election upsets ruling Likud in Israel

[struggle4progress]

Atul Aneja
DUBAI, November 7, 2012

... While he has avoided taking sides in public during the US presidential campaign, it is well known that the Israeli Prime Minister and Mitt Romney, Mr. Obama’s defeated rival, are old friends. In an article in April, The New York Times reported that the two have known each other since 1976, when they became colleagues as corporate advisers in Boston Consulting, a U.S. business consulting firm. Mr. Obama’s Democratic Party had criticised Mr. Netanyahu for allegedly intervening and siding with Mr. Romney during the presidential campaign.

Mr. Netanyahu had a difficult relationship with Mr. Obama during his first term. Mr. Obama refused to be pushed by Israel on taking action against Iran, and the White House was miffed by Israeli policy on settlements in the occupied West Bank. In September Mr. Obama declined to meet Mr. Netanyahu during his visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly session.

Unsurprisingly, Mr. Netanyahu chose to deliver a terse message of congratulations to Mr. Obama after his re-election. He said that the “strategic alliance between Israel and United States is stronger than ever”, and pledged to “continue working with President Obama in order to safeguard the interests crucial for the security of Israel’s citizens”.

Some members of Mr. Netanyahu’s Likud Party were, however, explicit in airing their misgivings about dealing with Mr. Obama in his second term. Israel’s Ynetnews quoted a Likud lawmaker as saying: “Obama is not good for Israel and we’re concerned that he will try to pressure Israel into making concessions because of his chilly relationship with Netanyahu.” The opposition Kadima party’s lawmaker, Shlomo Molla slammed Mr. Netanyahu of hurting “Israel with his arrogant and incomprehensible involvement [in U.S. elections] on the side of Mitt Romney” ...

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/obamas-reelection-upsets-ruling-likud-in-israel/article4074536.ece

[bemildred]

1. Well, what are they going to do about it? That's the question.

My guess is "not much."

[azurnoir]

2. well it will be interesting to see how the outcome of the US elections effect

polls in Israel saying that it does at all

[bemildred]

3. I think it's going to take a while to sink in.

A lot of unquestioned assumptions are going to have to be questioned, that takes a while. But I am quite curious to see the effect, if any, when it becomes clear, that will tell you a lot.

[azurnoir]

4. It will most likely show up in Israeli polls over the next few weeks

the real impact will come after the UNGA vote on Palestine though

[bemildred]

6. I don't really intend to focus on it much until January.

The election was set for February, right? We will have a new government here, and "combat brings clarity", so let the dust settle, inspect the bodies for loot, and wait and see.

I do expect a lot of noise, perhaps a few provocations, etc. but I don't expect it will go far. The "facts on the ground" are unpleasant enough as it is.

[oberliner]

5. Statements by PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro made the following statements at their meeting this afternoon (Wednesday, 7 November 2012):

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

"I want to congratulate President Obama on his re-election. I think the United States of America again demonstrated why it's the greatest democracy on earth. The security relationship between the United States and Israel is rock solid, and I look forward to working with President Obama to further strengthen this relationship and I look forward to working with him to advance our goals of peace and security.

So I want to congratulate him on behalf of the people of Israel. The President, First Lady, Vice President and Mrs. Biden, their families and the people of America. Congratulations."

Ambassador Shapiro:

"Thank you. Well, Mr. Prime Minister, on behalf of the President, Vice President and the American people, thank you for those good wishes. Americans are very proud of our democratic system and values and our free elections. Obviously Israelis share those values. The President has enjoyed close security cooperation with you and your government in his first term and we look forward to continuing it in the second term."

https://www.likud.org.il/en/members-of-the-knesset/benjamin-netanyahu/benjamin-netanyahu-articles/522-statements-by-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-and-us-ambassador-to-israel-dan-shapiro

Straight from the Likud website.

[azurnoir]

7. A Very Awkward Video Of Netanyahu Congratulating Obama (originally posted by Purveyor)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/11/07/a-very-awkward-video-of-netanyahu-congratulating-obama/

http://www.democraticunderground.com/101776827

[oberliner]

8. Doesn't seem all that awkward to me

Does it to you?