Frontline Tours In The Holy Land
Even Yair Lapid gets it. Change is coming fast to both Left, Right, and Center and it is being forced on Israel from Donald Trump and his desire to radically shift the paradigm. Expect to see unprecedented changes in how the USA and Israel approach the “peace” process.
The recent reluctance of the US to veto UN resolution 2234, which essentially singles out Israeli construction as the main obstacle to a two state solution has been seen by some as the final nail in the coffin in a combative relationship between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu that has endured throughout both terms of the Obama presidency.
While this may be obvious, I doubt it will silence those who are still convinced Obama is a strong, reliable friend to Israel. Indeed, in his post UN resolution justification speech at the State Department, Secretary of State John Kerry said “no American administration has done more for the security of Israel than Barack Obama.”
Such self-promoting observations make convincing sound bites, regardless of their accuracy. However, since the door is about to close permanently on the Obama administration, it might be worthwhile to check Kerry’s comment against the facts.
A stroll down memory lane of the Obama tenure recalls the following:
Right out the starting gate his first phone call to a foreign leader in January, 2009 was to Mahmould Abbas, letting him know he was the first foreign leader he called as President of the United States.
In June 2009 his first foreign speech was delivered in Cairo where he signaled a new era in US-Muslim relations. He made the following comments during the speech:
“the United States does not accept the continued legitimacy of Israeli settlements.”
“they (Palestinians) endure daily humiliation, large and small, that come with occupation.”
He signaled a new approach toward Iran (the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism) by letting Israel know their flexibility toward the Palestinians would influence Obama’s approach to Iran. In effect he was invoking diplomatic blackmail against Israel.
He demanded Israel sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and threatened to expose a 40 year old confidential understanding between Israel and the US about its Dimona nuclear facility if Israel didn’t sign the NNPT. Israel did not. Obama retaliated by interrupting routine travel of Israeli nuclear scientists between the two countries.
In 2010 after seeing a clear pattern of hostility toward Israel, over 50 retired US Generals signed a letter to Obama demanding he stop treating Israel so poorly and treat them like ally they are.
Also in 2010, in an unprecedented move, both houses of Congress having seen the same hostile pattern, signed letters telling Obama to stop treating Israel so poorly.
Apparently Obama didn’t get the message. The same year he walked out on a White House meeting with Netanyahu, leaving him sitting alone. While Obama had dinner with his wife Michelle Netanyahu was let in and out of a side door to the White House with no diplomatic fanfare.
Subsequent to this Mahmoud Abbas was welcomed with full diplomatic protocol and fanfare.
In 2011 Egypt ousted Hosni Mubarak, a 30 year US ally, replacing him with Mohammed Morsi, a Muslim fundamentalist and member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Obama openly supported Morsi. This brought a further chill in US-Israel relations. A little over a year later the Egyptians voted Morsi out. Obama voiced his opposition to Morsi’s purging. Today, Morsi remains in prison.
In May 2011 while Netanyahu was airborne in route to Washington, to address a joint session of Congress Obama spoke to Congress urging any two state solution should be based on ’67 lines, with mutual land swaps. The timing of Obama’s speech was seen as an effort to sabotage Netanyahu. Following Obama’s speech, in an unprecedented bi-partisan move, Republican and Democratic leaders condemned Obama’s speech and publically distanced themselves from the President. When Netanyahu delivered his speech to the joint session of Congress he received 30 standing ovations, which was largely seen as a rebuke of President Obama, who along with Vice President Biden and John Kerry, were noticeably absent during Netanyahu’s speech.
In March 2013 in Ramallah Mahmoud Abbas referred to Israel’s 1948 rebirth as “the Nakba,” (the catastrophe), while Obama stood next to him in silence.
During Operation Protective Edge, the 2014 war with Hamas (who has fired over 15,000 rockets into Israel against innocent civilians) Obama threatened to stop US arms supply to Israel.
In 2015 Israel was gearing up for new elections. Jeremy Bird, a democratic strategist who helped the 2012 Obama campaign, was dispatched to Israel in an effort to help defeat Netanyahu. This brought harsh criticism of Obama for what was seen as a direct effort to influence Israeli elections. In the end the effort failed as Netanyahu was re-elected. Today he has become the longest serving Prime Minister in Israel’s history.
Finally, in what was called by many as the single most damaging decision Obama made is the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. No other move has caused greater concern for Israel’s security than this agreement. While there remains robust disagreement on the deal’s justification, there is little doubt Israel has the most to lose.
To be fair to Obama, there has been an occasional bright spot. For example the US did award Israel a $38 billion 10 year defense package, which is the largest ever. Yet, it does part from previous such packages in that by year three 100% of the funds must be spent in the US. Prior agreements allowed Israel to award up to 24% of the funds to their own defense contractors. The absence of this option will have a severe impact on small – medium companies and put thousands of Israeli’s out of work.
There are numerous other examples of how the Obama administration has been a blight on relations with the strongest ally the US has in the Middle East, however I believe the short list contained herein constitutes more than enough facts to render Kerry’s words about the Obama Administration commitment to Israel’s security little more than what they are- mere words, with little or no facts to corroborate them. The reality shows the Obama administration has been one of, if not the most hostile ever toward Israel.
Meanwhile 4 more Israeli’s were just murdered in the ongoing wave of Palestinian terrorism which began in October, 2015. To date President Obama has not held Palestinian leadership accountable for a single Israeli death.
As the old saying goes, with “friends” like this…..
President Obama, your legacy has been secured. Time for an actual friend of Israel to take over…..
DOES A DEMOCRACY BEHAVE LIKE THIS?
Israeli Russian Jewish blogger, Alexander Lapshin did something brave, he crossed over from Azerbaijan to Artsakh aka Nagorno Karabagh and came out speaking for Artsakh’s Independence which automatically steps on Azeri toes. The Azeri’s were furious and wanted him arrested and extradited. In spite of the democratic façade, Azerbaijan is an oppressive regime and this is proof positive of that.
He is sitting now in a Belarus jail waiting for the next step. From what I understand Israel has intervened and he will not be extradited to Azerbaijan. This blogger has been saved from sure torture and probable death if he ended up in Azeri hands.
We must show our support and let our voices be heard for Alex Lapshin. He must be released. There is no crime in speaking the truth.
ISRAEL SHOULD NOT SELL AZERBAIJAN IRON DOME TECHNOLOGY
This past December Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev met in Azerbaijan to have discussions. Soon after we read the following headline in the news: Azerbaijan wants to purchase Iron Dome technology. Next day, it was a done deal.
When I read this headline, I asked myself do they realize the potential consequences of this deal? I marveled over this agreement for quite some time and concluded either Israel is extremely naive and careless or the political analysts don’t see beyond their noses.
In my strong outcry and numerous commentaries, I was reminded by members of the group, Israeli Armenian Solidarity, ‘Keren, it’s a defensive technology so you have nothing to worry about.’
I recall reading a couple of years ago after Operation Protective Edge, the UN told Israel to give Hamas ID Technology. I remember scratching my head when I read that, smirking at the absurdity. Why would Israel do that? Let Hamas not start wars and no one will need IDT.
So I came up with my follow up question. “Why doesn’t Israel sell this defense technology to Hamas?”
Don’t jump out of your seat! I know why. But can the reader start to empathize now why it’s a bad idea for Azerbaijan to buy this technology? Let me try to answer, but first let me give a little background.
We, who follow Middle East politics, know about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but is the public know about the Azerbaijan-Nagorno Karabagh conflict?
Let me explain it in a quick nutshell. Back in 1920’s about the same time Palestine was being discussed, the Caucus region was also discussed for drawing out borders. Stalin promised to give us, the Armenians our historic lands of Artskah aka Nagorno Karabagh and more to us. What did he do? Definitely not as he promised. Stalin divided up the lands in another way. He gave OUR historical lands to Azerbaijan.
There was bloodshed over the years including pogroms against Armenians who were living in Baku, reminiscent of the Hebron Massacre.
In 1991 when Armenia became independent of the Soviet Union about the same time we claimed Artsakh to be ours. At that point the Armenian population was very high. Today it’s one hundred percent and Azerbaijan does not want to let go of our lands. Hence our conflict.
Relevant Parallels:
As a side note but one that can not be neglected, there are many other parallels the most notable being: the Armenian and Jewish holocausts. Both of our peoples went through attempted annihilation. The Armenian Genocide in WWI and the Jewish Holocaust in WWII.
With that setting in mind, let’s go back in time a little – just a little. Last year in April 2016, Azerbaijan received a shipment of Israeli drones – THE VERY NEXT DAY, they started war with Nagorno Karabagh. The drones were used in kamikaze style and against the Geneva Convention laws. They killed civilians with these drones. Azerbaijan also committed war crimes by the horrendous murders and mutilations (including decapitations) Nagorno Karabagh soldiers. This is what I call the Hamas of the Caucuses.
Now fast forward to today, Azerbaijan wants the Iron Dome technology. Is an attack from Iran imminent? No. Azerbaijan will start a war with Armenians in Artsakh.
They want to finish the Armenian Genocide that their big sister, Turkey started a century ago. Israel I beseech you, Bibi and Likud, I beseech you to not sell Iron Dome technology to Azerbaijan. They will start a war with us.
Don’t be naive or careless. Rethink your analysis. You have been informed and God is awake and never slumbering. If Israel is to be a light to the nations as you are to be then stop being scared of saying no. Trying to wash your proverbial hands will not wash away the stains.
[huge_it_share]
Israel Rising was privileged to be invited to an intimate gathering with Mike Huckabee and the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. Mike Huckabee has been one of the most outspoken friends of the Jewish people and Israel. With this being 50 years since the liberation of Jerusalem, 100 years after the Balfour Declaration, and 150 years since the visit of Mark Twain to jerusalem, it was fitting for the award to be given in the very place where Mark Twain stayed on his journey to the Holy Land. It was this trip and the travel log “Innocents Abroad” that launched Twain’s career.
[huge_it_share]
Former Australian PM Tony Abbott, a staunch ally of Israel broke ranks with current Australian Prime Minister when he sugggested that Australia should move its embassy to Jerusalem.
“Another way for Australia to demonstrate its unswerving support for Israel, as the Middle East’s only liberal, pluralist democracy, might be to join any move by the Trump administration to move its embassy to Jerusalem.”
-Tony Abbott
Abbott also pushed for Australia to cut its “$40 million a year in aid to the Palestinian Authority while it keeps paying pensions to terrorists and their families.”
The Spectator Article, where Abbott wrote his views of how Australia should navigate the Middle East gave explicit and clear support to Israel while castigating the failed 2-State policy global elites have been forcing on Israel.
As the backlash grows against UNSC Resolution 2334 more and more politicians and leaders are beginning to voice their opposition to the UN’s singling out of Israel. Abbott represents the wide populace in Australia, New Zealand, and North America that overwhelmingly support Israel and yet represented by governments who are often antagonistic against the only Jewish State.