Obama waging campaign to weaken Israel’s security? That’s a lie.
Nasty rumors are yet again making their way into inboxes around the country, claiming that President Obama is trying to undermine Israel’s security and discredit its international standing by revoking Israel’s landing rights at US military bases around the Middle East and snubbing Prime Minister Netanyahu during their March 2010 meeting. The email smear claims: “It is essential that everyone who doesn’t know yet, now understands that the protection and survival of Israel is not on Obama’s list – and he is now taking ACTUAL steps to move all protections away – no more landing rights, negotiating with Iran and Syria, making nice to the Moslem World in the face of allies of long standing and he is no friend of the Jewish people and Israel.” [1]
Both President Obama and Israel’s Ambassador to the US Michael Oren have repeatedly underscored the enduring strength of the US-Israel relationship and America’s unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security.
In a letter to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, President Obama wrote, “As we continue to strive for lasting peace agreements between Israel, the Palestinians, and Israel’s neighbors, all sides should understand that our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakeable and that no wedge will be driven between us. We will have our differences, but when we do, we will work to resolve them as close allies.” [2]
Underscoring that point, Obama recently requested an additional $205 million in assistance for Israel’s “Iron Dome” short-range missile defense system to protect Israeli civilians from rocket attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, and other militant groups. [3] Furthermore, The Wall Street Journal reported that the US and Israel “actually have undertaken a broad effort at military and strategic cooperation – including supplying Israel with sophisticated American military equipment – to counter threats from Iran and Hezbollah fighters armed by Syria.” [4]
Following smears claiming that Obama “snubbed” Netanyahu during their March 2010 meeting, Ambassador Oren made clear that such rumors were patently false and underscored Obama’s commitment to Israel. [5]
From Oren’s remarks, via JTA:
As the Ambassador explained carefully, one of his great frustrations is needing to consistently knock down the false “snub” story of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to the White House. As the Ambassador noted:
- There are normally no photos in such a non-state visit;
- He came in through the front door, not the back door;
- It was a last-minute meeting as the President had expected to be out of the country;
- The First Lady and their children were actually not in town;
- They worked closely and positively until late at night;
- The Prime Minister asked if he could stay to meet with his team and the White House said “of course;”
- The Prime Minister asked if the President could return later to hear new ideas and he gladly did;
- They parted on good terms, etc.
- It was not until the following morning that the Ambassador read that the visit was described as a “snub,” and he was shocked.
Relationships between the Ambassador and the top-level officials in this Administration are as good as or better than those between any previous Ambassadors and many previous Administrations, period. As the Ambassador noted, he has excellent access.
Security and military cooperation between the United States and Israel are at superb levels, and the U.S. focus on maintaining and growing Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME) under this administration is an essential step forward. Between joint military exercises, weapons development programs and increased direct military assistance, U.S.-Israel security cooperation has reached new heights.The Ambassador commented that the President and top levels of the NSC, Defense Department, State Department, etc. have been singularly focused on preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, and Israel’s government continues to be on-board with this sanctions effort. The Ambassador also noted how much Israel and Israelis appreciate the Obama Administration’s focus on Syria’s recent destabilizing moves.
Additionally, claims that Obama has revoked Israel’s landing rights at US military bases around the Middle East are just plain false. The Obama Administration has taken no action that would change Israel’s landing rights in Iraq (as Israel never had landing rights there to begin with). Landing rights in a sovereign state are arranged with that state, as the US does not control the air space over such countries; the Administration took no action whatsoever that would restrict any landing rights arrangements Israel had with any third party states (such as Turkey). [6]
[1] “Israel and the US – very disturbing news.” (Below)
[2] “President Obama’s letter to the Presidents’ Conference,” by Ron Kampeas. JTA, April 22, 2010.
[3] “Obama asks Congress to aid Israel defenses.” Associated Press, May 13, 2010.
[4] “US, Israel spar in public, but defense ties are strong,” by Gerald Seib. The Wall Street Journal, May 4, 2010.
[5] “Oren: Obama did not ’snub’ Netanyahu,” by Ron Kampeas. JTA, May 6, 2010.
[6] Executive Office of the President, May 5, 2010.
Here’s the original smear email:
Subject: Fwd: Israel and the USA – very disturbing news
Tonight Clive and I heard very disturbing information – we heard it from a consultant to the United States who meets once a month with the President in the White house. He is in the know. This is what actually has happened with the relationship with Israel and the USA and it is not pretty:
1. Israel during the Bush and Clinton Administrations – had landing rights in Turkey , and in the USA bases in the middle east and more recently under George Bush, in Iraq . This was in case they were invaded by Iran , or Saudi or any other Arab country. Obama has withdrawn those landing rights. Israel now has nowhere to refuel in the middle east.
2. Netanyahu was instructed to come to the white house for a meeting. He was brought in through a servants entrance – the only head of state ever in US history to be given that disgraceful treatment. He was not offered even a cup of tea – but was lectured to by Obama who told him that he is not permitted to attack Iran and that he has to withdraw all forces from the West bank and may not build any more settlements ( neighborhoods) in East Jerusalem.
Israel will never tell the US again of its plans – since they cannot trust us.What can be done?
It is essential that everyone who doesn’t know yet, now understands that the protection and survival of Israel is not on Obama’s list – and he is now taking ACTUAL steps to move all protections away – no more landing rights, negotiating with Iran and Syria , making nice to the Moslem World in the face of allies of long standing and he is no friend of the Jewish people and Israel .
We must be sure that we elect politicians who protect Israel as well as the USA – our interests are intertwined. Please forward to everyone you know.