Netanyahu Votes Romney, Ehud Barak Endorses Obama

[Purveyor]

All political pundits in Israel are touting the same line this weekend: Barak is splitting from Netanyahu. The defense minister opposed the prime minister’s tone and messages towards the American administration, doesn’t think that Israel must attack during “the political window of opportunity” (i.e. before the presidential elections), and has given up hope that Netanyahu will add him and his party members to the Likud list for the next Knesset.

Proxies to Barak also quoted his “frustration” over the lack of progress or interest Netanyahu has showed in the diplomatic process. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Barak was said to believe that the Palestinian issue – and not the Iranian bomb – is the real existential threat Israel is facing. No kidding. And Likud’s Yuval Steinitz has already started attacking Barak on behalf of the prime minister.

A couple of takeaways:

1. More than anything, it seems to me that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Barak have taken opposing sides in the presidential elections. Netanyahu is putting all his chips on the Republican party. He did all he could to help the candidacy of Mitt Romney – throwing a big welcome for him in Jerusalem and avoiding the customary public congratulations for the president, who on that very day approved the financing of another Iron Dome battery. It wouldn’t be such a wild guess to suggest Netanyahu is also behind the recent revelation over his outburst in the meeting with the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, at the same time, has an open channel with the administration, and has repeatedly aided the Democratic campaign by repeatedly praising the president for his commitment to Israel’s security. Quote: "I should tell you honestly that this administration under President Obama is doing in regard to our security more than anything that I can remember in the past".

MORE...

http://972mag.com/netanyahu-votes-romney-ehud-barak-endorses-obama/55471/

[gaspee]

1. I'm not an expert on Israel

But I am familiar with the players, the history and the basics of the conflict.

That being said - my one question is - do we have to give them so much of our damn money when their citizens enjoy universal health care when so many of our own go without basic health care? (I'm one of those with no insurance and health issues) That's my first reaction when I think Israel.

[hombre]

2. Old Troubles Have Returned

The United States had trouble with Netanyahu before when he was "head cheese"