Former US Ambassador Indyk: Obama And Netanyahu Have 'Bad Chemistry'

[Purveyor]

Former US Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk told the Israeli media on Monday that while US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu do indeed have chemistry, at the moment it is "bad chemistry."

Speaking to Army Radio, Indyk called it a "mistake" for Obama not to visit Jerusalem on his pre-election trip to Israel in 2008, and that he erred in not visiting Jerusalem since. It is "very important" that Israelis come to see Obama as "a man that is deeply committed to Israel's security."

With regard to Obama's state of mind, Indyk said that he believes, "President Obama is feeling quite frustrated because he rightly feels that he has done the right thing by Israel, but Israel is not responsive."

Indyk suggested that once Netanyahu has formed his new government, he should "reach out to President Obama and try to turn a new page." He added that the "relations between the United States and Israel are more important than the differences between the two leaders." Referring to these tensions, which have been widely reported, Indyk said that the two heads of state "need to overcome them."

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http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=301251

[BlueDemKev]

1. You mean there's someone in this world who has GOOD chemistry with Netanyahu?

He's the perfect example of a self-centered, I'm-right-you're-wrong type of person there is. Israel wonders why the world has no respect for them...why don't they take a look at the assholes they elect to run their country.

[JRLeft]

2. They continue elect the same right wing scum over and over again.

Why do some Israeli elected officials treat America as if our first obligation is to them. I am sick of that shit too.

[BlueDemKev]

8. Here's how...

The Likud Party appeals to the Israeli people's basic instincts of fear.

[Cosmocat]

10. I am tired of that mentality HERE

There are a number of things that set politicians into rat like fever pitches of trying to outdo one another in kissing as - Israel is at the top of that list.

[fujiyama]

3. Hmmm, considering Clinton's administration disliked him too

I don't think it's just "bad chemistry". I think one part of this combination is just rotten altogether - or combustible. I believe it got to the point where James Carvelle was actually hired to help work for Ehud Barak to oust him.

Netanyahu is an opportunistic, untrustworthy, manipulative ass hole - but a very skilled politician. That's why he's been (I believe), Israel's longest serving prime minister. He's just bad news all around.

[tarheelsunc]

4. Obama has bad chemistry with a guy who was basically campaigning for his challenger?

I never would have guessed...

[davidpdx]

9. Good point

Obama is a pretty likable guy. It is pretty apparent Israel is trying to make him look bad.

[Mz Pip]

5. Obama had no obligation to visit Israel

He was running for president of the US. Last time I checked Israel was not part of the US.

[geek tragedy]

6. How many electoral votes in Jerusalem? nt

[Jennicut]

7. Bibi expects the President to kiss his ass.

Obama is not anti Israel but is skeptical and rightly so. Netanyahu has done nothing beneficial to help this relationship. It is his own fault.

[Zoeisright]

11. Anyone with any type of moral decency

will have "bad chemistry" with Netanyahu.