Washington – President Barack Obama charged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the only foreign leader he could recall who had forcibly interfered in a foreign policy debate in Washington.
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He spoke about Netanyahu in an interview that he gave to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on Thursday about the Iran deal, which will be aired in full on Sunday night.
In a clip released ahead of the interview, Zakaria asked Obama a question about Netanyahu’s stiff opposition to the deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program that was worked out between Tehran and the six world powers; the US, Russia, China, France, Great Britain and Germany.
Congress is expected to vote on the deal by September 17. Netanyahu has mounted a public campaign against the deal which he believes is a historic mistake because it legitimizes Iran’s nuclear program and leaves it with the ability to produce atomic weapons.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has injected himself forcefully into this debate on American foreign policy in Washington. Can you recall a time when a foreign head of government has done that. Is it appropriate for a foreign head of government to inject himself into an American debate,” Zakaria asked.
Obama responded, “I do not recall a similar example.”
He added: “Obviously the relationship between the US and Israel is deep. It is profound. It is reflected in my policies. But as I said in the speech yesterday on the substance, the prime minister is wrong on this.
“I can show that basic assumptions he has made are incorrect. If in fact my argument is right, that this is the best way for Iran not to get a nuclear weapon, that is not just good for the United States, that is very good for Israel.”
In a major speech Obama delivered on the Iran deal he singled out Netanyahu, when he spoke about opposition to the deal.
“I recognize that prime minister Netanyahu disagrees, disagrees strongly. I do not doubt his sincerity, but I believe he is wrong. I believe the facts support this deal. I believe they are in America’s interests and Israel’s interests, and as president of the United States it would be an abrogation of my constitutional duty to act against my best judgment simply because it causes temporary friction with a dear friend and ally,” Obama said.
“I do not believe that would be the right thing to do for the United States, I do not believe it would be the right thing to do for Israel,” he said.
Content is provided courtesy of the Jerusalem Post
Can there be any more doubt as to the petulance and arrogance of our President Barack Obama:
“I can show that basic assumptions he has made are incorrect. If in fact my argument is right, that this is the best way for Iran not to get a nuclear weapon, that is not just good for the United States, that is very good for Israel.”
“My argument is right”, “I can show that basic assumptions he made are wrong”, yet he hasn’t. He hasn’t shown or proven anything just whined and maligned opponents. And he has the gall to know what’s best for Israel…
Netanyahu has not forcibly interfered, he has simply stated his opinion on what he believed is good for HIS country. Furthermore, he was invited by congress to deliver a speech just as any other world leader.
I do recall “similar examples”: Former Mexican president Vicente Fox and current Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto have forcibly injected themselves into the illegal immigration debate often suggesting the US (must) grant benefits and amnesty to Mexican nationals…
Mr. Obama… Grow up
This is far from an American debate on foreign policy in Washington. This is an international deal involving multiple participating countries that are to be involved in inspections of Iranian facilities. While the US Congress will vote on the US ratification of this US brokered deal, it is a multi-national issue very far beyond an American debate. PM Netanyahu did not inject himself or Israel into the debate; Iran has made direct threats against Israel and is the primary named target of Iran’s aggression. How can Israel rely on lame assurances of the US as a third party that fails to consider the serious threat from Israel’s perspective? President Obama would like to bully his plan through Congress and all too often fails to negotiate in good faith. It’s always “my plan or the highway.” We have seen this in budget “negotiations”, the deficit cap, and Obamacare.
Fib fib fib, blame blame blame.
Obama rides in an oyster cushion for harmony with none.
His ears hear noise for the forum of his own conspiracy and he has no blame for his own inner-persecution.
Why does he marginalize Israel? Because he has no law or order for human liberty or rightful social discretion.
Time is almost up on his presidency.
I can only hope he does not label orthodox feelings as a curse.
His legacy will be long but his graves reformated for evil.
He is wider than lost and further from his voice.
This is a man that would turn Esau loose on Jacob.
Obama has no pelted voice of human self-control. His faith is a mess and Israel is in trouble.
This can only hotly demand he has fiscal loss for his vanity.
Obama is a cheap throat and I hope he cleans up his act.
The message is that Jews are ghastly and he dwells on our limited future and broken courage.
Scary man.
He is no friend of Israel.
The POTUS is complaining about Netanyahu meddling in US affairs. Even if this were true (which it isn’t), he meddled in Israeli politics by attempting to have Netanyahu lose the last election.
כל הפוסל במומו פוסל
Dearest President Obama,
It breaks my heart that Bibi is bothering you, but we Israelis feel that you are getting on our case and interfering with our country. You did the best you could to get Bibi un-elected and TG, it did not work.
Now, like nimble brained Chamberlain before you, have reached a deal with the devil that will start WWIII and what does it bother you that we in Israel will be the first to feel the Iranian bombs?
So with all due respect, since you are the president of the USA and no matter how dumb or stupid you are, please bug off.
Respectfully,
A Yid
What would he call calls made by the British PM to members of congress?
i do not recall have the enemy in the white house.
How can Obama lie , saying that this will prevent iran from an atomic bomb when there is a time limit to the agreement after which they may do as they please.This whole agreement is a ploy for the sale of heavy weaponry throughout the middle east .All of the countries will be forced to buy new weapons and the military industry of the good old USA will be reaping in large profits Obama and Kerry will retire with lots of money from this. .
This is not an interjection on American policy. This is the survival of the existence on Israel. Obama is a fool if he thinks Israel is just interfering.
Why do you think America interfered with Russia in the Cuban missile crisis? Was America just meddling with Russian foreign policy?
Love it! And does anyone recall any time when Obama might have slightly interfered with an Israeli debate, or its internal affairs?
You can always expect the Obummer to say something stupid.
Stupid is Obummer’s trademark.
Iran threatening the US if it does not lift sanctions is not interfering?
The U.S. would never consider interfering with another country.
Both Obama and Netanyahu believe they know how to stop Iran – Obama believes the “deal” will do it, Netanyahu believes the “no-deal” is the answer.
It’s such a stupid debate. If an atomic bomb is destined to fall on Erets Yisrael chalila, deal or no deal makes no difference.
This chaleria is pure evil.
When Moshiach comes, Obama will be in clear view getting his gehenim.
Moderator – In a respectable debate you use intelligent arguments and logic. You cheapen your site by allowing personal, senseless and offensive adjectives in attacking Obama. Do such comments really help us and advance our objections
to the deal? .
It is time you assert your authority.
Pathetic manipulative hypocrite. Obama tried very activelt to unseat Netanyahu and intereferes with many countries, including Russia, Afganistan, etc
It would be marvelous to see Bibi as a candidate for the American presidency when his tour as Israeli prime minister comes to a close… He has the right stuff, cannot think of another politician internationally who is a mensch..
what a stupid bum he is ,Israel has the most to lose if Iran goes atomic , its the other way around why does this bum think he is so smart and so sure that everything is going to go his way ,when even some people disagree with this deal , than again what does he care after sitting in for 20 years hearing jerimiye wright preaching hate against israel and even america