Netanyahu: Obama’s Just as Big a Friend to Israel as George W. Bush Was

Netanyahu: Obamas Just as Big a Friend to Israel as George W. BushIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to criticize President Barack Obama’s relationship with Israel, saying in an interview Sunday that all U.S. president has been “great friends” of the Jewish state.

“The president of the United States — including President Obama — every one of the U.S. presidents represents and acts on the tremendous innate friendship of the American people and Israel,” Netanyahu said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Host David Gregory pressed Netanyahu on a 2002 statement when he declared Israel had “no better friend” in the White House than former President George W. Bush, and asked him to compare whether Obama measured up.

“They keep moving and adding new people,” Netanyahu joked. “The leaders keep changing.”

Describing the recent “frosty relationship” between the two countries, Gregory pointed out that Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney accused Obama of throwing Israel “under the bus” and that fellow GOP candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry called Obama’s Middle East policy “naive and arrogant, misguided and dangerous” last week.

“David,” Netanyahu replied. “You’re trying to throw me under the bus of America politics. Well, guess what. I’m not going to be thrown.”

“I think the important thing to understand is this and this is the truth about America,” he said. “Israel enjoys tremendous bipartisan support, tremendous.

“Everywhere you go you see this tremendous sympathy and affinity for Israel,” he said. Similarly, he added, Israel is a country where “everyone is pro-America.”

Pressed again on whether he viewed Obama as just as much of an ally as Bush was, Netanyahu repeated: “They’re all friends of Israel, equally representing the friendship of America.”

Asked about the Palestinians’ recent bid for United Nations statehood recognition, Netanyahu said he believes they’re “trying to get away without negotiating.”

“They’re trying to basically detour around peace negotiations by going to the United Nations and having the automatic majority in the United Nations General Assembly give them a state.”

Netanyahu said he would meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas anytime, but would not leave the disputed territories in the West Bank without a negotiated deal offering Israel guarantees for its security.

Netanyahu’s comments came hours after Abbas declared Sunday upon his return from the United Nations that the “Palestinian Spring” is coming.

Watch the clip below, via NBC:

Comments (144)

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  • suzy000
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:23pm

    He knows better….what choice did he have?

    Report Post »  
    • cyclops
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:03pm

      I bet, he can’t wait for 2012……and so am I….

      Report Post » cyclops  
    • HumbleMan
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:12pm

      You’re right. What else can he say. Without making a slurr on GWB … he may even be right. The Bushes were not the best thing since rolled toilet paper.

      Report Post » HumbleMan  
    • Chief_Cabioch
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:21pm

      Of course he knows better, but a Statesman like Benjamin is counting days………..and they cant get here soon enough

      Report Post »  
    • Fantastic Four
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:21pm

      @ Humble… or whats on it and that goes for SCROTUS too.

      Report Post » Fantastic Four  
    • Favored93
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 12:14am

      The man had to lump Osama Obama in with the other friendly potus’s because he knows our “chief” would make his life and country‘s safety more difficult to keep if he didn’t.

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • The_Almighty_Creestof
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 12:48am

      I think he said this –and will keep saying this– for the benefit of Israel’s enemies…a subliminal message that there is no lack of support.

      Report Post »  
    • Socapex
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 8:15am

      Don’t you mean 2013? 482 days till the next inauguration.

      Report Post » Socapex  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 9:40am

      He’s a politician and he cannot say anything against whoever is in the White House since that would just create unnecessary problems for Israel. What he says and what he believes is two different things. I agree in part with humbleman about GWB not being such a great friend to Israel either. Anyone from the west that tries to force Israel to give up land that was given to them by God while ignoring the fact that when Israel was given back that land in 1948, there was twice as much land as that given to the palestinians for their own land which would have made “palestine” twice as big as Israel. However, Jordan came in and took that land and kept it for themselves. All of these presidents that we have had, so conveniently does not remember that and doesn’t tell Jordan to give back that land that belonged to the palestinian people. If they did that then there would be no reason to attack Israel for their land so the US government has been helping the palestinians over Israel basically since 1948. When it comes to Israel then there is nothing but shame to show for the way the US has treated Israel. The best thing for Israel is for the US to LEAVE ISRAEL ALONG. Considering that the only money that Israel gets now is basically they are being paid for things that the US gets such as technology and such. This means that they get money through business deals. That is the only way that the US should be involved in Israel.

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
    • godhead
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:36am

      So, Bebe is a man who can not be taken at his word.

      Report Post »  
    • old white guy
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 1:34pm

      jeez i used to think bibi was a real man.

      Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:20pm

    Of course Netanyahu knows that Obama is not Israel’s friend – but he can’t say that – he’s highly intelligent and diplomatic – has to be to the PM of Israel. He knows full well the political games of the world and has much experience. He knew what Gregory was trying to do & wouldn’t play. I’m a supporter of several outreaches in Israel and get “insider” reports — saying yes, indeed, they know about Obama and are highly, highly worried. More reason to be very careful what you say here at this time. I’m sure God has allowed him to be appointed at this dangerous time for Israel as the best one to handle the situations. God bless Israel !!!!

    Report Post »  
    • finadena
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:47pm

      The reporter is trying to get the PM to say BO is a better friend to Israel than George Bush, to get the Jewish votes, a support BO is losing and needs for re-election in 2012.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:48pm

      Indeed, Netanyahu is showing true mastery of sarcasm in referencing Mr Obama as a friend to Israel; the simple fact is that Mr Obama threw them to the wolves, and is now trying to get himself out of the mess for the sake of politcal votes in 2012.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:30pm

      Compared to Mockmood Adumbagene and all the others in the Mid-East… yes, Obama might be seen as a friend. Israel is so alone that anyone not making threats to wipe them off the map might also be considered a friend. Netanyahu knows that US policies change with almost every election and he’s just trying to keep the friendship of the American people.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • hoopla
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:46pm

      It’s okay BB, you don’t need to pretend you like Obama, we don’t like or agree with him either.

      Report Post » hoopla  
    • TrailBlazer66
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:04pm

      Very wise words…Shalom!

      Report Post » TrailBlazer66  
    • TrailBlazer66
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:05pm

      YEs! so agree…very wise words didnt fall under the correct post so here it is again. Hopefully this time it will flow where it belongs.

      Report Post » TrailBlazer66  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:29pm

      So you‘re saying that Netanyahu didn’t mean a word he said, and that he in fact meant the OPPOSITE of what he said?

      You are a fool, crazy, or a combination of the two. The second you start to believe you know more of a person’s intentions than they do – or that you know the inner workings of their mind when their mouth says contrary – is the point you have lost all credibility.

      Here is why Netanyahu meant what he said – he’s a Jew. Jews say what they mean and mean what they say; it’s a commandment. Take a Jew at his word or take him for a fool. Netanyahu says he values the American support and says he values it as much now as he did 8 years ago, so take him at his word.

      If you have any respect for Israel and their Prime Minister you will do just that.

      VoteBushIn12  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:22am

      @ Votescam4obumbler2012

      “They are all equally friends of Israel” only goes to an optimistic assessment of intent. Compare it with the statement “They are equally caring doctors” in a situation where one of the doctors wants to amputate a limb to save a life from a spreading infection while the other doctor (who knows about antibiotics and has access to them) merely wants to administer a massive dose of antibiotics. One of the “equally caring” doctors is INCOMPETENT and will cost the patient a limb.
      Netanyahu made no assessment of Obumbler’s competency or grasp of the situation.

      Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:36am

      So, Bebe is a liar.

      Report Post »  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 12:46pm

      @Chuck Stein

      That’s fine. I understand your point and think you have a case. Saying Obama is a friend does not imply he is competent, good point.

      However, my reply was to momprayn who said
      “Of course Netanyahu knows that Obama is not Israel’s friend…”
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:20pm

      That is what I was taking exception with. The assertion that Netanyahu ACTUALLY meant the EXACT OPPOSITE of what he said. An absurd claim and one that should be denounced on this site.

      If we can no longer cite people by the words they speak then on what grounds can we have intelligent discussion. It is akin to illiterates reading a book.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
  • hi
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:16pm

    Obama’s actions show he hates Jews no matter how diplomatic Netanyahu tries to be. Jews should wake up and stop supporting Obama.

    Report Post » hi  
  • Huguenot Descendant
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:11pm

    If Netanyahu truly thinks that Obama has been a supporter to Israel than he must have his views twisted. Obama has been putting restrictions on Israel whereas there should be no restrictions. Israel should be able to defend themselves from any attack and the US shouldn’t interfere with their right to do so.

    Report Post » Huguenot Descendant  
    • SERUM
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 7:11pm

      Netanyaho just keeping his friends close and obama closer…

      Report Post »  
  • Goldi
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:08pm

    What in the heck did we think he was going to say? He was being hounded by the idiot questioning him! He kept asking him over and over. He can’t say what he thinks about obamao, he would be eviscerated by the left and their nbc goons. They take their marching orders from the white house and gregory wouldn’t stop until he had him say all of the presidents have supported Israel. What a joke! If I were Netanyaho I think I would‘ve walked off when he wouldn’t accept his answer. Netanyaho is more of a real man then wimpy gregory could ever think of being! Who would you ever want to have your back? Not gregory!

    Report Post »  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 8:17am

      You got that right. Gregory was just lookin’ for another scalp to take (along with Newt’s). Gotta love the No-god Broadcasting Company. They’ll send Curry to Iran for a fluff job, though. I think it fits right in with Obama’s pro-Muslim agenda.

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • godhead
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:37am

      a simple and direct question – conservatives can’t handle those . . . GOTCHA! How dare you ask me what I read! How dare you ask me what I’ve seen in my vacation!

      Bebe is a liar, is what you’re saying. Live with it.

      Report Post »  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 1:47pm

      BEBE is a statesman,and “handled” the supposed “gotcha” moment from Gregory,extremely well.

      Everyone who has paid attention,knows where Obama stands with regard to Israel.

      Of course the political season has arrived for the president, and his poll numbers look terrible, so its Obama time, to state he is the Jewish President. A laffer . Judge the person by his actions, not his words. Fool a nation once, shame on you, Mr President. Fool a nation twice, shame on the nation.

      Report Post »  
  • sissykatz
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:07pm

    Yeah sure Obama’s a friend of Israel…… Didn’t he say in his book if it came down
    to it “He would stand with Islam every time”??? He was a friend of PLO. He is
    anything but a friend of Israel and The USA.He loves the Middle East so much, I
    wish he would move there when we throw him out and Maybe Mooshelle and his
    girls can enjoy all the freedoms they allow for females.

    Report Post »  
    • OhSuzieQ
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 7:20pm

      sissykatz
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:07pm
      Yeah sure Obama’s a friend of Israel…… Didn’t he say in his book if it came down
      to it “He would stand with Islam every time”??? He was a friend of PLO. He is
      anything but a friend of Israel and The USA.He loves the Middle East so much, I
      wish he would move there when we throw him out and Maybe Mooshelle and his
      girls can enjoy all the freedoms they allow for females.

      SissyKatz, that’s funny…I say that everyday..

      Report Post » OhSuzieQ  
  • vennoye
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:00pm

    What a statesman Netanyahu is. I don’t think we have any statesmen anymore in this country!!!!

    Report Post » vennoye  
    • audiemurphy
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:34pm

      Yeah you do!
      Ronmney, Perry,Bachmann,and others once Obama is gone the new pres will be a
      shining light of hope . Not a big eared black fake American dope!
      I have never seen Americans so divided,pessimistic,and negative about their outlook on the future!
      No hope = 4 more Obummer years!

      Report Post » audiemurphy  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:43pm

      Ditto!

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Erabin
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 7:02am

      “Ronmney, Perry,Bachmann”

      You’re right on that, Netanyahu is a statesman like these three would be.

      One could say that you’re unintentionally correct, because all four are terrible people.

      Report Post »  
  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:55pm

    I think Obama gave him some of that funny weed he used to smoke in college.

    Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:45pm

      Used to?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • OhSuzieQ
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 7:26pm

      garbagecanlogic said,
      “I think Obama gave him some of that funny weed he used to smoke in college.”

      I bet if obama was drug tested, it would show positive for weed. He always looks high to me.

      Report Post » OhSuzieQ  
  • Spyder
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:54pm

    So how much money was offered to Netanyahu to say that? Or did the Obummer Administration strong arm him by threatening to pull military support if he didn’t? Actions speak louder than words and we‘ve all seen this administration’s lack of support for Israel. So the words out of Netanyahu‘s mouth reagarding Obummer’s support are about as hollow as Obummer’s words are to us regarding the economy.

    Report Post » Spyder  
    • dsm
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 7:49am

      I agree. Bebe knows Obama is not a friend to Israel.

      Report Post »  
  • Pike
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:52pm

    Netanyahu is a statesman. He’s not going to pick sides inside the U.S. He is not going to take any chance of alienating here that otherwise would show support for Israel.

    I wish Obama had half the brass that Netanyahu does…

    Report Post » Pike  
  • CougarNick78
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:49pm

    If by good friends, he meant to slam Bush for his kissing Palestinian Authority buttocks or using reverse psychology, then yeah, Netanyahu was on the money. Otherwise, he has to be trying to be nice to keep US Aide from being suspended……It has to be that. I doubt Netanyahu believes Bam to be a true ally.

    Report Post » CougarNick78  
  • DNDLWLS
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:47pm

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to criticize President Barack Obama’s relationship with Israel, saying in an interview Sunday that all U.S. president has been “great friends” of the Jewish state.

    What a bunch of crockk.

    Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:50pm

      I’m more than disappointed with this man not speaking the full truth. Regardless of what he says though, I still support and stand with Israel. Benji knows full well that Obama wants a Palestinian state and has worked against Isreal in the matter. I hope he has good reason for not stating the obvious.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • Faith1029
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:12pm

      Well of course he is not going to bad mouth Obama. How stupid would that be? Besides, he is better than that. This man has class. Very diplomatic.

      Report Post »  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:17pm

      Marci: Bibi himself wants a Palestinian state, provided he can get one consistent with Israel’s security and survival. Same as Obama. Same as Bush and every US president since the 1970s, for that matter.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
  • Drone Commander In Chief
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:41pm

    Israel is our friend. They can defend themselves just fine with the weapons we sell them and the 300 nukes they possess. Why is it any of our business what goes on there? Israel has never lost a war since its inception. Lets follow Ron Paul’s lead and get the hell outta the whole mid-east before it bankrupts us like it did the Soviets. Kinda funny but I even remember Putin warning us about going into Afganistan because he knew what the end result would be. I am sure he is laughing to himself about now. We need to wake the hell up and realize we need to take our government back. There is only one candidate that will do that I believe. Ron Paul

    Report Post »  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:27pm

      If you read the Bible, you‘d know why it’s our business what goes on there!

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 1:55pm

      Ron Paul,if you have noticed, is being totally blacked out from main stream media. Actually Ron Paul might be great as president, however, he is not now, or tomorrow ELECTABLE!

      Can you say Chris Cristi? A big man for a big job,2012. “Chris are you listening?” get with the program!

      Report Post »  
  • hialtitude
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:40pm

    He’s either cagey or deluded. One thing I know for sure is that BO is no friend of Israel.

    Report Post »  
  • Micmac
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:30pm

    “They’re all friends of Israel, equally representing the friendship of America.”
    —————————-
    This is the crux of his interview. Equally “representing” = both were presidents, nothing about equal “feelings.” Bibi knows NoBama’s hate for Israel, but has to tap dance…at which he is a master.

    NoBama 2012

    Report Post »  
  • krjones
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:29pm

    I do not understand the jews. Why are they so tied to the dems?

    Report Post »  
    • Micmac
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:32pm

      Entitlements, many Jews are not Zionists, and Jews are historically liberal.

      NoBama 2012

      Report Post »  
    • sfagan
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:53pm

      MicMac, no offense, but that is a grossly naive explanation. It’s far more complex, and goes back to Europe and a period of time when Jews did not have freedom to vote, representation, and were looked on as second-class citizens (sort of what Radical Islam would like to see happen again). Jews saw the rise of Liberalism as largely responsible for their increasing freedoms and eventual citizenship in Europe. In America, many neighborhoods had restrictive covenants prohibiting Jews, Universities denied admission to Jews. Jews had to become activists. Activists were Liberals. And now, it’s difficult for many Jews to distinguish activism and Liberalism. This is, of course, all oversimplifying it, but it’s a start.

      Report Post »  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:23pm

      Why do Jews lean Democrat?

      Although Jewish history is not solely a history of persecution, Jews have experienced enough of it almost instinctively to favor toleration, civil liberties and religious/cultural pluralism.

      So long as the Republicans allow themselves to be held hostage by Christian evangelicals for whom Armageddon in the Middle East can’t come soon enough, sensible Jews (that is, most of them) will continue to lean Democrat.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • MinusOne
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 9:31am

      American Jews have been liberal since Harry Truman supported Israel.

      Report Post » MinusOne  
  • zman173rd
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:25pm

    Other than the first statement about how the president “acts on the tremendous inate relationship of the american people”, he isn’t giving much credit to B.O. And I think he’s worried about our money to his country being interupted. You have to kiss the butt of the person in charge to keep it commin’..

    Report Post » zman173rd  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:36pm

      No…it’s close to going down and he knows it. He’s not a fool . After all…the interviewer is trying to get him to defame Obama and that would propagate what’s fixing to go down. I can’t even believe someone would place him in that position. Romney’s right. Israel has had all but one leg cut out from under her. The wolves are at her door.

      Report Post »  
  • georgiavietvet
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:23pm

    netanyayhu was being very diplomatic, but i wish he would just tell the truth, as we all know it. obama is a muslim and a supporter of the palestinians obama knows he can’t be above board about it so he tries to hide his muslim support, but his actions speak loudly and clearly. if you will recall, he said the muslim call to prayer is the most beautiful sound he has ever heard……………………………….

    Report Post »  
    • YepImaConservative
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:34pm

      Obama also stated something to the effect that he was a “little Jakarta street kid,” and he once “got in trouble for making faces during Koran study classes in his elementary schooling.”

      Report Post » YepImaConservative  
  • intothelight
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:21pm

    You can fool some of the people some of the time, etc……

    Report Post »  
  • truthseekerusa
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:17pm

    Did I miss something? The headline and the story don’t jive.

    Report Post »  
  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:12pm

    Netanyahu is playing a Jedi Mind Trick on Obama. Netanyahu realizes it’s the majority of Americans who support Israel not necessarily Obama, but if he says it enough… Obama himself might believe he supports Israel.

    A liitle reverse psych by Bibi…

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
    • TrailBlazer66
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:09pm

      Good theory…and he’s also being diplomatic at the same time. Smart guy that Bibi.

      Report Post » TrailBlazer66  
  • en2deep
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:11pm

    The American press will try to use anybody to defend their maligned master. Let him defend himself. It’s not the responsibility of republicans running for office or foreign dignitaries to defend him.

    Report Post » en2deep  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:09pm

    What?

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:16pm

      Second that! He schooled BHO cpl mos ago and now he does a 180?! What is going on, Emperor Obama is not in favor of Israel his actions are proof of that. ISaying to go bac to the 67 lines is insane. m lost someone explain Bibis turn of the cheek please…..

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:18pm

      When you remember that Bush called for a TWO STATE solution early in his first term and then played hands off for the rest to let the two sides figure out their own fate, he is like Obama in that respect. But the one fact that is missing is that Obama in his formative Columbia College and Harvard days infected his beliefs with Palestinian activism by befriending Rashid Kahlidi a PLO activist that funnelled money to Palestinian Organisations that were hostile to Israel. They went to school together in NY and in Chicago they worked together.

      WHY NO COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS FROM OBAMA??? THE TRUTH HAS NO AGENDA!!!!!!

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:07pm

    This is the rotten side of international politics. Some people feel forced to tell something less than the truth in public. (much, much, much less than the truth.)

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:07pm

    Wink, Wink.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
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