World

New U.S. Message: Scold Israel for Getting More Isolated

New U.S. Message: Scold Israel for Getting More Isolated | Leon Panetta

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta answers questions aboard an Air Force plane over the Atlantic Ocean Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. Panetta is traveling to the Middle East to meet with leaders on various issues related to the region. (AP Photo/Win McNamee, Pool)

ON BOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AP) — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is warning that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated in the Middle East, and says Israeli leaders must restart negotiations with the Palestinians and work to restore relations with Egypt and Turkey.

Panetta, who was flying to Israel Sunday night, says it is “not a good situation” for Israel during a time of upheaval in the Arab world.

The Pentagon chief says Israel’s “military edge” is not enough, adding that real security also requires “a strong diplomatic effort.”

Panetta is scheduled to meet with top Israeli and Palestinian leaders this week, and then travel to a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. His visit comes as Mideast negotiators push for a peace deal by the end of next year.

Fox News:

In a blunt assessment made as he was traveling to Israel, Panetta said the ongoing upheaval in the Middle East makes it critical for the Israelis to find ways to communicate with other nations in the region in order to have stability.

“There’s not much question in my mind that they maintain that (military) edge,” Panetta told reporters traveling with him. “But the question you have to ask: Is it enough to maintain a military edge if you’re isolating yourself in the diplomatic arena? Real security can only be achieved by both a strong diplomatic effort as well as a strong effort to project your military strength.”

Panetta is scheduled to meet this week with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and then travel to a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. His visit comes as Mideast negotiators push for a peace deal by the end of next year, amping up pressure for the resumption of long-stalled talks.

The Pentagon chief said Israel risks eroding its own security if it does not reach out to its neighbors.

“It’s pretty clear that at this dramatic time in the Middle East, when there have been so many changes, that it is not a good situation for Israel to become increasingly isolated. And that‘s what’s happening,” he said.

Comments (208)

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  • Gump
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 4:54am

    I never thought that I would live to see the enemies of the United States of America running the United States of America.

    Report Post »  
    • cgoon52
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 5:57am

      So true, so true, so true…….

      Report Post »  
    • cgoon52
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 6:08am

      So true, so true, so true………..

      Report Post »  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 6:51am

      GUMP

      THAT IS TRUE.I NEVER DREAMED OF SUCH A THING,,,, however we have lived with
      it since the beginning of this Administration. I believe America will never let this happen
      again. We will see that any candidate will be VETTED from now on. We won’t have another
      President that was not born here either.We have learned a lot of lessons from this Administration.
      Things that will never HAPPEN again.

      Report Post »  
    • bilorites
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 6:55am

      soooo true , Gump….. the bunch of radicals, marxists, communists, pervert promoters, and just plain America haters that are in control now would have been arrested and executed not that many years ago…. ENEMIES OF THE STATE !!!!

      Report Post »  
    • bilorites
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 6:59am

      @ sissykatz…. with the media and the left….. the only “vetting” this fraud needed was….he could talk real purty and he was an “afican-merican’ soros took care of the rest

      Report Post »  
    • spikebu
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 7:13am

      Pray that there IS another election.

      Report Post »  
    • bilorites
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 7:30am

      @Spikeboo…. I share your fear…. I can see this fraud declaring some emergency that “forces” him to suspend rights and calls it martial law….. troops in the streets, drone attacks on conservatives homes (”home-grown” terrorists)…. sounds impossible and crazy? I hope so…. but this bunch is not normal….

      Report Post »  
    • JQCitizen
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 7:30am

      Couldn’t have said it better. Keep thinking this whole Obama experience looks like the movie “Sleeping with the Enemy”; – Or since the main assault is an economic drain, maybe it is “Sleeping through an Enema”. Wonder if it is Obama’s America, or our’s that will be laying dead on the floor when the Story ends?

      Report Post »  
    • oneillptgd
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 7:33am

      It is a shame that the evil people running our government will never pay for this crime, in this life. They may beg Him for mercy when they show none to the victims of terrorism time and time again. The “mainstream” media will not be held accountable for the bloodshed they encourage.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 9:25am

      So Israel is blamed for non-embracing the anti-semtic pro-holocaust sentiment that surrounds it.

      Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 9:57am

      25 years ago under Reagan – if any Country would have done to this Country that this President is doing – it would have been declared an act of War!

      Report Post » db321  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 12:37pm

      The arab world want to destroy ISRAEL…and the US government is joining the people of islam to make it happen.

      2012 NO BO!!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • OneCitizenOfTheRepublic
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 1:20pm

      If you go around scolding “friends” in public…you may find that you have many fewer friends in private.

      Report Post » OneCitizenOfTheRepublic  
    • LIBERALSBEDAMNED
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 1:28pm

      I have always known I would be alive to see the end of the age. The speed of this destruction will multiply to the enth degree very soon. Hold on tight, gonna be disasterous!

      Report Post » LIBERALSBEDAMNED  
    • OneCitizenOfTheRepublic
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 1:30pm

      If Americans want peace for the nation of Israel, they must only make the world believe…an attack on Israel…will be treated as an attack on the United States of America…and the only weakness with that strategy is this…Obama is the President and no one trust him around the world to do the right thing

      Report Post » OneCitizenOfTheRepublic  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 1:58pm

      That is the absolute truth gump!

      @jqcitizen
      “Wonder if it is Obama’s America, or our’s that will be laying dead on the floor when the Story ends?”
      Maybe you should be saying “Wonder if it will be obama and his muslim sharia law or our free America that will be lying dead on the floor when the story ends.

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
    • sixtysix
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 3:17pm

      I have always worried that the US would stop supporting Israel if we found ourselves with an administration far enough to the left. I cannot understand the Jews in the country supporting the Democrat Party. The President, the UN and the Muslim states have isolated Israel and now they are blaming Israel for being isolated. Israel remains the only nation that seems to be able to identify its enemies.

      Report Post »  
    • Pdickrobie
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 5:45pm

      Not surprised. We have lost our way. We have lost control of our Government. It is becoming a dictatorship. Ten years from now remember I said it

      Report Post »  
    • RME KRNL
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 7:14pm

      Some replying to you have suggested there may not be another election (2012). If there is not, under whatever pretext Obama and his henchmen and handmaidens come up with, there will be revolution, pure and simple.

      Report Post » RME KRNL  
    • jmmulkey
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 7:57pm

      So true, Gump. Why does ISRAEL have to negotiate or kowtow to anyone?? Israel is not the bad guy in the middle east, and there is no reason that they should be expected to give up any of THEIR land for anyone!

      Report Post »  
    • toto
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 8:20pm

      God help us all! It makes me sick to my stomach. They are either evil or completely deranged.

      Report Post »  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 4:52am

    using Panetta logic Obama should resign

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
  • dsind
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 4:49am

    panetta=puppet

    Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 11:06am

      If you think the Bible tells you to defend Israel, then you should do some more studying and realize the Bible is talking about JEWS RETURNING TO THE TRUE SPIRIT (rather than rituals to God) not as a physical state on a map! Do some homework.

      Report Post »  
    • Ticked off American
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 1:32pm

      @Vechorik
      ..You might be getting a little technical in your Biblical analogy….but common sense will tell you that any country who has ever gone against Israel and the Jewish people have gone by the wayside….this has been true throughout history. They are God’s people….and whoever is against them are not…..and will lose God’s blessings…

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on October 4, 2011 at 3:00pm

      Well I guess America is doomed them. We give three times more financial aid to the Middle East than we give to Israel. When Israel wants to defend itself, America ties their hands.
      I say “hands off Israel” They are a rich country and can govern themselves as they see fit.

      Those who insist on military might are neo-cons.
      Those who think neutrality in foreign affairs is ill-advised are neo-cons.
      Many news media outlets have a neo-con agenda.
      Are you a neo-con?
      Ron Paul says neo-cons are NOT CONSERVATIVES!
      Definition and names of neo-cons: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuefjIYKkjE
      More on the history of neo-conservatism vs libertarianism http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45JSYIuTk0Y

      Report Post »  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 4:45am

    This moron obviously slept through Bibi’s UN speech the other day and all of the historical evidence that was in it to the contrary.

    This is what is so frustrating about dealing with jackasses like this. Bibi’s speech cleared everything up that a person could be wrong about concerning Israel. Just that speech alone!
    And yet there are still idiots like this around blaming Israel.

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 4:32am

    i stand with Israel. Preferably on Panetta’s head…

    Report Post »  
    • NJTMATO
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 8:21am

      Panetta’s head is too pointy!!! But I agree with the sentiment!!! We stand with Israel!

      Report Post » NJTMATO  
  • JokerWatcher
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 3:58am

    panetta and obama have no legitimacy, or even mild successes, from which to stand upon to preach to a state (Israel) who‘s purpose is to respect and protect it’s own. Neither of these two have EVER worked toward prospering America, rather they‘ve fervently worked for it’s demise. Israel, ignore the call of dimwit administration sirens who call for you to expose yourself, those who know nothing about protecting their own. Continue with your self-preservation tactics, and know there is safety in strength. As long as islamic governments know their seats of power will be turned into molten glass within 35 minutes of attacking you, you can have some measure of peace in which to raise your little ones. We, meanwhiile, await patiently for 2012 when this administration of diimwits who now nip at your heels are consigned to the trash-heap of history, powerless to bother you again. Ours has indeed been a tragic and disasterous experiment at PC, hopefully never EVER repeated…

    Report Post »  
  • CultureKill
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 3:31am

    Why don’t Obama and Leon Panetta say what they really mean. Israel , stand there and allow yourself to be killed in the most efficient manner. AND do it quietly as to not interfere with Obama’s next golf trip.

    Report Post » CultureKill  
  • mikebambi
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 3:20am

    it is easier for Obama and Leon Panetta to take the Palestinian side
    we have a coward and corrupt administration ,

    Report Post »  
  • gardensfromgraves
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 3:12am

    They want Israel to come to “them” to broker a false peace. The “administration” has a timeline they will follow. Do not be deceived, even if it appears they are “pulling away” from the Palestinian Authority. Remember, the fires of the Muslim Brotherhood have yet to fully spread. Alliances are drawn between Russia, Iran, and China. They will, in the end, turn to the Assyrian to broker peace. First, Israel must agree to terms with Ob_ma. Then he (and the “kings” of the nations) will relinquish the authority to the Assyrian.

    Those who call the members of this body of evil “dumb” are themselves fooled. This is premeditated destruction. We war not against men, but powers and principalities, rulers of darkness in high places. Look up. Salvation comes only from our heavenly Father, YHWH. The systems of the world have fallen. Soon the trials of the churches (Mystery Babylon) will begin. You will know when the head is wounded and recovers. Those who are awake must repent and pray.

    Report Post »  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 3:12am

    What we got here? A year and a couple of months then the nightmare will be over?

    Report Post »  
  • mikebambi
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 3:12am

    Maybe Leon Panetta and the Obama administration should start taking Israel side for a change
    it is they who are Isolating Israel since they came into office

    Report Post »  
  • scout n ambush
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:45am

    No surprise .Ackmedinijad has a new message too he says everyone should gome home then there will be peace the arabs go back to so called palestine and the jews well they can go back wherever they came from sound familiar .

    Report Post » scout n ambush  
  • Steve
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:37am

    What a putz!

    Report Post »  
  • BrandyWilson
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:37am

    Israel needs to do what is best for its interest…This Obama government does no longer seem to have Israel’s best interest at heart!…

    Report Post »  
    • bestartist
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 3:25am

      Obama never had Israel’s best interests at heart.
      I imagine that Obama will tell his palestinian buddies that they have to wait until he is gifted another term and then he will come out full force for them.
      Between now and the elections Obama will try to seduce my fellow Jews back into voting for him, trying to convince Americans that he is actually on Israel’s side even if he scolds them a little ( barf).
      Obama is never to be trusted, to him the end justifies the means, I do not know if he is a pawn to evildoers or innately evil unto himself but nothing Obama does id for the good of the world and nothing he does will end well.

      Report Post » bestartist  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 6:38am

      @ BESTARIST This is what Obama was placed in office to do. I researched him when he wwas running against Hilary. After seeing where he was from and that as a Senator, he had voted against Israel every time up until his bid for the Presidency. I knew then that he would beat Hilary and be the POUS. He has helped the Muslim Brotherhood which are here in the US as well, take down the US and Israeli strongholds in the Arab world. via the “Arab Spring” Something very dramatic is going to happen to Israel. It is all happening according to prophesy. God is gathering the nations. But Israel is still His. Israel…all of us who fear and love YWVH…we stand with you and will be praying for your. peace.

      Report Post »  
  • FarmSpy
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:36am

    I’m not sure, but I don‘t remember the Palestinians reaching out to the Israeli’s in a serious effort for peace. Wake up, Mr. Panetta! Would you have reached out to Osama Bin Laden on the afternoon of 9/11/2001 and asked if they would be interested in reaching a peace agreement with us? The Arabs are at war with the Israeli’s. I am sure that once they stop shooting rockets at Israeli cities and sending suicide bombers to destroy innocent Israelis, then the Israeli Government would be happy to sit down and work on a peace agreement. Until that happens, Mr. Panetta, stick to your job. It is Mrs. Clinton’s job as Secretary of State to badmouth our allies, not yours.

    Report Post »  
  • Arc
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:36am

    Appears that the current administration doesn’t want to BACK another DEMOCRACY regardless the solid support from that DEMOCRACY.
    One who studies in Indonesia for 4 of the most formative years of a yoiung man’s life invariably will be influenced by his surroundings. Given the fact that he had NO CHOICE( Marxist/Communist parents)
    the subjects of study could possibly be suspect as they relate to Freedom, Black Liberation Theology and Justice.
    One who seeks the counsel of radicals, either foreign or domestic has a seperate agenda than supporting a Republic.
    One who counts as his friends, admirers of Hugo Chavez, operations officer for Yassar Arafat and admirers of Mao, may have a completely different agenda than is put forth.
    One who aligns himself with leaders of unions who have their origin in the communist party, may quite possibly have a different agenda than a strict US Constitutionalist.
    Ambivalance to the supposition that he lacks leadership skills is also suspect.

    And I am not referring to Panetta.

    Report Post » Arc  
    • joden
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:07pm

      Quote: One who seeks the counsel of radicals, either foreign or domestic has a seperate agenda than supporting a Republic.
      Well stated! I am constantly amazed by the number of supposed Americans who still believe the propaganda our administration is spewing. You can’t go around denying an ally and expect the Arab nations to practice peace. “ain’t gonna happen!”

      Report Post » joden  
  • Rampart
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:29am

    Walter Matthau on foreign policy, eh…? SHUT-UP you tool of Obama. Israel will be just fine, because millions of us know the truth of the matter.

    Report Post » Rampart  
  • SummerB
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:27am

    Hello, Panetta, anyone home?? They’re isolated FROM us & BECAUSE OF of us. Besides it was OUR left-wingers who seeded this so-called Arab Spring. And, gee, now we have the Muslim Brotherhood & a return to Sharia in Eygpt. Lucky Isreal & us!

    Report Post »  
  • KusoJiJi
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:23am

    This guy and his boss are no friends of Israel.

    Report Post » KusoJiJi  
    • pwatkins
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:48am

      Sadly, this guy and his boss are no friend to us either. That is why we need to change this administration as soon as possible.

      Report Post »  
  • Thatsitivehadenough
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:22am

    Better advice would be for Israel to reinforce and STOP giving into the demands of the Arabs. They do not want to make friends with Israel. Panetta works for Obama, who works for Soros and the left, and none of them have Israel’s best interests at heart. That includes leftist ‘Jews’.

    Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
  • Wrabbit2000
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:21am

    I thought Sec Def was there to run our Military from the Civilian leadership side, not pontificate on areas of state and diplomacy which are most definitely NOT in his area of responsibility. These are concerns for Secretary Clinton. Panetta should have plenty to keep him busy without this sort of diversion, in my humble opinion.

    Report Post »  
  • Talmid of Yeshua
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:19am

    Yisrael shall prevail. The Mashiach, Yeshua, will return, the Muslims will declare war against the Messiah. When that happens, which no one knows the hour but HaShem, the Islamic states rising up against Yisrael will be destroyed.

    I quote:

    Zechariah 14:12:

    And this shall be the plague with which Adonai will strike all the peoples that wage war against Jerusalem: their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.

    Report Post » Talmid of Yeshua  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:16am

    Israel is not isolated. Millions of Americans stand in solidarity with Israel. It’s those who play ball with Obama and the Muslim Bros that spout this sort of political vomit.

    Israel – do not be afraid. We are moving quickly to oust these vermin from public office. We stand with you. You are NOT alone!

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • Talmid of Yeshua
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:24am

      I want to agree with you, but America is on, and will continue to, decline. Israel will be on it’s own, but fear not my friend, we have the Yeshua HaMashiach.

      Do good on this Earth, live by the Torah, and in the end, it will all be taken care of.

      Report Post » Talmid of Yeshua  
    • Californiasodbuster
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:28am

      I think you said that perfectly, thank you.
      But on another note, you look at barry’s buddy closely, he needs to join AA, or get on the list for a liver transplant soon, he is not looking too well.

      Report Post »  
    • morioka
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 8:38pm

      on behalf of the people in Israel, thank you my friend.

      Report Post »  
    • flagtag
      Posted on October 3, 2011 at 9:13pm

      Obama has another huge problem – while he is trying to help destroy Israel, the American people stand with Israel. He won’t have us to back him as he turns (already has) his back on Israel. He (and his anti-American “brothers & sisters”) would be alone. Traitors!!

      Report Post »  
  • M 4 Colt
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:15am

    More Obama B S

    Report Post »  
  • M 4 Colt
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 2:13am

    B s

    Report Post »  
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