Obama and Realpolitik

Obama as Modern Pharaoh
by Kevin MacDonals

Excerpt:

As throughout Jewish history, it is the most committed members who determine the direction of the entire group. This is doubtless true of most groups, but it is especially the case with Jews where there is a long history of fanaticism. In the present case, the most fanatical members of the Jewish community are firmly in support of territorial expansion in the West Bank. They are a solid majority in Israeli politics.

...As Walt points out, there are indeed signs in America that the less fanatic Jews, such as J Street, may have some influence in blunting the force of the Israel Lobby or possibly even turning it against the settlement movement. However, in keeping with the general finding that the most extreme Jews tend to win the day within the Jewish community, I predict that in the end Jews will be forced to choose between supporting their extremist brethren, or become marginalized or even ostracized from the Jewish community. The great majority of activist Jews in the US will support Israel even if it continues to stand firmly behind the settlement movement.

And when push comes to shove, Jews will go along with the activists who lead the organized Jewish community. One can talk about U.S. interests or Israeli interests all one wants, but this is a fight to the finish.

How Obama can make Netanyahu give in, by Vincent Jaubert via Watching America

Between Obama and Israel, the hour of truth finally approaches.

In openly opposing the American president's injunction to put an end to the settlements, Benjamin Netanyahu risks political arm wrestling with the White House.

How can Obama make him give in?

No one imagines he will reconsider the military aid the U.S. accords Israel each year. Besides, there is every chance that Congress would oppose it.

So what can he do?

Here are four ideas floating around these days:

1. He could freeze the guaranteed credit that America allocates to Israel. That's how George H.W. Bush convinced Itzhak Shamir to participate in the Madrid conference.

2. He could ask the IRS to take a look at the American NGOs participating in the financing of the settlements and to which contributions are made, just as Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius, recently revealed some that were tax deductible.

3. He could take the initiative of diplomatically isolating Israel from the Security Council by submitting a resolution condemning the settlements (I hardly believe he would go that far).

4. He could incite Europeans not to "build up" their relations with Jerusalem as is expected during a reunion between the EU and Israel next June 15 (a reunion already postponed for this reason, a postponement which, among others, would explain the cancellation of Netanyahu's visit to Paris).

Obama wants Livni in Netanyahu government, via Press TV

Israeli diplomats claim that the Obama White House wants to exert pressure on the Netanyahu government to form a coalition with former Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni.

Livni, who chairs the center-left Kadima party, formed the opposition after far-right Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu was tasked with forming a government in Israel.

Amid a deepening rift between Washing and Tel Aviv, Israeli diplomats have accused US president Barack Obama of pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu to bring in the Kadima to moderate his hawkish cabinet, Israeli paper Ma'ariv reported.