Israel Matzav

Obama 'stunned' at 'cordial, constructive' talks

President Obama told a conference call of rabbis on Tuesday that he was 'stunned' by the 'cordial, constructive' tone of talks between Israel and the 'Palestinians' that took place at the White House last week.

President Barack Obama told Jewish religious leaders Tuesday that he was "pleasantly surprised" and "stunned" at how cordial and constructive were discussions last week between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

He also praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statesman-like demeanor, saying Netanyahu "came with an openness and thoughtfulness that set the right tone," according to a person on the call.

Obama was speaking with rabbis on a call Tuesday arranged in honor of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown Wednesday.

"Israel knows it's negotiating from a place of strength because the U.S. is absolutely committed to Israel's security, as the Prime Minister and Israelis have seen over the past eighteen months," Obama also said.

Israel 'knows' nothing of the sort. The problem is that Israel's leaders are so scared of being denied US support for an attack on Iran that they are acting like the townspeople in the exile dealing with the local poritz.

What could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:51 PM