Israel Matzav

Obama again refuses to set red lines on Iran

In a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Friday, President Obama refused once again to set red lines on Iran.

President Obama called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reiterated his opposition to Iran possessing a nuclear weapon, but he did not accede to Netanyahu’s request for a red line statement.

“The two leaders discussed a range of security issues, and the President reaffirmed his and our country’s unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security,” the White House Press Office stated in a readout of Obama’s call. “The two leaders underscored that they are in full agreement on the shared goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”

In short, Obama’s position did not change despite Netanyahu’s high-profile appeal at the United Nations yesterday. 

Later on Friday, Netanyahu spoke with Republican candidate Mitt Romney. 

Romney, who has repeatedly criticized Obama for not meeting with Netanyahu while the prime minister is in the U.S., told reporters after speaking with the Israeli leader that while he believed diplomacy can resolve the standoff with Iran, military action must not be ruled out.

“We spoke about his assessment of where the red line ought to be drawn, and my own views with regards to Iran,” Romney said of the conversation.

Netanyahu must feel like Chicken Little running around telling everyone the sky is falling while no one will listen.

What could go wrong?

Labels: Barack Hussein Obama, Binyamin Netanyahu, Campaign 2012, Iranian nuclear threat, Mitt Romney

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:20 AM