#1. When Angela Merkel of Germany prepared a short two paragraph comment on developments in Egypt she saw fit to include in it "We also expect future Egyptian governments to pursue peace in the Middle East so that the contracts were signed with Israel, are respected and that Israel's security is guaranteed."
#2. When U.S. President Obama prepared a 17 paragraph long address on developments in Egypt he declined to make any reference to peace and Israel.
#3. This failure to mention peace in these remarks was consistent with Mr. Obama's previous public remarks relating to Egypt prior to the resignation.
#4. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, in his last press conference before leaving the post, also only finally go around to mentioning peace in response to reporters.
The very unfortunate message from Mr. Obama to the Egyptians in particular and the Arab world in general is that as far as he is concerned, Egypt honoring peace with Israel is at best of tertiary importance in his eyes.
White House Press Secretary refuses to guarantee US would save Israel
Obama press secretary Robert Gibbs was asked on Tuesday whether the US would come to Israel's assistance if its existence were threatened by Hamas, Hezbullah or any new government in the Middle East. Here's his response.
Q One domestic and one international. If Israel is threatened by any of these new governments or by Hamas or Hezbollah, if its existence is in danger, would the U.S. come to Israel’s assistance?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I think regardless of the situation facing any government in the region, our friendship and our -- our friendship, our partnership and our alliance with Israel is unchanged.
Unchanged? What the heck does that mean? That was a "yes" or "no" question.
Q -- to the second question, which is the British Foreign Minister William Hague said today that this is time for the U.S. administration to take a bold step in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process considering what’s happening in the Middle East. Is this something that the President is considering now?
MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think the President has, and this administration have been, from day one, actively involved in seeking a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. And we understand and we know that our lack of involvement by this country is not likely to produce the outcome that the world hopes for with peace. Only through active engagement and involvement can that happen. We have and we will continue to do that.
But just like in this instance, we cannot construct or force on those two entities something that they’re unwilling to take steps to do themselves.
If he's re-elected (God forbid), you can bet that 'bold step' will be coming.
I am an Orthodox Jew - some would even call me 'ultra-Orthodox.' Born in Boston, I was a corporate and securities attorney in New York City for seven years before making aliya to Israel in 1991 (I don't look it but I really am that old :-). I have been happily married to the same woman for thirty-five years, and we have eight children (bli ayin hara) ranging in age from 13 to 33 years and nine grandchildren. Four of our children are married! Before I started blogging I was a heavy contributor on a number of email lists and ran an email list called the Matzav from 2000-2004. You can contact me at: IsraelMatzav at gmail dot com
