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Six Reasons for Netanyahu and Obama to Clash

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 18, 2009 7:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Publicly there will be few fireworks when Barack Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu meet today. But here are the issues the vastly different leaders will wrestle with behind closed doors:

  • The Two-State Solution: It’s the overwhelming international consensus, but Netanyahu insists it would compromise Israel’s security.
  • Iran’s Clock: Obama wants a longer timetable for diplomacy with Iran; Israel wants quick action.
  • Gaza: Obama wants the blockade lifted so aid can get in; Netanyahu wants to choke Hamas.

  • Iran First: Netanyahu believes the US must confront Iran’s nuclear program before tackling the Palestinian issue.
  • Why Now?: Netanyahu argues it’s not time for peace negotiations with a fractured Palestine. Obama argues that unless progress is made, Fatah will collapse.
  • The Settlements: Obama believes Israel’s constantly expanding West Bank settlements are crippling the peace process. But Netanyahu draws a lot of political support from settlers, and isn’t eager to confront them.

Then-candidate Barack Obama, right, stands with then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, during their meeting at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, July 23, 2008.
Then-candidate Barack Obama, right, stands with then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, during their meeting at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, July 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Olivier Fitoussi, Pool)
Then-candidate Barack Obama, right, stands with then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, during their meeting at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, July 23, 2008.
Then-candidate Barack Obama, right, stands with then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, during their meeting at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, July 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Olivier Fitoussi, Pool)
Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu listens during an Israeli Women's Network event in Tel Aviv, Monday, Jan. 26, 2009.
Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu listens during an Israeli Women's Network event in Tel Aviv, Monday, Jan. 26, 2009.   (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
uplink
May 18, 2009 12:08 PM CDT
Benjamin Netanyahu and all zionists do not want peace. if they did, they would have it by now. they are smart enough to have it if they wanted it. they don't. why don't the rest of us quit pretending that israel wants peace. they want to blackmail the US congress for unlimited money and protection, period. americans will stand up to nutty christians, why won't jewish people stand up to nutty zionists? nothing will change until they do. oh damn, I've said another bad thing about israel! I will probably be arrested now.
woodyTX
May 18, 2009 8:56 AM CDT
No problem with Bible quoted here TC but what's your point ? The Bible is a continually revised book, that has been mis-interpreted without end over the past two thousand years for ten thousand vile reasons. I do not want to assume what you are saying.
Observer
May 18, 2009 2:06 AM CDT
Obama needs to take Netanyahu out to the shed and whip his arrogant ass . The Israelis are the problem not the solution. Cut their aid and push the Mossad back into the sewer they emerged from. Israel is a clear danger to world peace due to their illegal nuclear weapons stash that they deny having but has been common knowledge for 30 years. Barak take control and punish these self-righteous extortionists. What happens when Israel lights up a few nukes over Iran. People - kiss your asses good-bye.

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