Letter to the editor February 12

Netanyahu speech ill-advised

Like most in our community, I am sympathetic to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and recognize that he faces the extraordinary burden of ensuring Israel’s survival amid a sea of enemies with every day of his rule (“The fallout from Dermergate,” Feb. 5). I also note that his relationship with President Barack Obama has not always been one that afforded the Israeli leader the respect and deference that he deserves. I have concluded, nevertheless, that his upcoming speech to Congress at the sole invitation of House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is ill-advised.

It is inappropriate to violate protocol, to publicly expectorate in the president’s face by having the prime minister speak, particularly in advance of Israeli elections.

Get The Jewish Chronicle Weekly Edition by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

Thomas Friedman offered an excellent analogy in a recent column: Imagine that members of the Israeli Labor Party unilaterally invited Obama to address the Knesset in an effort to undermine the prime minister’s policies. I believe that we as Jews would be outraged.

I suppose the feeling with Boehner and Netanyahu is, “What do we have to lose?” I believe that over the final two years of the Obama presidency, there could be a great deal to lose, including the alienation of many of Israel’s traditional supporters. Any short-term currency the prime minister believes he derives from the speech may soon vanish.

Oren Spiegler

Upper Saint Clair