Obama dumps on IsraelReaction is pouring in from conservatives to President Obama's Middle East comments earlier today -- and they have little to say that's positive.
In his speech, Barack Obama referred to Israel's legitimate West Bank settlements as an "occupation" and called for a return to the 1967 borders -- which critics point out is effectively a call for a divided Jerusalem. The president also continued to press Israel to negotiate with Palestinian Authority and the "unity government" the PA has formed with Hamas.
His comments come a day before his scheduled visit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is vehemently opposed to returning to the 1967 borders. In fact, in a statement released late Thursday, the Israeli leader called the 1967 lines "indefensible."
Mitt Romney, who has formed a presidential exploratory committee for 2012, issued the following statement: "President Obama has thrown Israel under the bus. He has disrespected Israel and undermined its ability to negotiate peace." Romney, who sought the GOP presidential nomination in 2008, did not stop there. "He has also violated a first principle of American foreign policy, which is to stand firm by our friends."
The American Center for Law & Justice calls Obama's comments "extremely troubling [and] damaging."
"For decades, Israel has been our most important ally in the region," notes ACLJ chief counsel Jay Sekulow. "Sadly, with the president's remarks -- and decision to side with the Palestinian Authority -- it appears he no longer believes that is the case." And by endorsing the "unity government," says Sekulow, President Obama has "rewarded" the terrorist group Hamas, which calls for the elimination of the Jews.
ACLJ senior counsel David French adds: "It's astounding, really. Here you have, just weeks after the Palestinian Authority enters into a unity government with a known, designated terrorist organization, the president of the United States pulls an unprecedented move by calling on Israel to retreat to its 1967 borders -- borders that are virtually impossible to effectively defend -- and a move that really damages the security of our closest ally in the region."
French says he expects the Israeli leader will not compromise on his nation's security when he meets with Obama Friday at the White House, in what could prove to be a tense meeting.
Jan Markell, founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, says Obama is clearly not a friend of Israel. "In his heart this man is so pro-Muslim that whatever the Islamic community wants, he's in favor of [it]. Whatever is in favor of Israel, he is going to oppose." She says it a sure thing that there is a war on the horizon. "It's going to be a Middle East war that's not going to be pretty. And its going to be this year or next year, it's a guarantee."
Markell is encouraging Christians to pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu as he prepares to meet with Obama Friday.
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