We are deeply disappointed and saddened by this decidedly un-Presidential exchange between Presidents Sarkozy and Obama.
President Obama’s response to Mr. Sarkozy implies that he agrees with the French leader. In light of the revelations here, we hope that the Obama Administration will do everything it can to reassure Israel that the relationship remains on a sure footing and to reinvigorate the trust between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu, which clearly is not what it should be.
What is sad is that we now have to worry to what extent these private views inform foreign policy decisions of the U.S. and France — two singularly important players in the peace process.
Congressman Mike Grimm (R-NY) has called on President Obumbler to apologize to Prime Minister Netanyahu:November 8, 2011
For Immediate Release
Carol Danko 202-225-3371
Rep. Grimm Calls on President Obama to Apologize to Israeli P.M. Netanyahu over G20 Remarks
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Michael G. Grimm (R,C-NY) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s remarks overheard at the G20 summit criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu:
“I find President Obama’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu highly offensive and call on him to issue a formal apology on behalf of the American people. Whether the microphones are on or off, the message to our allies in Israel should always remain the same: ‘We stand with you.’
“As an American, I understand the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship to our own national security as well as to the peace and security of the Middle East. As a member of Congress, I will do all I can to ensure our alliance remains strong.
“President Obama’s comments are disgraceful and inappropriate coming from someone who holds the highest office in the United States. They provide a poor and inaccurate reflection of the American people he was elected to represent, and they must be rescinded.”
Rep. Michael Grimm is a co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus.
(Israel Matzav) Grimm has accurately characterized Obama's remarks. But I don't want a self-serving apology from Obama. I want Netanyahu to issue a statement thanking the President for finally letting out in the open how he really feels about Netanyahu and about Israel. We would also be deeply grateful if he could release the original recording so that it can be used in ads in the 2012 campaign.
