Netanyahu Again!

Well, Israeli elections must be just around the corner. Netanyahu is Prime Minister – again – after how many terms? Yes he has lost in the past; but he still keeps coming back. And his evident key to winning elections in Israel is his cantankerous disposition, hawkish, militaristic attitude, stern face, ‘take no prisoners’ scowl, and the willingness to tell the world to go to hell while he continues to build new settlements in Palestinian territory, or threatens to add on to current settlements, all the while he has closed settlements, destroyed them, etc. in the past.

Netanyahu is a yahoo. A political professional but an inept statesman on the international scene. He’s pulled this stunt many times. And he has caused wars over this stance. But it is the secret to his winning elections and reelection in his homeland. 

We know who and what Netanyahu is. What the Israeli electorate doesn't seem to understand is the poor reflection they call upon themselves for electing this man to public office. He is your face to the world. He speaks for you. He screws up Middle East politics and peace prospects year after year. And now, generations, at least two have been affected by his ill-conceived posture.

Of course Israel is propped up by American military pacts. And cash. At least $4 billion annual subsidy, year after year. In other words, Israel, as scrappy and brave and spunky as it is, a small nation among a sea of enemies in an inhospitable geography, it still relies on others to survive.

They can speak softly and carry a big stick as long as the stick isn't their’s. They are not the ones paying for the big stick. Besides, they are not speaking softly. They are shaking their fists at Palestinians and Muslims throughout the region. So we have loud brash talk with a borrowed stick.

The image is not a good one. It is childish. It is boorish. It is playground bully. It is standing tall as a power without having the power.

Under Netanyahu’s leadership Israel has become a shibboleth.

What a shame. A nation with a pure will to exist, a faith to shake the world, and a history of prodigious size and impact, Israel is tossing its credibility into the abyss by acting like a spoiled brat.

Perhaps that is what they have become. A spoiler on the world stage. A taker and user, not giver and creator. Their spunk may inspire, but the ends of their game are not leading toward peace. They are now an embarrassment.

America does not have to put up with this nonsense any longer. The cost of friendship with this ally has become unbearable and counterproductive. Millions of us have observed this development over the past few decades hoping against hope that Israel would awaken one day to the reality of their predicament and help solve that without worsening it.

But they have squandered opportunities to do so. Instead they play this dangerous game that keeps the region a hell hole of violence, intrigue and dishonest dealings.

Mr. Netanyahu has been talked with by many leaders in the world to reform his approach and engineer a kinder, gentler yet effective solution. He tosses those kindly chats back in the faces of his friends. So, no more.

It is up to Israel to decide for herself what kind of nation she will become. A partner in peace and global comity? Or a fiendish spoiler constantly stirring the pot of unrest for short term gains? And how many humans will die from this strategy? How many international welfare dollars from friendly nations will be wasted on these tactics?

I, for one American, feel military and financial aid for Israel needs to be decreased substantially and eventually removed. I don’t want our name to be associated with Israel as a sponsor for evil. Peace is the goal. Always has been.

Peace enhances the lives of all. It does not degrade enemies. But it does clarify just who the enemies are. Has Israel finally chosen its final path?  All alone? Again?

I pray not.

February 6, 2015