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Mark Wilson / Getty Images file
Defense nominee Chuck Hagel is a decorated Vietnam combat veteran.
ANALYSIS
TEL AVIV, Israel — Even before he was nominated to become the next U.S. secretary of defense, the bad-mouthing of former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel had already begun.
Warnings flew like salvos across the U.S. media and beyond: Hagel is soft on Iran and no friend of Israel. Tea Party and Republican critics of the moderate and pragmatic Hagel smelled blood.
Ted Cruz, a freshman senator from Texas, said that Hagel "would make war with Iran more likely because he's too nice to Iran."
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Hagel would be "the most antagonistic secretary of defense towards the state of Israel in our nation's history."
So you would expect to see the vitriol flowing here in Israel, especially just days before a crucial parliamentary election — on Jan. 22 — in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling to head off a late populist surge by an even more right-wing candidate.
But there have been no anti-Hagel protests outside the U.S. Embassy and no angry Israelis heard on radio talk shows. In fact, reaction to all the uproar back home has been muted.
'Dark cloud'
It's true that Israelis in general aren't happy with the nomination. "It represents a dark cloud over the relationship between the two countries, and it borders on hostility," said Simon Schiffer, a political analyst with the Yediot Ahronot daily newspaper.
Hagel's willingness to engage with Iran and its client, Hamas, upsets most Israelis, Schiffer noted. But he went on to say that “U.S. policy towards Israel is set in the White House, and there you can find today a president who has a very warm approach to Israel but at the same time a very angry and cold policy towards Netanyahu and his government.”
Related: Hagel — a man without a party
So far, Israeli government reaction has been minimal and mixed. Reuven Rivlin, the powerful speaker of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, told The Associated Press he is worried about Hagel "because of his statements in the past and his stance toward Israel."
But Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, wrapping up a trip to the U.S., told a group of major Jewish organizations that he personally knew and worked with Hagel and found him to be "a decent and fair interlocutor who believes in the natural partnership between Israel and the United States."
Until Sunday there had been not a peep from Netanyahu himself, whose "iron fist" approach to Iran, Hamas and the Palestinian territories seems diametrically opposed to Hagel's instinct for dialogue.
"I do not interfere in the political appointments of the U.S. president. It is his prerogative,'' Netanyahu told Israel's Army Radio. "Congress decides and confirms, and we will work with whoever is chosen.''
One Israeli official told NBC News that Netanyahu's silence doesn't mean he's not angry.
After making the mistake of “backing the wrong horse — [Gov. Mitt] Romney — during the last U.S. election, he's not willing to play that game again,” said the official, who was not authorized to speak on the record about policy matters.
'Revenge' for Romney?
Sever Plocker, an influential Israeli commentator, went further by suggesting that Obama picked Hagel as “revenge” for Netanyahu's public support for Romney.
Hagel hasn't yet defended his positions before the U.S. Senate, but he has faced the court of public opinion, emphasizing in recent days his "unequivocal support for Israel." On Iran, he told Defense Department officials Wednesday that he also strongly "supports multilateral sanctions against Iran and that Tehran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear warheads."
Hagel may have gotten into some hot water with a comment — made years ago in Washington — that “the political reality is that …the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people up here.” But on Monday one of the largest and most active of those "Jewish lobbies" -- the National Jewish Democratic Council -- released a statement saying it believes Hagel “will follow the president's lead in providing unrivaled support for Israel — on strategic cooperation, missile defense programs and leading the world against Iran's nuclear program.”
The consensus here is that Netanyahu may enjoy watching Hagel fight for his nomination in Washington, but staying out of the fight is probably a smart move.
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Perhaps one should just say "lobbyists in general" are ruining the US political process and a system of democracy that is quite unique.
Never a good idea to bite the hand that feeds you.
I recently reread President George Washington's farewell address. And, while I don't agree with all of his conclusions, I do agree with his warnings to the fledgling United States, to not favor one nation over another. In addition, President Washington warned against being too heavily invested in the affairs of other nations.
I think Smedly Butler would like this guy....
Will Sheldon Aldelson spend another $100m to buy a US president for Israel? It worked so well with Mittens, and then Mittens while in Israel, held a fun-raising DINNER on one of the most widely observed "days of fasting" in the Jewish religion! (Mittens couldn't understand why it was so easy to find a venue for his dinner...)
Rand Paul was in Israel last week and said that he and his TP buddies wanted to slash US funding for Israel. That was never mentioned on Faux Noise. All why Rand's underage kid was getting busted for being drunk at an airport.
Herron
Maybe because he never said that? Think that might be a reason it was not reported on "Faux News", Because it WAS NOT TRUE... But then the Alphabet Stations/Sites have very little use for the truth.
Read this Article on the Subject: (Please Not it is American Site)
http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=299363
The PM of Israel is foaming at mouth to go to war with Iran just like the neo-cons were foaming at the mouth to go to war with Iraq and now both are foaming at the mouth over Iran. The neo-cons have never been right on anything, but in their delusional minds Iraq was a huge success because they finally got the war they wanted since 1991. And they dont like Hagel as he believes war is the very last option and they believe war is the first and only option.
Hagel is a loose cannon and the turd will use him to further the destruction of the Republic. Greasing the skids for the eventual muslim takeover of the USA.
AMAZING how everyone is concerned with if Hagel is qualified or not with respect to defending israel. I am simply amazed at the power of the jewish lobby in america. Are the rest of us aware of such power of persuasion over our officials ? WHY is there a tolerated israeli lobby in this country ? There doesn't seem to be a Palestinian lobby or nepalese lobby for that matter.
This country has slowly been taken over b y the jews in the senate and congress. There are MANY of them and their numbers don't reflect the distributaion of faiths in america. Why are there 38% jews in the senate when there aren't 38% jewish americans in america ?
This fifth column is going to be the undoing of our country. We will go down in history as the handler of the largest israeli dog ever created .... That dog will turn and bite us as israelis often bite the hand that feeds them.
We should be aware that we have been taken over and infiltrated by this group and they don't care what is best for us americans. As it is, we seem to be fighting their wars for them and as a result, we have been alienated by every nation in the world. This hagel thing is the BIGGEST indicator of the effective jewish power in the U.S.
I am really worried about "jewish power" in the u.s. It is NOT a good thing and we will come to regret allowing them to yield so much power over us. Mark my words.
Now you will notice many personal attacks by jews and their supporters on me for saying what I said. This is their method. They will "attack" the messenger instead of "discussing" the message. Such a familiar tactic it's almost funny.
Flame on
Conrad-1865098
It sounds like you have the Libs mixed up with the Jews.
That article contradicts the hell out of itself. "Israel is pissed about Hagel", "Nobody in Israel is pissed about Hagel". Why don't they just give it a truthful title? "Liberals are pissed about Hagel"? That would make more sense wouldn't it? I guess accurate news reporting doesn't really doesn't get networks very far these days.
Good and they better stay out! We have done enough pandering to the Israeli Lobby!
Herron,
that is called, "FOX Fair and Balanced" Better known as propagand!
The morning show is called "Fox and Lies".
propaganda!
Maybe it would in a strange way good for the jew and Israel to oppose Chuck Hagel - it could start a debate that is needed that about 2$ of the population and a little country in the over all scheme of things does not matter - then maybe the jew in our congress and in other influencial positions would start to disappear - sorry I am only wishing for something to change!
You and your hate filled words are pathetic and sad. Want Jews to disappear? Whay would anyone want any race/religion to disappear?
Let's see. Hagel is a widely respected Vietnam war vet with two purple hearts, while Dick Cheney became Sec of Defense after getting 5 deferments from Vietnam. Who's the hypocrites here?
Little things, little things. War monger Barry just ordered American troops to 35 African countries. Four drone strikes, three involved killing children just yesterday in Yemen. Chuckster is a puppet who will not stop beating Barry's war drums.
Where do you find this complete BS?
d4mn, you're a lazy a$$, look it up, MSM news for three days.
herron, unlike you, he reads the news. he doesnt come here to troll as you do.
i suggest you go read up on whats going on in the world before coming here to troll,
Ahh, you identified the problem, scumbag Pierce Morgan and the MSM is his source, prolly faux news too. Like you, he's WAAAAAYYYY too stupid to find sources other than MSM. Don't worry, parrot, you'll be the last to know, always. Now go get on your knees and pray to your King.
Herron
You are just to easy to Prove the Fool.... This will be the last time... If you Only Believe what the Alphabet Stations/Sites Feed you then you deserve whatever you get.
U.S. to deploy troops to 35 African countries
By Abayomi Azikiwe on January 7, 2013
The Barack Obama administration revealed plans to deploy 3,500 troops to nearly three dozen African states to purportedly address a looming “al-Qaeda threat,” according to a Dec. 24 statement. The Pentagon is dispatching soldiers from the 2nd Brigade’s Heavy Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division based in Fort Riley, Kan.
A brief history of amerikka!!!
Founding comrades;
frank marshall davis
saul alinski
frances fox piven
george soros
anthony van jones
bill ayres
bernadine dorhn
rev. Jeremiah Wright
valarie jarrett
david axelrod
andy stern
cass sunstein
annita dunn
first dear leader: comrade obama
motto: share the wealth- fair- forward!!! (copyright infringement Communist Manifesto)
Not educated on the others but interesting that you mention Axelrod-did some research on the guy-clearly Marxist bent and very scary that it is he who whispers in the President's ear...
WHO is surprised that Teflon O'Bama picked this guy? I have been watching his actions re Israel, Iran for awhile now: Some facts: Iran has been gearing up on nuclear weapons against treaty-the president did nothing for a long while until Egypt and other surrounding (surrounding Israel) countries starting showing signs of support for the terrorist faction. Then, and only then did Teflon O come out with a statement that he would punish Egypt by withdrawing the money we send them and the other countries-as usual, it was only lip service-he didn't take away one dollar.Some leader. Late last year, Netanyahu asked for his help because of this very situation but our 'diplomatic world peace leader' refused to even meet with him due to a busy campaign schedule. Guess there aren't enough Jews to re-elect, so damn his position of peace maker and international leader. Congress was so outraged-yes, even Democrats, Hilary among them, that they wrote a letter (google it) telling him to basically do his job and at least meet with a long time loyal allly to promote peace. Then Netanyahu had to call on the Jewish mayor of Chicago who finally pushed O'Bama to meet with both of them. It doesn't matter how you feel about Israel-when one country is gearing up and you are the United States, you step in and do what you can to achieve peace..you don't ignore the leader and the situation or put out 'speeches'and do NOTHING. Instead, O'bama has been steadily gearing DOWN the US nuclear arms. HOW does that make sense? You see another country gearing up, do nothing about it and continue to wind down our arms program? Winding down is an AWESOME idea and I agree with him there-but NOT while allowing another country to grow theirs. O'Bama in my opinion, given his international actions does NOT WANT the US to continue it's role as world leader-his actions spell that out to me.. I truly believe that inside, he feels all countries should be equal-a naieve and dangerous position when terrorist factions of Iran and the like exist. HE holds the power to sanction ANY country by withdrawing funds to help keep the peace (yes, all the countries surrounding Israel get $$ from us) Yet, he takes NO SUCH ACTION. By the way, it is amazing to me, a non-Jew, that so many here who consistently scream 'racist' whenever someone disagrees with Teflon O'Bama (economy, Benghazi, housing industry, world problems, fiscal cliff-none of these are remotely his fault even though HE is in charge) have no problem with spewing anti-semetic hate laced rhetoric at those of the Jewish faith. You have no problem stereotyping them as money stealing etc. but should someone not like O'Bama, THEY are racist of course. Pathetic. O'Bama is a poor world leader, politically, economically and in terms of peace-period. That's my opinion-call me racist if you want..if he were polka dot, he'd be the same guy..a beautiful speaker but an ineffective President who doesn't do much else BUT talk....
The anti-semitic bile spewing from many posters on this article is sickening. The same who swear up and down that they are not racists or anti-semetic or anything of the sort.
Totally agree with your post.
Well why do you think Obama chose him ?? He hates Israel and wants to take our guns !!
The short bus will be there to pick you up soon. Stay calm!
Herron
I am BEGGING you, Once, Just Once, Please Post something that Is Filled with FACTS Related to the Subject and with References....
It would be such a Nice CHANGE for all of us...
Thank You.
Who really pulls the strings in DC? Israel?
Actually your union is pulling DC's strings!!!
You must explain EVERYTHING to the left! Hagel is there to NOT OPPOSE war between Israel and Iran. If Israel gets hit, and they will, Barry plans to do nothing. Didn't Libya clue you in? D4mn the left is stupid!
Have you ever considered getting education past the 8th grade?
You're a wart on the a$$ of progress. You can't even muster the same beehive mentality that drives your party. 40% of the 47% have no cognitive thought process, they just repeat the mantra to get more handouts. You're just unfortunate and sad to be of the lower end of the 40%.
Herron, have you even reached the eighth grade yet?
You guys are really stuck in 8th grade. I'm guessing you got out before SAT's became your nightmare.
Heaven forbid we might actually try to engage our enemies with dialog.
The usual right wing spin... fear and smear. Everyday is backward day in tea billy land.
For crying out loud... the guy is a repuke... you teatards are never happy... oh, oops, of course... anything Obama does has to be spit on... disrespectful lot... todays GOP... the American Taliban... don't look now... the republican party is DYING!
Thanks for the house in 2014!
hagen is as much of a republican as you are???
I did not ask you.
oh???
LMAO!!!!
leftward bound
Typical Lib... Post something they cannot back up and then refuse to even try to defend it...
How DARE you have a different opnion than ANYONE on the LEFT...
Hey, Gar... the name is Hagel not Hagen... try to be sure you know who you are mean mouthing... tea billy moron!
And those who chime in a half hour later... pi$$ off with your hit and run!
Leftward - Hagel is considered a "rogue" Republican (you make yourself seem childish by your cutesy name for the party) and has a few different viewpoints than the majority of the Republican party on some important issues. This is why he is having trouble galvanizing Republican support.
It has little to nothing to do with President Obama nominating him.
I thought the Democrats would be up in arms about Hagel's past intolerance towards homosexuals, regardless if he "apologized", but i'm pretty sure that has been swept under the rug by this point.
Israel needs mind its' own business. American policy is not set according to any theocratic , trouble making bung holes
phukker
How about if AMERICA (You Know... US) Mind OUR OWN BUSINESS? Don't we have enough BS going on in this coutry without going and looking for more?
i'm with ya Times
REally Israel mind your ownbusiness judt like you tell the world to mind their own business when you illeagally occupy and annex territory like colonialistic powers did in the years prior tothe latter half of 20th cnetury. LEts see how you do without manipulating the US gentiles to back your sorry as* existence. Zionists = jewish nationalists/nazis.
You might ought to read a little hisroty on the land that you say Israel is illegially occupying and annexing like colonialistic powers did..It might just suprise you what the facts really are..You watch too much Rachel Maddow..Of course the facts never get in the way of a leftard
Israel was created by that wonderful outfit called the u.n. with the blessings of the U.S., U.K and the allies after WW2.........Now, having said that i suggest you read some history, unless obozo has already changed it, will show you what took place.
1948--David, stop with the usual low down right wing speak regarding the President, tired of that baloney. Just makes you look like a hater with the mocking rhetoric.
Book, O'Jerusalem excellent regarding the birth of Israel--doesn't mince words regarding the behavior of the Irgunn (sp.?) or other Israeli terrorist groups.