AJC Debunks Media Spin on Panetta’s Saban Speech

David Streeter — December 6, 2011 – 1:53 pm | Barack Obama | Foreign Policy | Israel | Stop the Smears Comments (0) Add a comment

The American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Ed Rettig analyzed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s speech to the Saban Forum and explained that the media’s spin distorted and omitted Panetta’s “positive” pro-Israel message. Rettig plainly stated that “the transcript simply does not bear out the headlines” and explained that contrary to media reports, “Secretary Panetta did not single out Israel for lack of progress in the peace process.” Rettig wrote:

Sometimes media can make a public event into a Rorschach test, reporting what they are predisposed to want us to see. Coverage of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s speech to the Saban Forum is an example. The transcript simply does not bear out the headlines. 

Panetta declared publicly that Israel’s security, based on its relationship with the United States, is a core component of stability in the region: ‘...that bond is the fundamental key to stability and hope in the Middle East, and it is a bond that must never be broken.’ He spelled out the three principles of America’s regional policy: ‘First, our unshakable commitment to Israel’s security. Second, our broader commitment to regional stability. And third, our determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.’ Panetta illustrated these principles by referring to the Administration’s actions. He cited ‘unprecedented levels of defense cooperation with Israel to back up our unshakable commitment to Israel’s security.’ AJC’s sources in the Israeli defense establishment confirm this without reservation, noting the announcement in the same speech of the largest-ever joint U.S.-Israel military exercises. 

Contrary to the impression created by some reports, Secretary Panetta did not single out Israel for lack of progress in the peace process. After moderator Kenneth Pollack asked whether Israel should withdraw its troops from the West Bank, Panetta urged both the Palestinians and the Israelis to ‘get to the damn table.’ On the matter of Israel’s relations with Turkey, he suggested that both Turkey and Israel ‘need to do more to put their relationship back on the right track.’

Rettig criticized certain media outlets for “fail[ing] utterly to convey the positive message Panetta delivered.”

Click here to watch Panetta’s speech and view excerpts.

Click here to read Rettig’s piece. 

 

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