ICYMI: Reactions from Israeli Leaders on President Obama’s Statements in Israel

David Streeter — March 22, 2013 – 12:33 pm | Barack Obama | Israel Comments (0) Add a comment

Israeli leaders weighed in on President Barack Obama’s statements in Israel:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

Thank you for unequivocally affirming Israel’s sovereign right to defend itself by itself against any threat. Thank you for enhancing Israel’s ability to exercise that right through generous military assistance, revolutionary missile defense programs, and unprecedented security and intelligence cooperation.

Thank you, Mr. President, for upholding the Jewish people’s right to a Jewish state in our historic homeland, and for boldly defending that right at the United Nations. And thank you for strengthening the unbreakable alliance between our two nations during your Presidency.

The Prime Minister’s office also released a statement saying the Prime Minister agrees with President Obama’s desire for peace:

The prime minister agrees with the president that we have to advance a peace that ensures the security of Israeli citizens. The prime minister also agrees that we have a wonderful country.

President Shimon Peres:

It is my privilege to present you with our country’s highest honor, the Medal of Distinction. This award speaks to your tireless work to make Israel strong. And peace possible. Your presidency has given the close ties between Israel and the United States a new height.

A sense of intimacy. A vision for the future. The people of Israel are particularly moved by your unforgettable contribution to their security. To defending our skies. To the collaboration in the domain of intelligence, which is the right way to preempt bloodshed. The diplomatic and military bonds between us have reached an unprecedented level.

Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren:

“Everything in this trip is rife with significance and symbolism not necessarily understandable to people around the world but poignantly meaningful to people in the Middle East,” Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Michael Oren, told Haaretz just before the president arrived at Yad Vashem. “By laying a wreath at Herzl’s grave just now—an act that other foreign leaders have refused to do—President Obama was reaffirming Zionism and the idea of a Jewish state.”

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni:

Obama’s speech was very important and inspiring ... It is our job to implement his Zionist vision.

Economics and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett:

His remarks certainly came from a place of concern for Israel and true friendship….

MK Zehava Gal-On:

The president’s speech matched my worldview. ... He spoke from the heart and entered peoples’ hearts.

MK Dov Lipman:

Anybody who heard this speech understands that there’s deep deep roots, that he understands who we are as people, that he understands that peace is not easy but also understands that it’s necessary to strive for.

MK Ayelet Shaked:

...There is no doubt that Obama is a real friend of Israel….

Former MK Dalia Rabin Philosoph, the daughter of slain Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin:

There was great excitement and a lot of media and it was almost a seminal moment for me. ... We all hope that Obama will be successful in his intention to bring peace, although we know that it will not be easy.

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