• Published 00:17 09.04.10
  • Latest update 20:17 14.04.10

'U.S.-Israel ties fine regardless of Netanyahu's nuclear summit cancellation'

Netanyahu cancels trip to U.S. nuclear summit fearing Muslim nations will demand Israel sign anti-proliferation treaty.

By Barak Ravid and Reuters Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu Barack Obama Israel news

President Barack Obama's administration believes Israel's delegation to next week's nuclear security summit in Washington will be "robust," despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decision not to attend, a top official said on Friday.

"We obviously would like to have the prime minister but the deputy prime minister will be leading the delegation and it will be a robust Israeli delegation," U.S. National Security Adviser General Jim Jones told reporters traveling on Air Force One.

He also said that relationships between the U.S. and Israel are "ongoing, fine and continuous."

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday welcomed the Israeli delegation's participation in the conference by saying, "Israel shares with us a deep concern about Iran's nuclear ambitions and also about the threat of nuclear terrorism."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his planned trip to Washington, where he was scheduled to participate in a nuclear security summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama, government officials said.

Intelligence and Atomic Energy Minister Dan Meridor will take Netanyahu's place in the nuclear summit.

Obama has invited more than 40 countries to the summit, which will deal with preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to terrorist groups.

Netanyahu was due to arrive in Washington on Monday evening and was set to take part in three or four conference sessions the following day, before returning to Israel on Wednesday.

Officials said the PM canceled the trip over fears that a group of Muslim states, led by Egypt and Turkey, would demand that Israel sign up to the international Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or NPT.

A senior government official told Haaretz that that Israel was "disappointed" with developments in the run-up to the conference.

"The nuclear security summit is supposed to be about dealing with the danger of nuclear terror," the official said. "Israel is a part of that effort and has responded positively to President Obama's invitation to the conference."

The official added: "But that said, in the last few days we have received reports about the intention of several participant states to depart from the issue of combating terrorism and instead misuse the event to goad Israel over the NPT."

The White House said it had been informed Netanyahu would not attend the summit and that Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor would lead the Israeli delegation.

"We welcome Deputy Prime Minister Meridor's participation in the conference. Israel is a close ally and we look forward to continuing to work closely on issues related to nuclear security," said Mike Hammer, White House National Security Council spokesman.

In New Orleans, hundreds of party loyalists at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference applauded when they were informed Netanyahu had just canceled his visit to Washington.

At the gathering, Liz Cheney, daughter of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, blasted Obama for his "shabby" treatment of Netanyahu at the White House recently, saying it was "disgraceful".

She added: "Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East and one of our strongest allies anywhere around this globe. And President Obama is playing a reckless game of continuing down the path of diminishing America's ties to Israel."

One hundred eighty-nine countries, including all Arab states, are party to the NPT. Only Israel, India, Pakistan and North Korea are not.

Israel is widely believed to have nuclear weapons but operates a policy of 'nuclear ambiguity', never publicly confirming or denying their existence.

Many Muslim countries have voiced alarm at alleged nuclear programs in Israel and Iran, and have repeatedly called for an agreement to ban nuclear weapons from the region.

In late March the Arab League called for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons during a closed-door session, calling for a review of the 1970 NPT in order to create a definitive plan for eliminating nuclear weapons .

They also called on the UN to declare the Middle East as a nuclear-weapons-free region.

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  • 215. 0 0
    israel plays a game like always
    • Alfred
    • 21.04.10
    • 08:31

    israel is playing a game like always and waits till someone slaps it then wakes up .

  • 214. 0 0
    Nevermind Mehmet Israel will protect you at all costs.IF?
    • Jasmine
    • 11.04.10
    • 15:34

    The "IF" is crucial,because after all the decades that Israel is (supposed)to have NUKES If indeed it does,IT SURE IS IN THE SAFEST HANDS POSSIBLE. If you can envisage were it in the hands of the islamists they would not hesitate to USE IT AND BLOW the world without a second thought.

  • 213. 0 0
    the jewish quarter ..on Esther's style Two liner vacuous
    • Jasmine
    • 11.04.10
    • 15:23

    Two liner,with anti Israel and VACUOUS IN Content.Says it all

  • 212. 0 0
    Mark LIncoln you forgot the worse scenario.
    • Jasmine
    • 11.04.10
    • 15:00

    In addition to a dirty bomb,there is the transference of nukes plus the a dirty bomb from Iran to their proxies all. Hizballah,Syria,and by association Lebanon.

  • 211. 0 0
    WHG .Bibi's strategy??
    • Jasmine
    • 11.04.10
    • 14:53

    Here is a short one for you,because you omitted the truth.i.e 1]If Israel has the nukes,it has not declared it 2]Plus it has not signed to the NPT 3] Iran did,there is your reply.

  • 210. 0 0
    harzion whether Israel was mistaken in accepting//
    • Jasmine
    • 11.04.10
    • 14:49

    Accepting to take anything free from the US would not deter their thinking they own us. However all I can say to you is: No one owns our country irrespectively,full STOP.

  • 209. 0 0
    US nukes in Turkey have nothing to do with Turkey
    • mehmet
    • 11.04.10
    • 14:19

    Those nukes were a liability, not a safety asset during the cold war, direct logic dictates this. Turkey, by housing these American nukes, became a natural potential target for the Soviet missiles, before this we did have border disputes with USSR but not to the extent which would force USSR to condiser a nuclear attack against Turkey.

  • 208. 0 0
    Turkey should obtain nuclear weapons
    • Voice of Reason
    • 11.04.10
    • 06:05

    Depending on a "US nuclear umbrella" as Turkey has done so 70 years no longer makes any sense. The american people are no longer willing to meet any of the America's foreign commitements, and that includes "nuclear umbrellas" whereever they may may supposedly be. And what goes for Turkey goes even more for South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. As far as Israel giving up its (presumed) nuclear deterrant, they would have to be some real dumb israelis to do any such thing.

  • 207. 0 0
    # 140 Mark Lincoln--U R So wrong
    • Stephen A
    • 11.04.10
    • 02:38

    Mark, my friend, what are you talking about..?? Spent fuel, medical waste & industrial waste is not dangerous unless you or other humans do something crazy like: ingest it, keep it close to your body for extended period of time, handle it --essentially allow extended exposure from close distance... What you described is not a WMD, you describe nuclear waste and there are extensive regulations and procedures for handling, trasnporting and disposing of the above description.

  • 206. 0 0
    We are One
    • Sam
    • 11.04.10
    • 02:32

    We have to put all differences,oppositions, contradictions,enmity,divisiveness aside,else we will fail.

  • 205. 0 0
    Mehmet
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 11.04.10
    • 02:26

    Mehmet Israel has concealed it's alleged nuclear capabilities in return for US cooperation on the subject. Cooperation at the international level by the US assuring the UN that Israel was not developing nuclear weapons in the 1960s, and, perhaps some contribution of materials from the Savannah River Plant and technical transfers. The US of course would desire to not be embarrassed by any cooperation and Israel has honored it's assurances that it would not embarrass us. Israel has not used any nuclear weapons, though reports show it was very close to doing so during the Yom Kippur War. Since then there has been no existential threat to Israel. I have sound reasons to think that the Israeli deterrent, while sufficient to serve as a deterrent, is not as large as many think. It is not a matter of hypocrisy or a 'double standard.' Turkey enjoyed protection under the US nuclear deterrent umbrella. For several years Turkey had US Supplied Jupiter IRBMs with W-49 hydrogen bombs.

  • 204. 0 0
    #137 Lynn, punishment unfortunately required
    • Mark B.
    • 11.04.10
    • 01:55

    Since you oppose Dimona being a subject of discussion on an international nuclear security summit and since you do favor hard action on Iran for trying to create their own Dimona, the sentence is that you write a thousand times "I will not use double standards when it comes to the rights and obligations of people". Since I would not dare being a soft friend and thus showing disrespect, hope you dig that.

  • 203. 0 0
    Israel has never been a threat, The Arab/Muslim countries
    • Mark from Georgia
    • 11.04.10
    • 00:54

    As usual try to change the topic. After all Israel has had Nukes for the last 40 years and nobody but Israel's enemies has ever been worried. The world only worries when Iran and terrorist supporting countries like them may get nukes. It is the culture of death mentality of the Islamic terrorists, and their rush to kill themselves...as long as they can murder some perceived enemy while committing suicide...that has the world worried. So to deflect the true danger they need to slam Israel, what else is new?

  • 202. 0 0
    Bibi's strategy
    • WHG
    • 11.04.10
    • 00:53

    Netanyahu's clear intention is to avoid comparison of Israel's actions with those of Iran or any other middle eastern country. Israel has enjoyed the double standard of the west so long it would not know what to do if judged by the same standards that America has so long unilaterally applied to all other countries in the region. It is anathema that Iran could get nuclear weapons but, for some reason, no one wants to question Israel's nuclear arsenal. Well, it's about time we did. Let the middle east be nuclear free.

  • 201. 0 0
    obama blows hot and cold on us
    • thebeautyofisrael
    • 11.04.10
    • 00:01

    on the one hand the president's reaction is to side with the third world and the arabs but every now and then he thinks of elections to come and starts massaging us. the massage quickly turns to blows when he forgets about elections.

  • 200. 0 0
    mehmet what is horrible for you is not so for us.
    • jazreel valley
    • 10.04.10
    • 23:50

    1 we do not want to have nukes but our neighbours are warlike. 2 comparing israel to bosnia and greece is unhelpful.greece is part of the eu and has european support. 3 bosnia is in europe the europeans will likewise support the nation. 4 we on the other hand have to defend ourself.if anything europe joins the arabs in their hatred for us.turkey has joined the anti israel middle east nations. 5 we will hold on to our nukes should we indeed have them.

  • 199. 0 0
    Israel is attending
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 10.04.10
    • 23:07

    Israel is attending, that is the important thing. The subject is important. The Great Proliferator of the past, the United States stopped facilitating the spread of nuclear weapons under George Herbert Walker Bush. Now a meeting of concerned parties to ensure that there will be cooperation on keeping nuclear weapons out of non-state hands is necessary. Why? Pakistan. . . There is the real risk, and thankfully it is a small one. Beyond that, securing and the possible shipment of nuclear materials has to be addressed. The biggest danger is not a bomb. It is not a 'dirty bomb'. It is spent reactor fuel, industrial and medical isotopes, the sort of stuff that ends up in junkyards from time to time.

  • 198. 0 0
    As long as talking about the Israeli nukes is a taboo
    • mehmet
    • 10.04.10
    • 21:06

    No one will believe the sincerity of US in the nuclear issues. Israel's usual argument of being a small country surrounded by enemies can be used by many countries also to pursue a nuclear weapon program. Take the Bosnian muslims who were massacred in their thousands by the Serbs, are they any safe now ? Or what if Greece says that it feels threatened by Turkey and wants to develop nukes ? As long as this double standard goes on, as long as this special treatment of Israel goes on, people will never believe US. Israel is the country which STARTED the nuclear weapons in the ME, not that they did it as a defense because somebody else started it. All depends on the next election, if Obama wins the next election we can see the first preliminary signs of US starting to criticize Israel at least on some issues. Otherwise, if republicans come, it would be horrible.

  • 197. 0 0
  • 196. 0 0
    Mark Lincoln
    • Lynn
    • 10.04.10
    • 20:09

    Such childishness on your part. Erdogan has stated implicitly he will be bringing up Israel and Dimona at the summit. The summit is supposed to focus on keeping nuclear materials out of terrorist hands. Egypt wants to bring up the Pal issue, it also is not part of the agenda. All it will end up being is another Israel bashing pity party.

  • 195. 0 0
    Good for Bibi....
    • Lynn
    • 10.04.10
    • 19:58

    Erdogan was going to bring up Dimona. Egypt was goig to bring up the Palesinians. The conference is not about either one.

  • 194. 0 0
  • 193. 0 0
    To Mark B (#105)
    • Morris Valentine
    • 10.04.10
    • 19:39

    '...at least they [Iran, Iraq, Syria] signed it.' Mark, my friend, you're making excuses for blatant hypocrisy on the part of those nations. Even at my advanced age, I can clearly see such is the net effect of your argument. Israel has historically kept a degree of ambiguity about its nuclear capabilities for good reason; doing so has served Israel well. Further, I would point out no-one has ever been on the receiving end of those capabilities. It is an ambiguity wrapped in restraint - much unlike Iran's approach to nuclearisation thus far. While I'm sure you and I both wish we lived in a nuclear-free world, Israel's policy is unlikely to change until it feels it can survive, without a nuclear deterrent, in its corner of the world. Iran is not helping Israel move that way - quite the contrary. MV

  • 192. 0 0
    PM of Israel
    • Barbara Grider
    • 10.04.10
    • 19:31

    I have Prayed & Prayed that our PM Nat. would not make the trip to America! Concerned something would happen to him! Amen! Shalom and Lord God Bless the Jews and Israel! God's Promised Land to the Jews, Love from TEXAS-USA

  • 191. 0 0
    esther it is news to me that you have a style
    • the jewish quarter
    • 10.04.10
    • 19:28

    i sensed vacuous repetitive anti israel content.

  • 190. 0 0
    Imbalance of power?
    • see no evil
    • 10.04.10
    • 19:18

    Oh Wake up, is it only a few who can see that there has been an imbalance of power in the Middle East for decades. If Lebanon had Nukes do you think Israel would have bombed its citizens? And what If Iran gets Nukes? Is it all that bad that Israel is forced to negotiate before it quells its lust for blood revenge? I say, bring on the nukes, and with it Peace, or self assured destruction, its all fine by me and then we can all get some bloody sleep

  • 189. 0 0
    Cancellation: Lies, lies, lies...
    • EGB
    • 10.04.10
    • 19:17

    and more lies; lies about 'democracy' in Israel - a military state- rules of engagement in Gaza, nuclear stockpiles and pretty much everything else stated by the hateful, corrupt, dishonest Netanyahu government and its abettors, Peres and Barak. No one will miss him at the summit. He and his pals have nothing to contribute to world discourse. Israel has become a non-participant in anything other than pushing its position on settlements. What a waste of cultural assets it is - a tragic period, indeed.

  • 188. 0 0
  • 187. 0 0
    #23 EL, there was no veil to begin with
    • Conroy
    • 10.04.10
    • 18:12

    First off, let me say that everyone knows Israel has nukes. And I am glad they do. As for your "veil" theory, Israel could have staunchly denied all these years that they have the bomb, but they chose not to. That's because they WANT the world, especially the Arab world (and now Iran) to know that if they are ever successful in wiping Israel off the map, Israel's taking them with her. Why do you think there hasn't been a full-scale war since 1973? By having nukes Israel has put the Arabs in a no-win situation vis-a-vis war. Israel's deliberate "ambiguity" regarding nukes is purely strategic, and a smart bit of strategy I might add.

  • 186. 0 0
    the iranian intention is unstoppable
    • sheikh jarrah
    • 10.04.10
    • 18:02

    anyone who thinks that netanuahu is at all to blame is a fool.israel has tried everything to stop iran.hitting that country is unthinkable.netanyahu's tenure comes at the tail end of efforts to stop iran.now in its tenth year or more.several prime ministers were involved including rabin and sharon.

  • 185. 0 0
    logios and his personal hatred for netanyahu
    • sheikh jarrah
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:58

    1 no matter what netanyahu had to say it is impossible to stop iran.he tried talking precisely because there is no solution- 2 the meeting in america which netanyahu was right to not attend will turn into an anti israeli fest.just as the united nations is a forum to kick israel.

  • 184. 0 0
  • 183. 0 0
    our worst mistake of all
    • harzion
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:52

    is to take anything free from the usa.that includes free fighter aircraft.they think they own us.

  • 182. 0 0
    and egypt and jordan have a population
    • harzion
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:50

    that celebrated when the twin towers were blown apart killing three thousand americans. those are the friends of america in the middle east.

  • 181. 0 0
    america's friends in the middle east
    • harzion
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:48

    apart from israel all are dictators and have no respect for civil society.saudi beheads criminals in public and kuwait treats its expatriate population like slave holders in the old south.

  • 180. 0 0
    john the american "jew of conscience"
    • harzion
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:45

    that is the most repulsive patrionisng speech i have heard in some time.the moderator must be totally unimaginative to print that.

  • 179. 0 0
    Failure of Netanyahu (by his own standard)
    • Logios
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:42

    Netanyahu's absence will demonstrate another failure of Netanyahu's policies. Netnyahu ran for office not on a platform of any peace he would achieve, but by emphasizing the Iran danger and, by implication, that he would take care of it. And here comes an international conference on how to defend against nuclear terrorism, clearly convened because of the Iran danger and seemingly God's answer to Netanyahu's prayers, and Baby Bibi is unable to show up. Note that present will be the presidents of Russia and China, the Prime Minister of India, and other top leaders, a golden opportunity for Netanyahu to "work them over", but he really can't be present. I don't blame Netanyahu for not showing up under the present circumstances. He would only come if the White House would show some warmth and not coldness that would aggravate his political situation at home. But the problem is: The present unfavorable circumstances are due to Ntanyahu's OWN making. His own conduct with respect to the palestinians and peace with them turns the US and the rest of the world against him. He is unable to achieve that which he wants to achieve. This is a failure of the first order, according to Netanyahu's OWN standards.

  • 178. 0 0
    Bernard ross
    • John the American
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:34

    " The US has no real ally in the ME but Israel" They have military bases in Bahrain , Kuwaitand Qatar. Their relations with Egypt and Jordan are excellant. they also enjoy very good relations with Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. So the US has quietly developed a lot of friends in the ME. One must wonder where that may leave Israel.

  • 177. 0 0
    Moshe
    • John the American
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:23

    Israel is pretty much recognized by all but a few Arab countries. Even the PA recognises Israel as a state with a righ5t to exist. BUT a Jewish state? Who cares what your religion is. But wait a minute doesn't Israel have christains? Druze? Muslims? Are they to be dis-infrancised because they are not Jewish? How about recognition of a state called Israel with a Jewish majority? The bigger question is why does Israel require Arab recognition for legitamacy? Why in the world do you care what they think?

  • 176. 0 0
    Tinkie
    • John the American
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:15

    It is Jews of conscience like yourself that will change Israel for the better.Great post!

  • 175. 0 0
    Nuclear balance
    • utagawa
    • 10.04.10
    • 17:09

    300,000,000 raving bloodthirsty neighbors against a few dozen nuclear bombs. Sounds pretty balanced to me.

  • 174. 0 0
    Failure of Netanyahu (by his own standard)
    • Logios
    • 10.04.10
    • 16:20

    Netanyahu's absence will demonstrate another failure of Netanyahu's policies. Netnyahu ran for office not on a platform of any peace he would achieve, but by emphasizing the Iran danger and, by implication, that he would take care of it. And here comes an international conference on how to defend against nuclear terrorism, clearly convened because of the Iran danger and seemingly God's answer to Netanyahu's prayers, and Baby Bibi is unable to show up. Note that present will be the presidents of Russia and China, the Prime Minister of India, and other top leaders, a golden opportunity for Netanyahu to "work them over", but he really can't be present. I don't blame Netanyahu for not showing up under the present circumstances. He would only come if the White House would show some warmth and not coldness that would aggravate his political situation at home. But the problem is: The present unfavorable circumstances are due to Ntanyahu's OWN making. His own conduct with respect to the palestinians and peace with them turns the US and the rest of the world against him. He is unable to achieve that which he wants to achieve. This is a failure of the first order, according to Netanyahu's OWN standards.

  • 173. 0 0
    for me the story of the week is the opinion of sawt al haqq
    • joshua
    • 10.04.10
    • 16:14

    editor agabiryah who said with much conviction that the war with israel is a religious one. let us think on that for a moment.it is an idea of unending importance.it may be that we are wasting our time debating peace with the other side.they are thinking on an entirely different plane. our politicians and academics it seems to me have lost their way.

  • 172. 0 0
    #116 Stephen, you have no arguments for weakness of Obama
    • Mark B.
    • 10.04.10
    • 16:11

    Israel, India, Pakistan: please name one US president who opposed them having nukes. North-Korea: please name one US president who took them on. Calling for a nuke free world is not the same as disarming yourself first. Obama's sheet: first US President to tell Israel what is required of Israel. Surge in Afghanistan and attacking Pakistani Taliban in Pakistani area's. Historis health care bill in USA. You propably see racist Swiss prohibition of minarets on mosque's as strength.

  • 171. 0 0
    obama father and son
    • eli
    • 10.04.10
    • 16:06

    the american president is very taken by the father he did not know.it follows that he may feel intense loyalty to his memory. his father had an islamic heritage and obama identifies closely with this heritage.so when we guess that for obama israel is the enemy the proposition is not grossly unfair.

  • 170. 0 0
    Failure of Netanyahu (by his own standards)
    • Logios
    • 10.04.10
    • 15:30

    Netanyahu's absence will demonstrate another failure of Netanyahu's policies. Netnyahu ran for office not on a platform of any peace he would achieve, but by emphasizing the Iran danger and, by implication, that he would take care of it. And here comes an international conference on how to defend against nuclear terrorism, clearly convened because of the Iran danger and seemingly God's answer to Netanyahu's prayers, and Baby Bibi is unable to show up. Note that present will be the presidents of Russia and China, the Prime Minister of India, and other top leaders, a golden opportunity for Netanyahu to "work them over", but he really can't be present. I don't blame Netanyahu for not showing up under the present circumstances. He would only come if the White House would show some warmth and not coldness that would aggravate his political situation at home. But the problem is: The present unfavorable circumstances are due to Ntanyahu's OWN making. His own conduct with respect to the palestinians and peace with them turns the US and the rest of the world against him. He is unable to achieve that which he wants to achieve. This is a failure of the first order, according to Netanyahu's OWN standards.

  • 169. 0 0
    113~ Mark Lincon if it is that easy !
    • Akram Zekaria
    • 10.04.10
    • 15:22

    Thank god israel is keeping everyone in the dark ! And the joke, every one is blaming it !

  • 168. 0 0
    123~Moshe here is another !
    • Akram Zekaria
    • 10.04.10
    • 15:01

    It took the nato + more than seven yours not to finish the job ! It took israel to finish the same job only one flight to near baghdad to blow it from the face of the globe ! The Iraqi nuclear; even before it was off the ground. (The Osiraq- 1981). As for iran ? Keep counting !

  • 167. 0 0
    89. Chris Linthwaite
    • a wandering Jew
    • 10.04.10
    • 14:23

    In your joy to destroy Israel, you have stated and misunderstood the obvious. Israel is not afraid of Huzbullah or Hamas; and Fatah is not a military threat. None of the Moderate Arab States want Iran to have nukes, yet they have enjoyed the protection of Israel's nuclear umbrella against Iran and Iraq for decades. These states do not want a nuclear arms race in the ME and are committed to the "Status Quo" as it has worked which is probably why the Palestinians do not have a state yet?

  • 166. 0 0
    Failure of Netanyahu (by his own standards)
    • Logios
    • 10.04.10
    • 14:20

    Netanyahu's absence will demonstrate another failure of Netanyahu's policies. Netnyahu ran for office not on a platform of any peace he would achieve, but by emphasizing the Iran danger and, by implication, that he would take care of it. And here comes an international conference on how to defend against nuclear terrorism, clearly convened because of the Iran danger and seemingly God's answer to Netanyahu's prayers, and Baby Bibi is unable to show up. Note that present will be the presidents of Russia and China, the Prime Minister of India, and other top leaders, a golden opportunity for Netanyahu to "work them over", but he really can't be present. I don't blame Netanyahu for not showing up under the present circumstances. He would only come if the White House would show some warmth and not coldness that would aggravate his political situation at home. But the problem is: The present unfavorable circumstances are due to Ntanyahu's OWN making. His own conduct with respect to the palestinians and peace with them turns the US and the rest of the world against him. He is unable to achieve that which he wants to achieve. This is a failure of the first order, according to Netanyahu's OWN standards.

  • 165. 0 0
    H#122 Try to stay focussed ---address the issue
    • sarhbal
    • 10.04.10
    • 14:19

    not whether or not Mark Lincoln had ample reason to pop the bully in the kisser. Mark did not say what the latest insult was,or did he tell us how long the aggravation went on. But you being the pathetic zionist apologist that you are attempt to justify Israel,s 60 + years of Bullying. It is high time the present Israel got popped in the kisser and run out of the neighbourhood. Mark Lincoln,s posts are too the point.

  • 164. 0 0
    Equal rights and justice.
    • Sam
    • 10.04.10
    • 13:53

    The rules should apply to all or to none.PEACE.

  • 163. 0 0
    dick and liz cheney
    • sjoerd van der velde
    • 10.04.10
    • 13:43

    the father of liz cheney (dick cheney) is a war criminal and a state-terrorist,together with bush jr., because of the war in afghanistan, iraq,quantanamo bay, abu graib ,bagram and for their unilateral, egoistic policy, meddling with the internal affairs of other countries and they wanted that the whole world would obey them slavishly. i hope that they will be put on trial in front of judges for their just punishment.

  • 162. 0 0
    Nuclear Summit
    • moshe
    • 10.04.10
    • 13:22

    Netanyahu is smarter... You want to talk about Nuclear with us first recognize the Jewish state

  • 161. 0 0
    #115 Mark Lincoln
    • H
    • 10.04.10
    • 13:09

    Do you know how crass this post is. Someone insults you ,so you "Pop them in the Face". And if someone were to lob a rocket in your garden you would do what? Speak to them? Still congratulations on what may yet be the important thing you've ever said, "BWWAAAAK! Cluck, Cluck!

  • 160. 0 0
    Hypocrites!!!!
    • Tinkie
    • 10.04.10
    • 12:27

    Israel has been hijacked by a bunch of corrupt, despotic war-mongerers. There are no values here anymore - only lies, secrecy and misinformation. I find it very upsetting that this government has access to nuclear bombs. WE HAVE THEM - WE SHOULD BE SIGNING THE NON-PROLIFERATION AGREEMENT - before telling others to do so. I always had faith in the past in our leaders and their responsibility towards nudclear power. This has changed now - I find it very scary that a bunch of un-educated, sly and fundamental people have access. Shame shame - Israel has no right to bully others regarding nuclear power. First clean your own back yard.

  • 159. 0 0
    Chris Linthwaite
    • Esther
    • 10.04.10
    • 12:17

    It really bugs me that no one bothers to take the bait any longer and respond to us. But please keep up the good work Chris, I see you were banging away at the keyboard at three this morning.

  • 158. 0 0
    115~ Mark Lincoln aren't you missing the other side of the story?
    • Akram Zekaria
    • 10.04.10
    • 12:15

    Looking at it from another angle it also looks like the whole world are bullying Israel these days Try to change your glasses ! It will help you to see the two sides of the coin ! P.S There is also much strong bullying in your own post Mr Lincoln !

  • 157. 0 0
    #115, Stephen, quoting you
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 10.04.10
    • 11:36

    "Never in the history of the USA has so much weakness been displayed by a leader." This is very true. However, it must be understood that this "weakness" is the result of obama's ideology and world view. the weakness is not what causes the ideology. hence it cannot be regarded as a chracter defect, but rather a twisted political philosophy. shalom, stephen cipora

  • 156. 0 0
    #115, Stephen, quoting you
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 10.04.10
    • 11:36

    "Never in the history of the USA has so much weakness been displayed by a leader." This is very true. However, it must be understood that this "weakness" is the result of obama's ideology and world view. the weakness is not what causes the ideology. hence it cannot be regarded as a chracter defect, but rather a twisted political philosophy. shalom, stephen cipora

  • 155. 0 0
    Israel,India and Pakistan.
    • Stephen.
    • 10.04.10
    • 09:00

    Three countries that have not signed the NPT. Of course there are other countries that have nuclear weapons. They just keep quiet. For they trust nobody. Especially today, with the gracious president, who has called for a nuclear free world. "Bravo", "bravo", shout the Extreme Islamic Challenge in unison. "For soon we will rule the planet"! Those fellows in Pyongyang are laughing all the way to their silos. Never in the history, of the USA has so much weakness been displayed by a leader. Even Mr.Carter had a far more insight and common sense. PM Netanyahu, has taken a rain-check. Mr.Dan Meridor, has a good sense of humor. He will just smile and be pleasant. Good day from snowy pristine Swiss Alps.

  • 154. 0 0
    Once upon a time - long ago
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 10.04.10
    • 08:46

    Once upon a time, long ago, I popped the neighborhood bully in the face. I did it out of total disgust and resentment to his latest insult. I got off the bus and went home. A few minutes later his mother called my father complaining upon how his son 'beat up' her son. I thought i was in trouble until my father smiled and started taunting her. Israel's Bully Minister went to Washington a while back to once again dominate the man who he had bragged to his nation a year before how he had humiliated and abused. In fact it was the Israeli Bully Minister who ended up humiliated and disabused. Now Netanyahu is too craven, too cowed, too beaten to show up in Washington. Bibi, the Mighty Tyrant who crushes Palestinians for Breakfast is too craven and cowardly to again confront Obama. BWWAAAAK! Cluck, Cluck!

  • 153. 0 0
    My Original - and Censored - Response Remains`
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 10.04.10
    • 08:40

    My initial response was that Netanyahu was chicken. I think that is the probable cause of his fear of attending the conference. It is clear that this 'Summit' is intended to promote Sanctions against Iran while promoting the US/Russian concept that reductions of nuclear weapons are in order. Netanyahu is clearly too cowardly to confront Obama again. Netanyahu is afraid. He has good reason to be afraid. He has convinced the world that Israel is absolutely opposed to regional peace. His presence outside Israel something he is too cowardly to indulge. Bwaaak! Cluck, cluck.

  • 152. 0 0
    Mark of Lewiston - the size of Israel's arsenal
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 10.04.10
    • 08:34

    "Olmert, a former PM, I think let the cat out of the bag. The only ambiguity is how many nuclear weapons Israel has." - Mark of Lewiston Actually it is not that ambiguous. IF Israel only wanted primitive Plutonium Implosion weapons the amount of Plutonium possibly produced by the reactor at Dimona can be easily calculated. Were Israel smart enough to produce more modern 'thermonuclear' systems including boosted devices or actual hydrogen bombs, then the ability to produce tritium to either 'boost' or allow the development of small hydrogen weapons is also easily calculated. Beyond that, if Israel - which would have extremely sound reasons to do so - had developed 'neutron bombs - to destroy massed armored formations, then we can also understand the implications of limited neutron production at Dimona. Mark, anyone who wants to parse the ability of Israel to produce neutrons, and it's defense needs, has a pretty good idea of how many weapons Israel could have.

  • 151. 0 0
    one minute fears
    • kenan
    • 10.04.10
    • 06:27

    I can understand netahyahu's fear.. Turkish prime minister will say one more "one minute" to israel.. rational decision! run away Erdogan is coming!

  • 150. 0 0
    Nuclear Weapons Are Offensive Weapons
    • Reader
    • 10.04.10
    • 06:11

    They must be deployed over someone else's country to be effective.

  • 149. 0 0
    Nuclear Security Summit
    • Reader
    • 10.04.10
    • 05:59

    List of countries invited to attend available at: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/04/obama-invites-nearly-50-nations-to-dc-for-summit-on-loose-nukes/1 Countries with nuclear weapons not NEP signatories invited to attend: India, Pakistan Countries with nuclear weapons not NEP signatories not invited to attend: North Korea Countries threatened by a nuclear power with an attack by nuclear weapons: North Korea, Iran Countries threatening a nuclear attack: USA Non-NPT Countries invited who are sending first ministers: India, Pakistan Have I left out anything?

  • 148. 0 0
    #2 Obama Rules
    • US Taxpayer
    • 10.04.10
    • 05:35

    Obama is the man. Obama (or "Bambi"as you still perversely refer to him) defeated the Clintons, he defeated McCain, he defeated the Republicans with health care. Obama is now revealing Bibi as the petty loser that he is. YOu should be such a "BAMBI". Not in your wildest dreams.

  • 147. 0 0
  • 146. 0 0
    82 Sheik - The Party of NO
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 10.04.10
    • 02:46

    It would seem the party of NO has decided to party in N.O. to repeat their mantra of Hell NO! Will BB be joining them there, as they protest the policies of Ronald Reagan, nuclear disarmament and anti-proliferation? While they try and convince the world that Reagan liked nukes and relished the idea of nuclear war?

  • 145. 0 0
    Israel is Ashamed of what she is doing
    • john
    • 10.04.10
    • 02:45

    so, please hide the PM, don't let him show up,in public. why? because Israel has been doing lately what uncovered its real face. starting from Mosad in Qattar, with forging of other countries passports, passing by refusing to halt new settelment, and ending by the Nukes, in which she herself is playing a very active role against Iran. do you think the world is believing Israel, even its closest friends in the USA? the PM is shy to show of his face, why does't he wear Borqah like women in the Middle east? and show up, at least he can talk for his country, but no, he quit and hide his head in the sand hoping no one will see that.

  • 144. 0 0
    How Israel can be an ally to the USA?
    • David
    • 10.04.10
    • 02:27

    what the USA benefit from Israel? no oil, no troops in Iraq or Afghnistan, no military basis, like Dubai. nothing, except a burden of financial and military expenses. Israel is an ally to the USA for creating more terrorists by its inhmane treatment and the occupation of the palestinian land. Can anybody tell me, how Israel is an important ally to the USA, while Israel almost telling the USA president what to do? Israel an ally that embarrasing to the USA, a baby that kept sucking the goodness of USA for the return of not even a six million jews living in America. what a stupid calculation.

  • 143. 0 0
    #13 Morris Valentine, at least they signed it
    • Mark B.
    • 10.04.10
    • 01:54

    If I would sign a paper prohibiting me from a certain behaviour and I see my neighbour getting away with the same behaviour just because he did not sign it, I would tear my signature and the paper and throw it away too. One can do a foolish thing in life, but nothing forces one to stay a fool.

  • 142. 0 0
    Should Not Be Fine
    • Vladek
    • 10.04.10
    • 01:04

    Why does the USA need an ally that only has its own interests at heart? Why does the USA need an ally that has disdain for USA policy and leadership? Why does the USA need an ally that provokes and executes violence against a people it considers inferior? Why does the USA give $5.8 billion annually to Israel but never get any accountability for those funds? The USA does not need Israel as an ally?

  • 141. 0 0
    Orwell Alive and Well
    • Cartoonist
    • 10.04.10
    • 00:33

    Arabs Good - Israel Bad! the contribution to freedom and knowledge, government and tolerance, live and let live, are a gift we can never re-pay to our Arab friends.

  • 140. 0 0
    To TRAUDE
    • Ahmed
    • 10.04.10
    • 00:23

    Europeans will not retaliate aganist Israel because of "their" palestinian friends. Waou! What an analysis!! Are serious? If not, the joke is quite insipid.

  • 139. 0 0
    Islam and Arabs a model for the Dark Ages
    • Bobby
    • 10.04.10
    • 00:20

    The arabs just want Israel gone... a Jewish nation surrounded by Arab / Muslims fascists that teach hatred of infidels in their textbooks. theirs kids parade with gones and celebrate terrorism. Eurabia, Russia, you will either appease or deal with it.. the first choice will lead to the death of us all.

  • 138. 0 0
    Apparently Americans and Israelis came to conclusion that anti
    • 17
    • 10.04.10
    • 00:04

    Iranian conference in the USA should not be "contaminated" by substantial Israeli presence. It explain "self-defeating" explanation by PM.

  • 137. 0 0
    Wrong word ?
    • David
    • 09.04.10
    • 23:58

    "....He also said that relationships between the U.S. and Israel are "ongoing, fine and continuous....." Sounds like he misspoke. Wouldn't "contentuous" be more accurate ? :) David

  • 136. 0 0
    Iniquity is not God business
    • Ahmed
    • 09.04.10
    • 23:51

    Israeli people and leaders have always been claiming God's alliance. But as every one can notice, justice and law are claimed in favor of Israel, but never against it. If this what they call God's alliance, then the God they claim is a false one. The thrue God is infinitely fair and just beyond what a human being can imagine. So what Israelis are talking about?!

  • 135. 0 0
    Turkeys role in the Armenian holocaust
    • b mezritch
    • 09.04.10
    • 23:46

    Time to push back on Turkey. They have their touchy subjects, too. Tit for tat.

  • 134. 0 0
    absolute sweden
    • potobac
    • 09.04.10
    • 23:41

    As an apologist for everything Israel does, shouldn't you pay a little more attention to Israel's constant habit of making pledges and completely ignoring them? You always manage to criticize other nations for failings Israel excels in. Why not first do some housecleanlng?

  • 133. 0 0
    as above
    • Heather
    • 09.04.10
    • 23:11

    How lovely it must be to live in LaLa land........ where all is make believe....

  • 132. 0 0
    Tony Silver
    • tadchase
    • 09.04.10
    • 22:37

    Dear Mr. Silver, FYI- Iran did sign the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) and is bound by this agreement. Unfortunately the NPT allows for the civilian development of nuclear technology which as you undoubtedly know, is what Iran is claiming it is doing. Any signatory to the NPT can withdraw on 90 days notice. Israel on the other hand is not a signatory to the NPT and therefore is not in violation. Cheers mate.

  • 131. 0 0
    history
    • gene42
    • 09.04.10
    • 22:23

    Too bad the critics of Israel do not know world history- they just know how to spout.

  • 130. 0 0
    The end to 3 Billion a year
    • Amanda
    • 09.04.10
    • 22:17

    Both the 1976 Symington Amendment to the 1961 Foreign Appropriations Act and the Glenn Act forbid the US Government from giving financial aid to any nation with nuclear weapons technology that has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and allowed IAEA inspections, as Israel continues to refuse to do

  • 129. 0 0
    B. Ross #86 I'll Tell You Why
    • Bill
    • 09.04.10
    • 22:16

    On 21 December, 1960 Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion announced to the world that Israel intended to build a 24 megawatt nuclear reactor in the Negev that "will serve the needs of industry, agriculture, health, and science...is designed for exclusively for peaceful purposes" (sounds like a line from an Ahmadinijad speech)...1) why no visas- because Obama's po'd that his friend and ally...on an international stage...treated our Vice-President like an Ambassador from Turkey...2) why no "new arms" and "bunker busters"...because what Obama is really trying to do is avoid war in the Middle East...an Israeli attack on Iran would cause an existential threat rather than eliminate one...running the Israeli attack on Iranian nuke facilities scenario leads me to conclude that Iran would have no recourse but to retaliate, Hamas and Hezbollah (Syria?/Lebanon?)would take advantage of the situation and the result would be a mess of epic proportions that most Americans would rather avoid.

  • 128. 0 0
    Israel is dealing with the worst dictators.
    • Abdul alli
    • 09.04.10
    • 22:13

    Israel never threaten any country . Iranian dictator and holaucost denier threatens Israel every second day. Stands against the free world. The only one that calls him ?my dear friend ? is Erdogan.

  • 127. 0 0
    Ugly pathetic joke
    • tadchase
    • 09.04.10
    • 22:04

    The NPT is a farce. Israel, Pakistan and India refuse to sign the treaty, develop and deploy nuclear weapons and face no penalty for doing so. Iran does sign, probably is developing weapons although they claim they aren't and is threatened with sanctions. Inescapable conclusions: 1. If you want weapons don't sign the treaty. 2. The "international community" doesn't exist. 3. There should be ONE set of rules which apply to all but there isn't. For the reason why, see point # 2.

  • 126. 0 0
    Going Fine??
    • marat
    • 09.04.10
    • 22:01

    Michael, lets not deny reality--Obama is an enemy of Israel who is driven to try to enforce his OWN agenda on the very parties that are supposed to negotiate. He seriously thinks of himself as an Emperor and you simply cannot deny that at virtually every turn he has done what he can do to undermine Israel's power and security. Every other day there is another edict from the White House, amputating yet another segment of a previous ally. If things are so fine, how is it that maybe 6% (if that) of Israelis see him as a friend of the nation? We both know that his agenda is now to side with the Islamic world, with Israel as the scapegoat. Get new allies, real ones, until this guy is gone. He is POISON for Israel.

  • 125. 0 0
    Netanyahu
    • Lars
    • 09.04.10
    • 21:59

    What a coward Mr Netanyahu is. Doesn't dare to face other state leaders. And Israel doesn't tell the world it has nuces. What a coward nation and it says it is a open society. Shame on you Netanyahu!

  • 124. 0 0
    Sailor#33 U get liked less and less by the week.
    • Tony Silver
    • 09.04.10
    • 21:34

    Israel made a very fateful decision in the 1950s to become the first nation to introduce nuclear arms to the Middle East. Nixon and Kissinger (Zionist jew) made and equally fateful decision to lend U.S. support to Israeli weapons of mass destruction. Now, the chickens are coming home to roost.

  • 123. 0 0
    RE: Rudolph (#89)
    • Moshe
    • 09.04.10
    • 20:57

    Posted: "...Because Israel remains a little tiny littoral strip of land surrounded by 200 millions unfriendly people." Israel and the USA are the ones who are responsible for making these 200 million people unfriendly. Israel by it's occupation, torture, lands thefts, the attacks on Iran, Lebanon and other crimes it committed and the USA for supporting Israel's and it's criminal actions.

  • 122. 0 0
    Saving face
    • Bazmann
    • 09.04.10
    • 20:56

    Netanyahu is not going to Washington because President Obama already declared that he will not meet with him during this trip. His cancellation is more about saving face than anything else.

  • 121. 0 0
    RE: Turn around words...lol (#69)
    • Moshe
    • 09.04.10
    • 20:29

    Posted: "When Golda Meir needed help as Prime Minister, Henry Kissinger responded, "Let them sweat a little." Now Netanyahu can look Obama and say, "Let him sweat a lot." Really? I would like to see who will be doing the sweating alot or just sweating period, if Obama decides to cut off the money and aid that the USA sends Israel each year. Netanyahu is no more that a little rat protected by a dog called America from all the cats that soround him. Once the dog leaves him unprotected, this little rat will drown in his own sweat. Netanyahu is in no position to decide anything. The only reason he gets away with it is because he knows that the US government is all talk and no action, for now, and G-d forbid the US will do anything to Israel, they would be regarded as anti-Semitic.

  • 120. 0 0
    Failure of Netanyahu (by his own standards)
    • Logios
    • 09.04.10
    • 20:18

    Netanyahu's absence will demonstrate another failure of Netanyahu's policies. Netnyahu ran for office not on a platform of any peace he would achieve, but by emphasizing the Iran danger and, by implication, that he would take care of it. And here comes an international conference on how to defend against nuclear terrorism, clearly convened because of the Iran danger and seemingly God's answer to Netanyahu's prayers, and Baby Bibi is unable to show up. Note that present will be the presidents of Russia and China, the Prime Minister of India, and other top leaders, a golden opportunity for Netanyahu to "work them over", but he really can't be present. I don't blame Netanyahu for not showing up under the present circumstances. He would only come if the White House would show some warmth and not coldness that would aggravate his political situation at home. But the problem is: The present unfavorable circumstances are due to Ntanyahu's OWN making. His own conduct with respect to the palestinians and peace with them turns the US and the rest of the world against him. He is unable to achieve that which he wants to achieve. This is a failure of the first order, according to Netanyahu's OWN standards.

  • 119. 0 0
    Come on sign it
    • Kevin
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:48

    I dont get why Isreal does not sign the NPT. Sign it and then do like you always do, ignore international law and treaties and do as you wish building your arsenal. Whats new. And oh by the way, I am not sure how everyone is not panicked by the fact that a group of people who sees danger in every shadow (real or not), have their finger on a nuclear trigger.

  • 118. 0 0
    Pakistan "Islamic Bomb" rules out nuclear-free Mideast
    • Dr. L. Brnd
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:38

    Fallacy Israel has anything to do with blocking nuke free ME. Nuclear-armed Pakistan already prevents that, and Paks admit transferring nuclear technology to Iran. Will virtually certainly transfer its nuclear weapons technology to other muslim countries. So Israel has zero incentive to join NPT, in view of the lax enforcement which allowed NPT signer Iran to progress a weapons program, and NPT signers Germany, Netherlands and UK to illegally transfer EURATOM technology to Pakistan in the 1st place. If Israel signed NPT in 1970, all of the above would still have occurred anyway, and Israel would be defenseless, without any nuclear deterrence whatsoever. Had Israel signed NPT in 1970, Egypt and Syria would have attacked Israeli cities with mustard gas (used against Yemen in 60's) in Yom Kippur War, Saddam Hussein would have attacked Tel Aviv with nerve-gas armed SCUDs in 1991 1st Gulf War, and Holocaust proves nobody would have done anything about it. So, Israel must defend itself.

  • 117. 0 0
    U.S.-Israel ties fine?
    • Natallie Durson
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:35

    If U.S.-Israel ties are so, fine why the need to say so every day? This is the same routine used in a Hollywood marriage just before the divorce is made public.

  • 116. 0 0
    Nuclear free Middle East
    • Ray
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:31

    The people who want nuclear free middle east should considered this region between Pakistan to Mauritania. Unless Pakistani nuclear weapons not dismantled along with Israeli and Iranian one the entire effort will be futile. Pakistan is a hostile Muslim country with a proven record of nuclear poliferation can endanger Israel if she destroyed her own arsenal. Nuclear free Israel should be assured by offering full membership of NATO.

  • 115. 0 0
    A pissing contest or cowardice?
    • Michael N
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:29

    Not withstanding the support for Netanyahu, expressed in the annual meeting of the Southern White Trash (A.K.A Republicans), the explanations for the cancellation of Netanyahu's attendence at the W.H conference on control/reduction/elimination of nuclear material for military purposes, is an act of cowardace and pettiness. The topic can be broached in his absence as well, but he prefers to avoid dealing with it. He knows everyone will look at him as a pariah and he has no guts to face a hostile crowd. He knows Israel is one of only 4 states which did not sign the NPT and he cannot defend it. And he knows he cannot answer why, with its nuclear power, Israel does not feel secure to make the necessary concessions and sign a peace agreement with the Palestinians, and why Israel with its nuclear arms has the right to deny Iran its?. Isarael was the first to introduce nuclear arms into the ME, and it is still the only one. The pressure is on. Netanyahu should face it like a man.

  • 114. 0 0
    73 whats wrong with uminuteman? become real man go to the textil
    • Dan
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:15

    factory and pick up some more. We r waiting quicky boy..

  • 113. 0 0
    Obama;s Nuclear Conference
    • Carol Cannon
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:14

    Americans know (or should know) that every Arab nation will sign any thing America or the United Nations want them to sign and then will go ahead do whatever they want to. Their signature on a piece of paper means nothing. To the uninformed person who said Israel is always attacking its' neighbors, Israel has never attacked its' neighbors. It has responded when various Arab states have combined to attack and invade them. The fact that Israel has always won these wars has probably clouded your memory.

  • 112. 0 0
    Time to sign the NPT.
    • peter
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:13

    Netanyahu is going to hide in Israel to avoid the issue politically? Does the man even have a conscience? Yes, the nuclear summit is regarding the prevention of nuclear terrorism. Many countries fear Israeli nuclear terrorism. Why should this not be discussed at the summit? Israel is better than everyone else?

  • 111. 0 0
    Israel Should Give up its military as well
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 09.04.10
    • 19:00

    i do not think that that Israel has the right to self-defence. The international communnity should pressure Israel into giving up their military ad well as their nukes. However, I ran should be allowed to have nukes,

  • 110. 0 0
    Inside line is that Bibi was "uninvited"
    • binny
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:55

    Bibi isn't telling the whole truth. He isn't taking a stand by not going, he is being shoo'ed out the back door by the collective demands of 7 Western states. His attendance will undermind the core arguments that these 7 Western states plan on using to persuade the rest of the nations to agree to stronger controls over even non-weapons nuclear materials and technologies. Bibi's presence will destroy the chances of getting the rest of the world to agree on intrusive (yet needed) monitoring and security measures. Bibi isn't being brave. He's acting like the spoiled brat who declares he is taking his ball and going home -- AFTER he loses the game....

  • 109. 0 0
    Bibi does not want to be ambushed by GHO, not the Arabs.
    • Father Emanuel
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:54

    BHO is the one who may push Israel to the NPT, not the Arabs. Who needs enemies with good friends like BHO?

  • 108. 0 0
    #4 there...think it
    • *BEN JABO
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:52

    What nukes?, any records of tests, explosions or the like, if so publish the information here for all to see It's all guesswork, keeps the enemy off balance

  • 107. 0 0
    Bibi knew full well that he wasn't get dinner
    • *BEN JABO
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:49

    with Obama last time he was in D.C., for desert on this visit, they would try to shove the NPT down his throat

  • 106. 0 0
    van Krevel
    • Paul
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:48

    did Marty really say that?? I think that Israel can take care of mutually assured destruction but we all know the only solution is to find a political solution and that will require the Arabs to learn mutually assured respect, to eliminate xenophobia and racism and bigotry. A reasonable solution to move from MAD to MARs.

  • 105. 0 0
    Yosemite#55 Israel Don`t Sign Anything Right Now
    • Tony Silver
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:45

    Israel has them. Iran wants them. So let them. I am not a support of Iran of Ahmedj, but if we want a nuclear free Middle-East, then Israel?s weapons will have to go.

  • 104. 0 0
    # 83 Chris Linthwaite
    • Rudolph
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:43

    I agree with your comments although they are not complete. It is well water clear that Iran will get the nuclear capability. And Syria will surely follow and than Egypt too. And that day good bye Israel's supremacy, and good bye the parity. Why? Because Israel remains a little tiny littoral strip of land surrounded by 200 millions unfriendly people.

  • 103. 0 0
    Natallie Durson is 100% right.
    • Tony Silver
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:36

    Israel is in exactly the same position as Iran on non-declaration of nuclear sites. So what is good for the goose?

  • 102. 0 0
    Elisabeth#10 does this mean israel is Out of Law State?
    • Tony Silver
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:32

    "Banning nuclear weapons from the Middle East cannot succeed if Israel's arsenal is not also included negotioations". please know that israel is above all International Laws

  • 101. 0 0
    then why has obama canceled Dimona scientists visas and why...
    • bernard ross
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:29

    ...has he ceased new arms to Israel and withheld some promised prior(bunker busters). Obama was probably going to side with the muslim states at the meeting as he promised it wasn't on agenda. It is time that bibi disclosed all of the underhanded slaps at Israel from Obama including his trick of imposing peace. The US has n real ally in the middle east but Israel. All the others have withheld overflight and base use when the US really needed it and they only use US to fight their wars such as the Gulf War betwee Kuwait and Iraq.

  • 100. 0 0
    Israel is Not Modern
    • Stephen a
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:26

    Time has come for Israel to sign the NPT. Time for Bibi to become a Statesman. Israel grow up!

  • 99. 0 0
    Israel has no obligation to sign any voluntary agreement
    • 17
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:25

    Only seriously deficient thinkers would insist otherwise. I guess India is not going either...

  • 98. 0 0
    Why the pretense?
    • Ilan
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:24

    Obama is simply hostile to Israel. Why hide it?

  • 97. 0 0
    yezmar Obama still has over 2.5 years to turn the screws on Bibi
    • Tony Silver
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:21

    I am against nuclear weapons period. But Israel?s hypocrisy on this issue will inevitably lead to one or several of its enemies to develop a deterrent to Israeli nukes

  • 96. 0 0
    Iran will have its Nukes, israel liking or not !
    • Tony Silver
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:15

    Yes, Iran will obtain nuclear weapons, even if the mullahs are overthrown. Having spent about a quarter of the nations GDP on obtaining credible nuclear weapons capability, do you really think any Iranian regime would simply throw it all in the trash?

  • 95. 0 0
    Interesting how people call Obama Hussein
    • American
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:12

    As if there is something wrong with it - like saying someone is a Jew or stating their names a Leibowitz to try to discredit them - if that works for you then you have other issues

  • 94. 0 0
    Osama#1 is 100% right.
    • Tony Silver
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:05

    No one is permitted to make nuclear weapons. Not being an NPT member does not mean certain attack. Look at Israel, North Korea, India, and Pakistan; no one attacks their nuke sites. No war is ever justified. People create wars to satisfy their own agenda.

  • 93. 0 0
    Osama#1 Middle east Nuke Free Zone is the thing.
    • Tony Silver
    • 09.04.10
    • 18:04

    "nuclear power of Israel that threatens the safety and security of people in the middle east".

  • 92. 0 0
    Another Example: Israel Wants to Play in the World but...
    • Stephen A
    • 09.04.10
    • 17:51

    ..Israel doesn't want to do what is right or what all modern & responsible countries do. Become a Modern state and sign the NPT..(as well 3 peace treaties.) Bibi become a Statesman..think big and act big for the long term benefit of your country.

  • 91. 0 0
    Bravo!
    • JOC
    • 09.04.10
    • 17:18

    Not a good idea for him to have gone. Not just for the nuclear weapons business but also to avoid a question or two about recent Israeli depredations in Gaza.

  • 90. 0 0
    Netanyahu cancels trip to U.S. nuclear summit
    • Jacquelyne Taylor
    • 09.04.10
    • 13:07

    Liz Cheyney has less credibility as a rational spokesperson on the subject of NPT.. than the Catholic church has on Institutional Childcare.. I do wish Fox would offer some of its more riseable Republican female Politicians/spokespeople a fulltime Job or perhaps their own show on the cartoon network. Netanyahu has plenty of reasons to be concerned and avoid this scenario..and the rest of the world is paying attention more closely than ever before!

  • 89. 0 0
    #67 Giora
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:38

    Which is why Iran is striving for parity with Israel. And why Israelis are squealing like sucked pigs as even the thickest moron such as yourself will realise that if Iran is nuclear armed then there will be nothing Israel can do as Hezbollah, Hamas Islamic Jihad et al all become armed to the teeth and make any concept of Israeli deterrence obsolete. Iran wants to play under the same rules as Israel. Looks like Planet Earth doesn't object.

  • 88. 0 0
    So, in other world....
    • John Spear
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:32

    Nyet-taniahu has found a good way to shut Israel out of any future world leaders' summits...... and to shut his own big mouth. good!

  • 87. 0 0
    nuke free mideast good idea in theory
    • observer
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:24

    But who is going to make sure terrorist-supporting states such as Iran, Syria & Lybia do not have nukes? These are closed undemocratic regimes.

  • 86. 0 0
    amos harel's critique of gabi ashkenazi is facile
    • harzion
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:22

    ashkenazi is praised for "rehabilitating the idf".is that praiseworthy?the whole of the idf knew very well that there were undertrained.so the ways to fix it is not a state secret.any competent leader would have the same ability. so no points to ashkenazi there.

  • 85. 0 0
    Quick! call AIPAC!
    • John Spear
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:21

    Pull a gag order on the participants to the nuclear summit They should be forever forbidden to put these two words together: Israel and Nukes! get cracking!

  • 84. 0 0
    To Singer: Scared of bumping into Obama?
    • Iggy of Ophir
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:19

    I respectfully disagree with you on this point, sir. The following is pure amateur psychologizing on my part, but I think it's possible that the Prime Minister simply does not relish attending an international conference where he cannot count 100% on having his positions--whatever they are--backed openly, vocally, and warmly by the US administration. (Which in NO way indicates that I'm in ANY way implying that the good Mr. Netanyahu is even REMOTELY comparable to "Peanuts'" Linus contemplating the potential rigors of life without his "security blanket"...)

  • 83. 0 0
    No shame
    • Sylvie
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:13

    Yet again our political leadership shows a total lack of shame, let alone common sense. If we want to be treated as a members of the community of democratic nations we cannot afford to pick and choose the debates we engage in.

  • 82. 0 0
    mark of lewiston gone with the wind
    • sheikh jarrah
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:09

    i am not entirely sure those remarks were quite worth the post.anyway we will mark you as present in class on the nineth of april 2010.

  • 81. 0 0
    This is a real beaut!
    • john Spear
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:08

    This is how the cooky crumbles! Let's wait for the other shoe to drop!

  • 80. 0 0
    john the american there are so many johns in america
    • sheikh jarrah
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:05

    can you be more specific?

  • 79. 0 0
    traude "israel aims its warheads on europe"
    • minuteman
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:03

    completely true.but we keep changing the targets.we do not have so many warheads so we cannot decide whether to aim it on norway or sweden.sometimes the boys at the base like to target ireland and spain but we tell them we do not have enough.just target the real nasty ones. so true traude.

  • 78. 0 0
    Not a La Fontaine play or Barber of Seville comedy.
    • Joe
    • 09.04.10
    • 12:02

    Yes, Bibi is right for not going. This 'nuke' summit is not a comedy, a farce, but a tragic scenario in the making by "several" muslim states,(with the acquiescence of?)for the elimination of Israel's nuke, it's main arm against the hordes of barbarians waiting for such a fatal decision. Only fools, imbeciles, and yes arabs will expect compliance. I am generalizing regarding arabs, since they represent their silent majority, just like the Germans in the 30's, the Japanese, the Russians,did in the past --- keep their mouth shut. I'll repeat, yes only idiots will demand that a country of 5.5 million Jews, surrounded by a horde of 1.3 billion savages with annihilation in mind, will demand such stupid concessions. As far as our friends, our allies, our benefactors, I can only say " Aide toi, et le ciel t'aidera "

  • 77. 0 0
  • 76. 0 0
    good decision
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 09.04.10
    • 11:48

    netanyahu must not put himself and his country in a position where he would be bullied, taunted and humiliated.

  • 75. 0 0
    Turn around words...lol
    • Daniel
    • 09.04.10
    • 11:43

    When Golda Meir needed help as Prime Minister, Henry Kissinger responded, "Let them sweat a little." Now Netanyahu can look Obama and say, "Let him sweat a lot."

  • 74. 0 0
    Israel Threatens No One?
    • Traude
    • 09.04.10
    • 11:15

    According to the recent interview by Professor Martin Van-Crevel Israel aims its nuclear warheads at Europe. In his view, the continued struggle of the Palestinians will inexhorably lead to the collapse of the State of Israel. Which is why Tel-Aviv has no choice but to "transfer" the Israeli Arabs and the stateless Palestinians beyond safe borders (that is, not only outside the 1948 borders but also from the 1976 occupied territories and, ideally, from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip). In the event the Europeans opposed such a transfer, in order to survive Tel Aviv will be forced to destroy the European capitals with nuclear weapons, it being understood that the Europeans will be unable to retaliate without annihilating their Palestinian friends. The author of The Transformation of War forcefully stated that, as of now, there are already nuclear warheads aimed against Rome and other European capitals that render the threat credible and the "transfer" of the Palestinians possible. Maybe thats the real reason Netanyahu prefers not to attend this summit?

  • 73. 0 0
    no need to go to america while israel hating obama
    • harzion
    • 09.04.10
    • 10:39

    is president.

  • 72. 0 0
    The heat is on. Time to come clean.
    • American Citizen
    • 09.04.10
    • 10:08

    I was shocked to see a MSNBC report (a major cable news channel) here list Israel as having 80 (Not sure if the graphic detailed missiles or just warheads.) nukes. Even the Drudge Report (American wingnuts' homepage) had a story linking to Bibi's sudden change of plans, but only to spin this as a new GOP talking point, with their mascot Sarah Palin leading the charge of a set up to embarass Israel. Nevermind the GOP and neocon mind tricks, it's going to be hard to sanction Iran, while Israel won't even admit the obvious: It's arsenal is a huge part of the current regional dilemma.

  • 71. 0 0
    Chicken...puuuk...puuuk...paaaaaak...that's Netanyahu for you!!!
    • James
    • 09.04.10
    • 09:54

    He just only talk about IRAN...WHAT ABOUT ISRAEL

  • 70. 0 0
    Larry #53, an increasing margin of Israelis are sick-and-tired...
    • Esther
    • 09.04.10
    • 09:20

    ... of how our PM spits-in-the-eye of our best friend, the USA... maybe you innocently mistook it for early spring rain...

  • 69. 0 0
    John the American
    • Giora
    • 09.04.10
    • 09:11

    Johny is asking: "So, what would happen If every Arab state threatened to withdraw from the NNPT unless Israel joins?" Nothing would happen. This is precisely why Israel does have the weapons. So that it cannot be pressured into something. Get it, Johny ?

  • 68. 0 0
    more and more puzzle pieces are falling into their places...
    • eporue
    • 09.04.10
    • 09:01

    there is no way out of anything anymore... the only decision is about the way israel will look at the end.. there were alternatives... however, not with bibis-"strategy"...

  • 67. 0 0
    Listen, Israel Threatens No One, Leave it Alone
    • Dallas
    • 09.04.10
    • 08:54

    Everyone expects Israel to be chipped away at until it becomes indefensible, then the Arabs have promised they will close in for the kill. That's reality. It's not about the Pals... the Pals are pawns for the Arab dictatorships, no more than pawns. The bloodlust propaganda war against Israel is heating up and Israel is best to stay cool in this situation. Israel's nukes are not a threat to any country which doesn't incite killing them. It's pretty straightforward, forget your hatred against Israel and start solving REAL problems in the world.

  • 66. 0 0
    good friend
    • frenchreader
    • 09.04.10
    • 08:29

    From a state which pretends to give lessons to the world it is a display of good manners towards its best and only friend. Maybe Israël had nothing to gain in this conference but it has much to loose in appearing afraid to face the world's leaders. Next visit of Netanyahu to US will be tricky if it ever happens.

  • 65. 0 0
    What's all the fuss about? Bibi just wants to avoid...
    • Esther
    • 09.04.10
    • 08:20

    ... a repeat performance of his recent visit to Washington...

  • 64. 0 0
    Genocidal states lecturing Israel? I think not
    • Israeli
    • 09.04.10
    • 08:07

    When all those bloody dictatorhip who seek to destroy us sign peace agreement with us, then there will be something to talk about.

  • 63. 0 0
    Bibi Cancels Trip to Washington
    • Chengis Khan
    • 09.04.10
    • 08:07

    I wonder why Bibi is running scared. He can always continue the elaborate Silence Israel has maintained about nukes (supported by all parties,) or he could say "Hell, No!" Sarah Palin always gets a laugh over this. Anyway the whole problem will disappear when the Tea-Party group takes over the Governmant of the USA - in 2012. Mrs. Palin and the entire Christian Right support Eretz Israel from River to River, as God promised.

  • 62. 0 0
    Gone with the Wind
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 09.04.10
    • 07:51

    Olmert, a former PM, I think let the cat out of the bag. The only ambiguity is how many nuclear weapons Israel has. It is entirely unclear what Netanyahu could possibly gained for Israel if he did attend,

  • 61. 0 0
    Double talk .
    • Ray
    • 09.04.10
    • 07:46

    Israel once again prove the world it dose not want peace. In this case Iran more reason to build a weapon. After American are occuping Iraq and Afganistan and Israel envided Lebanon twice as well as Gaza. It is not fair for USA and Europe disarm Muslim countries while they continue allowing Israel to keep their nuks.

  • 60. 0 0
    Cool list of rogue states
    • brian
    • 09.04.10
    • 07:32

    "Israel, India, Pakistan and North Korea" What the world just CANNOT seem to grasp, is that the rules apply to everyone else--ranging from nuclear weaponry to racist state policies to what constitutes war crimes. Israel has a right, in its own eyes, to do what it wants, whenever it wants, however it wants. Doesn't it, everyone?

  • 59. 0 0
    So, what would happen
    • John The American
    • 09.04.10
    • 07:22

    If every Arab state threatened to withdraw from the NNPT unless Israel joins?

  • 58. 0 0
    Netanyahu cancels trip !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Singer
    • 09.04.10
    • 07:11

    HE IS SCARED OF BUMPING INTO OBAMA.

  • 57. 0 0
    Israel Don't Sign Anything Right Now...
    • Yosemite
    • 09.04.10
    • 06:45

    I'm not sure what's going to happen. Don't do anything crazy either. Dubai was crazy. Taking out Saddam's Osirak plant was NOT crazy.

  • 56. 0 0
  • 55. 0 0
    Good for the Primeminester!!!
    • Larry L. Golden
    • 09.04.10
    • 06:27

    We citizens in America by a huge margin are furious at our Preident and how he is traeting Primeminister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel. Americans support Israel and after Obama there will be a lot of fence mending by us. No one voted for Obama to do this to our friends the Israelis. Obama is a loose cannon.

  • 54. 0 0
  • 53. 0 0
    Israel should sign the NPT
    • Nick
    • 09.04.10
    • 06:11

    Israel should sign the NPT. It's a stupid situation. everyone in the world knows Israel has nuclear weapons. Playing games over it doesn't really help Israel, in fact it probably undermines you. It's in Israel's interest to have a strong international system of control and verification.

  • 52. 0 0
    Good idea Bibi
    • Warmonkey
    • 09.04.10
    • 06:09

    Send someone else, don't show up here unless you have your hat in our hands ready to answer USA demands . Hide over there with your warlovin gov'nmnt- can't hide forever!

  • 51. 0 0
    He might as well not go
    • Edwin
    • 09.04.10
    • 05:44

    He doesn't need to go, his policy towards peace is non existent, the current attitude in Israel is war, more war, and hate, thats not exactly the thing you need at a peace conference about nuclear disarmament.

  • 50. 0 0
    Israel wants a double standard
    • mark
    • 09.04.10
    • 05:19

    Fair-minded people the world over find it hard to see how Israel is not a rogue state when it not only introduced nuclear weaponry into the Middle East, but joins North Korea in refusing to sign the NPT.

  • 49. 0 0
    Nothing to say
    • azbob
    • 09.04.10
    • 05:01

    It is smart from Bibi's standpoint, for what could he say? Lie about not having nuclear weapons? Refuse to sign the treaty? Now wouldn't that be in goof form being on the land of Israel's "greatest friend." It is best that he stays away from the US, permanently. Don't send Meridor either. He, too, will have to suffer in silence OR lie and obfuscate.

  • 48. 0 0
    Such good company!!!
    • John
    • 09.04.10
    • 04:23

    Israel is founded on fear and lives in fear...sad way to live in the company of North Korea Pakistan and India preaching to others...what hypocrisy

  • 47. 0 0
    meridor
    • avram moshe
    • 09.04.10
    • 04:06

    the guy who should be PM!

  • 46. 0 0
    Smart Move By Netanyahu
    • Eric Schnittman
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:40

    This summit will just prove to be another hotbed for anti-Israeli and anti-semetic rhetoric. There is no possibility of peace with Israel because the far majority of Arab and Muslim states would like to see Israel disappear. Nothing has changed other than cosmetic changes over the decades. This is why Israel needs to maintain its covert nuclear status.

  • 45. 0 0
    Israel and the bomb
    • WHG
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:37

    OK, let's be very clear about this. There is only one nation in the middle east that has nuclear weapons and that's Israel! We all talk about Iran and how it is trying to become a nuclear power and how awful that is--and, make no mistake, I don't think it would be a good thing--but Israel sits on a nuclear arsenal and often threatens its neighbors--and continues growing occupation of those weaker than it--and we sit idly by and accept this gross state of affairs. Iran would have a lot less interest in nuclear bombs if Israel didn't have them already. It's always the first buly who starts the wars!

  • 44. 0 0
    "Goad Israel over the NPT"
    • Uncommon American
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:33

    "The official added: "But that said, in the last few days we have received reports about the intention of several participant states to depart from the issue of combatting terrorism and instead misuse the event to goad Israel over the NPT."" Yeah, because God forbid people should call Israel out for some of the most blatant hypocrisy on the face of the planet.

  • 43. 0 0
    Excuse me but...
    • James
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:27

    Olmert confirmed the now well known fact that Israel has nuclear weapons... so much for your ambiguity... now join the rest of the civilized world and sign the treaty.

  • 42. 0 0
    Bibi just made Ahmadinejad's case for him.
    • ManInTheMiddle
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:21

    Any doubters?

  • 41. 0 0
    The honor the world still owes Israel !
    • Akram Zekaria
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:17

    Shame ! 1981 Israel bombs iraq nuclear reactor near baghdad (Osirak). A huge service Israel alone & single handed, made to the international community; Israel was not paid or thanked for it ! Or no country have the decency even to remember ! Now that the world muddling itself with a similar kind of an international threat from iran; no country in the world remembering that heroic service of israel for the entire international humanity ! The coming 'nuclear summit' in the u.s have the duty & the obligation to remind the world of israel single handed saved the world from a holocaust an arab-islamic country's threat ! A shame the international community have to atone itself from & its time is now !

  • 40. 0 0
    Why not send MK Tibi instead?
    • American
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:09

  • 39. 0 0
    Interestingly Netanyahu's no show
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:03

    is announced after most of Israel have gone to bed, and was reported in the international press first.

  • 38. 0 0
    Thin Skin
    • NadePaulKuciGravMcKi
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:02

    300 million just took notice

  • 37. 0 0
    Face saving
    • Bazmann
    • 09.04.10
    • 03:02

    Netanyahu knew for quite some time who will attend the meeting and the possibility of asking Israel to sign the NPT. Whether he attends himself or his representative, this issue will probably come up regadless. The real reason he is not going is most likely because he was already snubbed by President Obama when the president declared that he will not be meeting with him. He is just trying to save face. Israel can not afford to lose its super friend, and this prime minister is not doing anything meaningful to repair a rift.

  • 36. 0 0
    Israel refuses to deal fairly
    • Uncle Sammy
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:53

    I don't think Israel gets it, they need us more than we need them.

  • 35. 0 0
    Good, we do not want him in Washington
    • Fed up US taxpayer
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:50

    We are waiting for his term to be over, although I do not see any intelligent people eager to become prime minister.

  • 34. 0 0
    More evidence of the breakdown in Israeli/American
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:43

    relations, as Netanyahu is no longer confident that the Obama Administration will not block any mention of Israel's nuclear programme.

  • 33. 0 0
    Rogue state
    • Sailor
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:41

    No wonder. It would be an embarresment while u have "illegal" nukes. Show some responsibility. U never become a trustworthy member of the international community. U get liked less and less by the week.

  • 32. 0 0
    What is good for the goose (Iran) is good for the Gander (Israel)
    • Peter
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:40

    Netanyahu knows that he is not welcome in Washington unless he changes his attitude and deliver the goods to our president.

  • 31. 0 0
    Interesting development
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:29

    Netanyahu confirms Israel's status as being a nuclear power, and shows the double standards of Israel vis a vis Iran. What is so difficult for Israel to sign the NPT that it demands Iran abides by? Netanyahu not being in Washington will not stop demands by countries who are signatories insisting that Washington close this double standard.

  • 30. 0 0
    A useful tip for...
    • Iggy of Ophir
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:28

    ...would-be statesmen: "Standing Tall" requires more than adding "lifts" to your footgear.

  • 29. 0 0
    Nonsense, the US is awaiting a RESPONSE to its request for clari
    • Bob Hartley
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:25

    as to what Israel wants and are are willing to contribute regarding the PEACE procces. Netanyahu doesn't have much to present. He is after all a man that hates taking descisions, but he will have to anyhow, sooner or later. He isn't ready to give barack Obama the bad news yet and he hasn't got the guts to give him any good news. As for the nuclear conference if Israels nukes aren't addressed...it will be a failure to everybody present and a signal that the US President isn't yet ready to be serious about the problem. China and Russia will ONLY get onboard Iran sanctions IF Israels nuclear weapons are included.

  • 28. 0 0
    As if sdtaying away would make the "problem" go away
    • Scott Hunter
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:16

    The "problem" being that there is a double standard and as long as that prevails, everybody will notice it and act accordingly. Israel will have to be brought into the equation. Kicking and screaming if neccessary, the sooner the better.

  • 27. 0 0
    Netanyahu cancels trip to U.S nuclear summit
    • David Zohar
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:09

    Really ashamed of our Prime Minister for backing of from the U.S nuclear summit meeting. Whole world will look at our country as if we are hiding something and certainly wasn't a good step that he made.

  • 26. 0 0
    What a novel idea....
    • One
    • 09.04.10
    • 02:05

    that all countries in the ME be free of nuclear weapons. No nukes for Israel and Pakistan, no nukes for Iran, Syria, Egypt, etc. We all know Israel will never agree to the NPT, even though over 190 countries have signed up. It would be rather embarrassing for Bibi to attend and explain why Israel will not sign up. Many countries that do have nukes (US, Russia, China, UK, France) have signed up.

  • 25. 0 0
  • 24. 0 0
    Cant israel be honest already?
    • sam
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:55

    it's not like nobody knows they have the bomb. Just sign the effing NPT like every other semi civilized nation. India, Pakistan and Israel, none of which are failed states, should still show the international commitment that the US, USSR/Russia, PRC, UK, France, and every non-nuclear nation in the world has shown.

  • 23. 0 0
    BIBI BY NOT GOING IS IPSO FACTO ADMITTING THAT ISRAEL HAS NUKES.
    • EL
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:52

    The veil has now been removed!

  • 22. 0 0
    Some Good Company Israel:
    • jims peep
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:51

    India, Pakistan and North Korea Are these the countries that Israel is the light unto?

  • 21. 0 0
    strength of a country
    • Clifford
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:43

    The only thing the countries of the Middle east understand is strength. You must stand strong amoungst those other countries that are trying to destroy you. And the only way to deter them from destroying you is the sign of your strength. If they see weakness they will want to over run Israel. Dont listen to Obama and other world leaders. If you have nuclear weapons keep them to deter the enemy.

  • 20. 0 0
    Good for you Bibi
    • John Ibrahim Ehud
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:39

    Nothing to gain from this meeting, snubbing is the new fashion in Washington these days. The country you lead may be small but it is proud , hard working in every field, a miraculous achievement. Dont' go and waste your last resort defence system for the sake of a biased president hell bent on weakening the USA and friend in favour of terrorists.

  • 19. 0 0
    decision
    • jake
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:35

    Think this to be a good move by Bibi. Has very little to gain so why become a target for the momentum gathering movement for a nuclear free ME.

  • 18. 0 0
    Bibi
    • MAN
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:23

    Bibi found his Beitzim, Watch out Obama!

  • 17. 0 0
    Olmert Blew the Ambiguity
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:22

    Olmert made the announcement. If I recall, he is a former PM. there is no ambiguity except as to the numbers of Israeli weapons and whether Israel is proliferating.

  • 16. 0 0
    NUKES
    • NO NKUES
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:21

    KAHBIBI YOU WANT TO ROB IRAN FROM HER NUKES BUT YOU WANT TO KEEP YOURS. NO KHABIBI THIS IS NOT ON.NO NUKES FOR EACH ONE AND EVERYONE.

  • 15. 0 0
    PM chickenned out - as he should
    • American
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:11

    Israel ... no place to hide. You are exposed .

  • 14. 0 0
    Israel is totally irrational
    • Dr. Mamilla
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:10

    I must admit that this, if anything,crystallizes that Israel considers itself above the law. What are they thinking such that they don't attend a meeting because they will asked to sign NPT? Isn't that pretty rudimentary and basic? I think any momentum on criticizing Iran's nuclear program, just dissipated once and for all. This is close to a farce!!!

  • 13. 0 0
    Another scrap of paper
    • Morris Valentine
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:07

    'One hundred eighty-nine countries, including all Arab states, are party to the NPT.' And yet Iraq, Syria, and Iran have all at some point seen fit to violate it. Better for Israel to stay out and avoid the charade altogether. The NPT is obviously a scrap of paper so far as the rogue states are concerned.

  • 12. 0 0
    Israel's Nuclear Weapons
    • Nezam
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:05

    If Israel can have nuclear weapons then Jordan,Iraq, Syria and Egypt should have the same. Iran does not need nuclear weapons.Who is Iran afraid of? It takes 4 Arab states to couter Israel's ability, assuming none of the 4 has a traitor.

  • 11. 0 0
    Haha! It's like dodging the bill collectors!
    • Natallie Durson
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:04

    There is no more fitting symbol of Israel today than Bibi trying to dodge his responsibilities. Not so long ago, he was Cheerleader and chief advisor to the IAEA telling them how to deal with Irans nuclear ambitions. Now he is holed up in Israel trying to avoid talk about Israels own secret nuclear arsenal.

  • 10. 0 0
    reasonable Arabs
    • Elisabeth
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:03

    So Netanyahu (aka Milikovsky) canceled the trip for fear Egypt and Turkey would demand that Israel sign up to the international Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?! What a scandal indeed: Just imagine Israel being treated as any other nation! Of course Israel's nuclear program and Iran's nuclear program are linked: Banning nuclear weapons from the Middle East cannot succeed if Israel?s arsenal is not also included negotioations. ?Some delegations initially called for allowing a few Arab countries to possess nuclear weapons if Israel does not join the NPT within a certain period of time, but that proposal was left out of closing remarks.? Let no-one ever tell me again that ?the Arabs? are not reasonable! Too reasonable sometimes, as seems to be the case in this matter.

  • 9. 0 0
    Israel should stay home.
    • Lou Medel
    • 09.04.10
    • 01:00

    "One hundred eighty-nine countries, including all Arab states, are party to the NPT. Only Israel, India, Pakistan and North Korea are not." And Israel has the nerve to point the finger? Guess where you can stick your finger, treacherous hypocrite. Meridor can stay home also, send Mr. Vanunu Salaam/Shalom

  • 8. 0 0
    we already know the rules don't apply to israel
    • me
    • 09.04.10
    • 00:59

    "One hundred eighty-nine countries, including all Arab states, are party to the NPT. Only Israel, India, Pakistan and North Korea are not. " oh no! god forbid israel joins the rest of the world.

  • 7. 0 0
    God is a God of peace
    • the next 7 years
    • 09.04.10
    • 00:57

    is a fair amount of time for the Arabs to prove that Israel no longer needs defensive weapons.

  • 6. 0 0
    Coward...
    • yezmar
    • 09.04.10
    • 00:56

    Bibi now realizes his smoke and mirrors don't work on Obama...Israel had no business being there anyways. Looks like Obama is fencing Israel in..without acknowledging what you have you will never have a chance of being in the UN..this is just the first hurdle he put out...Obama still has over 2.5 years to turn the screws on Bibi..should be entertaining.

  • 5. 0 0
    Chicken
    • jmundstuk
    • 09.04.10
    • 00:48

    This helps US ME policy, helps also strengthen Israeli sane middle, imho.

  • 4. 0 0
    good thinking bibi! now they will talk about you w/o you being
    • there...think it
    • 09.04.10
    • 00:45

    wont come up? all those illegal nukes? i think you are dreaming again

  • 3. 0 0
    Self Parody....
    • Prufrock
    • 09.04.10
    • 00:42

    Israel's participation in a nuclear summit is a joke. Bibi needs to stay home for a while.

  • 2. 0 0
    Who would trust assurances of Hussein Obama ?
    • Absolute Sweden
    • 09.04.10
    • 00:28

    Who would trust assurances of US Presidents ? Johnson "couldn't find" US assurances on freedom of sailing trought Tirana Straits in 67 ,just precipitating the 67 War. The assuranceswere received from Eisenhower in 1956 in return for Israeli withdrawal from Sinai. President Bush gave his "assurances " to Israel in return for withdrawal from Gaza. Assurances nixed by Bambi who now gives his own "assurances " to Israel

  • 1. 0 0
    For a nuclear-free ME
    • Osama
    • 09.04.10
    • 00:27

    And it is because of this, the world should stand unite against the so-called "secret" known nuclear power of Israel that threatens the safety and security of people in the middle east. Thats a real threat which should be stopped immediately.