Dear media. NO! Israel is not "wondering why Biden hasn't called yet." Netanyahu is not stupid & his memory works just fine.He remembers games HE played with Obama & Biden; announcing sensitive plans that were still being negotiated. He remembers their differences on key issues:
A smart tactical politician, Bibi knows why the call hasn't come. He remembers upstaging Obama and Biden on many issues. He remembers major differences on Iran nuclear deal, status of Jerusalem & response to Arab Spring. There were also power plays and sabotage, by HIM. Remember
Remember the bipartisan flashpoint? A Republican led Congress inviting Netanyahu to address the House without speaking to President Obama? Just courtesy to inform the leader of the country. Rude & condescending. Netanyahu LOVED it! Obama and Biden didnt.
Remember the absolute pettiness & upmanship by Netanyahu after meeting with Obama at White House? Meeting ran over time & Obama had another engagement. They agreed that Bibi and team would be hosted in the Roosevelt Room, whilst Obama quickly clears the other engagement.
Obama returned to Netanyahu. They resumed meeting. But whilst he was gone, the sly Netanyahu (obviously his aides, with his endorsement) leaked to the press that Obama had snubbed him & kept himwaiting. Absolute lie. But headlines screamed with condemnation. Obama was frustrated
Netanyahu could not have been happier. And when Biden was visiting Israel on a goodwill mission, Netanyahu's government chose THAT moment to announce permits for expansion of new settlements in East Jerusalem. They had previously agreed to pause the expansion. Biden was livid.
The new permits created impression that his visit to Israel was for that purpose. Biden had been outfoxed by Netanyahu. Palestinians believed Obama administration was in on it. So now that I have substantiated, I return to my main point. Netanyahu is not having sleepless nights
He is not "wondering why Biden hasn't called." He knows EXACTLY why. Power plays are his language. No doubt, he is already plotting his revenge. So media should not report as if there's no context & history.
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