Netanyahu speech to U.S. Congress: Preaching to the choir

[Jefferson23]

The prime minister's speech left him in the best position: the coalition is unified behind him, most of the public support his position in the polls, and his freedom of action is preserved. What more can a politician ask for?

By Aluf Benn

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left untarnished from his speech at the United States Congress. He promised nothing and nothing he said will complicate him politically. This is Netanyahu's favorite situation: the coalition is unified behind him, most of the public support his position in the polls, and his freedom of action is preserved. What more can a politician ask for?

The viewpoint that Netanyahu presented on Capitol Hill, like his speech at the Knesset last week, is designed to re-strengthen his position as the right-wing leader in Israel – pushing aside contender Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Netanyahu wants to appear as someone who sticks to his opinions in the face of attacks, and doesn't fold under pressure from U.S. President Barak Obama.

"In Judea and Samaria, the Jewish people are not foreign occupiers," Netanyahu said to the sound of cheers from the senators and congress members. The Palestinians alone are to blame in perpetuating the conflict, due to their refusal to recognize a Jewish state, Netanyahu said. More applause.

remainder in full: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-speech-to-u-s-congress-preaching-to-the-choir-1.363873