IS OBAMA STABBING ISRAEL IN THE BACK? (Updated)

Power Line  "That’s what Anne Bayefsky thinks:"

Over the course of a week in which the president spoke frequently on the subject of Iran, one message stood out. By vociferously arguing that his administration’s brand of diplomacy is realistically capable of ending Iran’s efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, and that views to the contrary are irresponsible war-mongering, Obama is attempting to undermine the legality of an Israeli strike.

.... "Bayefsky reminds us that the Obama administration has been saying for years that time is running out for the mullahs to demonstrate that they are not building an offensive nuclear capacity. These are just two of the examples she cites:"...
"If Israel can’t wait until November, then presumably it will call Obama’s bluff, take whatever action is necessary, and count on the overwhelming support of American voters. It is true, as Bayefsky says, that Obama’s insistence on the viability of diplomacy implies that any action by Israel would be “illegal” under international “law.” But if the crisis comes, Obama will fall into line. Not to do so would lessen his chances for re-election."

Prime minister's AIPAC address for 2012

     Tel-Chai Nation

Does the president really ‘have Israel’s back’?  "At a time when Iran is defying IAEA inspectors and is closer than ever to a nuclear weapons capability, robust investment in Israeli missile defense would help reassure our ally that it has the no-kidding backing of the world’s most powerful military.

"Increasing funding to improve these programs would send a strong, reassuring message to all our allies, not just Israel. It would signal that being on the side of the U.S. is a winning proposition. For Iran and the rest of our foes, the message would be: aggression against a U.S. ally means it must also contend with the U.S.

"But the president did not increase funding to Israeli missile defense programs in his FY 2013 budget. He halved it."....

"The president needs to demonstrate his commitment to Israel in practical ways. Paying lip service in an election year doesn’t cut it."

israel matzav: When the chips are down, the only back Obama has is his own  "What does President Obama mean when he says he's got Israel's back?"Here's an ad from the Emergency Committee for Israel. Let's go to the videotape."

White House Denies Report of Deal With Israel Over Iran  "The White House said Thursday that President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in their meetings this week, did not discuss Israel’s reported request for advanced U.S. military equipment that could be used against Iran."