MR. NETANYAHU IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO ISRAELI SECURITY

Next week the Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Netanyahu will address the joint session of US congress. It is expected that he would tell congress that the peace deal being negotiated by the US President Mr. Obama is wrong and must be changed. He might propose the “right” foreign policies US would pursue.

Mr. Obama has made it clear that he would not meet with Netanyahu during the visit and some democrats have indicated that they may not attend the joint sessions.

Mr. Netanyahu was invited by the Republican leadership in Congress to address Congress in a spur of the moment decision to spite President Obama. They have therefore accomplished their goal of “shaming” Obama before the Jewish Lobby. And the Israeli Prime Minister has accepted. Inviting and accepting the invitation are the easy things, and now comes the heavy lifting.

No matter what the prime minister says and does the greatest loser will be Netanyahu and Israel. Congress may give directions but the executive must carry it out and no US president –Democrat or Republican- would countenance the idea that he reports to an Israeli Prime Minister or carries out his policy. Many Americans including Jews would resent a president who does such a thing. A president who dares to carry out a policy imposed by a foreign head of government could do so reluctantly at best. This would not be in the interest of Israel.

One factor in what is called Islamic terrorism, but which I call Mideast terrorism is the Israeli connection. The terrorists believe that the West especially US is under Israeli occupation or that US is an Israeli territory. Such beliefs fuel the attacks of on US and the West. When the prime minister of Israel abrogates the US executive policy no further proof of Israeli's authority over US is needed, especially when it is done so openly. The attack on US becomes justified as an attack on Israel.

Domestically the matter would divide US badly. Those who believe that US/Israeli alliance is of equals and indissoluble and benefits both countries would form a faction. Those who believe that the relationship is that of master and servant, with Israel as the master, and that the relationship simply benefits Israel and costs US too much would form another faction. Each faction would become entrenched. A divided US would be less useful to Israel and less protective of Israel. Anti-Semitism is a possible output. And we know that as US goes so goes the rest of the West.

The invitation was hastily offered on the whim of Republican Leaders in congress and was just as hastily accepted by the prime minister. Both failed to think through their hasty decisions. But there is still time to try to mend fences. Mr. Netanyahu is in the best position to mend fences. He should find any excuse to address the congress at another time. His doctors could advise him that he is incapable of travelling or his party could say that he should remain behind and organize the upcoming election.

He should avoid Washington DC now as if it is infected by Ebola.

Written by Benjamin Obiajulu Aduba.