Israel should not have to question America's commitment (Rep. Tom Price)

In just over a week, the Obama Administration has successfully called into question the United States’ unwavering commitment to the people of Israel and further progress in the Middle East peace process. The Administration began with an inappropriate response to Israel’s announced plan to construct new homes in Jerusalem – claiming the White House was 'insulted' by Israel’s timing on the announcement. The President determined this was reason enough to condemn our strongest ally in the Middle East. That was followed by an unprecedented cold-shoulder for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Here the media was shut out and the two leaders had what has been reported as a less than cordial exchange.

Being honest and straightforward with our allies is an important part of international diplomacy. But delegitimizing Israel through a series of public rebukes will only strain the US-Israeli relationship which significantly undermines the peace process. Moreover, we make our ally the target of additional rhetorical barbs lobbed by its neighbors in the region – namely Jordan’s King Abdullah II who felt it appropriate to get on board in denouncing Israel’s actions. It is deeply troubling when misguided statements by the White House are parroted by other nations in the region. 

This type of hostility by the Obama Administration toward our longtime ally only puts undue strain on the Middle East peace process. And it emboldens Israel’s enemies – nations like Iran that have called for the destruction of Israel and whose nuclear ambitions are a threat to the safety and security of all nations in the region.  There are very real consequences to alienating our allies. It threatens their survival and calls into question our commitment to those nations that embrace freedom as opposed to those who eschew liberty and threaten it.

Under the guise of change and a new way of thinking, the Obama Administration has chosen to publicly distance itself from Israel at a time when our two nations must stand firmly together against the growing threat of Iran and the terrorist activities of organizations like Hamas, which has made no overtures toward a legitimate peace process. Israel should not have to question America’s commitment to its security unless we are prepared to let the world begin to question it as well.