UPDATED – Rep. Jerrold Nadler, one of Israel’s most ardent supporters in Congress, today criticized House Speaker John Boehner’s invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to address congress without consulting the Obama Administration first, but stopped short of saying Netanyahu should not give his speech.
Per the U. S. Constitution, foreign policy falls under the executive branch of government, and the president both formulates foreign policy and is the commander in chief of the armed forces. As such, protocol call for the president to make the call of whenever another state head addresses congress.
Boehner gave the invitation to Netanyahu without first informing the Obama administration.
“The Prime Minister of Israel, our key strategic ally and friend in the Middle East, is always welcome in the United States. And indeed the Israeli Prime Minister has a moral imperative to give his view to the world about Iran’s looming and very real threat to Israel, and to voice his concern that a potential nuclear deal, if it were too weak, would pose great danger to both our countries. It is in the interest of the United States that we listen to these views very carefully,” said Nadler.
“However, Speaker Boehner, in extending an invitation to address Congress at this time and without appropriate consultation with the Administration and both parties in the House and Senate as diplomatic protocol demands, has shown his true colors. He has demonstrated that he is willing to play childish games with our most serious questions of war and peace, and is equally willing to put partisan advantage over Israel’s security. That the Speaker would seek to undermine the historic bi-partisan support for Israel in this way is a an unprecedented, reprehensible act worthy of condemnation by both sides of the aisle, and from all friends of Israel.
“True friends of Israel understand that bi-partisan support — going back to Harry Truman — has been essential for the safety of Israel and to the success of the US-Israel strategic partnership. And particularly given the fact that Israel is currently facing its most serious threats from all sides, by terrorists and terrorist states alike, that bi-partisan consensus is more important than ever. It would be very wise for both parties to this invitation to consider measures to mitigate the damage this political maneuvering has inflicted.
“Despite the Speaker’s inappropriate actions, I am confident that Members of good will in both parties will continue to build the historic bi-partisan consensus that has ensured that Congress remains a bedrock of support in a strong US-Israel relationship.”
Nadler’s district includes parts of Boro Park, Bensonhurst, Red Hook and Coney Island.
