Monday, May 31, 2010

Crisis shows Obama's change of tone towards Israel improved - WH: Obama Netanyahu, Rescheduling Talks

Ben Smith Politico:"....indicates that the U.S. is taking its traditionally very different course from its European allies and others, who are condemning Israeli actions off Gaza as the U.S. affirms its relationship and withholds judgment.."

(Newsmax).President Barack Obama has agreed to reschedule a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in light of the deadly Israeli commando raid on ships bringing aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

The White House said Obama talked by telephone with Netanyahu on Monday and that the president "understood the prime minister's decision to return immediately to Israel to deal with today's events."

The statement issued by administration officials accompanying Obama on his visit to Illinois said the pair agreed to reschedule their meeting "at the first opportunity." It also said Obama expressed "deep regret" over the loss of life and cited "the importance of learning all the facts and circumstances" behind the incident.