Reading Mitt Romney's Foreign policy manifesto, i came to a conclusion, that these principles in details, are similar to the vision PM Netanyahu layed out over the past two and a half years, something that could strengthen the personal relationship between these two leaders, if in fact Mitt Romney wins the Republican nomination and the presidency, below are a few quotes, matched with Netanyahu's recent statements:
Israel-peace process:
Romney:
"President Obama for too long has been in the grip of several illusions. One is that the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is the central problem in the region. This has been disproved repeatedly by events, most recently and most dramatically by the eruption of the Arab Spring....The key to negotiating a lasting peace is an Israel that knows it will be secure.
"Peace between Israelis and Palestinians is a vital need for us. Peace would be the realization of a powerful and eternal dream.
But it is not a panacea for the endemic problems of the Middle East. It's time to recognize this basic truth: Israel is not what's wrong about the Middle East. Israel is what's right about the Middle East.
Some argue that if we want to slow down the spread of militant Islam, especially in these turbulent times, Israel must hurry and make concessions. Their theory sounds simple: Leave the territory, and peace will be advanced. The moderates will be strengthened, the radicals will be kept at bay. And don't worry about the pesky details of how Israel will actually defend itself; international troops will do the job.
These people constantly say to me: Just make a sweeping offer, and everything will work out. There's only one problem with that theory. We've tried it, and it hasn't worked.
Romney:
Israel is the United States’ closest ally in the Middle East and a beacon of democracy and freedom in the region. The tumult in the Middle East has heightened Israel’s security problems. Indeed, this is an especially dangerous moment for the Jewish state.
"The upheaval in the Arab world is a political and security earthquake which we have not seen the end of, In this situation, more than ever, we need to ensure that we have solid security foundations upon which to defend the state of Israel.’’
Romney:
To ensure Israel’s security, Mitt Romney will work closely with Israel to maintain it strategic military edge.
"I want to express Israel's gratitude for all you are doing to help strengthen Israel and the great alliance that Israel has with America. You helped maintain our qualitative military edge..."
Romney:
"The United States will work intensively with Turkey and Egypt to shore up the now fraying relationships with Israel that have underpinned peace in the Middle East for decades. The United States must forcefully resist the emergence of anti-Israel policies in Turkey and Egypt, and work to make clear that their interests are not served by isolating Israel."
"We will continue to keep the peace with Egypt. This is in the common interest of both countries. We will work toward preventing a further deterioration in our relationship with Turkey. We did not choose this sequence of events. To the extent that the matter depends upon us, we shall act to lower tensions and do everything possible to restore relations."
Romney:
"The key to negotiating a lasting peace is an Israel that knows it will be secure"
"The only peace that will hold is a peace you can defend. So peace must be anchored in security."
Romney:
"As president, Romney will reject any measure that would frustrate direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. He will make clear to the Palestinians that the unilateral attempt to decide issues that are designated for final negotiations by the Oslo Accords is unacceptable."
"The truth is that we cannot achieve peace through UN resolutions but only through direct negotiations between the parties."
Romney:
The United States will reduce assistance to the Palestinians if they continue to pursue United Nations recognition or form a unity government that includes Hamas, a terrorist group dedicated to Israel’s destruction.
"You can't have peace with both Israel and Hamas, Choose peace with Israel.
Romney:
"Israel’s existence as a Jewish state is not up for debate."
"Our conflict has never been about the establishment of a Palestinian state. It has always been about the existence of the Jewish state...this must come to an end. President Abbas must do what I have done. I stood before my people, and I said: "I will accept a Palestinian state." It is time for President Abbas to stand before his people and say: "I will accept a Jewish state"..Those six words will change history."
On Iran:
Romney:
As president, Mitt Romney’s strategy will be to end Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon, eliminate the threat of Iranian nuclear terrorism against the United States and our allies, and prevent nuclear proliferation across the Middle East. U.S. policy toward Iran must begin with an understanding on Iran’s part that a military option to deal with their nuclear program remains on the table. This message should not only be delivered through words, but through actions. The United States should restore the regular presence of aircraft carrier task forces in both the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf region simultaneously. The United States should repair relations with Israel, increase military coordination and assistance, and enhance intelligence sharing to ensure that our allied capabilities are robust and ready to deal with Iran."
"Only if Iran understands that the United States is utterly determined when we say that their nuclear-weapons program is unacceptable is there a possibility that they will give up their nuclear aspirations peacefully."
"A nuclear-armed Iran would ignite a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. It would give terrorists a nuclear umbrella. It would make the nightmare of nuclear terrorism a clear and present danger throughout the world."
"You have to ratchet up the pressure and ... I don't think that this pressure will be sufficient to have this regime change course without a credible military option that is put before them by the international community led by the United States,"
"The more Iran believes that all options are on the table, the less the chance of confrontation. This is why I ask you to continue to send an unequivocal message: that America will never permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons.