JTF.ORG Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: mord on August 28, 2008, 08:45:28 AM
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http://yidwithlid.blogspot.com/2008/08/biden-threatened-to-cut-off-aid-to.html
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Biden Threatened to Cut off Aid to Israel
This may give some insight into Joe Biden's approach to Israel. Back in March 1992 Moshe Zak recounted that the Senator made the mistake of Confronting Prime Minister Menachem Begin (June 22 1982) during his Senate foreign relations committee testimony. After Biden threatened to cut off aid to Israel. Begin just let him have it. Read this report of their confrontation, that was published by Soccer Dad almost two years ago (way to think ahead Dave) and another recount of the issue from Time Magazine 7/5/1982:
When Jewish Leaders Could Stand Up To The US
But Biden is a politician, and while he may make a show of his support of Israel now, Daniel Freedman recalls an encounter between Joe Biden and Prime Minister Menachem Begin, when Biden was somewhat less vocal in his support of Israel.
When hearing the name Biden, we always think of the famous exchange between Biden and Prime Minister Begin. As Moshe Zak recounted in a March 13, 1992, piece in the Jerusalem Post:
In a conversation with Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, after a sharp confrontation in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the subject of the settlements, Begin defined himself as "a proud Jew who does not tremble with fear" when speaking with foreign statesmen.
During that committee hearing, at the height of the Lebanon War, Sen. John [sic] Biden (Delaware) had attacked Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria and threatened that if Israel did not immediately cease this activity, the US would have to cut economic aid to Israel.
When the senator raised his voice and banged twice on the table with his fist, Begin commented to him: "This desk is designed for writing, not for fists. Don't threaten us with slashing aid. Do you think that because the US lends us money it is entitled to impose on us what we must do? We are grateful for the assistance we have received, but we are not to be threatened. I am a proud Jew. Three thousand years of culture are behind me, and you will not frighten me with threats. Take note: we do not want a single soldier of yours to die for us."
After the meeting, Sen. Moynihan approached Begin and praised him for his cutting reply. To which Begin answered with thanks, defining his stand against threats.
Time Magazine had a similar recap of the incident, this is from the July 5, 1982 Issue
Senator Joseph Biden, a Delaware Democrat, jabbing his finger at Begin, warned that U.S. support for Israel was eroding. Begin shouted back: "Don't threaten us with cutting off aid to give up our principles!
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Chaim would in fact welcome this.
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OH LOOK HERE IT IS IN TIME MAGAZINE http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,925497-6,00.html
Senator Joseph Biden, a Delaware Democrat, jabbing his finger at Begin, warned that U.S. support for Israel was eroding. Begin shouted back: "Don't threaten us with cutting off aid to give up our principles!"
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Chaim would in fact welcome this.
Yes thats true but their trying to portray Biden as a mainstream friend of Israel,this Biden did in anger would he dare talk that way to all his Islamic fund raisers
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Would there be a problem if the USA stops all aid to (only) Israel?
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I would welcome this as well, but not at the behest of that animal scumbag Joe Biden. His intentions are to destroy Israel, not see it become self-sufficient.
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Would there be a problem if the USA stops all aid to (only) Israel?
Well the U.S. aid to Egypt is almost the same plus add in Jordan and yes even military aid to the Phillistines, yes the arabs of Israel and yehuda and shomron are really aegean people in disguise ;D ;D
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Senator Joseph Biden, a Delaware Democrat, jabbing his finger at Begin, warned that U.S. support for Israel was eroding. Begin shouted back: "Don't threaten us with cutting off aid to give up our principles!
Just a few observations about this story, and some speculation about Begin's stand.
From the date (June 22 1982) in the articles quoted, it appears this incident occurred almost exactly a year after Israel acted decisively and destroyed the nuclear reactor in Osirak Iraq, (June 1981) - without U.S. consent or knowledge. Begin showed great leadership by ordering the raid on Osirak. Begin also did a wonderful job in defending Israel's actions in the face of world condemnation. It should be noted that Israel's fantastic action took the USA completely by surprise, and had the Jew haters James Baker and George Bush in Reagan's cabinet so outraged that they actually urged the U.S. to bomb Israel in retaliation !! Thankfully, President Reagan dismissed this idea and listened to General Alexander Haig, who told the President "before this is over, we'll be on our hands and knees thanking G-d, Israel took this action".
Now, several months later, Begin is being pressured not to continue or expand the 'settlement' enterprise, and once again he does the right thing by standing up to Biden.
Could it be that Begin in his heart of hearts knew he had made a terrible and tragic mistake by allowing himself to be pressured into signing the 'peace' agreement with Egypt several years earlier under the Carter administration ?
Was Begin's firm resolve in standing up to Biden a reflection of the realization that he had erred earlier in abandoning the Sinai and evidence that he was committed to not making the same mistake again ?
I'd like to think so.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Menachem Begin. I think he was a truly great man. It's so unfortunate that his legacy was tarnished by his tragic mistake of shaking hands and making agreements with the despicable Jimmy Carter and Sadat.
Stories like these emphasize why Israel should never cave into pressure from the USA or anyone else.
"Don't threaten us with cutting off aid to give up our principles!
Sticking to principles, what a wonderful and novel idea !
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Does this mean we can cut off things of his? ??? :::D