- French President Nicolas Sarkozy and U.S. President Obama at the G20 summit (Photo: France 2/ AFP/ Getty Images)
In an unfortunate example of not knowing when your microphone is on, French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “liar” and said he “cannot stand” him while speaking privately to President Barack Obama after the two leaders held a joint press conference at the G20 summit in France on Monday.
Sadly, President Obama responded, “you’re fed up with him, but I have to deal with him every day!”
The French President, in his on-the-record comments, told reporters that France firmly opposes Iran’s nuclear program and that he supports further sanctions against Iran, and he hinted that France would come to Israel’s aid and would not “stand by idly” if it were attacked by Iran. President Obama has made similar pronouncements.
These statements of support notwithstanding, Sarkozy and Obama’s conversation shows that if there’s anything that the Jewish people have learned – or should have learned – over the course of their triumphant history, is not to place their destiny in the hands of strangers. As we learn in Psalm 117, “it is better to take refuge in God than to rely on man. It is better to take refuge in God than to rely on nobles.”
Israel has many enemies today. And, as we see from Sarkozy and Obama’s gaffe, even Israel’s allies make statements and implement policies that call into question their continued support of the Jewish State – and are sometimes downright offensive and insulting. But, thankfully, today, the Jewish people do have friends who are unwavering in their support for Israel – most notably our wonderful Christian friends. And those friends help best when they help us to defend ourselves – through prayer, charity, and activism. We’re so grateful for all you do!
What do you think?
1:09 pm
Just remember that when you are the head of a nation and the whole word hangs on your every word espesicially all the bad ones this sometimes causes a considerable discomfort because you don’t know who is going to take anything you say and run with it as far as they can. or just imagine this that your the leader of a nation where virtually every neighbor utterly depises you because of your nationality and feels that you don’t have any right to exsist this can influence a mere man to walk with a persona that may seem arogant as well as proud and demanding .But just remmember that hes just a mere man and not anything else so try to understand that. when you yourself are leader you to sometimes carry yourself in such a way that may seem very forward to those who see you and you don’t even realize your doing it. So give the leader of Israel a break he’s a good man with veru real concerns that we all need to consider as he navigates through this world.
5:42 am
Whoever distances himself/ herself from the God that created the heaven and the earth, will be oblivious of the history of Israel. God will fulfill His plans.
12:30 am
Pray for our Jewish friends. Its sad that so called friends act that way . We are fast heading towards Christs return . When my people are surrounded look up for your redemption is near
1:17 am
I am in total agreement you can tell by the signs of the times Christs return is near!
8:24 pm
Politicians. Who can trust them? I am encouraged though to read of the importance of trusting rather in God’s Word via Psalm 117, “it is better to take refuge in God than to rely on man. It is better to take refuge in God than to rely on nobles.”
Surely these short but powerful reminders of Adonai’s Presence, especially during the difficult times is indeed worthy of praise and honor for the God of Grace Who purifies with His Word of Truth.
However, let us not become prideful in our discussion of these issues. Both President O’Bama and French President Sarkozy need our love and prayers as they continue to lead our two countries. After all, we are still allies with Israel in a most troubled world.
3:32 pm
Mr.Sarkozy:
Before you critize Benjamin Netanyhu, you better go and learn Israeli history, because you don’t know anything about Israel. About Obama, we all know that he doesn’t like Israel. If you and Obama want to smear Israel,You and Obama can go Tete a tete, because one day you would need our AIDS.
Think before you critize our country.
10:41 pm
WARS & RUMORS OF WAR-EARTH QUAKES IN DIVERSE PLACES, LOOK UP EVERYTHING THAT WAS TO COME TRUE HAS ALREADY HAPPENED, ONLY 1 MORE THING HAS TO HAPPEN. CHECK OUT WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS.
8:52 am
Obama is a cancer to the USA. I look forward to the elections in 2012. Both President Sarkozy and Obama owe an apology to the State of Israel. Both men are a joke!!
2:54 pm
Jamie, their comments paint Israel’s PM in a negative light when it is the arabs who are causing injustice throughout the whole world and these leaders make grade school level comments!NOT QUALIFIED
6:20 am
I so disagree with the portrayal and perception of Sarkozy’s private statements, as well as President Obama’s endorsement of it. Neither one of these leaders said anything against Israel, and for others to immediately jump to that conclusion indicates incredible, shameful bias. Sarkozy was harsh toward Netanyahu, and Obama shared nothing but his frustation only. They said nothing against Israel. Many reports have surfaced from reliable journalists and people that have worked, or known, Netanyahu, over the years, about how exacerbating his personality can be. People may not like Obama, or Bush, or other American politicians, but that does not necessarily mean that they hate America. We need to learn, or at least be reminded, that you may dislike, or even disagree with someone, but that does not mean you hate them, or will not support their country. All these kinds of attitudes do is sow the seeds of division. Long live Israel, and her great people; that is my hope and prayer, always. But let us remember that people are entitled to their feelings, especially with such difficult and emotionally-laden issues on the table. Am I, or others, to think that just because you don’t like Sarkozy, or Obama, that you also hate France, or the U.S.? If we are truly Israel’s friend, then let us remember to be objective, otherwise any wisdom the Lord tries to give us, could become clouded. But most of all, I am glad we all love and support Israel; even if we have disagreements, or different perceptions of people. And let us also be reminded that both political parties in the U.S., Republicans and Democrats alike, have always stood with Israel. Please don’t discount the very people who are on you side, just because they don’t line up politically, exactly, like you may wish. I don’t discount you, and in would be wrong if I did.
7:53 am
Well said Jamie. Well said.
9:00 am
when we do not know all the facts we may have all the good intentions but we do not know really who these two leaders are. These leaders, if they are supporters of Israel will be seen by their fruits.
6:13 pm
I am not surprised about Obama comments
about Netanyahu who strongly supports
Israel’interests.Obama it emotionally
and ideologically incapable of understanding.
He was a reverend WRight church.