Posted on 12/10/2015 7:41:40 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump said Thursday that he is canceling his trip to Israel, one day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized his proposed ban on Muslims entering the U.S.
"I have decided to postpone my trip to Israel and to schedule my meeting with @Netanyahu at a later date after I become president of the U.S.," he tweeted.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu joined international condemnation of Trump's plan to halt Muslim travel to America.
"The state of Israel respects all religion and adheres to the rights of all citizens," Netanyahu said in a statement.
"At the same time, Israel is fighting radical Islam which is attacking Muslims, Christians and Jews alike and threatens the entire world," Netanyahu added.
Speaking on Fox News immediately after his announcement, Trump said Netanyahu was "a good man," and he didn’t want to put him under any pressure.
"I also did it as I'm in the midst of a very powerful campaign," Trump said. "I decided I'd rather focus on that."
The prime minister had confirmed that his invitation to Trump remained open despite global outrage towards his policy suggestion, which came out Monday evening.
"The prime minister decided earlier this year on a uniform policy to agree to meet with all presidential candidates from either party who visit Israel and ask for a meeting," Netanyahu's office said in the statement. "This policy does not represent an endorsement of any candidate or his or her views."
Trump initially scheduled his journey to Israel for meeting Netanyahu two weeks ago.
Trump has argued that the measure is an appropriate step for countering jihadist terrorism. Critics say it is both impractical and unconstitutional.
Trump on Thursday criticized President Obama's handling of U.S.-Israel relations during his time in the Oval Office.
"The worst thing that ever happened to Israel is Barack Obama," the outspoken billionaire said.
Netanyahu should not have chimed in on this
Muslims who want to enter the USA ARE *NOT* CITIZENS (with ‘rights’)
And THE HELL WITH “Global Outrage”
I am outraged that muslim fanatics are chopping peoples’ heads off, where is the “Global Outrage” for that?
But also understand PM Bibi that the USA had a horrible terror incident a week ago yesterday in CA, and of all places, at a pre-Christmas party. We Jews and Christians should do our holy days/holidays in peace.
However, if he had supported Trump’s position, I have no doubt you guys would be virtually high fiving all over this forum.
I am not surprised by this, Israel has been dealing in the last couple of months with the knive attacks.
Really shocked by Bibi’s reaction, but then again, he’s always tried to err on the side of caution and be level-headed with everything.
In his mind, he knows Trump is right IMHO.
I thought his tweet said “postpone”, not cancel.
Let’s remember: Hussein didn’t go to Israel during his entire first 4 years after seizing power. Valerie must’ve said “no”.
Indeed, we applaud when politicians get it right.
The Nazis always picked Jewish holidays for their actions.
"At the same time, Israel is fighting radical Islam which is attacking Muslims, Christians and Jews alike and threatens the entire world," Netanyahu added.
Israel has a big domestic Muslim problem and it is growing. What else could Bibi say about the Trump proposal than what he said? Demography is destiny.
Israel: Jewish 75%, Muslim 17.5%, Christian 2%, Druze 1.6%, other 3.9% (2013 est.)
Probably more Israeli deaths if he allowed Trump to visit after the overheated coverage of this issue.
And the right thing for Trump to have done, would have been to keep his scheduled meeting with Netanyahu, yet his anger (as usual) took over.
I don’t think Bibi needs any more lectures - he faces terrorism every day with the help of our dear leader.
When almost 18% of your population is Muslim, it should not be surprising. Moreover, Israel has improving relations with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. Israel lives in a bad neighborhood and is surrounded by Muslims.
I think Netanyahu is wrong on this. Knuckling under to “citizens”. What in the hell is he talking about?
And that is very frustrating for me!
They would have absolutely. Trumpees see all through Trump, without objective thought. Just like Hill’s supporters who see only what they want no matter.
Exactly. Every Senator, Congressman, and officer in the military swears to protect this country against all enemies both foreign and domestic. These idiots like Ryan, Graham and others are committing treason just like Obama and pals. Dump them all.
He was probably asked, so it's not like he could avoid giving his opinion.
That said, I believe he gave the wrong answer.
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