In explaining the worrisome weakening of Democratic support for Israel (“Is Israel Losing the Democratic Party?” Feb.9), Gary Rosenblatt leaves out an important cause: the antagonizing actions of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
That Joe Biden had long been a pro-Israel stalwart did not protect him from having a finger stuck in his eye when Netanyahu’s government announced the construction of new West Bank housing during Biden’s vice-presidential visit to Israel. Then there’s Netanyahu’s support for the Romney candidacy in the 2012 presidential race. And, of course, there’s Netanyahu’s acceptance of House Speaker Ryan’s highly partisan invitation to oppose the Iran nuclear agreement in a speech before Congress.
Bipartisan support for Israel has been an enormous advantage in American political discourse, and Netanyahu has squandered it, while gaining nothing for his efforts.
Manhattan
