Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on January 16, 2015

Crass electioneer or guardian of Jews worldwide?

Critics say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, standing for re-election on March 17, used memorials marking Frances worst terrorist attacks in half a century to advance his campaign theme of the threat of radical Islam. Pollster Rafi Smith says Netanyahus use of the world stage to berate the Wests fight against Islamic radicalism may help him reel in supporters flirting with rivals.

Israelis who are offended by what he did in Paris wouldnt vote for him anyway, but it may keep those in Likud who were looking at other right-wing candidates to stay in Bibis camp, Smith said.

Polls show Netanyahus Likud slate narrowly trailing the team of Labor Party Chairman Isaac Herzog and former chief peace negotiator Tzipi Livni, yet in a good position to form a governing coalition with smaller partners. No polls have been released since last weeks trip.

The prime minister traveled to France to join other dignitaries condemning a deadly three-day rampage by Islamic militants that started at a French satire magazine, Charlie Hebdo, ended at a kosher supermarket, and killed 17 people in all.

While French Jews cheered Netanyahu at the Grand Synagogue in Paris and chanted his nickname, Bibi, at the grocery where four Jews were shot dead, critics said he turned a tragedy into a campaign opportunity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, from left, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President Francois Hollande and Chancellor Angela Merkel, attend the solidarity march in the streets of Paris Jan. 11. Netanyahu traveled to France to join other dignitaries condemning a deadly three-day rampage by Islamic militants that started at a French satire magazine, Charlie Hebdo, ended at a kosher supermarket, and killed 17 people in all. Close

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, from left, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita,... Read More

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, from left, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President Francois Hollande and Chancellor Angela Merkel, attend the solidarity march in the streets of Paris Jan. 11. Netanyahu traveled to France to join other dignitaries condemning a deadly three-day rampage by Islamic militants that started at a French satire magazine, Charlie Hebdo, ended at a kosher supermarket, and killed 17 people in all.

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Netanyahu Treads Campaign Tightrope in Paris Trip for Memorial

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