PM Netanyahu
PM NetanyahuIsrael News photo: (Flash 90)

Yair Shamir, son of former Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir, says he’s sure Netanyahu won’t fold under pressure from US President Barack Obama in the meeting between the two scheduled for later Monday in Washington.

Speaking with reporters from his office in Tel Aviv, where he serves as Chairman of Israel Aeorspace Industries, Shamir said, “Not since the days of my father has an Israeli Prime Minister arrived in Washington amidst such a difficult and tense atmosphere.”

"Good leadership doesn’t run away from pressure, but rather rebuffs it.”

Netanyahu is widely expected to be faced with something just short of an American ultimatum to agree to a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria.  This would be in opposition to Netanyahu’s long-held positions; he refused to agree to a Palestinian state even though it cost him a unity government with Tzipi Livni’s Kadima party.

“The media is filled with guesses and nonsense, trying to force its agenda and scare the public,” Shamir said. “It’s not important. I am confident that Bibi [Netanyahu] will not disappoint us and will not fold.  The decision of the elections this past February was clear: Netanyahu was elected to head one state and not two.  A clear majority of the public are sick of the attempts to surrender and give in, of Oslo and Disengagement, and are clearly against a Palestinian state.”

Shamir’s father Yitzchak was Prime Minister from Oct. 1983 to Sept. 1984, and again from 1986 to 1992. He was the one who brought Netanyahu into politics, appointing him as Israel’s Ambassador to the UN in 1984.  Shamir retired in 1993, and Netanyahu took over as Likud leader, and later as Prime Minister.  Shamir often criticized what he viewed as Netanyahu’s weak stance regarding the Oslo diplomatic process.

Standing Up to Pressures Will Benefit Israel

Despite this, Shamir the son has confidence in Netanyahu – and also some counsel: “I advise the Prime Minister, in light of the vote of confidence he received from the electorate, to show leadership in the face of all the pressures and threats.  He has nothing to be afraid of and no need to scare anyone. Standing up to the pressures may bring him short-range difficulties, but will merit him glory and success in the long run, and will benefit the security of the State of Israel. Good leadership doesn’t run away from pressure, but rather rebuffs it.”

“I advise him to act in accordance with our State’s interests and principles, against a Palestinian state and concessions, not to fear the pressures, not to disappoint the voter that granted him its trust, and not to disappoint our friends in the US who long for firm leadership in Jerusalem worthy of a strategic ally.  I am convinced that Netanyahu will do this.”