Israeli officials in Jerusalem on Saturday praised US President Barack Obama’s nominee to succeed outgoing Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel.
Obama on Friday named Ashton Carter, a longtime Pentagon aide, to the top post just days after Hagel announced he would be stepping down.
The president said Carter “brings a unique blend of strategic perspective and technical know-how” to the job.
At a small ceremony, Carter told Obama that if he is confirmed by the US Senate, “I pledge to you my most candid strategic advice.”
Carter is considered to be an ardent supporter of Israel who has also enjoyed a close relationship with Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. The two men met this past July in the Tel Aviv headquarters of the Defense Ministry during Carter’s visit to Israel.
Obviously he will do what he is told to do by the White House.
I just don’t see the connection between his appointment and the ability of the White House to influence the Israeli election. Please explain.
I have no doubt that the U.S. administration will try to meddle, but I don’t know how this appointment makes this all the more likely. I think meddling would be done in other, very subtle, ways.
Very likely A. C. will do what he is told to do!
Israel is pleased….it is pleased that Hagel is gone because in addition to being an earnest arabist, Hagel’s competence in an emergency situation, like an urgent request for information or assistance can not be guaranteed, especially if the occupier in chief, foggy bottom decides to place obstacles. Relatively speaking Carter is a known quantity and not seen as a loose wire or perhaps even as a “straight shooter”. However, Carter works under a loose wire. Loosey would not have installed a defense secretary who might go his own way, so do not expect any changes, on the contrary. I predict this move was designed to blindside Netanyahu first in a pre-election “charm” offensive, with it’s immediate goal: the weakening and hopeful ouster of Netanyahu, and degrading of the right generally and bennet in particular in favor of a coalition of leftist, “center” and quisling “rightist” parties. Then, with a favorable government in place a “peace” agreement can be expected to be rammed down Israel’s throat.