Dem Rep Gabbard to WH: ‘Put Yourself in Israel’s Shoes’

Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) said that the White House should put itself in Israel’s shoes and that Prime Minister Netanyahu “needs to do the same with President Obama” on Monday’s “Situation Room” on CNN.

When asked if she had any advice for the president, she responded, “put yourself in Israel’s shoes. I think whether you’re — when you’re in any kind of situation like this where there’s a little bit of a standoff and personalities and egos are hurt, if you put yourself in their shoes and understand where he’s coming from, where the Israeli people are coming from and their deep concern about Iran’s continued development of a nuclear weapon and what they want to do with that.”

Gabbard added, “I think Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to do the same with President Obama and what he’s trying to accomplish here. I think, if they do that, they can lessen this standoff and come to an understanding where they recognize, ‘look, we’re working towards the same goal,’ and see how they can find some areas of agreement.”

Gabbard also commented on the boycott of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech before Congress, stating “I think the message needs to rise to the top that this is not about partisan politics. It’s about two strong allies and strong friends for so long, both working towards the same objective, two allies who have different ideas on how to get there. But ultimately, this friendship and partnership will continue, and to the benefit of both of our countries.”

Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett

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