The document summarizes the author's view that Benjamin Netanyahu is one of Israel's greatest leaders. It highlights his accomplishments as the longest-serving Prime Minister, his economic and military successes, and his determined efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. It quotes and analyzes a historic speech Netanyahu gave to Congress in 2015 urging them to oppose the Iran nuclear deal. While acknowledging the deal was passed, it argues Netanyahu's actions have helped strengthen Israel's security situation over time through increased cooperation with the US.

1. 2/19/23, 7:02 AM My Vote of Confidence in Bibi | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
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THE BLOGS
Andy Blumenthal
Leadership With Heart
My Vote of Confidence
in Bibi
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2. 2/19/23, 7:02 AM My Vote of Confidence in Bibi | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
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Photo Adapted from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Netanyahu#/media/File:Benjamin_Netanyahu,_February_2023.jpg
Having studied and read the biographies of almost every Israeli Prime Minister
since the country was founded in 1948, I can say without a doubt that Prime
Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu is one of the greatest leaders of our time.
From David Ben-Gurion’s political genius in founding the State of Israel after
2,000 years of exile and leading us through the War of Independence and the
many challenges of the early years, to Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir’s courage in
Israel’s fight for survival in the face of our Arab neighbors’ brutal attacks in 1967
and 1973, to Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Rabin’s success in making peace with
Egypt and Jordan, each Prime Minister has shown incredible leadership, talent,
and dedication to Israel and the Jewish people.
However, PM Netanyahu stands out not only for having been the longest serving
Prime Minister of Israel (winning six times) and leading for over fifteen years,
but for his undying vision and execution of peace through strength. Certainly, I
could write of his heroism as an Israeli commando (and that of his dear older

3. 2/19/23, 7:02 AM My Vote of Confidence in Bibi | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
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brother Yoni, who tragically perished in the Rescue at Entebbe), his miraculous
rescue of Israel’s finances and remake of the country into a genuine economic
success story, and his unflinching determination to prevent a Palestinian terror
state next to Israel and to thwart the existential Iranian nuclear threat.
However, I think there is no better expression of Bibi’s core love for his people
and Israel than that of his own words in his countless brilliant arguments and
eloquent speeches at the United Nations, Congress, and with world leaders in
defense of Israel’s legitimacy and right to exist and defend itself.
In one of Netanyahu’s most determined moments in 2015, he rose to the
occasion once again in front of an open session of Congress to try and stop the
horrible nuclear deal with Iran that would pave the way for them to get the
bomb. Here is an excerpt of his historically momentous words as he turned to
Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel in the gallery:
Then, facing the image of Moses in the chamber, Netanyahu continued:
Elie, your life and work inspires to give meaning to the words “Never Again.”
I can guarantee you this. The days when the Jewish people remained passive in
the face of genocidal enemies, those days are over. We are no longer scattered
among the nations, powerless to defend ourselves. We restored our sovereignty
in our ancient home. And the soldiers who defend our home have boundless
courage. For the first time in one hundred generations, we, the Jewish people,
can defend ourselves.
This is why, as prime minister of Israel, I can promise you one more thing:
even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand.
But I know that Israel does not stand alone. I know that America stands with
Israel. I know that you stand with Israel. ”
“

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Despite Netanyahu’s incredible speech and efforts, President Obama did
eventually force the Iranian nuclear deal through, but it was without a binding
treaty approved by Congress. Thus, President Trump was able to undo the bad
deal and restore the sanctions and pressure on Iran again. Also, now that
President Biden is in charge, unprecedented cooperation and military
preparations are being made (like the Juniper Oak joint exercise that ended in
January) that can lead to a credible joint U.S.-Israeli military threat against
Iran’s malevolent plans and, if necessary, the destruction of their nukes.
While the global Doomsday clock was recently moved up to just 90 seconds (due
to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the threat to the West), with Hashem’s help,
the hands of the clock will soon move the other way again, towards a more
peaceful and hopeful future. And make no mistake: the steps leading up to
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Moses gave the people of Israel resolve for thousands of years. I leave you with
his message today: “Be strong and resolute; neither fear nor dread them.”
My friends, may Israel and America always stand together, strong and
resolute. May we neither fear nor dread the challenges ahead. May we face the
future with confidence, strength, and hope.
May G-d bless the state of Israel, and may G-d bless the United States of
America. ”
“

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Blumenthal is a dynamic, award-winning leader who writes frequently about Jewish life,
culture, and security. All opinions are his own.
stopping Iran’s terrorist nuclear threat are largely due to the decades of
strength, bravery, and determination of PM Netanyahu, whose love and passion
for Israel and his people know no human bounds.
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P pepjinbruh
27 minutes ago
That's what makes it so incredibly sad, what this once great leader has reduced
himself to in his unlimited lust for power.

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