GOP Rep.: Netanyahu is Churchill to Obama’s Chamberlain

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is Winston Churchill to President Barack Obama’s Neville Chamberlain, Rep. Robert Pittenger (R-NC) said after a meeting with the Israeli leader.

Speaking to Breitbart News on the phone from Jerusalem, Pittenger — who along with Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL) met with him Tuesday — relayed Netanyahu’s concerns about a nuclear Iran.

“This man is a Churchill,” Pittenger, the chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, said. “He is trying to tell the world, particularly the United States, the grave threat we have in this adversary and our president is Neville Chamberlain who is in denial about even terrorism. He won’t say the word, ‘terrorist jihadist’ and there is not greater supporter of terrorism than Iran.”

Netanyahu is slated to speak before a joint session of Congress next month at the request of House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH).

The Obama administration and Democratic lawmakers have criticized the invitation, both for the way it was extended — without input from the White House or Democratic leadership — and the message they expect Netanyahu to bring. They also criticize the fact that he will be appearing so close to his reelection in Israel.

Pittenger said he and Ross urged Netanyahu to come. He further noted that while Netanyahu was not critical of the president in their meeting, when asked if he believes America will be there when Israel needs it, Pittener said Netanyahu responded “I hope so.”

“Let me just say to you that is not a strong statement,” Pittenger said of the answer. “That is frankly a pathetic statement from our best friend in the Middle East. All you can say is ‘I hope so.’”

According to Pittenger, Netanyahu will bring a “compelling” message when he speaks to Congress in March.

“He will make a very compelling statement on why the threat is so grave. What the reality of Iran having nuclear capacities [is],” Pittenger said.

Of the controversy surrounding the Israeli leader’s visit, Pittenger said, “We’re straightening pictures while the house is burning down, to be quibbling over who invited who. And the larger issue is coming to recognition with Iran with nuclear capacities that they will no doubt have with any agreement.”