Commercial Appeal - Cohen calls Netanyahu speech ‘political theatre'

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before a joint session of Congress “political theatre” worthy of an Oscar and said he was right to boycott it.

“The political game was won,” the Memphis Democrat said, “but the world game of peace was lost.”

Cohen and some 50 Democrats skipped the speech, arguing that it was a breach of protocol because Republicans did not consult with the White House before inviting Netanyahu to speak and that it could damage relations between the United States and Israel.

Cohen watched the speech on a TV in his office, across the street from the Capitol.

Afterward, Cohen said Netanyahu was effective in making the case against a nuclear Iran.

“I do hope it has an effect in its purpose of getting Iran to agree to accept lesser centrifuges and more inspections,” Cohen said. “I don’t know necessarily that it will, but I hope it does.”

But Cohen said Netanyahu would have been better off pushing the State Department behind the scenes to negotiate a better deal with Iran instead of taking his concerns publicly.

Netanyahu faces re-election later this month, and Cohen said the speech will probably boost his prospects for another term.

“I’m sure this will play well in Israel,” he said.