Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama did not come to blows on Monday at the White House. They did not even really argue. They may have agreed to disagree on certain issues, but the overall tone of the meeting was cordial and businesslike. Afterward, Netanyahu called the meeting "one of the best" he has had with Obama over the past seven years. According to diplomatic sources, U.S. defense aid to Israel is now expected to reach $50 billion over the next decade -- the amount the Israeli government was hoping for. The American media covered the Netanyahu-Obama meeting favorably and the controversy surrounding the intended appointment of Dr. Ran Baratz as the prime minister's new communications director was forgotten. Media commentators had told us the meeting would be tense. These "objective" journalists promised us that Netanyahu would face Obama's wrath over the prime minister's vocal opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. They told us the restoration of U.S.-Israel ties would take many years. All of this was proved wrong on Monday. The meeting lasted 45 minutes longer than scheduled. There are two possible explanations for this: either both men are masochists who enjoy suffering each other's presence, or they are two responsible leaders who understand the gravity of the reality in the Middle East and have a common will to try to stabilize the situation in the region. Netanyahu and Obama are both aware that they are not CEOs of private businesses. They may not be personal friends, but both realize they represent the citizens of their respective countries. They are also both looking toward history, and neither wants a legacy of a harmed Israel-U.S. relationship. Yes, it is true that Obama would have preferred to see an Israeli return to the 1967 borders and the establishment of a Palestinian state during his time in office. But that most likely will not happen. Obama understands this and is moving on. It is also true that Netanyahu would have preferred to see a tougher U.S. policy toward Iran and its nuclear program. But the nuclear deal has been signed and there is nothing to be done about it. Netanyahu understands this and is moving on. This does not mean the two leaders are giving up on matters that are important to them. A joint U.S.-Israel committee is being established to monitor the implementation of the Iran deal. And a joint mechanism is being set up to promote the stabilization of the situation with the Palestinians. Netanyahu and Obama have not backed down on the issues that are dear to their hearts. Rather, they have adapted to realities that were forced on them by each other. In a statement at the White House on Monday, Obama said Israel's security was a top priority for him. He condemned Palestinian terrorism and reiterated Israel's right to defend itself. What more could we ask for? Perhaps more defense aid, but it appears that is already in the pipeline. Obviously, we do not know everything that was said during the meeting in the Oval Office. But while it may not have been a totally pleasant affair, it was also not the horror flick that many in the media predicted. A Channel 2 report on Monday presented an article I wrote two weeks ago about how Israel-U.S. ties were just fine, despite the personal tension between Netanyahu and Obama. The report tried to portray me as someone whose head was buried in the sand. Now that it is clear that I was right, whose head is really buried in the sand? I'm looking at you, Channel 2.
