The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has criticized President Barack Obama for his pettiness and hostility towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in not calling to congratulate the Prime Minister on his reelection.

This is entirely contrary to standard diplomatic practice as well as the behavior of President  Obama in respect of other foreign leaders who have won elections — and not merely leaders of civilized, democratic polities.

In August 2014, he congratulated Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan on his victory in Turkish presidential elections, speaking with him on the telephone for 45 minutes.

In March 2012, President Obama congratulated Russia’s Vladimir Putin on his presidential election victory, despite evidence that Putin’s election had been rigged and despite the call by President Obama’s own State Department for an investigation into the Russian elections. He also congratulated Islamist extremist and Israel-hating Muslim Brotherhood leader of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, and leaders of China, Iran and Saudi Arabia when they became leaders of their countries.

 Yet, when it comes to the democratic re-election of the leader of one of the United States’ closest allies, President Obama indulges pettiness and spite by lacking the diplomatic manners to congratulate Mr. Netanyahu on his re-election.

Whatever he may think of President Obama, Mr. Netanyahu congratulated the President on his re-election in 2012.

 ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, “This lack of manners and breach of normal diplomatic practice shows President Obama to be a petty and small man.

“By refusing to congratulate Prime Minister Netanyahu, he has humiliated the U.S. by insulting the democratically-elected leader of America’s greatest ally, Israel.”