Jerusalem, Israel
Are we in the early stages of an American-Israeli crisis? Or are the growing and public disagreements between the Obama administration and the Netanyahu government over settlements and Jerusalem merely arguments "within the family," as President Obama insisted in his recent meeting with American Jewish leaders?
According to one poll, only six percent of Israelis consider Obama a friend. That perception of hostility is new. Israelis welcomed Barack Obama when he visited here in July 2008 and many responded enthusiastically to his election. But Israelis sense that Obama has placed the onus for restarting negotiations on Israel. Worse, he is perceived as showing weakness toward the world's bullies while acting resolutely only toward Israel. Many Israelis--and not only on the right--suspect that Obama actually wants a showdown with Jerusalem to bolster his standing in the Muslim world. If those perceptions aren't countered, the Israeli public will reject Obama's peace initiatives.
On the assumption that the pessimists among us are wrong and the Obama administration isn't seeking a pretext to create a crisis in American-Israeli relations, here are some suggestions for Washington about how to reassure increasingly anxious Israelis.
1. Make clear that renewing the peace process requires simultaneous Israeli and Arab concessions.
The impression conveyed by the administration's relentless public focus on the settlements is that a settlement freeze is the sole prerequisite toward jump-starting peace talks. After the disastrous consequences of the Oslo process (which led to more than five years of suicide bombings in Israeli cities) and of the withdrawal from Gaza (which led to three years of rocket attacks on Israeli towns near the Gaza border), the Israeli public is in no mood for unilateral concessions.
The administration insists that its intentions have been misunderstood, that it expects the Arab world to offer gestures of normalization to Israel. But unlike its hectoring tone toward Israel, there has been little public rebuke directed toward Arab leaders. True, Secretary of State Clinton recently did note that America expects a more forthcoming Arab attitude toward Israel. But that statement has hardly resonated, and the media focus remains on the settlements as the main obstacle to renewing the peace process.
2. Reaffirm the Israeli status of the settlement blocs in a future agreement.
In weighing the future of the settlements, Israelis will be looking not only for tangible signs of Arab goodwill but also of American goodwill--specifically, a reiteration of the Bush administration's endorsement of Israeli sovereignty over the major settlement blocs as part of a peace agreement. In return, a future Palestinian state would receive compensatory territory from within Israel proper.
The administration is right to insist that the current Israeli government must be bound by the commitments of previous Israeli governments (a position that Prime Minister Netanyahu has in fact upheld). But that same principle should also apply to Washington. Obama should not dismiss previous administration promises to Israel--even those made by George W. Bush.
3. Actively confront Palestinian demonization of Israel.
In his Cairo speech, Obama called for an end to Palestinian incitement against Israel. A systematic culture of denial--denying any historical legitimacy to the Jewish presence in the land of Israel--is being nurtured not only by Hamas but by the Palestinian Authority. In recent months, for example, the Fatah media has promoted a campaign denying the historical attachments of Jews to Jerusalem.
Challenging that campaign of lies would be a good way for the administation to begin proving its seriousness on incitement. Negating any Jewish rights to Jerusalem reinforces the very rejectionism among Palestinians that led to the collapse of the Oslo proces--surely no less a threat to peace than building 20 apartments in East Jerusalem.
4. Affirm Israel's historical legitimacy to the Muslim world.
In his Cairo speech, Obama rightly noted that the key obstacle on the Arab side toward making peace is the ongoing refusal to accept Israel's right to exist. Crucially, he has made clear that he intends to carry the issue of Israel's legitimacy into his dialogue with the Muslim world. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for Muslims to hear Israel's case. So far, though, the president has failed to make it. By referring only to the Holocaust, and ignoring the historical Jewish attachment to the land of Israel, the president has inadvertently reinforced Muslim misconceptions regarding Jewish indigenousness. The Holocaust helps explain why Israel fights, not why Israel exists. It doesn't explain why thousands of Ethiopian Jews walked across jungle and desert to reach Zion; nor for that matter why some Jews leave New York and Paris to raise families in a Middle Eastern war zone.
5. Make clear that the impending nuclearization of Iran, and not the Palestinian problem, is the region's most urgent crisis.
Continuing to publicly reprimand Israel over settlement building while only reluctantly and belatedly criticizing the Iranian regime for suppressing dissent has further alienated Israelis from the Obama adminstration. In one recent cartoon in the daily Maariv, Obama is depicted as a waiter serving Iranian President Ahmadinejad. Obama offers him two plates: On one is a carrot, and on the other--a carrot.
Israelis need to know that there is no substantive difference between Obama and Netanyahu on the need to prevent an Iranian bomb at all costs--or to put it more bluntly, that there is as much urgency over a nuclear Iran in Washington as there is in Riyadh and Paris.
6. Don't treat the Netanyahu government as a pariah.
For weeks Israelis have been reading in their newspapers about a near-total breakdown in trust between Washington and Jerusalem. For his part, Netanyahu has repeatedly praised Obama’s friendship for Israel, and refused to attack his Iran policy. During his meeting with Jewish leaders, Obama reaffirmed his friendship for Israel but seems to have mentioned no words of friendship for Israel's prime minister. Israelis need to hear some words of warmth from the White House toward their elected leader. That's what one expects from friends, to say nothing of family.
Yossi Klein Halevi is a contributing editor of The New Republic and a senior fellow at the Adelson Institute for Strategic Studies of the Shalem Center in Jerusalem.
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COMMENTS (69)
Israel must remember that it is the junior partner in the relationship. Israel itself exists at the pleasure of the United States. Israel is facing massive demographic challenges due to its refusal to seriously pursue separation from the occupied territories and its decision to throw away 40 years of loyalty by Arab Israeli citizens over a few non-violent demonstrations.
After Lieberman's threats any Arab Israeli citizen would be a fool to do anything to promote Israeli state.
The interest of the United States and Israel simply have very little overlap at this moment. When Bush destroyed the Iraq, and removed any deterrent to Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons by promoting regime change re ... view full comment
Israel must remember that it is the junior partner in the relationship. Israel itself exists at the pleasure of the United States. Israel is facing massive demographic challenges due to its refusal to seriously pursue separation from the occupied territories and its decision to throw away 40 years of loyalty by Arab Israeli citizens over a few non-violent demonstrations.
After Lieberman's threats any Arab Israeli citizen would be a fool to do anything to promote Israeli state.
The interest of the United States and Israel simply have very little overlap at this moment. When Bush destroyed the Iraq, and removed any deterrent to Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons by promoting regime change regardless, the United States effectively divorced itself from Israel.
Israel has been facing a newly empowered Iran. But the interest of the United States clearly lie to the East.
With troops still in Iraq and troop levels in Afghanistan almost certain to rise, stability of Iran matters much more than whether they are nuclear armed.
We would not be so foolish as to do to ourselves what we did to Israel by destroying Iran, or allowing it to be destabilized by Israel.
Israeli's ought to be thinking about what is in it for America. Because we don't need Israel. And, the refusal of Israel to seriously pursue a permanent solution to it's demographic problems, make it a very poor investment in deed.
Iran may or may not be opening up to Obama's overtures. But at least Iran will exist in fifty years, something that is much harder to say about Israel.
All nice points but it seems to me that they really just constitute recommendations to Obama on how to sell himself to Israelis and not risk alienating American Jewry. From a substantive point of view, it's pretty clear that the Obama administration has a pretty ominous attitude towards Israel and peace process.
All nice points but it seems to me that they really just constitute recommendations to Obama on how to sell himself to Israelis and not risk alienating American Jewry. From a substantive point of view, it's pretty clear that the Obama administration has a pretty ominous attitude towards Israel and peace process.
Israel's mistrust of Obama is well placed. Obama placed the blame for continuing Israeli-Arab problems squarely on the back of Israel despite clear evidence that all the Arab countries and Palestinians need to do is accept Israel as a legimate country. Obama seems to want Israel to commit suicide.
Israel's mistrust of Obama is well placed. Obama placed the blame for continuing Israeli-Arab problems squarely on the back of Israel despite clear evidence that all the Arab countries and Palestinians need to do is accept Israel as a legimate country. Obama seems to want Israel to commit suicide.
What a bunch of childish demands. Very clever, too. A child spoiled rotten would be proud. Listen up Mr Halevi, as long as Obama is truly committed to the security of Israel, there's no need to pre-condition the peace process. Every piece of land outside Israel proper should be negotiated. The settlements are nothing but Israel trying to create concrete facts on the ground......facts on the ground you want to continue, and want protected by these childish demands on Obama. Israeli threat being if Obama don't comply, you guys won't like him, or worse you'll claim he has taken sides with Arabs. Grow up.
What a bunch of childish demands. Very clever, too. A child spoiled rotten would be proud. Listen up Mr Halevi, as long as Obama is truly committed to the security of Israel, there's no need to pre-condition the peace process. Every piece of land outside Israel proper should be negotiated. The settlements are nothing but Israel trying to create concrete facts on the ground......facts on the ground you want to continue, and want protected by these childish demands on Obama. Israeli threat being if Obama don't comply, you guys won't like him, or worse you'll claim he has taken sides with Arabs. Grow up.
Obama has his own agenda. He will not even listen to the majority of us Americans, whom he is supposed to be serving. It is a sad day in America...
Obama has his own agenda. He will not even listen to the majority of us Americans, whom he is supposed to be serving. It is a sad day in America...
And Israel can be trusted? Pull the other one.
Anyway, Israel must realize that IT is the uninvited in the region and act accordingly.
And Israel can be trusted? Pull the other one.
Anyway, Israel must realize that IT is the uninvited in the region and act accordingly.
How about we come up some ways that Israel can regain the trust of the United States, such as not waging disproportionate military assaults against Palestinians, not pursuing settlements that are outside the framework of past agreements, stating equivocally that a Palestinian state will emerge alongside a Jewish state ... Obama doesn't need to apologize for treating the two sides more equitably than the previous administration, instead of treating Israel's theocratic government as infallible. He certainly doesn't need to hew to Bush's policies on settlements, which are skewed to far in Israel's favor. It's in America's interest to make headway diplomatically in the Middle East, and that mean ... view full comment
How about we come up some ways that Israel can regain the trust of the United States, such as not waging disproportionate military assaults against Palestinians, not pursuing settlements that are outside the framework of past agreements, stating equivocally that a Palestinian state will emerge alongside a Jewish state ... Obama doesn't need to apologize for treating the two sides more equitably than the previous administration, instead of treating Israel's theocratic government as infallible. He certainly doesn't need to hew to Bush's policies on settlements, which are skewed to far in Israel's favor. It's in America's interest to make headway diplomatically in the Middle East, and that means being an honest broker in any negotiations between the two sides. If Israelis can't accept that, perhaps they need to find another country to provide billions of dollars in aid, which in some years constitutes more than 5% of Israel's state budget and is used to prop up their own defense industry.
There is no reason to expect anything 'friendly' from this US administration. The Obama administration has shown repeadetly that it is not a friend of Israel. In fact, its actions question whether it is a friend of the US as it repeatedly makes decisions that are against US interests. Obama has risen in popularity polls around the world except for polls in the US and in Israel where his popularity continues to fall.
I am sure that Israel realizes this and will try and wait out this storm. Hopefully, it will not last more than 2 years (congressional elections) and at most 4 years.
There is no reason to expect anything 'friendly' from this US administration. The Obama administration has shown repeadetly that it is not a friend of Israel. In fact, its actions question whether it is a friend of the US as it repeatedly makes decisions that are against US interests. Obama has risen in popularity polls around the world except for polls in the US and in Israel where his popularity continues to fall.
I am sure that Israel realizes this and will try and wait out this storm. Hopefully, it will not last more than 2 years (congressional elections) and at most 4 years.
Finally! We have a President who does not grovel, whimper or genuflect before AIPAC and it's cabal of like-minded sycophants. We have a thoughtful, measured response from Mr. Obama to the Israeli-Arab situation that acknowledges that BOTH sides need to correct egregious behavior for there to be any lasting and meaningful peace.
Simply taking Israel's side at any time, unhindered by facts or reason, has been the proximate cause of Israel's pogroms against her neighbors as allowed by the United States. This must cease.
The tectonic shift by the President of a balanced and nuanced foreign policy (according to Israeli media, anyway) is seen as somehow a bias toward the Arabs and against Israel. I ... view full comment
Finally! We have a President who does not grovel, whimper or genuflect before AIPAC and it's cabal of like-minded sycophants. We have a thoughtful, measured response from Mr. Obama to the Israeli-Arab situation that acknowledges that BOTH sides need to correct egregious behavior for there to be any lasting and meaningful peace.
Simply taking Israel's side at any time, unhindered by facts or reason, has been the proximate cause of Israel's pogroms against her neighbors as allowed by the United States. This must cease.
The tectonic shift by the President of a balanced and nuanced foreign policy (according to Israeli media, anyway) is seen as somehow a bias toward the Arabs and against Israel. In fact, a balanced and nuanced American foreign policy that recognizes that BOTH are to blame for the on-going problems in the region will probably bring a faster resolution to those problems.
America should not be Israel's enabler, but, should be an arbiter between both sides. Israel has been coddled for too many years by too many Presidents. That relationship is, finally, maturing; hopefully, the Israeli press will, as well.
Finally! We have a President who does not grovel, whimper or genuflect before AIPAC and it's cabal of like-minded sycophants. We have a thoughtful, measured response from Mr. Obama to the Israeli-Arab situation that acknowledges that BOTH sides need to correct egregious behavior for there to be any lasting and meaningful peace.
Simply taking Israel's side at any time, unhindered by facts or reason, has been the proximate cause of Israel's pogroms against her neighbors as allowed by the United States. This must cease.
The tectonic shift by the President of a balanced and nuanced foreign policy (according to Israeli media, anyway) is seen as somehow a bias toward the Arabs and against Israel. I ... view full comment
Finally! We have a President who does not grovel, whimper or genuflect before AIPAC and it's cabal of like-minded sycophants. We have a thoughtful, measured response from Mr. Obama to the Israeli-Arab situation that acknowledges that BOTH sides need to correct egregious behavior for there to be any lasting and meaningful peace.
Simply taking Israel's side at any time, unhindered by facts or reason, has been the proximate cause of Israel's pogroms against her neighbors as allowed by the United States. This must cease.
The tectonic shift by the President of a balanced and nuanced foreign policy (according to Israeli media, anyway) is seen as somehow a bias toward the Arabs and against Israel. In fact, a balanced and nuanced American foreign policy that recognizes that BOTH are to blame for the on-going problems in the region will probably bring a faster resolution to those problems.
America should not be Israel's enabler, but, should be an arbiter between both sides. Israel has been coddled for too many years by too many Presidents. That relationship is, finally, maturing; hopefully, the Israeli press will, as well.
Israel’s continued tolerance/support of illegal settlements undercuts any moral argument they have. Their stubbornness on this issue turns many of us who have been sympathetic to their cause into “former” supporters. Much of our willingness to spend treasure and prestige to support Israel, as well as risk retaliation from Israel’s enemies, depends on the perception that they, the Israelis, have been unfairly treated. This thin emotional floor is eroded by the settlement issue. Now Israel is the unreasonable bully and the Palestinians are the oppressed.
Israel’s continued tolerance/support of illegal settlements undercuts any moral argument they have. Their stubbornness on this issue turns many of us who have been sympathetic to their cause into “former” supporters. Much of our willingness to spend treasure and prestige to support Israel, as well as risk retaliation from Israel’s enemies, depends on the perception that they, the Israelis, have been unfairly treated. This thin emotional floor is eroded by the settlement issue. Now Israel is the unreasonable bully and the Palestinians are the oppressed.
Let's see now: Is Israel a red state or a blue state?
Let's see now: Is Israel a red state or a blue state?
Wow this article is all about Israel and nothing about America and nothing about our national interest. Give Give and more Give to Israel.
Wow this article is all about Israel and nothing about America and nothing about our national interest. Give Give and more Give to Israel.
Exactly why the Palestinians even want to renew "the peace process" is the real question, taking into account the settler population in The West Bank and Jerusalem has more than doubled since the signing of Oslo to well over 400,000.
The question Obama should pose is to the Israeli's and it should obtain a guarantee that a "peace process" won't be strung out to allow even greater numbers of illegal settlers to occupy even more land.
Exactly why the Palestinians even want to renew "the peace process" is the real question, taking into account the settler population in The West Bank and Jerusalem has more than doubled since the signing of Oslo to well over 400,000.
The question Obama should pose is to the Israeli's and it should obtain a guarantee that a "peace process" won't be strung out to allow even greater numbers of illegal settlers to occupy even more land.
What's far more important is the question of why the US should care one way or the other whether Israelis trust us.
As an ally Israel does us far more harm than good. The US would be better off with Israel as an enemy--it would cost us less than the billions of dollars we waste on the place every year and the incessantly provocative actions of the Israeli nuts wouldn't be a constant embarrassment to us.
What's far more important is the question of why the US should care one way or the other whether Israelis trust us.
As an ally Israel does us far more harm than good. The US would be better off with Israel as an enemy--it would cost us less than the billions of dollars we waste on the place every year and the incessantly provocative actions of the Israeli nuts wouldn't be a constant embarrassment to us.
Arabs have only themselves to blame for settlements. Since they refused to make peace with the Jewish state, what was Israel supposed to do? Hold the West Bank in perpetual trust until someone steps forward ready for a real peace agreement? Egypt did and got all its land back. The longer Arabs wait, the less they will have. Time is not on their side.
Arabs have only themselves to blame for settlements. Since they refused to make peace with the Jewish state, what was Israel supposed to do? Hold the West Bank in perpetual trust until someone steps forward ready for a real peace agreement? Egypt did and got all its land back. The longer Arabs wait, the less they will have. Time is not on their side.
FIRST--All Arab countries grant full diplomatic recognition to Israel.
SECOND--All Arab proxies (Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Hamas, ETC.) stop trying to destroy Israel.
THIRD--All Arab countries UNEQUIVOCALLY recognize Israel's right to exist.
THEN AND ONLY THEN will we talk about settlements and the peace process.
Otherwise, regardless of the canard of settlements, the Palestinians will continue on with their lemming-like imperative: Never missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
FIRST--All Arab countries grant full diplomatic recognition to Israel.
SECOND--All Arab proxies (Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Hamas, ETC.) stop trying to destroy Israel.
THIRD--All Arab countries UNEQUIVOCALLY recognize Israel's right to exist.
THEN AND ONLY THEN will we talk about settlements and the peace process.
Otherwise, regardless of the canard of settlements, the Palestinians will continue on with their lemming-like imperative: Never missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
"There is no reason to expect anything 'friendly' from this US administration. "
Except BILLIONS in foreign and military aid. Oh - that's not friendly - that's an entitlement! BTW, Jonathan Pollard sends his regards. he says America will again be trusted when...
"There is no reason to expect anything 'friendly' from this US administration. "
Except BILLIONS in foreign and military aid. Oh - that's not friendly - that's an entitlement! BTW, Jonathan Pollard sends his regards. he says America will again be trusted when...
Obama is acting as most Americans want him to. To put it mildly, Israel is a huge, debilitating thorn in the side of those who want to work out an accord with the Middle East. They are like a spoiled, favored child who destroys his family with his own unreasonable demands.
Obama is acting as most Americans want him to. To put it mildly, Israel is a huge, debilitating thorn in the side of those who want to work out an accord with the Middle East. They are like a spoiled, favored child who destroys his family with his own unreasonable demands.
How about 6 suggestions on how Netanyahu can regain Obama's trust?
How about 6 suggestions on how Netanyahu can regain Obama's trust?
Ah, the usual bluster that only the die hard supporters of Israel can make. I propose that "Greater Israel" be formally rejected by Obama, and then ask what Likud can offer instead. Methinks the ensuing battle royale would be quite humorous.
Ah, the usual bluster that only the die hard supporters of Israel can make. I propose that "Greater Israel" be formally rejected by Obama, and then ask what Likud can offer instead. Methinks the ensuing battle royale would be quite humorous.
I guess if you view better relationships with corrupt, regressive and often inhuman states as being in the US best interests, then certainly you are correct - Israel is not then even a junior partner but more of a millstone. On the other hand, if principles matter and if ideals like democracy and freedom mean anything to us in the US, then I think it is more a partnership of equals. But, hey.. never let truth and moraility stand in the way of expediency
I guess if you view better relationships with corrupt, regressive and often inhuman states as being in the US best interests, then certainly you are correct - Israel is not then even a junior partner but more of a millstone. On the other hand, if principles matter and if ideals like democracy and freedom mean anything to us in the US, then I think it is more a partnership of equals. But, hey.. never let truth and moraility stand in the way of expediency
I think the question that needs to be addressed--after reading the comments above--is if it is ever all right to throw your longtime ally under the bus and then to believe that the world around you will not change one bit. That is stupid thinking. Israel is a democracy in a sea of proto-fascist governments, Shia and Sunni alike. Take Israel off of the map--as some of the commenters above pray for daily--and you disrupt trade patterns and innovation that are central to global vitality as we know it.
I think the question that needs to be addressed--after reading the comments above--is if it is ever all right to throw your longtime ally under the bus and then to believe that the world around you will not change one bit. That is stupid thinking. Israel is a democracy in a sea of proto-fascist governments, Shia and Sunni alike. Take Israel off of the map--as some of the commenters above pray for daily--and you disrupt trade patterns and innovation that are central to global vitality as we know it.
regarding comments by anahadwolves:
agree with all sentiments excepting the statement about israeli pogroms against the palestinians. Please remember that at no point in european jewish history have jews attacked their neighbors with rockets or suicide bombs. I think that factors into this argument slightly, no?
regarding comments by anahadwolves:
agree with all sentiments excepting the statement about israeli pogroms against the palestinians. Please remember that at no point in european jewish history have jews attacked their neighbors with rockets or suicide bombs. I think that factors into this argument slightly, no?
I was going to say the same thing as David (20) above...why does Obama need to reach out to regain Israeli trust?
Our policy in the middle-east has been absolutely focused on giving Israel anything it wants, to the detriment of our relationships with other countries there.
It's time for Netanyahu to realize that the US is not a never ending font of money, weaponry and support...and that Israel needs a more rational policy towards it's neighbors and a more conciliatory attitude towards US policy.
I was going to say the same thing as David (20) above...why does Obama need to reach out to regain Israeli trust?
Our policy in the middle-east has been absolutely focused on giving Israel anything it wants, to the detriment of our relationships with other countries there.
It's time for Netanyahu to realize that the US is not a never ending font of money, weaponry and support...and that Israel needs a more rational policy towards it's neighbors and a more conciliatory attitude towards US policy.
most of the posts here show their ignorance to the entire situation...a) those territories were wone in a defensive war and the pals previously to 1964 in their own charter rejected claims to the land b) why should israel stop settlements if the pals want the ridiculous notion of right of return ( ridiculous as jews were displaced just as much in arab countries and in the west bank like hebron) then settlements are equal...basically a black president is telling jews they cant live in the west bank but jews have to accept the right of return....or should i say how ignorant are the comments here that its ok to have pals come into israel but jews cant live in westbank and gaza....and dont tell ... view full comment
most of the posts here show their ignorance to the entire situation...a) those territories were wone in a defensive war and the pals previously to 1964 in their own charter rejected claims to the land b) why should israel stop settlements if the pals want the ridiculous notion of right of return ( ridiculous as jews were displaced just as much in arab countries and in the west bank like hebron) then settlements are equal...basically a black president is telling jews they cant live in the west bank but jews have to accept the right of return....or should i say how ignorant are the comments here that its ok to have pals come into israel but jews cant live in westbank and gaza....and dont tell me that because one fatah guay said jews would be fine if the pals were in charge as their track record shows this is a lie
Many of us Americans who care about Israel also recognize that the settlements are bad for Israel. Yes, Israel should keep military forces in the West Bank until such time as a peace agreement is reached which is acceptable to Israel's security concerns; but having families - men, women, and children - living there is a terrible idea.
Every US president going back to Johnson has opposed the settlements as a matter of policy, but few have been willing to put any backbone into that policy. Obama is right to insist on the illegitimacy of the settlements. (Of course any final deal may swap land, as everyone who has paid attention to these issues understands - that was the Clinton/Barak proposal ... view full comment
Many of us Americans who care about Israel also recognize that the settlements are bad for Israel. Yes, Israel should keep military forces in the West Bank until such time as a peace agreement is reached which is acceptable to Israel's security concerns; but having families - men, women, and children - living there is a terrible idea.
Every US president going back to Johnson has opposed the settlements as a matter of policy, but few have been willing to put any backbone into that policy. Obama is right to insist on the illegitimacy of the settlements. (Of course any final deal may swap land, as everyone who has paid attention to these issues understands - that was the Clinton/Barak proposal in 2000.) Obama has spoken firmly against Palestinian and other Arab violent terrorism, and his critique was one that may actually carry some weight. Please don't pretend that, by criticizing both violent Palestinian attacks and Israeli settlements, one draws a "moral equivalence" between the two. Killing is worse than trespassing - we all get that. But Palestinians' wrongheaded and morally wrong embrace of violence and refusal to recognize Israel does not prevent any US president from criticizing the Israeli settlements.
Obama has described Israel's security as "sacrosanct", and that is a bedrock of US policy. But when an Israeli government pursues policies which are not helpful, it is not the role of a US president to roll over and take it. Continuing to expand the settlements is not helpful. Most of the things on Halevi's list are things the US administration is doing (Apparently Obama's ringing defense of Israel's right to exist was not sufficiently historically detailed for Halevi. Big deal.) If the Netanyahu administration would like to regain US trust, they could start by (a) absolutely freezing all West Bank settlements - no cute "exceptions", and (b) picking out a few settlements which would be unlikely to be included among any "major settlment blocks" in any future agreement [see Halevi's point 2 above], and totally and permanently dismantle those settlements.
Obama sends his regards and provides an open invitation to the "Supreme Leader" of the Islamic Republic of Iran; he practically embraces Hugo Chavez; he more or less openly indicates that human rights issues will not be stressed too strongly with China and Russia; he wants to open discusssions with Burma which has jailed its dissident leader for decades and now intends to justify further incarceration using a closed-door show trial; he tells the Castro brothers he'd like to open a dialogue sooner rather than later and any concessions they may make can wait; while refusing to "meddle" in Iran as citizens there die in the streets demanding freedom, he jumps in to meddle in Honduras where an op ... view full comment
Obama sends his regards and provides an open invitation to the "Supreme Leader" of the Islamic Republic of Iran; he practically embraces Hugo Chavez; he more or less openly indicates that human rights issues will not be stressed too strongly with China and Russia; he wants to open discusssions with Burma which has jailed its dissident leader for decades and now intends to justify further incarceration using a closed-door show trial; he tells the Castro brothers he'd like to open a dialogue sooner rather than later and any concessions they may make can wait; while refusing to "meddle" in Iran as citizens there die in the streets demanding freedom, he jumps in to meddle in Honduras where an open legal process resulted in ousting the president who was obviously seeking to grab dictatorial power; when asked about American exceptionalism his answer made clear that that he does not understand nor believe in the concept.
Americans are just beginning to recognize the dangers Obama and his liberal cohorts pose on the domestic front. They are still giving him fairly high marks on foreign policy, most likely because they aren't paying enough attention. This will change and perhaps it will start with Israel as American Jews wake up and recognize the mortal danger he represents to Israel and to much of the free world.
We have elected a rhetorically gifted left-wing radical as POTUS who has no interest in protecting our greater interests and is more concerned about extending a hand to our enemies than to our friends.
you know what i find funny...there should never be any discussion on whether israel has a right to exist as israel has a right to exist as much as the united states, canada, jordan, india, pakistan, iraq etc....and btw if you cant figure out why you shouldnt be commenting on the issue....or if you are someone who doesnt see bias in the world here is a good example...why isnt anyone making a big deal about the security wall thailand is putting up to keep out the 2 million muslims who live in the south
you know what i find funny...there should never be any discussion on whether israel has a right to exist as israel has a right to exist as much as the united states, canada, jordan, india, pakistan, iraq etc....and btw if you cant figure out why you shouldnt be commenting on the issue....or if you are someone who doesnt see bias in the world here is a good example...why isnt anyone making a big deal about the security wall thailand is putting up to keep out the 2 million muslims who live in the south
Israel is no friend of the U.S.
Much more trouble then the relationship
is worth.I think Israel should go it alone
for awhile.Israel would quickly realize the
error of it's ways. Remember the USS Liberty
and all the assorted spy scandals.
Way to much trouble.
Israel is no friend of the U.S.
Much more trouble then the relationship
is worth.I think Israel should go it alone
for awhile.Israel would quickly realize the
error of it's ways. Remember the USS Liberty
and all the assorted spy scandals.
Way to much trouble.
Same procedure as every year Mr Halevi?
Your article is another proof of the fact that every time the US administration doesn’t follow Israeli’s point of view, the whole AIPAC apparatus begins its extreme pressure on all layers against the US leaders. Wake up! Is Israel really so high leveled in that way that we must regain its trusts? Shouldn’t your article better be titled “Six Ways Bibi Can Regain US Trust”?
Same procedure as every year Mr Halevi?
Your article is another proof of the fact that every time the US administration doesn’t follow Israeli’s point of view, the whole AIPAC apparatus begins its extreme pressure on all layers against the US leaders. Wake up! Is Israel really so high leveled in that way that we must regain its trusts? Shouldn’t your article better be titled “Six Ways Bibi Can Regain US Trust”?
Those who insist Israel is "more trouble than it's worth" are clearly ignorant of history and current reality. It was the Israeli Navy and Air Force that for years supplemented the US Sixth Fleet in the Eastern Med; the IAF that took out nuclear installations in Iraq and Syria; the IDF that provided the US with access to captured Soviet arms; the Mossad that clued in the US to assassination plots against US allies in the region. It's Israel that provides forward weapons stores for the US, training facilities for urban warfare, and anti-terrorism techniques. It's Israeli made drones that help protect US troops in Afghanistan, and Israeli developed bandages that help our wounded. And it's Isra ... view full comment
Those who insist Israel is "more trouble than it's worth" are clearly ignorant of history and current reality. It was the Israeli Navy and Air Force that for years supplemented the US Sixth Fleet in the Eastern Med; the IAF that took out nuclear installations in Iraq and Syria; the IDF that provided the US with access to captured Soviet arms; the Mossad that clued in the US to assassination plots against US allies in the region. It's Israel that provides forward weapons stores for the US, training facilities for urban warfare, and anti-terrorism techniques. It's Israeli made drones that help protect US troops in Afghanistan, and Israeli developed bandages that help our wounded. And it's Israel that's voted with the US in the UN more consistently than any Arab "ally".
Those who raise the issue of the "billions" given by the US to Israel always seem to neglect the even greater billions provided to Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and the PA. What do *they* give the US besides the back of their hand? And folks like Joe Johnston who insist on bringing up the canard of the USS Liberty only demonstrate their congenital hatred of Israel. The issue has been investigated repeatedly, and it always comes down to a "fog of war" accident. Does he similarly believe the US deliberately targeted Canadian troops in Afghanistan?
Obama is not Israel's friend or family any more than the Israel-bashing commenters on this blog. Israelis had better get that through their heads and do whatever it takes to defend themselves. Waiting for a lifetime Third Worldish leftist like Obama to join the mishpoche is what I'd expect from the town council of Chelm.
Obama is not Israel's friend or family any more than the Israel-bashing commenters on this blog. Israelis had better get that through their heads and do whatever it takes to defend themselves. Waiting for a lifetime Third Worldish leftist like Obama to join the mishpoche is what I'd expect from the town council of Chelm.
Great article. I hope Obama has a chance to read it and fully understand some of the mistakes that both he and his team have committed in their approach to Israel and the negotiating process. Obama made the situation worse by fully alienating the Israeli public and Israeli government.
Great article. I hope Obama has a chance to read it and fully understand some of the mistakes that both he and his team have committed in their approach to Israel and the negotiating process. Obama made the situation worse by fully alienating the Israeli public and Israeli government.
I hope so. It has been too long since any of our two faced politicians had the guts to tell Israel that their terrorist tactics with the rest of the world using God as a justification are not to be tolerated.
I hope so. It has been too long since any of our two faced politicians had the guts to tell Israel that their terrorist tactics with the rest of the world using God as a justification are not to be tolerated.
I disagree with "avi" that Obama is telling Israelis that they have to accept a Palestinian "right of return". Anyone who has thought seriously and honestly about the outlines of a peace deal knows better. The relevant UN resolutions speak of a right of return OR appropriate compensation for those forced out in 1948. Obviously the only deal that would happen involves the latter. Where would the money come from? I suspect the US and Europe would have to poney up some of the funds (just as we committed to large amounts of aid to make the Israel-Egypt deal work), and the Saudis would have to increase their aid to Palestinians. The idea that any US president would, or could, force a "right of re ... view full comment
I disagree with "avi" that Obama is telling Israelis that they have to accept a Palestinian "right of return". Anyone who has thought seriously and honestly about the outlines of a peace deal knows better. The relevant UN resolutions speak of a right of return OR appropriate compensation for those forced out in 1948. Obviously the only deal that would happen involves the latter. Where would the money come from? I suspect the US and Europe would have to poney up some of the funds (just as we committed to large amounts of aid to make the Israel-Egypt deal work), and the Saudis would have to increase their aid to Palestinians. The idea that any US president would, or could, force a "right of return" upon Israel is a red herring.
It appears to me that all the pleas for mutual concessions and demands for Arab leaders to state publicly their acceptance of the legitimacy of Israel ignores the reality that until these governments cease de-humanizing jewish citizens of Israel, everything else negotiated by the arab nations remain tactical moves to further their strategy to destroy Israel. Only when arab children aren't taught that jes are pigs unworthy of life can Israel trust any arab promises of land for peace. So, please make your number three demand, the one condition that must be implemented prior to restarting the peace process; otherwise Israel is simply negotiating the timing of its demise and not any lasting pe ... view full comment
It appears to me that all the pleas for mutual concessions and demands for Arab leaders to state publicly their acceptance of the legitimacy of Israel ignores the reality that until these governments cease de-humanizing jewish citizens of Israel, everything else negotiated by the arab nations remain tactical moves to further their strategy to destroy Israel. Only when arab children aren't taught that jes are pigs unworthy of life can Israel trust any arab promises of land for peace. So, please make your number three demand, the one condition that must be implemented prior to restarting the peace process; otherwise Israel is simply negotiating the timing of its demise and not any lasting peace.
How to regain Israel's confidence?
Step 1/ Release Jonathan Pollard!
How to regain Israel's confidence?
Step 1/ Release Jonathan Pollard!
Obama talked about the holocaust rather than the "historical Jewish attachment" to Israel because he wanted to make the best case he could, in front of an international audience, for Israel's right to exist. No American president could say that an ethnic group has a right to land because their ancestors lived there 2000 years ago, because that just isn't true under any kind of international law. Nor could he say that Jews represent some kind of exception to this general rule.
So instead he said the truth, that the international community reacted to the holocaust and the plight of the Jews after WWII by doing something very unusual --legally carving out a homeland for one ethnic group on lan ... view full comment
Obama talked about the holocaust rather than the "historical Jewish attachment" to Israel because he wanted to make the best case he could, in front of an international audience, for Israel's right to exist. No American president could say that an ethnic group has a right to land because their ancestors lived there 2000 years ago, because that just isn't true under any kind of international law. Nor could he say that Jews represent some kind of exception to this general rule.
So instead he said the truth, that the international community reacted to the holocaust and the plight of the Jews after WWII by doing something very unusual --legally carving out a homeland for one ethnic group on land occupied for many, many generations by another ethnic group.
Israeli hardliners don't like to frame the issue this way, because it implies that the Palestinians got a raw deal, but there is just no other way to frame it that will carry any weight outside of Israel itself.
And before they dismiss this argument, the hardliners should recognize that most of Israel's non-Jewish supporters, me included, buy this argument rather than the "historical claim."
(The Evangelical Christians buy into a third argument -- that God gave the land to his chosen people. But you can hardly expect Obama to make this argument, let alone in Cairo.)
The holocaust defense for Israel doesn't undercut Israel's legitimacy -- the world created a Jewish state (or ratified it, anyway -- really the Zionists created it) through the most legitimate institution we had available. It's a done deal and everybody has to live with it.
But the Holocaust defense does clarify that the Palestinians have a legitimate beef, which needs to be addressed. And that Israel has absolutely no claim, historical or otherwise, on the West bank and Gaza.
So, let me get this straight. Jews legaly buying land, building houses, and having lives in a part of the world that the Arabs consider to be theirs is the source of all the worlds grief?
Yes, I do know that there have been some shady land deals (this is real estate - duh), but for the vast majority we are talking about land that was legally aquired, payed for, building permits, etc.
Lets talk about Gush Etzion for example. This was land purchased by Jews long before Israel was a state. Agricultural communities were built, people raised families, etc. The local Arab leadership and surrounding countries refused to accept the 1948 UN partition and declared a war with the stated aim of driving th ... view full comment
So, let me get this straight. Jews legaly buying land, building houses, and having lives in a part of the world that the Arabs consider to be theirs is the source of all the worlds grief?
Yes, I do know that there have been some shady land deals (this is real estate - duh), but for the vast majority we are talking about land that was legally aquired, payed for, building permits, etc.
Lets talk about Gush Etzion for example. This was land purchased by Jews long before Israel was a state. Agricultural communities were built, people raised families, etc. The local Arab leadership and surrounding countries refused to accept the 1948 UN partition and declared a war with the stated aim of driving the Jews into the sea, finishing the work that Hitler had started, rape, pillage & etc.
Gush Eztion was capture by the Jordanian Army and various irregulars and according to accounts many civilians and soldiers were killed after surrendering.
When Gush Etzion was recaptured after the 1967 war, the children of the original settlers petitioned the government for permission to resettle the land that their parents had sweated and died over.
So, bottom line is, at this point in time you can maybe find a dozen Israelis (all University professors I'm sure) who would be willing to evacuate Gush Etzion again.
There is no forseeable future in which many of these communities (Gush Etzion, Ariel, Male Adumin, etc) will be evacuated ala Gush Katif, short of Israel losing a major war. Since this is the reality, that all sides have accepted (up until now)as something that may require a land swap here or there to balance out...where does Pres. Obama and the State Dept get off on declaring that building a house in Gush Etzion for someones grandkid is most important issue of the day?
TANSTAAFL
If you keep starting a fight and lose every time there are consequences. And if the 'West' keeps acting as an enabler like the friends of some serial spouse abuser, it doesn't help.
p.s.
"Much more trouble then the relationship is worth.I think Israel should go it alone for awhile"
Israel went without help from the US for the first 25 or so years (it was French Mirage jets that blew the Egyptian Air Farce out of existence in 1967). As a matter of fact, Israel lived under a US Arms embargo all that time.
And for all of you who whine about how Israel never did anything for the US, just what was a squadron of MIG-21's of a T-72 worth at the height of the cold war?
"I think Israel should go it alone for awhile"
Nothing could make me happier, and I live 5 klicks from Gaza, with two kids in the IDF.
Matt, you've got it all wrong. I'll try to spell out the real facts of the case for you:
(1) "pursuing settlements that are outside the framework of past agreements" - please cite those agreements.
The only one I recall was the Bush letter, approved by the Senate. Now,the present USA administration willfuly pretends this letter does not exist - why so? Because the administration makes demands that contradict said letter.
(2) "stating equivocally that a Palestinian state will emerge alongside a Jewish state" - are you aware of the fact the the Israeli PM has just done that? And are you aware of the fact that the Arab leaders, in particular Abu-Mazen and Presidnet Mubarak of Egypt refuse to ente ... view full comment
Matt, you've got it all wrong. I'll try to spell out the real facts of the case for you:
(1) "pursuing settlements that are outside the framework of past agreements" - please cite those agreements.
The only one I recall was the Bush letter, approved by the Senate. Now,the present USA administration willfuly pretends this letter does not exist - why so? Because the administration makes demands that contradict said letter.
(2) "stating equivocally that a Palestinian state will emerge alongside a Jewish state" - are you aware of the fact the the Israeli PM has just done that? And are you aware of the fact that the Arab leaders, in particular Abu-Mazen and Presidnet Mubarak of Egypt refuse to entertain the notion that Israel may exist as a *Jewish* state?
(3) "Israel's theocratic government" - heh? Do we inhabit the same planet? :)
(4) "He certainly doesn't need to hew to Bush's policies on settlements, which are skewed to far in Israel's favor." - but does he need to respect a legal instrument duly produced by the previous administration and approved by the Senate (see point #1)? I think he does. At the very least, he ought to be honest enough to admit its existence.
(5) " If Israelis can't accept that, perhaps they need to find another country to provide billions of dollars in aid, which in some years constitutes more than 5% of Israel's state budget and is used to prop up their own defense industry." - The American aid actually subsidizes the *American* defense industry and is the bane of the Israeli defense industry. Why so? Because most of it comes with thick strings attached, in the form of the stipulation that most of the money is to be spent on procurement from American firms.
See?
One major part of the problem that no one wants to admit to is that Obama's foreign policy team and White House staff are former Clinton administration officials who despise Netanyahu. Does anyone really believe that 90% of the problems that have happened the past six months between Israel and America would have happened if Zippi Livni or Ehud Barak were Prime Minister? Do I agree with the way Obama has handled things? NO. Netanyahu may be worthy of all the mistrust the Clintonistas have for him but don't punish seven million Israelis for that.
One major part of the problem that no one wants to admit to is that Obama's foreign policy team and White House staff are former Clinton administration officials who despise Netanyahu. Does anyone really believe that 90% of the problems that have happened the past six months between Israel and America would have happened if Zippi Livni or Ehud Barak were Prime Minister? Do I agree with the way Obama has handled things? NO. Netanyahu may be worthy of all the mistrust the Clintonistas have for him but don't punish seven million Israelis for that.
Israel is not the 51st state.
Israel is not the 51st state.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but what concessions have any Arab nation sans Egypt ever made in peace negotiations with Israel?? The answer is none.
The "occupied" territories were won in wars that Israel fought against the oppressed Arabs in which their friendly Arab neighbors attacked without provocation and with overwhelming military force with the objective of destroying Israel. Why should Israel be forced to return this strategic land when the majority of Arab leaders continue to call for their extinction daily? Israel unilaterally gave the Palestinian's land to form their own state, receiving nothing in return except a notion of peace. That land is now used to rain rockets down on Israeli ... view full comment
Correct me if I'm wrong, but what concessions have any Arab nation sans Egypt ever made in peace negotiations with Israel?? The answer is none.
The "occupied" territories were won in wars that Israel fought against the oppressed Arabs in which their friendly Arab neighbors attacked without provocation and with overwhelming military force with the objective of destroying Israel. Why should Israel be forced to return this strategic land when the majority of Arab leaders continue to call for their extinction daily? Israel unilaterally gave the Palestinian's land to form their own state, receiving nothing in return except a notion of peace. That land is now used to rain rockets down on Israeli's on a daily basis.
If the Arabs are so interested in creating a Palestinian homeland, why don't they offer up the land to make it happen?
Could someone please explain to me why do we need Israel or why do we have to put up for its spoiled, mischievous, and childish behavior because of their so called democratic system of government? By the way, democracy for who?
Could someone please explain to me why do we need Israel or why do we have to put up for its spoiled, mischievous, and childish behavior because of their so called democratic system of government? By the way, democracy for who?
one of the comments said that Israel exists at he pleasure of the U.S.
That is incorrect.
Israel exists at the pleasure of G-d. The U.S. exists because of the Constituion. Where's the Birth Certificate?
one of the comments said that Israel exists at he pleasure of the U.S.
That is incorrect.
Israel exists at the pleasure of G-d. The U.S. exists because of the Constituion. Where's the Birth Certificate?
OcationalRoamer,
As your title conveys, there is a preponderance of visceral anti-Israel types who fail to study the complex history of US-Middle Eastern relationships, and merely roam--occasionally--through the backpage blogs of the internet for sources. You see, Israel owes much to its military, but Israel is much more than its military. Israeli universities are among the most prestigious in the world when it comes to innovation, be it green technologies or medical advancements or even agricultural products. Thus, without Israeli advancements, much of what we take for granted in the abovementioned goods/services would not be possible. Israel has some large natural gas reserves, but does ... view full comment
OcationalRoamer,
As your title conveys, there is a preponderance of visceral anti-Israel types who fail to study the complex history of US-Middle Eastern relationships, and merely roam--occasionally--through the backpage blogs of the internet for sources. You see, Israel owes much to its military, but Israel is much more than its military. Israeli universities are among the most prestigious in the world when it comes to innovation, be it green technologies or medical advancements or even agricultural products. Thus, without Israeli advancements, much of what we take for granted in the abovementioned goods/services would not be possible. Israel has some large natural gas reserves, but does not drill oil (by any macro degree, at least). Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, strongarms the oil trade and eschews green innovations. Israel is good business, in other words. Perhaps what is so infuriating to Israel's neighbors is that Israel makes them look bad.
To OcationalRoamer, Richard, Robert Lee, et al. It appears that with Obama you may get what you wish for. My late grandfather's voice comes to mind "be careful what you wish for, you might get it".
Nahh, on second thought, the Jewish People have been insuperably attached to this land for 3000+ years - both your sentiments and wishes are irrelevant.
To OcationalRoamer, Richard, Robert Lee, et al. It appears that with Obama you may get what you wish for. My late grandfather's voice comes to mind "be careful what you wish for, you might get it".
Nahh, on second thought, the Jewish People have been insuperably attached to this land for 3000+ years - both your sentiments and wishes are irrelevant.
I was raised here in the states to be a big supporter of Israel, and for the most part remain so. But the sense of entitlement of this post really offends me. President Obama's first priority is to this country, not Israel. He does not need to gain anything from them, they need to show respect to us for once. Any problems with that, feel free to give us back the 600 billion a year in my tax dollars we give you - with little but whining in return these days. Frankly, I wish my grandmother could retire in the subsidized style seniors do in Israel, I wish I could demand that my government build me a new house so I can procreate at will - all heavily subsidized largely by American tax payers.Wh ... view full comment
I was raised here in the states to be a big supporter of Israel, and for the most part remain so. But the sense of entitlement of this post really offends me. President Obama's first priority is to this country, not Israel. He does not need to gain anything from them, they need to show respect to us for once. Any problems with that, feel free to give us back the 600 billion a year in my tax dollars we give you - with little but whining in return these days. Frankly, I wish my grandmother could retire in the subsidized style seniors do in Israel, I wish I could demand that my government build me a new house so I can procreate at will - all heavily subsidized largely by American tax payers.When I wanted I another kid, I had to get up off my own duff, save my own money and buy my own larger house to do so. Israel - why don't you stop complaining and living off your sense of entitlement with regard to the US and GIVE SOMETHING TANGIBLE BACK IN RETURN FOR ONCE. As far as God - when he can pay your bills, I'll defer to him. Until then - shut up.
Israel needs the US a thousand times more than the US needs Israel - especially if we actually become less dependent on foreign oil. In fact, the biggest threat to US existence is reduced US reliance on oil from the Mideast. Israel knows that. I personally don't believe it is appropriate for the US to support Israel due to its hatred for non-Jews. Their nuclear proliferation activities prove they are not the benevolent country the media would have people believe them to be. Providing nuclear and conventional weapons to South Africa so they could continue apartheid and their regional dominance over their African neighbors shows how despicably the country has behaved over the years.
Israel needs the US a thousand times more than the US needs Israel - especially if we actually become less dependent on foreign oil. In fact, the biggest threat to US existence is reduced US reliance on oil from the Mideast. Israel knows that. I personally don't believe it is appropriate for the US to support Israel due to its hatred for non-Jews. Their nuclear proliferation activities prove they are not the benevolent country the media would have people believe them to be. Providing nuclear and conventional weapons to South Africa so they could continue apartheid and their regional dominance over their African neighbors shows how despicably the country has behaved over the years.