More Obama-Netanyahu Friction

Robert Gibbs has issued a statement saying the Obama White House is "dismayed" at Israel's plans to build 900 new homes beyond the Green Line in Jerusalem. Full text:

We are dismayed at the Jerusalem Planning Committee’s decision to move forward on the approval process for the expansion of Gilo in Jerusalem. At a time when we are working to re-launch negotiations, these actions make it more difficult for our efforts to succeed. Neither party should engage in efforts or take actions that could unilaterally pre-empt, or appear to pre-empt, negotiations. The U.S. also objects to other Israeli practices in Jerusalem related to housing, including the continuing pattern of evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes.  Our position is clear: the status of Jerusalem is a permanent status issue that must be resolved through negotiations between the parties.

More Articles On: Jerusalem, White House

COMMENTS (1)

11/17/2009 - 11:32pm EDT |

Why should Netanyahu act any differently from any other leader, foreign or domestic, who has an argument with the President? There is no penalty for flipping his the bird: in fact, it makes him seem like he wants more. Statemanship 401, taught by Professors Ahmadinijad and Kim Jong-il.

If you lead the greatest nation in the world, play the role, and others will grumble, but they will be wary of stepping on your toes.

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