U.S. anger over East Jerusalem row is excessive

The anger is NOT excessive. Israel does not treat the Palestinians fairly.

About the MESS Report Regarding the pointer for the Obama administration mentioning that the majority of Israeli citizens back Bibi on Ramat Shlomo, what does that have to do with anything? I am sure the majority of Canadians would love for Florida to be part of Canada, but the U.N. would not agree not to mention the Americans. If there is ever to be peace in the Middle East, the Israeli citizens will have to accept international law.

That is no point to argue. The rest of the text aswell for sure given the writer but I can't care enough to read it all.

Harel and Issicharof write nonsense. 1.Israel's lawbreaking, violating Geneva Conventions by building in occupied territories requires opposition and condemnation. 2. Netanyahu's unaware claim demonstrates a knave or a fool. Obama's criticism is justified Israel is in violation of international law. 3. Obama is right to confront Israel on its lawbreaking. Confronting a lawbreaker is not intervention it is law enforcement. 4.Israel is endangering the lives of US soldiers by providing enemies with evidence of Israeli criminal conduct. 5. Israel's lawbreaking is confrontational. 6. The rhetoric and actions must be escalated till Israel abides by the law. 7. Netanyahu cannot lead Israel except to losing America, Americans, and American Jews, as allies.

You ask so any of these countries have specific laws against Jews building homes? I'm sure ALL of them have laws against Jews (and everyone else) building homes on land that isn't their's.

your son is a brave man. and so are you!wish you all the best!

whatever the intentions behind announcing a settlement while vice president Biden was in Israel, the Israeli government should have known, and should always keep tabs on, any sensitive approval while a politician from the united states is going to make a state visit. Could you imagine if this would have been released if Obama himself were to be visiting Israel? It would have been such a blow to US Israeli relations that I have to think that the timing of this was intentional. Otherwise it was stupid. But stupidity can lead to war. Israel can neither afford stupidity, nor can it afford an accidental embarrassment like this. But maybe it was meant to be. Since the result of this faux pas must be a repudiation of settlement expansion, this can kick start the peace process. Or, Netanyahu can dig in his heels and say that the settlement will go on, and that will surely precipitate a crisis. On the other hand, stating that a settlement will not be built can also precipitate a crisis.

Most of the world considers these areas to be occpied territories and people are well aware of who is the aggressor and who is the victim. With all the attention and current drama this may be a unique opportunity to find a fair solution and achieve peace.

Are clearly irresponsible. Israel is provoking the Palestinians clearly now. I used to think that Pals were just asking for too much, but now i see that Israel is stirring many conflicts in the Middle east. It must stop. Bibi you are playing a very dangerous game.

As an African-American, who is a student of American history, Obama understands that the oppression of a minority and a common view by the majority that the minority is not deserving of equal rights is evil (Note recent poll of Israeli students).. The actions and policies of Israel could not sit well with Obama, despite his claims that he supported Israel. [I note the recent poll of Jewish students confirmed that they believe Israeli Arabs, let along Palestinians in the occupied territories, should NOT have equal democratic values. Despite the foregoing, Obama has bent over backwards in the face of repeated refusals by Israel to foster a situation in which peace could be achieved. The announcement of the 1600 settlements during Biden's visit was the final straw and the final insult. A relationship requires 2 parties to give each other items of value. What does Israel give the United States for the $110 billion dollars in aid that has been sent to Israel by the US government?

While I understand your very real concern with the consequences of the rash and childish actions of Israel's ultra-right for you, and Israeli, the US problem is dire for reasons far larger. The US Southern Command informed the Obama administration in January that the reckless behavior of Israel was a major threat to US efforts and forces in the region. This is FAR more than a matter of offending the hapless Biden. This is about becoming a MAJOR threat to the future of the United States as a player in the Mideast and South Asia. Israel has heaped so much humiliation and contempt upon the USA in the last year that our credibility is zilch. If the Ally which you are willing to risk the hostility of EVERYONE ELSE in the region has no respect or even consideration for you, guess what? No one else will either. Under Netanyahu Israel has gone from being a strategic liability to the USA to an outright threat. That is the problem. Israel is recklessly threatening us with it's actions.

What is really "excessive" is not US anger over settlement expansion. What is excessive is the Israeli sense of entitlement. You think you can keep playing the settlement expansion game just as long as you want to. You alone get to decide what its limits are. If most Israelis support creating facts in Jerusalem, the US should just lay off and get over it. Your read of public opinion may be good. There is not a lot of even ordinary political maturity in your country. That's why the deficiencies of your "leaders" are so truly tragic. No one is there to educate your people out of their childish self-righteousness. What you have got to realize before it is too late is that you don't have a lot of friends left, even in the USA. There isn't an inexhaustible fund of patience and good will that you can draw on. You may one day find that you have swaggered your way into total geopolitical isolation.

"Sleepy giant" LOL Work a little more on you English if you want people to think you are American.

FYI there was a report on NPR's program "The World" today that quoted a US general making the argument that US soldiers are in danger of being killed because of Israel's settlement policy. Whether this is actually true or not is less important than perceptions. If that perception were to increase in the US the support for Israel among Americans would erode, if it hasn't already. Hopefully the Israeli government is aware of this and has a plan B. Then again given that we are at the end of the "American Century" perhaps Israel will need a plan B anyway. I would encourage you to listen to NPR too, if you aren't already.

I am a true supporter for Israel. Money isn't everything. Moral support is of the essence. Right now Obama,Biden, and Hillary need anything to keep up their platform. Making this fuss about Biden being embarassed is something they are grasping at. You guys have bigger fish to fry with the health bill. Concentrate on that rather than blowing the Israeli thing out of proportion. Your recent posting of dropping support for Israel is one of "fair weather friendship only" Sorry to have to say that to you as a fellow Diaspora Jew. I hope you will change your mind and i want to wish you and your family a Hag Sameach Pesach

I find it hard to believe for someone who claims to be an Israeli can't understand how important it is to build in Jerusalem. You might as well move to America yourself and work for the washington post. Israel will root out all those who thinks that giving away land will bring peace. All the land belongs to Israel and the Jews. It is high time to stand up and be accounted for in resisting a so call palestinian state.

there are deliveries of many hundret bunker busters to diego garcia by the us millitary. that indicates an attack on iran is imminent cause dg hosts lots of b1 lancer bombers which can attack and flee very quickly. israel and usa are making jokes i guess. friendship has never been disrupted. the world will soon see another attack on a souvereign country....

Mmm. I hope we 'play into his hands' lots more. In fact, I vote for a line drive right into his 'glove.'

In a war after you are attacked you can annihilate your enemy, no different than what happened to Germany or Japan in WW ll. These leftist Israelis know pulling back to Poland will not satisfy the Muslims, why to they keep talking like it's about the land. It's about anything that is not Muslim and any other discussion is just hyperbole.

Obama is creating more obstacles with a settlement that even abbas said israel could keep. Abbas was prepared to go back to the negotiating table before obama blew it up even more.

Clinton told abbas they would use negotiations to get israel to show their hand not what abbas's would do.

obama is going bonkers

i bet that over 65% of americans cannot find israel on the world map, can't fathom the fact that the country is no bigger than the state of new hampshire and the only thing they know of jeruslaem is the few moments discussion in the sunday morning sermons. most americans are more concerned with cheap oil then some jews fighting for thier historic homeland!

As a loyal American citizem, and a staunch supporter of Israel, I feel that Obama has overstepped his reach. He has finally shown his true bias in favor of arabs, after all, he was raised a as a muslim, and, has never recanted his allegianc to Islam. Israel has to stand strong. Jerusalem is one city, and is the capital of Israel. What Israel approves, and does within its own terrotory is not the business of Obama and his cronies. Hillary's true colors have also come out...didn't she hug Arafat's wife after she recited a venomous anti-Israel, Anti-Jewish diatribe. Israel really has no reason to go along with a two state solution. A two state solution was created when Britain gave two thirds of palestine to the arabs...what is now Jordan. Any arabs remaining in Israel should leave and take their mosques with them.

if he continues in this line. It is not worth for him to go head to head against Israel because he will definitively lose the Congress. Israel in this present day is more popular than Obama in Congress, and this will come as boomerang against Obama.

You don't read the press, Absolute. Some Haredim have spat on Armenian priests. And this happened near Mea Sharim. Prejudice against non-Jews be they Christian, Muslim, Armenian is a problem. Even if they are citizens. The Arab-Israeli director of Ajami said he doesn't represent Israel because it doesn't represent him. He is a local Christian citizen who feels second class much like an African American athlete felt in 1968. He felt the US didn't really treat black people like people. Jerusalem must be shared so the bloodshed can end. Otherwise, Israelis will be permanenty at odds with the Arabs who surround the region and who increase in numbers in the West partially due to fleeing wars connected to Israeli foreign policy. Israeli politicians have been sowing the seeds of the destruction of Israel and the Israeli public needs to stop the madness and save the state from nationalist extremism. It only leads to disaster as Germany and others saw and Napoleon, too.

It is indicative of your hypocrisy that you have no problems with gentiles being attacked in a Jewish neighborhood for being gentile. It is not likely you would endorse a gentile saying Jews have no reason to go into a gentile neighborhood, and that therefor attackng them is OK.

Upon assuming the Presidency, Obama embarked on a flawed, misled and dangerous MidEast policy. Abama is of the opinion that all Mideast conflicts and fanatical Islam will be resolved when Israel will submit to Palestinian demands. Somalian terrorism, Iran, Sudan, Yemen, Philipines, Iraq and all other countries plagued with Moslem Jihadist terror will be resolved when Israel will be at peace with the Arab world. The age old antisemitic claim that the Jews/Israel are the world's problem is now the official accepted policy of our administration. Obama and Clinton are denying it but this is what it boils down to.

Has anyone noticed the coincidence between attempts by Peloci to pass the Health Bill in congress and the US staged crisis between Israel and the Us.I suggest that Obamas is using this crisis as a pretext to pressure certain members of congress to come on board and vote for the Health Bill as the latter is the flagship of Obamas domestic policy.This would explain the overeaction and the fact that the us rhetoric about this issue was prolonged beyond reason while the negotiations continue in congress with regards to the health bill.Israel is being used as a political football for internal consumption.

If you honestly believe that the Obama Administration is overreacting, then why criticize Mr. Netanyahu at all? East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza are all part of Israel. They can build anywhere they want as long as they don't use foreign aid, something they've never done in the past. So lighten up on Bibi. Israel rarely has leadership with backbone. Who else will stand up for them?

"While it extends a hand to Iran, which continues in its effort to acquire a nuclear bomb; and reaches out to Syria as it arms Hezbollah with advanced weapons, it seems the Obama administration has made a conscious decision to aggravate a diplomatic crisis with the Netanyahu government". You ingrates, we have been holding Israel's hand for decades, your attempt to pull a guilt trip on us just don't wash.

my atlas does not show it ?? can you supply references lat. and long. !

the gang are the people elected by the israeli voters ! clearly in fl. you can know nothing of the needs of israel and your remarks ar those of an uninformed idiot!

The republicans have suddenly discovered fiscal responsibility. There is actual bi-partisan support for greater fiscal responsibility though the republicans are still fantasizing about reducing the debt by cutting taxes. As the economic recovery progresses the pressure to pare expenditures will grow. Foreign aid is one of the easiest things to cut. The policy of alienation pursued by the current government of Israel has not helped it's image in America. Hard to get misty-eyed about 'poor little Israel' when it has been arrogantly treating us as the enemy. We have our own problems without having to pay for the actions of others.

dino, if a population doubles itself every 10 years whose problem is it ? apart from that your idiocy remains profound !

I just need to say one thing here. Regardless of whether you support Israel or not, the only monies going from US to Israel is military aid. That military aid is largely used to purchase weapons and missiles from US companies who employ hundreds of Americans. Even that is now being jeopardized with Obama halting any new sales, from US companies to Israel, from taking place. Get real people, the money comes right back into America.

I think that is what Netanyahu has been up to. What has surprised me is how long it took Obama to respond. Netanyahu must be betting upon another ultra-right wing administration replacing Obama. There is an equal chance the replacement could be a more 'establishment' republican who would follow policies like the Bush boy's father. In which case Bibi could have even bigger problems than Obama would ever make.

Rachel wrote: "An administration that...turns a blind eye to Iran`s nuclear program." While no one could seriously say that the US is ignoring the Iranian situation, one thing is true: the US has turned a blind eye to Israel's nuclear programme for two decades.

We are tired of being treated either like morons or like traitors. Israeli Jews (I'm sure many from former USSR, a great model for democracy) seem to have trouble dealing with us as equals. They either expect us (like morons) to believe that failure of negotiations is 100% the fault of the PA or they call us vile names (like traitors: self-hating, kapo) if we disagree with any of their views. Israel is headed in a very dangerous direction, and we in the American Jewish community are happy to see American leaders who are sensible enough to understand the impact that real peace talks would have - not talks that foreclose discussion of major issues by one-sided fiat. You need someone to get you on the right path; no one in Israel seems able to do it.

You are under the illusion that the terrorists can be appeased in any way.Anything they get is going to waste,mind you.

ITS TIME FOR COOL HEADS AS A MISSION VERY DIFFICULT IS BEING ATTEMPTED. A PALESTINIAN PEOPLE ARAB AND ISLAMIC EXISTS IN ERETZ YISROEL AND HAS FOR NINETY YEARS SINCE THE DEFEAT OF THE OTTOMAN ISLAMIC CALIFATE AND MUST BE REALIZED IN THE POST SHOAH MEMORY OF EVENTS. PROVOCATION IS OUT VIGOROUS DEFENSE IS IN.

5. Could it be that if Obama didn't act then the Israelis would see this as a green light in the future to walk all over the Americans as they have done during the Bush administration. And possibly this would give the U.S. more influence over the Arabs to limit their aggression. 6. When has America ever shown their anger towards Israel publicly? Do you think it is never appropriate to publicly criticize Israel no matter what they do, yet it is appropriate for Americans to show their anger towards the Arabs? That is just a ridiculous double standard. Bibi is a bully, and Obama will stand up to bullies whether it is the extremists in Israel or in Palestine. So take your medicine and don't sulk.

3. You have a very myopic view of what American policy is concerned with. It is not just Israeli opinion, but it is the World's opinion (looking strong), and maybe Obama is trying to influence the American public's opinion. Not everything revolves around what the Israelis think. Sorry to burst your bubble. 4. Here is what General David Petraeus (a conservative general) has to say about the Palestinian-Afghan connection, "The enduring hostilities between Israel and some of its neighbors present distinct challenges to our ability to advance our interests in the AOR. Israeli-Palestinian tensions often flare into violence and large-scale armed confrontations. The conflict foments anti-American sentiment, due to a perception of U.S. favoritism for Israel. Arab anger over the Palestinian question limits the strength and depth of U.S. partnerships with governments and peoples in the AOR and weakens the legitimacy of moderate regimes in the Arab world." That is the reality.

1. I find it amazing how Israelis always explain to us that in the Mid East you have to act tough to get respect, yet you think it is a good idea for Obama to look subservient to Israel in front of the rest of the Mid East. How exactly will they view us after we have been slapped in the face by Bibi and not do anything in retaliation. Seems a bit hypocritical and one sided. 2. Your second point is a huge understatement. The comparisons you draw are in effect comparing apples to oranges. Building settlements in East Jerusalem is huge. Hardly the same as building a new neighborhood in Washington D.C. Drawing such a comparison is an insult to your readers intelligence. I find it hard to believe that Bibi wasn't alerted to this at all, and if he didn't know that settlements in East Jerusalem then it says something about his competence. If Dick Cheney was making the trip I'm sure Bibi would have put out the word for everyone to be on their best behavior. I doubt he gave Biden that same respect.

Make no mistake, Israeli's know who their friends are...it is not the Obama admin.....Regarding Jerusalem, it is racist to exclude Jews from living or building there, period.....Fortunately, Obama has lost most of his popularity here for attacking all of our friends and appeasing all our enemies.....I sure hope American Jewry wakes up to the insult!!!

act in accordance with the people's will who elected you and entrusted you with the honour to govern them. no personal dramas and crises which only feed newspapers. just go quietly to the negotiation table and strike a deal with which the next 1000 generations of both sides will be able to live in peace and prosperity. if you fail, dismiss and become ice cream vendor at the beach.

Second comment. First - obviously censored. "Israel Government and Israel People is forgetting that Israel without American extensive financial, military and diplomatic support is not viable - will not last a year. Insignificant Lilliput country imaging being big power. So Israels only solution is to follow American policy in Middle East or perish. Time is to wake up from the dream and face reality!"

You are also missing the point SDHD. Obama could have an approval rating of less than 20% (which he does not, it is about 49% today) and still americans are upset about the arrogance of the current Israeli gov. There is no doubt that americans (including myself) love Israel, but more and more people in the US are distinguishing between the Israeli nation and a right-wing racist Israeli government!!

From the tone and content of many comments one can clearly discern that Anti-Semitism is morphing into a giant beast.

No other nation can get away with insulting the VP of the USA except Israel. Now that will get the person who made the ill-fated announcement some brownie points from the extreme right, but it will increase the number of people who mutter under their breath that Israel has too much influence in Washington, and that it is dragging the USA into one crisis after another. The problem is, under Dennis Ross, Israel was allowed to build settlements without so much as a serious rebuke. That is why the writers think this slight slap on the wrist is excessive. It is not, and Israel should wake up to how much resentment it is causing for itself all over the world.

In the fine art of debate, it is common to find arguments pregnant with misinterpretations that deliberately distort the content of an opponent's argument. A perfect example of this is found in the talkback of Saad Khatib, #106, responding to Jack Ajzenberg's #53. I read Jacks' argument, and understand that, blaming the Jews for what is going on in Afghanistan is a case of classical Anti-Semitism. This is clear statement. It becomes a hypothetical when Saad repositions the argument to one that was never made and mocks it without addressing its substance. " Oh Please, Obama an Anti-Semite?" Permit me to conclude from the above that Saad's talkback is ill spirited and demagogic, without substance or reason. However, one must acknowledge it's purpose, which is to divert and deflect.

You are actually Jewish right? Because you sure don't sound like it. Are you sure you are not one of those American "Israelis"? You know one of the morons who voted for the Chicago gang of thugs and the community organizer who promised to be such a good "friend" of Israel. Turns out Obama will throw Israel under the bus quicker than his own grandmother. Or maybe get his rottweiler in a pants suit to do it for him. Same difference.

A right wing Israeli reporter once wrote a short article. The gist of it was: Whatever Israel does is always the good and moral thing. Any critic of Israel is always wrong, immoral, and probably an anti-semite. That's all there was to it. This article has long since been adopted by every other right wing Israeli reporter. All that is needed is to fill in the details.

Israel Government and Israel People is forgetting that Israel without American extensive financial, military and diplomatic support is not viable - will not last a year. Insignificant Lilliput country imaging being big power. So, Israels only solution is to follow American policy in Middle East or perish. Time is to wake up from the dream and face reality! PS. As usually, this will not be published, but at least, you will know, what people in the World, thing's of Israels behavior.

... trying to save Israel from bringing upon itself the collective active wrath not only of the Pals, but of the whole Muslim world, including Iran... ... Israel's far rightists are running amock, drunk with their own collective strength... ... but that strength is only in the local ballot box, up against a disunited opponent... ... that 'strength' will be far less effective against the entire Arab and Muslim world which will stand by the Pals in this fatal hour ... ... only the USA could be our saviour... Obama has taken a commendibly responsible stance towards Israel's current rash and irresponsible threats and actions...

"An administration that treats turns a blind eye to Iran`s nuclear program" 'suspected' nuclear program " and kicks its friends over zoning plans?" 'illegal' zoning plans in 'illegally' acquired, 'illegally' annexed, 'illegally' settled "territories occupied", for 'illegal' sale, to 'illegal' settlers.

A according to a recent poll, 70% of Americans consider Israel as a friend. In another poll, only 48% of Americans approve Obama's job performance. This means that Israel is more popular than Obama in the minds of Americans. So just stick it to Obama's eye.

Jordan attacked Israel in 1967. Israel responded and defeated Jordan's military aggression. That is not a preemptive strike but a defensive military action by Israel.

The USA rejects and has not agreed to allow itself to be subject to the ICC. [International Court of Crimes ] The ICC has no jurisdiction over the USA. The same goes for Israel.

Israel has been expanding the settlements for more than two decades. This is the prime directive in Israel and has been supported by every Israeli government. America and the rest of the world have always been against this policy, but Israel went ahead anyway. Now Obama puts his foot down, and these guys say that it is excessive? It is Israel who's conduct has been excessive and has been for decades. Is America supposed to enable and support Israel regardless of the direction Israel takes? Sorry, we are not up for that. America is not a lackey of Israel, although some Israelis seem to think so. America is a world leader and has been for decades. If Israel wants America support to continue, they will have to come in line with Americas vision of mideast peace. Currently, Israel is the major stumbling block to mideast peace. American support of Israel has already cost many American lives. Americans should not be dieing to support Israels settlement construction.

It's not excessive from this side. I agree with the comments that Israeli zionist policies have finally awaken a sleepy giant.

" Avi and Amos, I think that you are missing the point. It`s not Obama or Clinton`s say anymore, the American Public is upset. Most are wondering "Why give Israel 3 billion dollars in aid every year when they do not respect our VP?" According to the polls, Americans widely favor Israel while the Obama administration has abysmal approval ratings.

An administration that treats turns a blind eye to Iran's nuclear program and kicks its friends over zoning plans?

The Prime Minister of Israel; doesn't know if Israel has nukes, doesn't know if Israel sent it's assassins to Dubai doesn't know when local councils make the decision to build settlements. The Prime Minister of Israel; does know that Iran is developing nukes does know that Syria assassinates Lebanese politicians does know when Palestinians dig tunnels There once was a Prime Minister from Tel Aviv, who's lies were getting hard to believe!

After all these years it is high time for the US (and the world) to act. There are so many unacceptable incidents that it is incredible that even the latest incident will not fundamentally change the US attitude. The US could end this farce in ten minutes.

The Israeli government gets billions of dollars in aid and support from the USA and they greedily take that money. But when the US offers advice, they choose to ignore it and insist they will do as they please. How can you say you want peace when you keep slapping the face of your enemy? The mistake Israel has now made is that they have openely slapped the face of their best friend and that has opened the eyes of America.

... that it would be a dangerous precedent for the USA to allow this 1,600 to pass without strong comment and reaction... ... the 1,600 are a mere harbinger of what far-rightist Israel has 'up-its-sleeve'...

Avi and Amos, I think that you are missing the point. It's not Obama or Clinton's say anymore, the American Public is upset. Most are wondering "Why give Israel 3 billion dollars in aid every year when they do not respect our VP?" It is really beyond the US adminstration now. Please keep this mind.

... the fear is that the 1,600 are just a drop-in-the-ocean of the 50,000 that have already been planned and bandied around... ... the 1,600 are perhaps just a test-case and preparation for a far greater affront of 50,000... ... leniency and 'hav-la-ga' by the USA have not been at all effective so far...

does not anger anybody ? Our current accidental , Indonesia educated president fans Arab/Muslim always excessive anger . But in societies marred in poverty , void of creativity and freedom , the only thing left is anger . It is a netural for them to be angry . But for a US president be irrational ? Next election will solve this problem .

How dare have the temerity, the audacity of accusing the anointed one of anti semtism.The unfairness of it all. The fact that the GreatOne sat in the pews of the Reverend Wright's church while he spewed and drooled virulent anti semitic drivel, without so much as raising a whimper of protest until of course he decided to take America by storm,is of no import. The fact that his principal policy advisors are the most hard line foggy bottom arabists is again of no consequence. And of course, # 106 knows why America is lashing out in the maniacal yet planful manner that it is; it is because he can divine such matters. As for his 'occupied' and 'peace', these are non starters and do not merit a response, dignified or otherwise

sibilty : The crisis has been deliberately designed in Washington prior to Biden's visit. Let's face it ,Biden had nothing to say to Israelis ,no reassurances on Iran ,nothing but slogans. EU's Catherine Ashton is meanwhile on the record stating "Israel will have to prove it wants the peace negotiations" before the Biden's visit. It was when pals finally agreed to indirectly talk to Israelis ,no question of the Israeli unwilligness to talk to them. Conclusion must be she talked over herself ,repeating what the US Administration had said to her before the Biden's visit. Instead of the 6 points justifying their conclusions "Haaretz" should concentrate on 1 point: How the clerk announcing the construction was influenced by somebody in the US Administration

Lee says that the AIPAC and related lobby groups do not control this administration. Well perhaps they do not control the President, but they do clearly have a disproportionately strong influence in the Senate and House of Representatives. What else could explain how, even after years of Israel breaking international law and behaving like an apartheid state the USA still sends millions of tax dollars daily to Israel. This perpetuates the evil that Israel is doing in the region and allows Israel to use its own tax revenues for other ventures (like maybe helping fund AIPAC?).

As an American Jew and a long-time supporter of Israel, I have to say that the Israeli leaders really don't get it. It isn't so much about the timing of the housing announcement - although that was moronic - as the fact that it feeds into the worldwide delegitimizing perception that Israel doesn't care about the two-state solution or what anybody else thinks. A might makes right type of argument that makes it very difficult for Israel's supporters to defend. Also, comments such as "The only people who to suffer from Israeli policy decisions are the Palestinians and neighboring states ..." are disingenuous. American standing in Europe and the Middle East, at a time when Israel faces an existential threat from Iran, is absolutely affected. The only way for the U.S. to move forward is to put the ball into the Palestinian's and Arab countries' court and Israel's actions make that impossible. So the onus continues to remain on an increasingly isolated Israel.

Except for very few individuals, who are keenly interested in mid-east affairs, most Americans do not follow nor understand mid-east politics or policies. In its fifth day on national media, the Biden-Bibi row has played out; and the result is that many Americans are waking up and finding out how they should feel about Israel. The results are fatigue from war-fare and a lack of desire for peace from the Jews. This issue is waking up middle americans and taxpayers...enough is enough Both time and money is running short.

Currently , there are too many Islamic-Western conflicts occurring and not one has been settled. The Israeli-Pal conflict is the oldest and "the core conflict" even Bin Ladin mentioned it in his audio tapes. The linkage is real and from the US side we have to deal with it's negative consequencies.

No, they only viciously attacked anyone who dared speak out against Israel's racist policies. AIPAC in and of itself is a racist organization, along with Dershowitz and Krauthammer.

Isachoroff and Harel seemed to have missed the point of Obama's position. It is that there should be a building freeze in E. Jerusalem. I'm quite sure Obama and his folks are quite aware that it makes Yishai a hero to the Haradi, it makes Abbas more aggressive and that a majority of Israelis want to continue building in E. Jerusalem. All this is pretty obvious even to a casual observer. What Obama is saying is that Israel is not going to solely call the shot on the West Bank or E. Jerusalem, and if Israel insists on doing so, it will face diminished support from the U.S. in financial aid and at the UN. The logical outcome is for Israel to be treated in the West Bank with about the same regard as the Serbs in Kosovo were treated, and you'll note that NATO policy did not depend on the playing local Serbian politics Obama is saying is that we're all heartily sick of this dispute, and the U.S. intends to force Israel into a settlement whether they like it or not.

Israelis seem to justify confiscation of Palestinian property and eviction of Palestinian residents in Jerusalem by comparing Jerusalem to Washington DC. Sorry, but the comparison is lame. Washington DC has been the undisputed capital of the USA for more than two centuries and is accepted as such by the international community. Jerusalem, on the other hand, is only claimed as the capital of Israel and only since 1967. The international community does not accept this claim, nor does it condone the apartheid regime which makes the claim.

You two young looking men have no right or a lot of chuzpat giving the Obama Admin./USA advise on diplomacy. Neither of you are qualified to give diplomatic advice to a super-power nor older enough to understand the entire and frustrated history that Israel has created for the USA. Your point #4: Israeli policy is endangering the US and therefore US military personnel around the world. It's the accumulation of acts, deeds, and missteps by the Israeli gov't that puts the US at a disadvantage. The world and espeically the Islamic world sees the US and Israel fighting as one agaisnt trhe palestinians. It is USA arms, helicopters etc etc that you fight with--the Pals and muslims around the world know that. The US is fighting at great cost in treasure and life against radical islam and this "side-show" Jew-Pal hurts that effort. It also hurts the US in diplomatic efforts. The world and Iran sees that two allies cannot work out the small stuff; it becomes easier for them.

"Washington ought to remember one thing, however: The majority of Israelis wholly oppose halting construction in east Jerusalem." Yeah, we also remember Israelis elected Netanyahu, Ariel Sharon, Yitzhak Shamir ... so what? Known as a straw man -- utterly irrelevant to the issue, which is international law, loathed by lawless Israel.

Human rights is a significant world-wide issue. Tolerance of human rights abusives is on the wane. The USA does not need reminders desplayed on the world stage of its errors in past blind support of Israel. Israel has been brutal to the Palestinian people for the sake of supposed security claims. In fact whatever terrorism that has originated from the Palestinians has generally been in response to Israeli excesses. And the Israelis have acted with undue force punishing ole families and communities unjustly. The USA is correct in its response. It should have been sooner and more powerfully stated. The age of unabashed colonialism and exploitation should be left far behind us. We should be more enlightened about the need to acknowledge and appreciated diversity.

"....America's opposition to a democratic decision by Israel's citizens will damage Netanyahu's standing at home...." Well, this never-ending building on land under question may be "democratic" by Israel standards but it it's neither democratic nor legal by inernataional standards. And that is what counts, folks ! David

If you think Obama's little token verbal protest against Israeli expansion is "excessive anger." how would you react if the US ever threatened to revoke even a small token amount of the billions of my tax dollars that are paid to prop up right wing extremists like the current Israeli government?

Nazi Arafat tried to rewrite history as his mentor Hitler's friend taught him.Jerusalem has no arab history. Mohammed was never there and didn't even deem it important enough to mention it in the Koran. Jlem is a Jewish city.The neighborhoods are Jewish,Silvan,S.Jarrah,ramat Shlomo are all Jewish neighborhoods. the Jews were too nice they were willing to share but the ARabs are not. Obama is incompetent. He will be a one term president

Of course the US government knew that Israel was continuing to build in E. Jerusalem...and of course the entire world knows that such building is counter to international law. Israel knew that Vice-President Biden's mission was to facillitate re-engagement in peace talks. As Bibi noted, Israel has been building there for over 40 years...so why make such a meaningless anouncement at all...the explanation is in the timing...it was yet another way to emplace another roadblock on the road to peace. I expect my enemies to slap me in the face...so tell me again what a great friend and ally Israel is to the US...NOT!!!

As usual, this piece is written entirely from an Israeli political perspective. Americans don't know about, and simply don't care about, whether their anger at being insulted and ridiculed is good or bad for one Israeli political party or another. The U.S. has a great deal to gain, and absolutely nothing to lose, from standing up for its principles of a just (2 state) solution. Most Americans are NOT Jewish, and aren't impressed by scolding from Israeli politicians. That's reality.

Israel apologism, both here in the States, and in the UN? "The U.S. thought it find a `metziah` here an occasion to attack and pressure Netanyahu and Israel. The way they do it is a repeat of their early one- sided pressure on Israel to halt settlements and no pressure on the Arabs to do anything." You didn't complain when the US had a see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil policy when previous Administrations did everything in the world to protect you from much warranted UNSC sanctions. Veto after veto after veto. Show some damn appreciation, rather than biting the hand that feeds you.

Issacharoff and Harel can whine and cry about the pressure from the US being too much. But the choice is entirely in the hands of Israel. You can mock the reports coming from top US Generals that are highly respected and widely supported by the US people who say Israel acting like a bull in a china store is putting US soldiers at risk. But all that is going to accomplish is to show you won't even listen to the MOST RESPECTED figures in US government today -- our Generals. Instead of whining and crying, decide who's side you are going to be on. Either you are with us and our Generals and our Soldiers, or you are against us. The price of being WITH the American people, the American Generals, and the American Soldiers is stopping the settlements and negotiating peace along ALL of Israel's borders. Stop crying about the pressure being too hard for you, and just do it.

Yes, the Zionist propaganda machine is in full gear trying to deflect legitimate criticism that is LONG overdue and actually the tip of the iceberg. You keep stealing land and terrorizing your captive Palestinian population like it's nothing and then are shocked when decent people criticize you. Take off the party hats and put away the champagne, the party's coming to an end....

I think even on very lobotomic level it is clear that the idea of a Jewish state gets sold out from mediocre dumps ingenious or ambitious people inside. Those who will like always suffer are common people with peaceful hearts and minds- the simple mayority which hardly gets listen. I am deeply but deeply opposed to settlements in this time-unwise. I think headliners or ultra radicals are making anyone happy from the other side because ideologically it works in their hand any mistake done favors them and those who want conflicts widen. Rich people have usually their luxus way out and second passport I go even farer and think may be just may be all this people who do wrong decisions are welcome because they fit into the plan of destruction of Israel. I feel since quit a while this time it might go not so well if peace is not done somehow soon and this radical politicians are getting into home and garden work. I hope there are a few persons left who chair my thoughts.

This has more to do with the heads of CENTCOM and the PENTAGON. You are endangering our troops per Admiral Mullen and General David Patraeus. You can discount this at your own peril. I know Admiral Mullen recently briefed Netanyahu on this when he visited. Unless you include that info in your report, the report is worthless. Israel's continued provocations with no consequences is making us look weak in the Middle East and the World. It is simply a fact whether you accept it or not. ForeignPolicy.com has an article on the Patraeus briefing which you should read for more information before you tell us why you think the president is doing something. Bibi got a special briefing and visit from Pentagon officials, but politics is more important than our troops to him.

it seems like the american people are waking up to why we put isreals interests over our national security and reputation. The zionests never predicted the internet, tis is why they are exposed. in 30 years Isreali arabs will be the majority, Then what will you do bibi?

They certainly don't "control" this administration.

There seems to be no bounds to Obama's monumental stupidity. The fact that he would repeat an error of once again issuing a dictate on settlements which he cannot deliver and which caused him nothing but embarrassment and a show of weakness the first time around, shows what a complete novice he is when it comes to foreign affairs, especially in the Middle East. It makes one almost feel sorry for him. Almost.

If you are accusing President Obama of antisemitism, then you have lost all that is grounded in reality. Also, the crisis in Israeli - American relations is not just over the 1600 housing units, it is for intransigence in the peace process. For rejection of the two state solution. Rejection of international law and legitimacy. But most of all, it is a reaction to sheer disrespect of any priniciples, including the principle of friendship and strategic alliance. Wake up Israel, Illegal Settlements, including OCCUPIED EAST JERUSALEM, are going to be the beginning of the end of a peaceful solution.

Obama does not realise that his promises to build bridges for the Arabs ,Muslims Palistinians even when there are no rivers. People like Obama with such vision always do more harm than good.

I used to have a home in a different city. I moved. I haven't lived there in 20 years. It is not my home anymore.

My conclusion is starting to form and it isn't pretty. Since the complete stupidity and lack of control necessary to have been the case is completely unbelievable my only conclusion is this. Netanyahu is banking on Obama being a one term president and someone not worth doing business with. He is gambling on that because that way he can maintain the status quo - continue building wherever he wants and flip the US the bird until a more Bush like US government comes along. If this is the case then the US should give it right back to him along the same lines.

You can only tweak someone's nose so many times before they will eventually react. Sometimes it is with more force than you expected. Sometimes the result is permanent. We can only hope this teaches the American president and congress a lesson that they will not soon forget. Of course, with all of the money they get, probably not.

have no reason to come there ,except to make mischief,well knowing the inhabitants are strictly observant Jews. Ironically ,some of these ultra-Orthodox Mea Sharim inhabitants don't even recognize Israel Best proof anti-Israel prop of yours is really against Jews as such.

Which brings us to to the gross idea that any powerful US minority , as the 250000 Israeli American, can cause harm and get away with murder because they behave demcratically.

You guys are delusional if you think the Obama administration is overreacting. Israeli settlement and construction policies have squandered what was once a vast reservoir of good will among American voters. What has been created instead is a mindset that will recognize Palestinian's grievances and anger as valid.

Israel is in effect becoming the enemy of secular, universal Jewish, Muslim, and Christian born people who believe in the idea of global community and religious wars are a threat to our economies and stability. Israel's settlements and ignoring of international law angers Muslims to the extreme. There is no doubt about it. And the US has already lost people partially due to that. American soldiers have died for Israel. We don't need Americans dying for your country. Israeli young men have also died in Lebanon for the foolish right wing nationalist sentiment that wasn't necessary. Let's face it, the Lebanon War was really a fight to stall under Begin and keep the West Bank. That's what Shalom Ha Galil was about, but the Israeli public has no clue how they are played for the nationalist prerogatives of the elites. I don't want my people in the US to be heros for Israel. Israel goes into Palestinian land and bulldozes homes, deports people out of Jerusalem etc...

So you will only support the U.S. if your person is in office? Interesting. As we all know Israel is a democracy, what does that mean Jane? It means sometimes your guy loses because the mood of the people changes, and what?that's when you give up? You can leave the U.S. anytime you want. You know what they say "with friends like that...". See Ya!

Lets get one thing straight NOTHING HAPPENS UNINTENTIONALLY in Israel! Its all part of the grand scheme of of their propaganda war and the never ending Institutional Violence meted out on the Palestinians! PEACE NEVER?

It is clear that Israelis who see nothing wrong with building in East Jerusalem have no regard for international law. They have done nothing while their government has deported Christians and Muslims from East Jerusalem. In Mea Sharim, some Orthodox people spit on Christian priests. The Israeli governments spits on all Palestinians, Christian and Muslim through deportations, settlements, annexing land, denying them access to their holy sites, giving so much water to illegal settlers while the Palestinians get little on their occupied land. Israel is lucky it hasn't been boycotted by Europe and Asia. Israel is a disgrace to any moral Jew who believes in the universality of mankind rather than ideas of white supremacy or Jewish supremacy over others.

out of Israel ,reference to Münich in 1938. "We are not Chechoslovakia ,we will fight" he said .

and the Americans know it", here we have a chance to see whether it is true.

The diaspora needs to have an intervention. ENOUGH! I am a staunch Zionist, I want a majority Jewish Israel for 500 years, and these nutjobs are destroying that dream. Israel needs the diaspora to stand up and say "Enough." It's become the beloved uncle who is addicted to drugs -- nobody wants to face it but Uncle Izzy is stealing from your wallet to feed his addiction. No more JNF or Friends of the IDF tzedakah cans going to Israel. No more summer trips or buying Israeli products. Uncle Izzy needs an intervention and I'm starting now!!!

Thank you Jane. It is encouraging to read a moderate Zionist's reasonable word. Let us all work for peace. The Palestinians also have moderates -- I met many of them. But their numbers are declining because of the radical policies of successive Israeli governments after the the sad loss of Is'hac Rabin.

I can make it rather quickly: "Illegal building" is, if you don't allow your neighbours (in this case the Palestinians) enough space to breath, with the not so secret intention, to push them out of their land one day. And that is the conclusion the International community (including Israels best friends) has taken over the past years/decades from Israels conduct. I hope that was clear enough! :)

"You are underestimating or minimizing the situation and the damage caused by the Netanyahu government." - Jane Quite the case. The damage was done over the last year. There was a sort of escalating series of provocations and insults to the US government. Obama put up with it until the situation was so blatant that not responding was no longer possible. Israel needs to get real and stop telling itself everything is ok. It isn't, Israel has pissed off lots of people in America. The question that need be asked is WHY? Why did the government of Israel set out to repeatedly humiliate the government of the United States? The next question that need be asked is WHAT? What the hell did Netanyahu, Lieberman and Yishai think would happen as they escalated their campaign of humiliation and contempt?

U dont want a two-state solution .. you dont want a one-state solution. what do u people want?? how r u gonna deal with the Palestinians in ur land?? Give us solutions not poor arguments. Do u think u're addressing school kids??

Excessive? For a year the Netanyahu government has been humiliating diplomats worldwide. Now these arrogant fools, who are leading the Jewish people to destruction, did it to the US again. And you feel that a verbal response in frank terms is excessive?! You also pooh-pooh the fact that Israel's disgraceful behavior to its Arab neighbors and citizens inflames the Moslem world. I repeat, are you nuts? It's about Israel's misguided policies; they are excessive. You can all gather together and moan about all of this, but you are the ones responsible, not the US, not the UN, not the EU, not Goldstone, but you. Don't even get me started on your comment about playing into Iran's hands...!

Purely from a strategic importance perspective (militarily, economically, diplomatically), Israel would not be on US's top 20 list. But there is a very influential Jewish community in the US. They are some of the best achievers in media, entertainment, business, academia, medicine, and law. This translates to wealth, power, and political influence. That is why Israel is relevant. It is because of Jewish influence on the American politicians. Netanyahu knows that well and plays that to the US president whom he does not like. In his calculation, Israel is like a child of divorced parents fighting for custody. He expects the opposing political parties in the US to make better offers to him regardless how he behaves, assuming that the American Jewish community will always be behind him, eventually. He may be right. I don?t know. But he certainly makes a lot of people, Jewish or not, rethink about the Israel - US relationship and cost to maintain it.

Which is only fitting, because that is where it all began and probably where it will play out.

As an American - I strongly suggest we increase our aid to Israel 3 fold, arm them more and more and then save them from being spit upon in the UN and then wait for Israel to insult us, demean us and even kick us - Why the fuss - they haven't kicked us yet - this is according to to these two - Issacharoff and Harel when US is so angry. Shame on both of you

Lets respond to the entire article with a single sentence "Building settlements anywhere in the occupied territories is illegal and against international law.". Was not East Jerusalem occupied in 1967? The fact that "democratic" Israelis want to continue to usurp Palestinian land and evict them from their homes does not make it legal or even moral. Every country on the face of this planet, including the U.S., the strongest Israeli ally consider East Jerusalem occupied territory which makes this entire article nothing more than sugar coated dung.

When one side pushes (US) and the other ignores or does not repond, this then is taken as weakness, or even more critically, as in our situation, as a sign of US approval for all of our actions; the settler situation, annexing conquered territories, creating little fires and fanning them into uprisings by people too ignorant to see the manipulation, and finally, the supreme mistake which is a false belief by Bibi and company that a attack on Iran will be immediately followed up by US support. The time framework to allow this to take place is too long, and will probably tragically occur. I have made arrangements to protect my family. Bibi will act soon on Iran due to the daily deteriorating US situation.

I appreciate the Haaretz Articles that i read extensively. Originally from Lebanon, but consider Haaretz to be a reliable source of open debates and in depth articles. Nevertheless i found two major inconsistencies in this article. Ignoring them would make the core debates irrelevant. Point 4: is the exact contrary to what is being stated. Israel's policy DOES endanger American lives. Ignoring that borders to a deep misunderstanding of the conflict players and region. Due to it's unconditional 40 years support to Israel and it's policy in all it's aspects; USA have positioned itself as an extension to cover all of Israel's acts and condemnations. They are not seen as a neutral player, often conceived as a direct Israel's interests caretaker. This is deeply rooted in any Arab or Islamic mind. Pretending the contrary is wrong. How do you interpret that USA have fallen from being the land of the just, Democracy, Liberty, to having their flag burned on every Israeli aggression? Point 5:

No one has a problem with Israel building, IN ISRAEL. Palestine is NOT Israel.

MY son, who has served in Iraq and two deployments in Afghanistan, tells me that the terrorist use the Israeli settlements and US support of Israel as one of their major recruiting tools.

How dare America get fed up with Israel crapping in it's face?

Rahm Emanuel, Obama's CoS, said after taking office "Never let a crisis go to waste". The economic crisis was the opportunity to attempt a wholesale remake of the US economy. Now a spat over a housing permit (groundbreaking is still years away) has given Obama the opportunity to put Netanyahu in his place, to bend him to his will, proof to the Islamic world that he stands with them. Obama, who has no allies among world leaders (he's offended or betrayed most of them) wants to show Israel (and no one else) that he's the boss. Our President is showing his true colors.

Wake up. This is the policy of the new POTUS. Since he will be a one term president the question is how much damage will he do. I think most Americans are asking the same questions.

the boxes they dont care about al are those of cancer, drugs , traffic accidents , alcohol aids , which are colossal compared to military fatalities ! the usa uses military muscle to hold its hegemony not for philosophical rreasons . this keeps at least 20 million americans employed ! get with it !!

Oil is one of them. Peace with the Arabs? You can bet on it. Salaam/Shalom

So the majority of Israelis would like to continue the illegal practice of building on land they do not own, that makes it ok then eh?? if the majority of the Israelis support collective genocide against Palestine would that also be acceptable, I think you guys need to take a few reality pills, What the USA needs to do immediately is to cut off ALL financial assistance to Israel,and the EU needs to fully suspend any trading activity with Israel, see how you go with your illegal building practices then.

If Israel wont or cant listen to USA then better return the money taken from USA all these years. Without US money and support there would be NO ISRAEL !! It's American tax payers who pay u for even the clothes u have on urself. The settlements should be a full stop and back to the 1967 borders, thieves, liars, murders all of them

Actually I can make it rather quickly: "Illegal" is everything that takes your neigh- bours (in this case the Palestinians) the space to breath.... Hope that was clear enough !! :)

I don't see what bbenefit the US gains from its alliance with Israel. We pay a lot of tax payer money to Israel and in return get treated like crap. Israel can build whatever it wants but we should then be neutral in the middle east. If we are taking Israel's side, then we expect Israel to be sensitive to our concerns as well. The US is not an endless giver to all of Israel's expansionist strategies. The middle east can go to hell as far as I am concerned.

We have yet to see the worst of it! I believe that history will look upon this affair as a turning point in US-Israeli relations. Israel has, politically speaking, spat in the face of the Vice President of the United States. And we don't believe that Mr.Netanyahu knew nothing about this; to say so, leaves us with a very frightening impression of a man who is not in control of his (nuclear armed) country. Israel's leaders have, till now, deflected world criticism of their political actions by weaving religious history and the world's collective guilt for the Holocaust into an armored vest. This shield started to weaken amid the world's criticism of Israel's heavy handed actions in Gaza. Now, the shield appears to be in tatters, exposing a very arrogant leader who is not committed in any substantial way to bring peace and stability to the land that the Palestinian people have shared (albiet,grudgingly) with their Israeli neighbors.

The details of what's going on should be discussed in the negotiations and enough of the dramatic headlines.

1. First the writers say the US is deliberately trying to escalate a crisis with Israel. Israel, with it's right wing govt lead by bibi, the settler/thug Lieberman and deputy thug ayalon have been confrontational with every single nation that does not fully agree with thier policies. Are you kidding? 2. The writers state that the majority of Israelis want construction to continue in EJ. I may want $10 million in my bank account but that doesn't give me the right to steal another acct. 3. They go on to say that the Israeli Palestinian conflict has nothing to do with Americas standing in the Muslim world and unrelated to the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan. Totally wrong. There is not a single Muslim in the world (and there are hundreds of millions of them ) that is happy with the unconditional and biases support of the US for Israel and against the Palestinians. The entire world knows this and finally the US is beginning to see that Israel is a major foreign policy liability.

The author of the other well argued article mistakenly writes in point 7) And as for you, Netanyahu? Do us all a favor and cancel the building in Ramat Shlomo. Noboby has started the building in Ramat Shlomo and therefore mr Prime Minister does not need to cancel anything

Good riddance. Your fair weather support and its import is grossly exaggerated. Israel doesn't need it.Spend your energy and time supporting your U.S. president and waxing incoherently on how you are miffed and insulted and so full of aggrieved by the current Israeli government. How dare these cave dwellers make you feel uncomfortable in the insular embrace of your moral superiority . Israel needs your avowed, now disavowed, tomorrow perhaps renewed support like it needs an enema. You simply contribute to the national migraine. Take a pill and get a subscription to Mother Jones

leave it to the vocal left minority American goyishercups to pacify/suck up to the crazy oil rich debt holding arabs/muslims and to marginalize ISRAEL, the only real democratic non-screwball ally and friend the USA has in the middle east...the rest are, nothing in common, mercurial monarchial or extreme theocratic dictatorships...who enslave their citizens and use them as human fodder for the cannons pointed at mighty ISRAEL.

Israel keeps going as it is may be time for America to look for better allies in the middle east. Israel takes US tax dollars and then spits in our face.

Israel has gone out of its way to insult the Presidency, and the people's of the United States of America. Were this the first time that something like this happened, it might be grudgingly written off as "a mistake", but clearly, this was planned and executed quite deliberately. Yes, the P.A. will attempt to exploit the situation to some degree, although since they are so powerless it's hard to imagine that exploitation rising above the general level of background noise in the Middle East. And of course, yes, after much behind the scenes back slapping and high fives, the ISraeli administration will make the usual "this was completely unintentional" obligatory comments. All of it bullshit, period, read your history. The real question here is how now does the American Presidency, and how do the American people, react to such an astonishing and blatant attempt to portray the office of the President as completely inept and feeble in the presence of Israeli politics?

Was having a couple beers, steaks and burgers with some friends last night apres work. Was talking about Israel and a friend asked me where in Jerusalem is East Jerusalem, I explained, I didn't know the exact borders but that it included the Old City and most importantly Kotel. This is one issue which I think many north american jews do not get and as such, without knowing, they'd view Jerusalem under 1 light, but when informed that the kotel and old city is in "East Jerusalem", they change, swiftly. Perhaps Haaretz can make a note and in future, when stating EJ, also note it includes the Old City, you might find that people who were not as well informed before and had View "X" now hold view "Y",

If Netanyahu's government is unwilling to freeze building for a mere 4 months it is doubtful that they are serious about achieving a peace deal with the Palestinians. Most of the world recognizes that the Israeli Palestinian conflict has far reaching effects on how the Moslem world views the west and the United States in particular. It is essential for the United States be a fair broker

I also have a very low opinion of the Palestinian people, but it isn't about that. One doesn't have to pick sides, they can dislike both of them. The issue here is Israel is now dragging it's feet about a peace process, playing games with our government, and insulting our VP. It's about RESPECT between our two countries and obviously Israel has NONE.

No they didn't invade all those places for the Jewish settlers... Did you ever think that Americans might be getting tired of all this invading places and watching the young men and women come home in boxes...?

..the biggest changes have not occurred yet.. There will be a time, when the international community will come down very hard on the Israelis. Look for Goldstone report to play a role... Declaration of soveriegnity on WB or Gaza or both... This Israeli-palestinians silliness must end..

It may be time for you guys to go it alone. You do not seem to want or need help from your best friends any more. See ya!

I think that my country has taken enough of your spit in the eye. Maybe you would like to go it along? The American Jewish community must first be American. You are testing the limits of kindness.

What happened with the Israeli announcement was not innocent. But it was not well thought out either. Bush administration spoiled Israel, and now Israeli right expects the US to jump to attention every time it says ho-hum.

"President Obama would hardly be expected to approve personally plans for a new neighborhood in Washington, D.C. - or even an expansion of U.S. military quarters in Iraq." This comparison is a naive and unequal one, since Washington is not Jerusalem. There is no place on earth that is holy as Jerusalem and where people of all faiths look at it as being theirs. Avi Issacharoff even takes Netanyahu in his protection when he says he didn't know about this" unfortunate" announcement. Of course he did, I say. For me, it means that when it comes to the Palestinian rights, that are internationally accepted, Israelis of all colours are united, even against the nation that feeds them. It could not last long, when people, especially in the USA will say enough is enough.Not officially yet, but you hear it more openly. In Europe it is already the case, in the USA it could be tomorrow. Israelis should keep biting the hands of those who unjustly made it arrogant and brutal as it is today.

Obama (and Axelrod for that matter) are about to enjoy their last months in power. The November elections will effectively castrate this terrible administration. So they should stick to their own problems. As far as stop the constructions. Sure thing. Look how those tactics helped us in Lebanon and Gaza. Just give the animals more and more. We are not dealing with equals here, people. The sooner you realize it the better. There is no one to sign and be help to any "peace" agreement or territories exchange. What can you possible offer to people who blow school buses and teenage pizzerias to get what they want? They have no morals, no basic human values. Lake hell they want that land. They just need this issue to go on. But you, liberals, are much worst. You keep it going. You give them forum and false legitimacy. I am tired of your premise that somehow we are morally equal with hamas or fatah or hessbolla. Shame on you.

The United States has been more than supportive of a Jewish homeland. There is a limit to the abuse which we are willing to take at the hands of our "friends". It may be time to ask the question of Jewish Americans: Are you American or are you Jewish? The state of Israel seems intent upon pushing this question to a show down. Are your ready?

Gentlemen: the response is far from excessive, and many American Jews are beginning to believe that the US should pull all monies from Israel. It has been clear since Obama's election that Israel is unhappy with him, and repeated diplomatic snubs and insults have been directed towards letting him know 'Israel is boss.' Now Netanyahu is trying to say he 'knows nothing' about building in East Jerusalem. Words are apparently cheap in Israel, and so the US needs to take actions--many Israelis, including cabinet members, have said you don't need US monies. We need to stop sending government support. Any relationship is a two-way thing, and Americans are just plain tired of promises without action. It's clear that Israel 'just isn't that into' really working with the US.

Avi - the issue is peace and a 2-state solution and the Israeli government's refusal to negotiate. The majority of the Israeli public wants an end to the war. It's time to stop sabotoging the negotiations and get serious. Most Americans think the announcement was delibertely timed to impede the negotiations. That's what the US is reacting to. The Israeli government, which is hostage to the right wing and religious fanatics, is jeopardizing the good will Americans have for Israel by playing these idiotic games which just happen to stop any progress toward peace in their tracks. It's time to wake up and get the mess under control.

Israelis like to forget that the USA sends them $10B every three years at least (and more some times when they go on a war rampage). They also like to forget that they are in peace negotiations with the people that their current boarders enclose. Either negotiate for peace or come to grips with the fact that they are citizens also and the majority that you have is in jeapardy. It is ok for Israel to grow up if they don't want to be a real democracy and pay for their own escapades.

Let first say that I am neither an Israel or Palestinian supporter. Really, I find both parties are childish and unreasonable. Still, I feel that Israel has taken its friendship with the US for granted. Without the US, there would be no Israel. That simple. Think about that next time you decide to be rude.

You are underestimating or minimizing the situation and the damage caused by the Netanyahu government. No one buys that Bibi was unaware of Yishai's announcement of Jerusalem building while Biden was there offering forever security and friendship. As a Zionist, American and Israeli I was stunned and angered by this tacktless and rude insult to the people of the USA. Perhaps the biggest damage and most destructive element of this story is Jews like me who cannot and will not support Israel until the Netanyahu, Yishai, Lieberman gang is out of office. The days of supporting whoever is elected in Israel are over. Netanyahu's government is taking Israel down a dangerous path and one that has no future for the Jewish State as we know it. Obama will come and go like all presidents but the damage will remain until it is repaired by more moderate peace-forwarding behavior. This is simply unaccpetable.

You are underestimating or minimizing the situation and the damage caused by the Netanyahu government. No one buys that Bibi was unaware of Yishai's announcement of Jerusalem building while Biden was there offering forever security and friendship. As a Zionist, American and Israeli I was stunned and angered by this tacktless and rude insult to the people of the USA. Perhaps the biggest damage and most destructive element of this story is Jews like me who cannot and will not support Israel until the Netanyahu, Yishai, Lieberman gang is out of office. The days of supporting whoever is elected in Israel are over. Netanyahu's government is taking Israel down a dangerous path and one that has no future for the Jewish State as we know it. Obama will come and go like all presidents but the damage will remain until it is repaired by more moderate peace-forwarding behavior. This is simply unaccpetable.

In a new middle east, American interests are no longer aligned with Israel. This is the main crisis which Israeli leaders cannot bring themselves to accept, much less admit. Too scary. Easier to pretend that it is all about timing of announcement or blah blah. Israel today has no leadership, no one to make the tough decisions - Sharon was the last of the decision makers. May he be always remembered.

First let me declare that Netanyahu's double speak and ambiguity wounds the state. Further, Israel, its jews and diaspora jews must not apologize for building in our capital and it is wrongheaded and sinful and hypocritical when we do. But these point,made in outline are not what is of essence here. What is the crux of the matter is the current U.S. administration is casting a nefarious net of blame upon the current Israeli government for the loss of life, for death in the combat zone where U.S. troops are engaged. In effect then, the policy of Israeli Jews and their representative government is not only toxic and contrary to the 'peace process"; it is a principal factor precipitating the death of U.S. troops in Afhanistan. This theory of causality, this imbecilic linear disconnect is eerily fimiliar and it is an old tired beast that is rotted to its core and we must call it, it is our duty to call it by its name. It is Anti Semitism issued from the highest corridors of U.S.power.

with your ARROGANCE. Don't tell us we are over reacting. Not only did you insult our VP, the American citizens who always supported you now feel insulted because you don't seem to care how many problems you cause for us. You need to help out with the peace process or you'll lose our support entirely. You are losing your moral high ground. Wake up.

1. For shame. If the majority think it is correct, then it should not be stopped? Invocation of 'democratic decisions' is insufficient to excuse Israel's barbarism. Jews have been the victims of majorities for their entire history. 3. That the decision was calculated does not imply it is excessive. Obama is not popular in Israel, because Israelis are like spoiled children who are not used to being told they are in the wrong. 4. Never underestimate the usefulness of propaganda and rallying cries. The fact is, the rest of the Arab world despises Palestinians as much as Israel does. Nonetheless, they invoke Palestine in every piece of anti-US propaganda. That propaganda fuels US soldiers getting killed. The only point the article is correct on, is that the US doesn't understand Mediterranean or mid-east politics. What it fails to understand is that in the US, the President is king. Deeply embarassing the king should be followed by abject apologies, not dismissal.

do you mean that the usa invaded korea,vietnam , iraq 1 and iraq 2 and afghanistan for jewish settlers? has troops in countless countries to preserve jewish settlers ? have you tried the process of logical thought yet ??

who are all these world leaders who can actually give legal reasons for their statements on illegality? do any of these countries have specific laws against jews building homes ? or does it only apply to israel ?

Given all the missiles pointed at Israel, the Israeli right is not a threat to anyone. The nice thing about Netanyahu-Lieberman is that even as they thrive on rhetoric, they keep track of reality. Israeli right is a talk show - interesting to watch.

Extremely well phrased and to the point. Reading another Mess report I again wonder if they get it all? Building in Washington suburbs compared to Jerusalem? Wow. You expect the world to understand Israel - but do you understand the world? We object because what you are doing iks wrong, by any moral, ethical and legal standard. Shouldn't be difficult to grasp?

of the ME is so incompetent that it makes the worst president Carter look better. Instead of teaching the PA and Hamas coexistence he lashed out at Israel I am sure with Axwlrod and J Street an anti Israeli org posing as pro.I and a large number of democrats will do everything we can to get this incompetent anti Israeli American president who doesn't understand the greatness of American power out of office the way we got rid of Carter who allowed the Islamic republic of Iran to come about imprison their people and put all the world's children in danger. the american people voted in a monster and I am leaving the democratic party. Obama has a failed presidency and is trying to destroy Israel but in the end he will destroy only the US

It's really a political issue, that America appears weak in not being able to reign in Israel, that the inability to do so is hurting the US's military standing in the Middle East generally. Look up the January 16 U.S. Central Command briefing to Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen. The briefing was the result of an investigation directed by General Petraeus. Guess who has greater influence on the Administration than any lobby... starting to make sense now?

Quite correct that the Obama administration, under fire for its manifest failures at home to get health care legislation passed, and with declining poll numbers, is kicking around Israel to score a diplomatic victory, and maybe get rid of Netanyahu to boot. Except that cancelling the R. Shlomo project now would play right into their hands and create a terrible precedent for the future. If the decision was the right one, then it should stay. The US would do the same were it in the same position. Israel apologized for its screw-up. These things happen, and among friends it's forgiven and forgotten. The problem is that the new administration aren't the friends they portray themselves as--neither Obama who wastes no opportunity to cozy up to radical Islam, or the Court Jews like Axelrod who have hitched their wagons to the falling Obama star.

Just like most of Germany hating jews did not make the actions of Hitler any more acceptable, arguing that construction in E. Jerusalem is OK because most Israelis want it is, at best, intellectual laziness. At worst, it is a collective acceptance of jewish superiority.

"The majority of Israelis wholly oppose halting construction in east Jerusalem" and is it not true that overwhelming majority of Palestinians are opposed to these construction? Does this imply that an Israeli majority carries somewhat more weight that Palestinian majority? And moreover there is no way to judge the Israeli majority, while the Palestinian majority are regularly out on the streets protesting the constructions, the Israeli majority do not need to come out of their home to show support to the constructions. So a better statement is that "The majority of Israelis do not oppose construction in east Jerusalem." And do remember that a majority of Germans in Nazi period did not oppose the massacre of Jews!! So choose carefully what you call a democratic decision and who do you call upon to stand by it. Of course when Israel justifies the recent Gaza genocide, killing children and women, on the pretext and excuse of a couple of wayward rockets fired by Hamas, this is nothing!!

I lived in Israel for over a year once upon a time and, as I remember it, everybody knew everything about everything and everybody. Your whole argument rests on Netanyahu's "innocence" ... you gotta be kidding. Look it boils down to this, America has its young men and women in uniform in Iraq and Afghanistan... Israel is threatening to attack Iran and set the whole ME aflame. Do you really think the American people want to risk the lives of these young men and women, because of "a democratic decision by Israel's citizens"... Do you think they want to see young Americans killed and mutilated to protect the settlers? Maybe you do... As I remember, Israelis lived in a bubble of their own construction... it was all like out of the scene in "A Serious Man", you remember, the story the rabbi tells about the dentist. Things are very bad in the USA right now and people are beginning to connect a lot of dots... My advice to the Israelis is to watch their step.

The content of the insult was a confirmation by Israel that it thinks of the US as its client, an assumed unconditional rubber stamp. That is different than the analysis of Israel and US primarily sharing interests and consentedly working together. It will stimulate a rethinking of US/Israel relationship, which will be longer standing than the simple description of ill-timing of announcement of a provocative policy. There is no better either/or option for the US to ally with, but the thinking in the US from bottom to top will shift from enthusiastic ally to reluctant ally. And, for Israel, that will represent a qualitative shift in its confidence in incremental and existential security and prominence.

It's not lost on me how all the anti-Semites have come out of the woodwork. Still, as someone who learned of the murder of Ytzak Rabin and his wife while gathered around a camp fire with several friends, I cannot help but feel that was the beginning of the end of Israel's good intentions.

In October, Hillary Clinton praised Israel as making "unprecedented" concessions in stopping construction on West Bank settlements while it is still going to build in east Jerusalem. Shortly after, the US State Department echoed: "Today's announcement by the Government of Israel helps move forward toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Suddenly, last week, an announcement from a low level bureaucrat in line with policy already blessed by Hillary and her State Department, causes apoplexy. No rational explanation available.

Surely it is weong to build on a future capital - never mind any land seized in 1967 - I think the US has been witing for months for something like this. It can now be open and honest about the whole peace process - or lack of it.

The current diplomatical crisis with the U.S. (and pretty much the rest of the world) is not about those 1600 house units in East Jerusalem, and even less so about the timing. The anger about Israels continued defiance when it comes to settlement expansion has built up in the capitals of this world over decades, and Bibi's blunder now is just a welcome excuse for the International community to make an example and show the Israeli governement/people, who is the big boss here, and who the little one....

What is the right thing to do- maybe equal first; World opinion 3rd; Arab opinion and Israeli opinion equal 4th. These I imagine are Obama's priorities. So Israeli opinion only really counts because the control of the extreme right wing government that it has will obviously make a fair deal difficult to manage. Separately the suggestion that Obama and most others are looking to destroy Israel is such absurd nonsense that it is surprising that so many Israelis continually spout it. You have plenty of your own land without stealing more Palestinian land. Live peacefully in your own land and the world will back you.

When even Ha'Aretz finds President Hussein-Obama has gone too far, you know he's gone too far. Even the Left are now supporting PM Netanyahu in the face of the unfair and manufactured crisis that Hussein-Obama is fomenting. His inexperience in foreign affairs is demonstrated here, where he and Sec of State Clinton have just set back chances for peace by years, encouraging the Pals to raise their price ever higher. How long will the USA (and the rest of the world) suffer from Hussein-Obama's incompetence?

"As far as anyone can tell, Netanyahu was unaware of..decision...." - what does this say about B Netanyahu? He has the imminent arrival of the VP of the USA to discuss talks between Israel and Palestine and is unaware of a decision which is one of the most seriosu areas of contention... Anyone else would have their finger on the pulse.

What are you talking about? Either you do or you don’t support Bibi’s policies on settlements and building in east Jerusalem. If you don’t: How come you don’t oppose his policies on construction in East Jerusalem? Then you write, very tentatively and hesitantly: “True, Netanyahu may - unintentionally - have caused the crisis…” May? Unintentionally?? It is his duty to know that this is bound to cause a crisis. If it was “unintentional” he failed. The alternative is even worse.

I simply ask you how you would feel about your next door neighbour building on your back yard without your permission?

In the absence of America's support for Israel, there is a high possibility that 9-11 would not have happened and our troops would not be in Afghanistan / Iraq. The US would have been close to the Oil producing nations and happy. Hizbollah, Hamas and the likes can all be traced back to Israel's actions in the past 60 years. Israel should stop acting like a spoiled teenager calling the parents whenever there is trouble but not wanting a slap on the wrist from time to time.

Where is one American word against the incendiary nature of the remarks made by the Fatah leadership, the absurd claims about Jewish taking over of El- Aksa? The U.S. thought it find a 'metziah' here an occasion to attack and pressure Netanyahu and Israel. The way they do it is a repeat of their early one- sided pressure on Israel to halt settlements and no pressure on the Arabs to do anything. The ironic thing is that the Administration's actions will do more damage to it domestically than it will do to Netanyahu.

Democracy is as democracy does - to ALL the people it governs over.

not after $114in aid to the poor israelies

Can't we just get along, make everything go back to the way it was ... you know peace doesn't fit into the big picture, you've supported us in that for decades, surely you can't really mean for us to change, no, we just can't do that, you loved us despite, so let's just resume. That might very well happen, is highly probable, but US will have recognized that the world really admires the Genie that was let out of the bottle, it's been applauding wildly, jostling to get to the front of the line to admire. Who knows, perhaps the pretty doll will just have to go back... still the US may well get in the habit of letting her loose. Perhaps Israel just need learn how to behave while the prima donna makes regular appearances... true something entirely new for Israel to learn but as hell has no fury like a woman scorned it had better start practicing!

Then pay for it yourself. I am a strong supporter of Israel, was there last May, but am an American and would like to see peace. Israel's policies are being funded by my tax dollars and I do not agree with their policies anymore. If I am a supporter of Israel, can you imagine what the rest of Americans who are reading the headlines are thinking?

Item 2: You compare building in East Jerusalem to building in Washington DC, what a comparison.. item 3: Is Netanyahu working with Obama to attack himself?? otherwise, how come Obama decided to attack, but Netanyhu actually called for it?? item 4: the US has self interest of ending the conflict. The US will be in much better shape if it is solved. item5:The Ultra orthodox does not want to give in their rapists because the rest of Israel will see it as giving in to pressure. Is this right? IT is time for not using such childish excuse. If you have a problem, solve it. Avoiding it because what the neighbor will say does not help.

1. It?s not about 1600 homes. It?s about Israel falling in line and doing what it?s told for a change 2. It?s not about whether or not the Jewish crowd in Israel agree. Something has changed geopolitically and Israel is behind in its thinking 3. It?s not about there being no problem because the settlement in question was agreed in 2000. The US needs progress on Palestine if it wants success in other projects in the Middle East 4. Bibi is a moron

you cannot compare building new neighborhoods in DC to expanding settlements in East Jerusalem! Avi, this is so disappointing ! I thought you knew better.... One more thing - the world - and US Foreign policy - do not revolve around Netanyahu. Even the US has a moral and just framework in which it operates which should not be dictated based on its ramifications on Netanyahu's decision making process.

Please see this report in Foreign Policy: http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/03/14/the_petraeus_briefing_biden_s_embarrassment_is_not_the_whole_story Predates specific uproar over this particular East Jerusalem site. And yes, one-sided U.S. support for any/all Israel policy is not necessarily in U.S. self-interest, and does increase animosity and recruitment in Muslim countries aganist U.S.

some obvious but much ignored facts: 1. US has numerous new military bases in Arab countries to support whatever objectives they need without Israel's help. 2. US still needs Arab oil 3. Israel is rapidly becoming an embarrassement to its friends (see incidents created with Dubai, Turkey, Brasil..etc) 4. Finally and this is new... Israeli actions are now seen as promoting Islamic extremism and jeopardising American efforts in Iraq, Pakistan & Afghanistan. Further, this is perceived as causing young American men & women to be killed over there. Over reaction...?? Sorry but the Americans don't see it that way!

The sooner Israelis and Arabs reach a settlement the better it is for all, especially for Israel and the US and the worse it is for the Muslim and Arab extremists. To say that David Axelrod, a Jew and a supporter Israel is being dishonest in what he said is a denial of the reality. The extremists feed on the sufferings of the Palestinians. Time is not on the side of Israel or peace for all. The sooner the Palestinians are given a viable state the more secure Israel is. The Palestinian Authority is losing out to the extremists. Only a peace settlement will help the PA and the US, let alone Israel. Israel actions are radicalizing the Arab and Muslim streets. Military and even nuclear power will not guarantee Israel's security. Peace is a much better option for Israel than an emerging quest among many Arabs and Muslims for a long-lasting guerrilla war which the Americans lost in Iraq and they are losing in Afghanistan and Israel lost in south Lebanon and Gaza. It go War won't wor

I don't think so. Israel is being given enough rope and is , predictably hanging itself. The true intentions of Israel are becoming clear to Americans. Delay after delay and the settlements land grab continues How long do you think you would last without the US? And yet you spit in their face.

we have lost our belief in our right to live build and breath in this country

Just wanted to say that to like 99% of the world all these settlements do is make Israel into the bad guys. I don't see how long your country can keep thumbing their noses at the rest of the human race. Sure we gave you a country. Keep it. But why do you have to step on everyones toes all the time too?

Should have made two identical speeaches. Instead of just Cairo, he should have gone early on to both Egypt and Israel, and literally made the same speech to both audiences. If he was drawing line in sand over Settlements, then should have made it about the West Bank... and then actually followed through. Mistake was first calling for earlier freeze but then capitulating, and then calling for it again but now where hand is weaker over East Jerusalem (compared to West Bank).

There are no gray areas here. 1. Israel cannot build a "security wall" and live on both sides of it 2. If another country came into Israel, bulldozed some of their houses to build in their own interests and not the interests of the Israeli's they would call that a human rights violation, among other things. 3. Israeli's have been bring settlement expansion approvals to the peace talk tables for years expecting the U.S. to cover their butts while Arab anger blows over. Well, the anger doesn't blow over anymore, in fact it has chipped away at the Arab goodwill that they no longer see the Israeli's as a viable partner to peace. 4. As an American, I do not support your illegal settlements, noone does. These settlements are usually things diplomats do not talk about, but the opposition to them persists and grows silently. 5. Don't blame the U.S. for the tensions, they bent over backwards to get the Palestinians to the table, the Israeli government didn't appreciate the effort

Like Japan did ( although not with an attack) Israel woke a sleeping giant recently . The results wont be good. After this insult while fighting wars for Israel that do NOT enhance the security of the USA , you woke the public to Israel's attitude toward us . Soon you might just be remembering the "good old days" when the US supported anything you did, no matter what.

As you know, but disengenuously mis-analyze, it is a matter of overall Israeli policy (occupation, settlements, killing Palestinian civilians) and the seeming one-sided blind U.S. support for these which endangers U.S. soliders, U.S. military policy and U.S. diplomatic policy. Your trying to pin this point to the specific East Jerusalem construction is dishonest, since the DOD report predates that announcement and is clearly about broader issue.

"Attempts to imply that Israeli policy is endangering the lives of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, and even Iraq, verge on an insult to the intelligence ... Not a single U.S. soldier in Afghanistan is at risk because of 1,600 housing units in Jerusalem." So are you claiming that General David Petraeus is insulting our intelligence when he said exactly that? http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=68705 That briefing by Petraeus helps explain why Biden was so furious, and why Axelrod said what he did. Issacharoff and Harel are simply denying the reality: that what happens in Israel and Palestine, and in Jerusalem in particular, puts US soldiers at risk around the world.

Ah I don't think so. Jerusalem is his home. History talks.

No one buys the argument that Jihadists in Afghanistan or Iraq are least bothered by what is happening in Palestine. Growing up in that part of the Islamic world I can assure you that every child growing up there learns very quickly about Israel and US support for its policies. They may not know any thing else about the world politics but they know very well what is going on in Palestine. Is there someone in Israel who will dare to do a survery and try to find out if this argument is right or wrong.

In this paragraph the author says: ?So I am not at all sure that America's opposition to a democratic decision by Israel's citizens will damage Netanyahu's standing at home?. Democratic? Does democracy conflict with the international law? Does thievery of land may be democracy? If the whole Israelis , God forgive, demanded to kill and rape other communities this also be called democracy because the majority said yes? Do you think that the world would be sympathetic with Israel breaching the international law as occupier? I Think it is time to rethink things because even oppression and unfairness went for a long time it would not perpetuate.

Big time mistake fellas! The Likhudniks messed with Israel's only friend the US.. I want payback. and to think of all the good will the Israeli medical team did in Haiti and other good will works around the world are all erased over these religous koo koos. You guys don't live here. I do and we're really gonna put the squeeze on these cats. and yes my men on the field of battle mean a lot more then these religous wackados and don't you forget it. Your only friend

the rest can be simply wited out as a laborious ( an not terribly attractive nor talented ) regurgutation of the first chapter of Torah.

as if east jerusalem is just another suburb - absurd

Arab and Muslim countries had no problem with the US in the 1920s and 1930s. All this 'Muslim hatred of the United States has nothing to do with Israel' is total lying BS. America's blind support for Israel and Israel's treatment of the Pals is not the ONLY reason Muslims hate America, but it is the BIGGEST reason and the reason of LONGEST standing. Just about every non-Zionist commentator would agree on that, because it's so obvious and becaise time after time Islamic militants all around the world mention it. There are other gievances but America's hypocritical failure to stop Israel's colonialism is the biggest, most obvious and most indefensible. Whhen Israel oppresses Pals, Muslims hate Israel evrn more, and if they hate israel even more, they hate the US even more, and then even more US soldiers die. Simple and as obvious as that.

U.S. Anger...... Mubarak is dying. Ahmadienjad has just stepped down from the trees,& finds himself among men ! Egypt will become unstable. There will be strife & bloodshed in their land. Conflicting parties will be vying for power. America's hundreds of billions of $$ given to Egypt. Will go down the drain. Tehran will see that America is becoming weaker,will get emboldened, & care two hoots what America thinks about Iran. Because of America's present day administration weakening Israel. The Arabs will wrongly interpret Israel's strong resolve to defend herself & fight for her survival as a strong power in the ME. The only power to safeguard America's flank is Israel. But for transient applause she is endangering her position & Israel's.

By which standard is it excessive to condemn repeated contempt for international law ? USA are not owing anything to Israël just the other way round. USA are not AIPAC.

embarrassed to be a Jew." _____ Indeed terrible situation... Convert - into something more comfortable...

Today's WashPost editorial strongly backs Israeli housing plans in the disputed territory. Readers commenting on this editorial OVERWHELMINGLY condemn it, some going so far as to say it was written by the staff of the Jerusalem Post!

The problem is that a few greedy extremist Jews, who probably don't care to see a Peace Accord with the Palestinians, are using the rest of the Jewish world to support their recklessness. They are doing this by appealing to populist-nationalism in the world's Jewish community. The best thing that can happen is the rest of the world's Jews tell these rednecks to stop manipulating the Israeli people and its government.

Consider the known facts: Obama was the son and stepson of Muslims, he attended the most antisemitic church while in Chicago. In other words, he hates Jews (I do not think his Jewish advisers ever attend services) So his hatred of Israel is understandable.

I think the concerns expressed here are legitimate, however I do not find it insulting for my President to see the link Israel's domestic agenda has on the larger Middle East dynamic. Especially, when every Arab nation's foreign diplomat comes to America with the same perspective of the unilateral decisions to build on land which is subject to potential negotiation is tough to endure if your any of the Arab countries that lost in 1967. They share the memory of losing the war. Yes, they relate to Palestinians on the ground there in a symbolic sense. It's the symbolism that is compelling. It symbolizes oppression for Arabs the same way people of African descent all over the world feel a sense of solidarity in opposition to being oppressed. I think Obama is intimately aware of that dynamic and it serves him well in his understanding of the Middle East. Also, a project equal in size and scope to those settlements would be huge in America,larger than Washington DC relatively speaking.

I picked up on your article from google news on the continued development of Israeli settlements. As an onlooker who's taxes continue to go to financing this foolishness, I am perplexed at your stance. Do your truly suspect that the continued settlement of another peoples land is acceptable, or even makes sense: politically, economically, spiritually? Really. It is a shame that the voices of moderate Israeli's aren't being listened to. I've been there and done that. While there I met quite a few Israeli's who believe that their government has been highjacked by arrogance for far too long. Shame you have only blinders on. But what the heck, what can the Palastinians do back, right?

The author neglected to tell the readers how close the Synagogue is to the Mosque? Is it 1 meter, 5 meters or 50 meters? Pretty relevant fact is it not?

The problem with the announcement of settlement building was not the timing; it was the policy. Construction of these new units is a blatant affront to any efforts at serious resolution and reconciliation. The only problem with the Obama administration's anger is that it is not backed up with sanctions. This Jew says enough to Israel's brazen efforts to derail peace. Israel for Israelis, Palestine for the Palestinians.

The problem with the announcement of settlement building was not the timing; it was the policy. Construction of these new units is a blatant affront to any efforts at serious resolution and reconciliation. The only problem with the Obama administration's anger is that it is not backed up with sanctions. This Jew says enough to Israel's brazen efforts to derail peace. Israel for Israelis, Palestine for the Palestinians.

Whatever the Israeli man in the street may think or want, a two-state solution is impossible without a place for Palestinians to live. Obama is well aware that continued expansion into the occupied territories both prevents peace and makes it less possible in the future. Sooner or later someone has to stop Israel's growth into the OTs or they will just become a zoo where Palestinians are kept.