The U.S. is very powerful and can, indeed, force Israel to make policy changes to some extent. For example, Bush commanded Israel to cancel the deal to sell Phalcon radar planes to China, as these planes might endanger the security of Taiwan. But cancellation of the Phalcon deal did not threaten any vital Israeli interests.
Obama could similarly force Israel to pull out of some settlements. But no U.S. President has the power to force the government of Israel to give up the fundamental Israeli goal of maintaining a Jewish state. If an Israeli government were forced to choose between a total cutoff of American aid and acceptance of the Palestinian right of return (allowing Palestinians to take over Israel by means of demography), the Israeli government would choose a total cutoff of American aid.
Abbas should not rely on foolish fantasies about the U.S. giving him everything he wants. Abbas needs to give up the right of return if he wants a Palestinian state. |
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