Barak: East Jerusalem announcement was unnecessary, damaging

What you said is important. It must be said, and I could not have said it better. When I read some of the extremist and uninformed posts some people have made, I am reminded how difficult it sometimes is to communicate with those living inside an institution for the insane. Perhaps the last kindness we can offer is some tough love. Perhaps that way we can lift the veil and dispel the dysfunctional thinking which clouds the judgement of the extreme right in Israel and the Netanyahu government. This is exactly why making peace has been so difficult. Now some will say its the fault of the Palestinians. No, you and they own the problem. Both sides need to actively seek peace. So, don't blame your failure on America.

All of you ingrates shouting about how the USA should shut up and leave Israel alone should remember how much you owe to America. It's not just the ritual $3Bn per annum in support, it's the military support, the political support, and the 'invisible' financial support. To be honest, you would be in deep doodoo without it. What if America pulled its foot off the gas pedal a little. Do you think that Europe would continue to offer beneficial trade to a country that continues to trample civil rights and sneer at international law? A little less rudeness, and a little more thanks might be in order. Of course, peace talks would help too.

1947, see the birth of a Hopmeland for the Jews on the partitioned of OLDE Palestines. Legally 55% belongs to the Jews The rest for the Arabs(Muslims & Christians). and the CITY Of JERUSALEM, an international Holy city for the THREE main religions, JEWISH, CHRISTIANS and MUSLIMS. The Jews acceptted the RESOLUTION, and Israel born , that is the reality.

THEY THINK NETANYAHU AND HIS SHIP IS SINKING? NOT AT ALL.HE IS DOING HIS BEST UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF BEING BUFFETED BY THE US, PLUS ALL THE NEERDOWELLS FROM EURABIA. THREE CHEERS FOR BIBI AND ISRAEL. Most of you are the fools in the LOONY/BIN

Its a crying shame on Obama if he realy claimed the tombs that hold the bones of those who conceived the 12 tribes of Israel. May i know more of that bad insult to Israel, RME pls? Please? Zak2624@gmail.com

If anyone thinks Israel will fall.. better have another thought coming. Israel has a MIGHTY warrior by her side. All of us have seen her loong arm. We will see it again. Take heart, oh Israel. U R not alone. Zak.

The U.S. shd understand tht Israel is not a son of U.S. Israel is a sovereign state. Doing anything it does for the good of its citizens. Americans can see it fit to bomb Afganistan/Pakistan sites ..in the process kill over 500 civilians & 8 militants who threaten the U.S. It will only apologize..then mo drones. Yap.. protecting US. Israel can also do favors to Israelis. After all, who is killed by new good houses? Its the other side which kill with bombs. Take heart Israel. I only wish Netanyau is as bold as Begin in the 80's. Begin told the American.. like.."sharrap. We r not yr child. We see Golan the way we see it."

Lets be clear about this, the United states can live without Israel, and save a lot of money, Israel cannot live without the United states.

Haaretz just doesn't get it.. to stop construction in EJ means you loose all Jerusalem. The P's don't want a housing freeze, they want the wall. The wall will then cease to exist, as per standard operating practice. The Arab world has an ongoing history of destruction when it comes to non-Muslim religious sites within their borders. When will Haaretz get it? Then again, perhaps they do! They get that their stance sells newpapers and makes money. Proving that some businesses will do anything to grab the all mighty dollar. No matter what it does to their country.

He's viewing things from a nationalist, Jew-first historical narrative. 'The big lie is the long term history of the Palestinians that never was.' The ancient history of the Canaanites, Jews and Palestinians doesn't matter a fig in international or treaty law.. Modern Palestine and its people legally date from 1922. Modern Israel and its people legally date from 1947. That's it - nothing prior to that signifies. To make it easy, the UN even drew a map showing (a) which bit Israel got and (b) which bit the Arab state got. Harping on about ancient Israel and ignoring the definitive modern treaties and maps just makes the right look like ignorant nationalist zealots.

CL Writes: "..that Israel must withdraw from all the disputed territories" AND where is that quote from CJ? Please refrain from imaginary quotes in order to bolster your anti-Israel position. While it is OK to argue against Israel and its policies, it's NOT OK to make up stuff in order to make your position sound more authentic and right. In fact if you have to lie to make your case, maybe, just maybe your on the wrong side of the issue.

----Do you mean the insult to Biden was not nice-- Ratshit what about the Obama Insult to Israel - When he slammbed BiBi for claiming the tombs that hold the bones of those who concieved the 12 tribes of Israel-- also is it not an insult to Israel to befriend the muslems--

Really ,far right wing or leftwing ,no real differences in the way they operate except the far right don,t lie or cover up for their cowardly deeds ,they say it outright ,unlike the hypocrite far leftwing that lies and cheats ,typical coward style?

The Muslim Turks must immediately vacate Constantinople and Turkey as it is occupying the land conquered during the Ottoman/Turk crusades from Christian Europe ,yes?

If Chris Linthwaite doesn,t want to pay his taxes anymore for fear of supporting Israel, the alternative is simple ,send your hard earned dollars to Palestine where Erekat,Shaath ,Ashrawi Abbas ,Dahlan will use it to buy expensive villas in Ramallah or Amman ,how about it big mouth or what about volunteering to dig tunnels in Hamastan at 100 dollars a day to finance Haniyeh/Mashal and their smuggling enterprise or is it to back breaking and dangerous for a Palestine like yourself?

There,s no value in supporting a terrorist Muslim state of Palestine ,just like Afghanistan,Pakistan ,Iraq,that bleed the UN coffers dry ,no more funds to police the butcher of Sudan and his Muslim Janjaweed militia ,or to protect infidel females from the Islamic perverts in Darfur .

The civilised Western world is not interested in Palestine as it produces nothing but trouble with a capital T,62 years on and still no Palestine state ,very strange?

Falsifying the facts does not serve the ultimate end of mutual recognition between the two disputing parties in Palestine. Going back to Napolion campaign to Palestine, hardly any jews owned anything in Palestine. Israelis can get license to build housing to meet more than their needs and Arabs cannot get license to meet their dire needs. The answer to this is clear when we know who issues the license. It is far better for the wise people on both sides of the fence to try extinguish fires instead of igniting them. By increasing the number of Jews in Israel may allow Israel to build up its might but this WILL NEVER be a passport to its acceptance as a good neighbour. If we keep going along the present line of politics, distructive confrontation is unavoidable, and it may spill into Europe. Had the Jews come to the region with an intention to be good neighbours, and WITHOUT the European mentality of, " You conquer and Rule",they would have been accepted and benefitted all.

larry reading haaretz talkbacks convinces me its still here in this modern world ! try bringing islam into the 15th century ??

When a dirt farmer from Colorado notices and flinches at this sorry affair...well it may be time to take notice. This embroglio comes at a time when the U.S. is struggling with monumental domestic strife--in economic, social and cultural matters. Now, our friends, flick us in our collective nose without a thought about the grave, long term consequence or potential for setback. Biden, Clinton and Obama have been friends to the Israeli mission for decades in total and have stood by the side of reason in the Middle East all that time. We want you people--on both sides--to see peace in your lifetimes. Noone is served by petty diplomatic brinksmanship at a time when _our_ world is teetering. Your friends in the wild-eyed rightwing are the worst you could hope for. They only hold Israel in their eye because anti-academics lecture to them every Sunday that there is no negotiating when it comes to the holy land. Come on, you risk a response of tough-sh** from many of us. Wake up bubu.

... they sometime end in divorce too. Not everyone is an orthodox jew remember.

This is a response from a quiet observer from a long way away. I have no 'axe to grind' at all. I see the Middle East conflict as constantly changing amoeba, but one which is fed and refueled constantly by intolerance on many sides. No-one is prepared to give an inch, and there you have the problem. Its a Mexican stand off that leads to very bad outcomes for all. Now, I know that all of you reading this (if there are any) will use words like 'naiive' 'what a dork' and 'ignore this, he does not understand'. Final comment: I am not religeous but I understand about the sanctity of human life. ALL human life. This is one human who wants the killing to STOP. Period.

FB: "Let this Israeli government fall once and for all." Yes, indeed. The Obama Administration has constantly been told it must tread carefully lest this Netanyahu govt implode and fall. Yet the events during Biden's visit shows that NOBODY is in control, least of all Netanyahu, so from the American perspective what is the point of propping this rabble up? Lean on it, and if that makes it implode, well, no big loss.... And if Bibi does fall then at least Obama can stick Netanyahu's head on a pike "to encourage the others". Which will certainly help to concentrate more than a few minds, and That Has Got To Be A Good Thing.

That sounds crazy. Let's say you're on to something? If so, just how crazy would that be if Israel decided to take on Iran? By itself! Certainly not with the help of the US. Get real. You are playing with fire.

How many blunders can an Israeli government allow itself to commit? A few, perhaps. But not vis a vis the U.S.A. Biden is right, Clinton is right. The government of Netanyahu is serial blunders wrapped in stagnation. It must fall if Israel is to confront both Iran and its proxies, as well as the internal radioactivity the settlement movement poses, the orthodox blackmail and the many other rifts in its society.

Re "Ted #14" -still, compared to the Amateur Hour that passes for the current government here, Israel looks positively coherent.

So it takes it out on Israel. Iran is now in control of Syria and Lebanon and soon Iraq and the gulf States. the Saudis and Egypt will implode. the US will be kicked out of there like Nasser and the USSR had planed and fail;ed. why did Nasser and the USSR fail? They failed because of Israels victory in 1967, no thanks to the US. this time there will be no such happening. Once the US is out of the ME Iran and its ;ackeys will turn on Israel indirectly. They wioll simply shut off the flow of opil to every one. The EU and the US and Japan will dismantle Israel just ion order to retain viable economies. Either that or they will have to make war on a world wide scale against the entire 1.6 Billion Musslim world, which by then will be 2 billion. The EU and Japan will back out, as usual. Theymay even convert to Islam enmasse, Why not? Life will be better as muslims than as people worshiping a prophet who was a Jew.

"While there can be a role for outside parties to encourage negotiations, they must be part of face to face discussions between Israel and the Palestinians." This was the sub-headline caption in response to France-Spain calling for an immediate recognition of a separate Palestinian state. The same issue is true of ALL planed building by Israel in the occupied lands, including E.Jerusalem. Actually, I've often thought if Israel was a true democracy that applied equal treatment for all peoples, there would be no need for a separate state. Unfortunately, it's in the death grip of a zionist racist ideology trying to resurrect a 2000 year old long dead state that's out of touch with the modern world.

The world is possibly going to witness the best US administration ever in terms of dealing with Palestinians and Israelis in a fair manner. Sure this will anger the right wing zionist faction, but who cares, they can drop dead.

and its time Obama proved it to the world and to Americans in a decisive manner. Israel must be forced to reverse its ugly policies of holding thousands of Palestinians prisoner and should be forced to vacate Palestinian lands or face an all out boycott the likes of South Africa.

his mind and represent his organization. There is a vast difference between the ADL and the US Arab organizations who financially support murderers of Americans and abet, protect and defend them.

...embarrass Israel publicly.

I totally agree Joe Biden the Vice President of the United States went to Israel to tell Netanyahu not to attack Iran, and that the United States will defend Israel if required. In return Israel is required to return to the peace process, which would signal the death knell for Netanyahu's coalition government. Hence the statement about the 1600 housing units in East Jerusalem, it wasn't meant as a slight towards Mr Biden it was supposed to shore up support for Netanyahu within his coalition government. Thankfully it appears to have backfired spectacularly

Everything is only a matter of time... Israelis express their regrets about "wrong timing" with this provocative announcement about new constructions on land that isn't theirs.. At the same time, they are running out of time, history in its big trends is always going towards progress : apartheid in SA stopped, war crimes got punished years after they were committed, crazy dictators got arrested years after they imposed terror on their people etc. It is just a matter of a couple of years, not more than a decade, and nobody will admit that he once stood by israelis and their crimes.. Eventually international right and human rights will be enforced - or western democracies will be overwhelmed with their contradictions.. and they can't take the threat on their political model much longer..

is this the same Ehud Barak who, himself, very recently OK'd 112 (I may have the exact number wrong)housing units? Is there anyone over there who tells the truth?

At Obama's next annual medical exam he should have a brain scan; because, there must be something wrong with the brain of a man who is far more concerned with a Jew building a house in Israel than with Muslims building a nuclear bomb in Iran.

It's an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood, right? And it's east of the Green Line, right? This means that there's a plot afoot to settle as many ultra-Orthodox as possible east of the Green Line, so that when all this territory is handed over to the Palestinians, we'll have gotten rid of a significant number of haredim. So you see, that's why the settlements of Emanuel and Elad have been nuilt. Great idea, isn't it?

The same goes for Israel threatening verbally Iran by attacking its nuclear facilities, or its rhetoric consisting of claiming Jerusalem as "Eternal capital of the Chosen People" according to the book you read as daily news, or by telling Syria that its regime will fall if it keeps on supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, etc. Catchin' my drift Bible Boy?

on this issue. Out of some 1180 responses--circa 90% were for Obama,s approach. Israel has slit it,s own throat this time. The distaste for the pariah state is growing----exponentially and given all that anti semitism that is out there, it looks bleak for the zionist dream of an Israel free of all but Jews. And that is only as it sholud be. You sound just as self delusional as the unionists in Northern Ireland who believed they could have a "Protestant State for a Protestant People". You do know where that plan ended---dont you.

I think it is important to define "friend". The majority of citizens in the USA are your friends, no question about it. However, the current Obama adminstration is not a "friend" to it's own people let alone Israel. There is a very anti-Israel sentiment in this administration and Israel needs to be very, very wary. What troubles me is that the US adminstration's incendiary comments toward Israel, could very well embolden its enemies to launch an attack at a time when war seems already on the precipice.

& his entourage. All of them must apologies to both natanyahu & israel. Unless all suffer from bad memory! In more than one occasion & publicly natanyahu made it clear that 'jerusalem is not for negotiations' ! A statement that justifies building in old jerusalem. I myself listened to the prime minster of israel, may g-d bless him, saying that & in public addressing a host of newspaper men & women; beside him standing Gordan Brown the prime minster of uk; Bib said it clear "jerusalem is no part of any negotiations". Gordan Brown was embarrassed & I felt sorry for him ! Now, for the president to claim that he is mislead can't be right. It can only be the president promised the palestinians something & never told that Bibi or he & Biden both are forgotten the facts. Unless Olmert promised abbas something that nobody knows about; i can't imagine any israeli pm not made it clear,old jerusalem is not for discussion. Israel is right to build anywhere before peace is signed.

"...However, the top Obama aide added that he did "believe that it is absolutely imperative, not just for the security of Israel and the Palestinian people, who were, remember, at war just a year ago, but it is important for our own security that we move forward and resolve this very difficult issue..." " Let's repeat the very crux of the matter. "... it is important for our own security that we move forward and resolve this very difficult issue..." Once again for emphasis purposes only. "...for our own security..." I would suggest that the gamesmanship is over, the posturing is in the past, and the jig is up. Jew State you are squarely behind the proverbial eight ball. It may be wise to proceed with extreme caution.

I belive this was only a message to Iran via the oppertunity of Biden being in Israel. The message was toIran, we will deal with our security as we feel fit, the u.s. will not hinder us when the time arrives.

There is only one HONEST WAY to tackle peace in this order. 1) ask each side DO YOU WANT PEACE.If answewr is no forget it. 2)(assuming yes) Are you both prepared to recognise each other?If no forget it 3)Jiggle the territory so that each side is eventually happy.1) and 2) is contingent on 3) 4) As for Jerusalem.IT SHOULD BE NON DIVIDED and open to everyone for religeous sites etc.There should be a committee of Jew Muslim Christian members and Rotating Mayors of each denomination.Rather like the Vatican in Rome.In othger words it should belong jointly to the 3 main interested parties.With access to all.There will be many problems but if anyone can come up with any other idea that will satisfy all please make yourself known. PSPossession on religeous grounds Jewish ,Muslim etc would not be valid.

Biden came mostly to calm down Israel and prevent an attack on Iran. Bibi put the US on notice. The settlement news pop up as a (planned) slap to the Obama administration. The arrogant message is "We don't care about your Middle East strategy and the US interests, you can bark as much as you want, but you cannot bite because we own the the congress, it is on the AIPAC payroll and there is nothing you can do about it". There will be no retaliation because the congress will block Obama. It is a wild bet. The only unknown parameter is that the whole world is sick and tired of being endangered by a bunch of extremists settlers. Israelis also begin to understand that their government is driving them strait to death...

Liberal media tries to create an impression that Jews (aka Jewish "settlers") began to live in E. Jerusalem only after 1967. Therefore they call Eastern part of the city "Arab Jerusalem" or "Arab" East Jerusalem in a hope that if they will repeat this lie many times people would start to believe it. Up until 1948 when Jerusalem was just Jerusalem (not "Eastern" and "Western") Jews represented majority of population in eastern part of it: Jewish holy sites, main campus of Hebrew University and over 50 synagogues, etc were located there. Jews were expelled from their homes by Palestinians in what now called "ethnic cleansing". Due to a war crime committed by Arabs they did not live in that part of the city for just 19 years (out of 3000) which gave liberal media the right to call their presence and construction of new homes there "illegal".

If Israel does not back down, the West Bank and Gaza will be put under US military control under General Petraeus, just like he asked for back in January. Israel's breaking of international law is going to stop right now.

This is a great country why should I leave.It has given me a wonderful life I will match my degrees to yours and I will come out the winner.

Sometimes your analysis are quite correct. Now you are rushing with full speed to nowhere. Obama is not America and his popularity is plunging down. I am really sorry about that, because he is the best person in the right time, but his blunders are imposible to repair. Nataniahu has to swim out this storm and will do it, because basically America is in favor of Israel more it is in favor of Obama. It is hard for you to recognize that for the American christian majority Jersualem is totally jewish and the christian majority is much more important that the United Nations.

--I would tell us to take our sovereignty and shove it somewhere. The US helped build our nation and we crap on her. My degrees and to a great extent, my comfort here in Israel is attributable to the US. Very little was done for me and my economic group here in Israel but tax the living daylights out of us and give it to the welfareites, or as we affectionately know them, "THE SETTLERS".

President Obama, Here in Brooklyn people are getting thrown out of their own homes just so that a sports stadium can be built. Why don't you worry about your own country before you put your nose into another country's business.

and dont come back

You all really think the US (other than the Jew haters and Israel bashers) cares about contiguous building in Jerusalem on land obtained from a defensive war not under the auspicies of any sovereign state? They've got far bigger concerns - like Israel unilateraly attacking Iran. The front of a US/Israel diplomatic spat in the eyes of Iran is worth more than gold.

USA is lots bigger and more powerful and w/o its support you are dust in the wind...that means do what you are told or else....got it?

you & the rest would have dealt with the Germans by yourself. That's why you had left the NATO's military cooperation and cozied up to the Sovjet Union . Oh yes ,you rejoined after Sovjet Union's collapse ,undoubtedy thanks to the French stance . Now you're full of condemnation of Israel for not following every beaconing of whoever leads America. Perhaps they're following the French example ?

and must be returned to its rightful owners...try to pay attention inbred idiot

stop waisting time we all know what the borders and peace look like here....get with the plan or get left behind...the world does not need an ultra right winf nationalistic criminal state...watch it dissapear if you dont play right

I have not and will not always agree with what.Israel does But OBAma and his saying sorry to the Muslim world has not helped those in United States.There can not be peace in that area and he knows it. President Obama your speach in Caro saying sorry really helped us. Fuel prices of fuel inceasing hindering our recovery. Arabs throwing money into our educational system.. You sir are worried about EAst Jeruslem please worry about us the citizens of the USA

The aid to israel amounts to far more than $3billion per year.Recent example is additional 30 billion in defense weapons over 10 years.

Israel announces that it wants to build in a city that IT considers to be legally part of its territory, in the ancient city of Jerusalem where it all began. The U.S. goes bananas. Israel BACKS DOWN and is the one that looks humiliated. The Arab would pounces on this as a weakness of Israel. Bravo Mr. Netanyahu. Bravo Israel haters. I have not heard The rhetoric of "humiliation" coming from a U.S. government before. For some reason, nothing that the Arab would does acts as a humiliation for the U.S. Only when Israel announces that it wants to do something constructive on its own land that every government in Israel has said should be an inalienable part of the state... Great.

Israels message to America: We will take your money and we will take your support, but don't think that buys you anything. If you do not support our actions, then at least you can keep your mouth shut.

Dear Mr. Obama, 10 months ago I bought an apartment in East Jerusalem where I plan to move to. You need to mind ur own business in USA since there are plenty of problems here. I feel the inflation, un-employment of many friends, rise in robberies,accepting immigrants not to pay taxes, Free Health care, etc etc. STOP telling Israel where to build. JERUSALEM belongs to the JEWS, and I PLAN to be there sooooon, away from your INSANE POLICIES.Wake up and smell the home grown coffee in America where the problems begin...Shalom Mr. Obama from BROOKLYN.

... by clearly revealing to Obama and the rest of the world the duplicity of this government... they have been sitting on this keg-of-dynamite for some time... and all the rest of us were in the dark... takes vast meticulous planning to place 50,000 future dwellings on Pal territory... 1,600 is just the fur-shpeiz...

I guess you justify all the incitement toward Jews The only illegality is that performed each day by the corruption of the PA. Israel has the right to build anywhere in the land of Israel. Maybe you Australians should not build anywhere on the Aboriginal homeland in Australia. I believe you did settle their lands and treat them very bad.

is the only reasonable outcome and serves better the interets of all.There isn't an alternative. With compromise,understanding and robuste help from the international community it is achievable. PEACE.

You can't really expect us to believe the national government (if it wanted to) can't block the decrees of a municipal council. At least be plausible.

Took Axelrod and the administration a year to verbalize what they knew from the get go, that Netanyahu and his government ,and many Israeli governments before, are dead against a Palestinian state. The only question is what the Obama administration is going to do about it.

In an effort to thwart the International attention from the current crisis, Israel?s next move will involve a pre-emptive attack against Iran?s nuclear facilities. The countdown has started.

to head this "committee?" So many of us in this forum have been saying that Israeli behavior is wrecking Israeli society. And we don't need any further proof. Yes, you reap what you sow...Israelis wanted it, they are blinded by their own stupidity, now they got it, now they are in the craper. Idiots!

If memory doesn't fail me,the USA will have ellections for the House of Representatives and for the Senate in November.The day after the ellections maybe the "top" will fall to the bottom and sun will shine again...Jerusalem bellongs to the Jewish People for more than 3000years.The American political landscape may change every 2years.Like the germans say-:Gedult bringt rosen...Patiene brings roses

Are the Americans finally reaching the obvious conclusion that Israel talks about peace but avoid it like the plague?

may be inadvertently giving Bibi more credit...and that is that he actually opposes the right wingers in his coalition but his hands are tied. I am not certain about this. He may have given them a wink and a smile...but the law of unintended consequences set in. Another theory to consider, which may back your post, is that Bibi knew about it beforehand, warned the US administration and they both agreed to precipitate the crisis in order to weaken the hand of the right wingers in the coalition.

The worlds richest man is no longer Bill Gates of Microsoft. The new worlds richest man lives in Mexico but was from Lebanon. The worlds richest man will never again be an American. This is a sign of the demise of the United States. The dollar is also falling appart as the Arab world sees no use in accepting the currency of the Great Satan in payment for oil. But they don't have any particular problem with the EU. Should OPEC begin accepting euros in payment for oil, the US would crumble as fast as word spreads across cyberspace. At the same time, the EU would see its economic woes end, even the so called PIGS economies. Then the United States would be buying euro denominated bonds to pay for oil on the international market.

Ask Egyptian copts, Nigerian non-muslims about peace if they're not already hacked to pieces. THose condemning Israel are those whose guides are wright , farrkan as can be seen on youtube Those condemning Israel wold condemn them anyway, and never ever praise them. THey would rather see Israel choke than learn about natural growth building requirements in the only home of the Jews of the world smaller than New Jersey. EU condemns Israel all the time like the U.N. EU populace of course watched or participated in mass murders of Jews 68 years ago. No wonder the world's coming to a climax. Our father in heaven is sick and tired of the cruel hypocrites.

I think Samantha Power should run for president I know a lot of people who would vote for her

Illegally annexed territory being illegally sold to illegal settlers by a State that is illegally building illegal civilian infrastructure and illegal civilian dwellings in territories illegally acquired by war, while it says it wants peace.

Project started eight years ago when olmert was mayor. The commission are appointed by jerusalem city councilmen. The committee because israel annexed jerusalem in 1981 has its own statutory power and at this stage it can't be reversed. Bibi won't agree to permits that is where it can be blocked but the decision by the commission can't be blocked.

in all american history no other traitor after 1945 got what pollard got and he got it because of deep routed antisemitism of catholic FBI boys, biggest traitors are from them too. american admiral who was saudy spy was simply retired for example.

Abbas had almost no areas over the green line but even he agreed ramat schlomo could stay. There are no palestinians near ramat schlomo and it was agreed it would be easy for a land swap.

I was born and escaped nazi capture while my father was fighting them as an officer. You should learn a little if able. "Absolute" bonehead is obvious, german cousin.

Armistice lines are not borders unless they were borders before the armistice. "..that Israel must withdraw from all the disputed territories" "territories occupied" and not withdrawn from are occupied! It is illegal to unilaterally annex occupied (or any other) territories.

What Israel is being told to do is keep its greedy fingers out of somebody else's pie.

You will notice that Ramat Shlomo is not to the east of West Jerusalem, but to its north. Not only that, but it is to the south of the Jewish housing development of Ramot, which was built in the 1970's, and just north of the Jewish neighborhood of Ramat Eshkol, which was built in the late 1960's.

Those who still pretend, parroting the Palestinian/Arab mantras, that Israel must withdraw from all the disputed territories, is far far away from reality. It appears not acceptable and not feasible in any way. The solution is and must be found in the middle way. Only fools or bigots believe otherwise.

Judging by the growing number of condemnations of the E. Jerusalem development plan by a growing number of US officials, one might convlude that this is a well-orchestrated move, planned well in advance, on the chance that Netaqnyahu might be caught in flagrante delicro. And he was, the idiot. By his bumbling, Netanyahu may have fatgally endangered not only Israeli construction in E. Jerusalem, but also Israeli control of that part of the city.

When Obama administration starts to question Israel's rights on "East Jerusalem" - this right extends to the entire "East Jerusalem" which also includes Western Wall and it assumes that Obama administration and "international community" have the right to regulate either Jews (including American Jews) to be allowed to pray there.

It's a shame that we don't have a government that thinks ahead and allows its members to say what they want, when they want and sometimes how they want.They lack the skills of leadership and tacked.

'The main point is that PM Netanyahu does not control the vociferous rantings of the right wing factions in his coalition.' Under the Westminster system of democratic government - such as Israel's - the Prime Minister has responsibility, duty, and right to exercise control over the cabinet ministers. If a PM fails to do so, or at least fails to take disciplinary action after a ministerial transgression like Yishai's - the entire edifice of the government is weakened and potentially sent crashing down in an anarchic heap. But Netanyahu, so far as I can see, has failed to control or discipline Yishai. What this tells me is that he sees himself in no real position of authority within 'his' government, but rather, continuing as PM only upon sufference of his coalition partners. The corollary is that he would rather bear the penalty of publicly insulting the US, than risk a confrontation within his coalition - an incredible lack of judgment on Netanyahu's part! MV

And this is who Obama put to lead the israel file in the national security council.

It seems to me that there is a great political consciousness among world powers and the international community that Bibi and his government are not really interested in peace. The continuous construction in E. Jerusalem and building settlements are enough reasons for everyone to realize that. Thanks to Bibi and his policies which make it clear what the current Israeli government is looking after. Perhaps, from a political perspective, Bibi challenging the international community and imposing facts on the ground would alter world powers to do some actions. The recent US and EU stances have been clear and we can sense a new tone in these announcements. Arabs are not capable or unable to reach this message clearly, but now we have Bibi who makes it clear: Israel don't want a Palestinian state. I hope he continues with his policies and that more 'harsh' actions would be taken against him as a result of that.

"Egypt recieves aid in return Egypt is requiresd not to atttack israel, same with Jordan." Chris I see your lying again. The aid to Egypt was to sign a cold peace treaty with Israel. Clearly Egypt learned her lessons from previous wars not to attack and Israel. And Jordan? Please, you make me laugh with your stupid comments. Jordan has been bank rolled by the CIA to keep the Hashemite goverment propped for years. What a joke you are. And as for the 3 billion in aid you keep peddling on here as if anyone gives a shit, the majority is military aid not a cashiers check to the Israeli government. American foreign aide represents maybe 5% of the yearly budget. Certainly if the AMerican tax payers are "concerned" about wastefull spending then look at the 95% being wasted. I would be concerned with Obama's 800billion health insurance overhaul. That numbers make the 3billion look like pocket change. What lies do you have for us next Chris? Seems like knowledge and facts are a danger to you

Why is not an affront that the PA is causing incitement every day. Today, it is the incitement over the re-opening of a synagogue that was destroyed in 1948 by Jordan. Not a word from Obama and his Jewish advisers about this and the incitement every day toward Jews in the Palestinian press, radio and from their mosques.

Samantha Power on youtube you can see in 2002 called for military force against israel and this is who obama puts at head of israel file.

What should be done is a bold move like Sharon did bacl in 2005. The hell with talks and more talks. Just start evacuating the settlements that will not fall under the future final borders. Next reroute the security barrier based on those borders. Next the Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem ( not the old city) let the PA have them its not as if Israel invested serious money into them. Then let the chips fall were they may. Lets see how the Palestinians will be able to run a country lets see if Obama and the self hating jews around him will be able to help the Palestinians run a country. I can count the days on my both hands how long it will take Hamas and the other extremists to reak havoc in the W/B. Hey but thats what the Obama and the rest of the world wanted so lets roll with this so Israel can move on and not be the worlds scapegoat for all its woes. First Bibi needs to bring Livni in and dump the religious nuts in the coalition

Like others, I assume that none of the pressure from America will actually halt construction. I also assume that this continued construction will cause public opinion in America to really sour on Israel; there really isn't any convincing way to spin that kind of behavior to American audiences. Within the next five years, then, you'll start seeing American politicians pivot away from advocating a two-state solution and towards advocating a one-state solution with equal rights for all. Then, and only then, will Israel finally recognize that its only path towards continuing as a Jewish state is to cut loose the settlers and let the Palestinians have their own state. Whether that sentiment will take the day or whether we'll see Israel become an Arab-majority democracy remains to be seen.

Sir, Israel can not "slave" Arabs tesiding in Judea and Samaria - at least 94% of them slaved by PA

You'll find that a lot of Americans are hopping mad. America has consistently given Israel a blank check, yet Israel persists in trying to take land that nobody outside of Israel thinks is Israel's. As others here have said, the timing is insulting, but it isn't the core issue.

Now, Axelrod is a "self-hating Jew," according to the anti-Defamation League (or, more accurately, the Defamation League) and its McCarthyist leader and Israel lobbyist, Abe Foxman.

Obama continuously insults Israel loudly, publicly and often. Obama is making a big deal of this seeking to topple the elected government of Israel and have a malleable Livni, Barak led government instead. If new elections come to Israel in this manner it will be headed by Leiberman and more right wing. Obama is damaging Israel. Jerusalem will remain united under Israel. Meanwhile Iran gets closer to nuk boms as Moslims murder Christians in Nigeria and Obama says nothing and does nothing.

we have'nt heard yet about the dismissal of Yeshaiau, he should have been fired on the spot. (same goes for several others)

You need a cut-off of US help for a few to realize how little you are despite the clout you carry with the US hungry politicians.

They have some real slow learners in the White House. They still have not gotten the message that there will be NO PEACE. They have, howver, finally noticed that there is a message being sent.

It's not about the timing. Settlement need to stop period

When will the Israeli arrogance end? It seems that the world approves presented by what's call the "UN", of Israel occupying and slaving Palestinian land and people, but now, and for the past few months, Israeli officials, thinking that they are personally "God's gift to the human race" are acting, as their country, above the law, and above all standards. Few months ago, they've insulted the Turkish ambassador, and now Biden. One day, the US won't be in a position to "protect" Israel. When will the Israeli officials acknowledge that without the US, there would be no Israel? Israel, living off, US tax payers, needs to continue its respect to all US presidents, even if they were black. Got it?

It should be pointed out that the Arabs are also building apartments on disputed land. No one is challenging them, although they clearly have no ownership of the land and much of the building is in environmentally sensitive areas. By the way, few of these Arab apartments have anyone living in them. That is because these so-called residential units do not meet the building codes. Some do not have plumbing. Some have inadequate electrical wiring. I know all this is true, because I have seen these buildings myself!

BiBi dont ever give up Jerusalam. Those Domes will fall under Hashem's hand and the Temple will be re built. Stay strong. Leah

How many times in history has America been insulted by other countries leaders ? Hundreds of times. How many times American leaders have said that they have been insulted: Zero times. Until...until the "East Jerusalem construction plan". Now, compare all former "Real insults" directed to America, to this insignificant "Construction plan insult". Do you have questions ?

israel will never be invited by the usa to help in iraq or afghanastan.. that would upset the arabs too much. just like the yanks have never put on boot on the ground to help us... well we do not want them. anyhow.... you talk too much and say too little. go back to school and grow up.

Syrian President Bashir Assad, responding instantly following departure of the U. S. Under-Secretary of State from Damascus, invited the Iranian president to his capital. The Assad-Ahmadinjead press conference can be described most tactfully as a roast of the Obama administration. The two presidents announced removal of travel visas, meaning that Iranian terrorists are free to travel to the borders of Europe and Israel. Assad, not ordinarily known for humor, said of U.S. hopes of separating Syria from Iran that "[w]e must have understood Clinton wrong because of bad translation." The Iranian president reliably played straight man: "The Americans are forced to leave the region, leaving their reputation, image, and power behind in order to escape. The U.S. has no influence to stop expansion of Iran-Syria, Syria-Turkey, and Iran-Turkey ties. God willing, Iraq too will join this circle." This was right after Obama announced return of u.s ambassador. Obama has also given syria new plane parts and sensitive communication systems and word is Obama is offering Syria to enter IMF and gets nothing in return. But Samantha Power, Obama, Clinton jump on Israel at first oppurtunity. Samantha Power in 2002 said force should be used against Israel. http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/obamas_iran_policy_collapses_t.html

What the news reports overlook is that Netanyahu himself is not responsible for the announcement. It was made the Housing minister, I recall. Under the Israeli system, cabinet ministers have a certain amount of autonomy over their ministries where they do not need full cabinet approval or the approval of the Prime Minister. It seems that Netanyahu was also caught off guard. One should ask why a member of his cabinet should want to embarrass Netanyahu.

Syrian President Bashir Assad, responding instantly following departure of the U. S. Under-Secretary of State from Damascus, invited the Iranian president to his capital. The Assad-Ahmadinjead press conference can be described most tactfully as a roast of the Obama administration. The two presidents announced removal of travel visas, meaning that Iranian terrorists are free to travel to the borders of Europe and Israel. Assad, not ordinarily known for humor, said of U.S. hopes of separating Syria from Iran that "[w]e must have understood Clinton wrong because of bad translation." The Iranian president reliably played straight man: "The Americans are forced to leave the region, leaving their reputation, image, and power behind in order to escape. The U.S. has no influence to stop expansion of Iran-Syria, Syria-Turkey, and Iran-Turkey ties. God willing, Iraq too will join this circle." This was right after Obama announced return of u.s ambassador. Obama has also given syria new plane parts and sensitive communication systems and word is Obama is offering Syria to enter IMF and gets nothing in return. But Samantha Power, Obama, Clinton jump on Israel at first oppurtunity. Samantha Power in 2002 said force should be used against Israel. http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/obamas_iran_policy_collapses_t.html

Acting the part of the 'court Jew', David Axelrod is doing the bidding of his boss Obama, by playing 'insulted'. This way The tactical mistake they made by not insisting on a freeze in East Jerusalem. Does Davi Axelrod know where Ramat Shlomo is? It is a Jerusalem nreihborhood existing about ten or twelve yearsintegrated with other Jewish neighborhoods to the west and south of it. It will not be dismantled. It is an integral part of West Jerusalem, and building a few more housing units to the south will not change its status or impinge on the arabs.

....as soon as the current right-wing regime in Israel will be replaced by a more moderate and peace-willing governement. Until that has happened, I doubt it very much, Obama and Netanyahu won't become big friends anymore, you can take that pretty much for granted....

Netanyahu's criticism of the timing of the construction announcement and Biden's being offended by it are minor issues compared to Israel's continuing determination to 'annexe' East Jerusalem and to drive as many arabs as possible out of the city. The so-called 'annexation' has no standing in internatioal law. If there were any justice in the world Israel would be facing harsh sanctions, led by the US, with a view to obtaining a complete withdrawal from lands captured in 1967, including East Jerusalem.

John, there is an opposition party and its leader is fighting hard. The point is the H source and Jtoasted are too extreme to cover her. You can find plenty to read in Maariv.

Ok, Israel screwed up in a PR sense, another week and the PR damage will be over. Israel will always be allies with the U.S. Because of our cultural similarities. We share a free press, tolerate criticism of our government and policies, have an independent judiciary etc.. So Israel erred apologized and in a week case closed. Those who hope to blow-up the situation to strain U.S. relation(with Israel) won a minor PR victory because Israel's diplomatic stupidity, that's the end of it.

The claim that Israel has no sovereignty over East Jerusalem is equivalent to the claim that Jews have no sovereignty over Western Wall, the holiest site for all Jews, including American (because it is beyond so called "green line"). This statement is an attack on the religious freedom of American Jews for it assumes that it is up to the "international community" and USA government but not Jews to decide where they can and cannot pray. Maybe Axelrod does not consider himself to be a Jew and does not care about the Kotel but his statement is an insult to all others who do.

Obama, Axlerod, Clinton, Emanuel, and company are a disgrace, and have insulted the elected leader of Israel purposly, in order to accomplish their perverted goals of appeasing the arab world. Bibi, now is the time to stand up for Jewish values.

What a dumb irrelevant statement. As usual, you ring up another non-sequitur.You should not feel obligated to comment if you have no idea what's going on.

Netanyahu is not taking the crisis seriously. He believes his friends in congress and AIPAC will be able to twist Obama's arm. His trust in those friends are misguided, Israel insulted the U.S. not the Obama administration, they insulted the vice president that came not to admonish it, but to declare America's unwavering support for it. Israel looked him in the eye and spat in right in his face. If Netanyahu is serious about making amends, he should fire Yashi for his insult.

Do actually think that if Israel gives in to the PA, that Israel will have peace? They have tried it time after time, and all they get in return is more threats and more violence. Stop your naive ness and wishful thinking and do research on Islam. The Arabs will not stop until the whole world is converted to Islam. Do you actually think Al Qaeda attacked the United States because of Israel? Please get your head out of the sand and look at reality. Isreal, and all non Muslim nations have a common enemy, the enemy has already declared it. I wish it was not so, but unfortunately it is.

Axelrod calls it merely insulting; But our conduct was downright revolting! We just spit in the eye of our greatest ally, And are due for a well deserved jolting.

"Top Obama aide: "East Jerusalem construction plan is an 'insult'" Ed. It will be interesting if the "top aide" will tell us what is 'not an insult' ?! Could it be not an insult, if israel told Biden about the "construction plan" when Biden arrived home ? ! Or that would have been a chance to call Israel 'a liar' ! Or when Biden in the plane, in his way home & he would have returned back to Israel to tell Natanyahu what he want to said to Natanyahu face to face ?! Of course, all that happen after Israel told the whole world in publicly and many times; Jerusalem is not for negotiation ? ! Now the not informed Biden was inform ! What he is going to do about it ?!

"and how is Israel helping the Americans in Iraq--Afghanistan or Pakistan." It would be absurdly counterproductive for israeli soldiers to go into those countries. But Israel is aiding the war effort by selling munitions and spare parts to the USA. The USA can't produce enough of those, and must buy the extra from Israel at a fair price. It could be argued that the USA would be better off to put those factories in the USA, that this is precisely the sort of thing that US congressmen fight over, which state gets the facilities and the contracts? But the US Congress has agreed to let Israel have those contracts instead. Israel deserves the jobs and the income.

feels "insulted". It is presumed that nobody can "insult" superpower - this kind of vocabulary befitting second rate countries with inferiority complex. It is of course unfortunate that VP of the US felt humiliated - for the sane reason. Is it possible that the Administration's petty sensitivities do not correspond to the powerful, generous and just country called the USA?

sour on you............

Too bad, so sad, I'm glad. Israel can do with Israel's land whatever it chooses to do, without the consent or permission of outsiders. If someone's little feelings got hurt and it ruffled their feathers, oh well...stuff happens, live with it. As I recall, the USA during it's days of expansionism, were not too terribly concerned about ruffling the feathers of the Native American Indian tribes, nor were they very much concerned, nor did they apologize to the other worlds' nations or leaders. They just did what they did. And by the way, I'm in part, a Native American Indian. Guess what? We're just fine. Everybodies living in peace, without terrorism. Hmmm..makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Maybe there is too much on Obama's plate and maybe the Republicans ought to help him out...but that is not the way of USA politics. The country is pulling in all directions and nothing seems to be going Obama's way. The Republicans are already gearing up to wipe the slate clean in the mid term elections. I do not know if Bibi and company meant to let this building thing slide through , but methinks he also sees a weak regime on the verge of collapse.

But we are talking about Israel. Which currently recieves more aid per head from the American taxpayer than Haiti. It is on the record. Which part of the fact that Israel recieves $3 billion in aid per annum have I made up, wasn't one of the first actions of Obama to guarantee Israel's loans. Egypt recieves aid in return Egypt is requiresd not to atttack israel, same with Jordan. So yes the United states would require something from Israel for the aid it gives,, we are talking about israel, aren't we?

Hence, we should isolate Sweden until History courts blame Sweden for the madness Europe lived for 200 years of Viking plunder! God you are baseless and deluded of any common sense when it comes to International relations! All I can say is: Thank god you hold no position in International Diplomacy. We would be living in Samuel Huntington's fantasies for centuries with your blindness and thoughtless rhetoric...

with Germans too.. And you still hold the grudge against America for bombing you "for an entire year". Would they only left you in peace and not interferred in your love affair with the Germans !

Pollard crisis was recoverable, Bibi did not even refrain from asking Clinton to free him, I am sure US legal officials are busy creating a loophole to free him, despite the fact that the crime comitted was traison and if anyone had comitted the same crime,say, with Turkey instead of Israel, he or she would have been executed. USS Liberty crisis was recoverable easily too, no problems in there. For US, any crisis with Israel is not really a crisis because it won't cause a milimeter difference on the US's unconditional positive support of Israel militarily and financially. This is a fact, an observational fact. This 1600 new houses thing is not really a crisis and will cause no problem whatsoever in any affair in which Israel needs US support. A real crisis between US and Israel is a theoretical impossibility, a mathematical impossibility indeed, if you have any doubts go to Harvard and ask Dershowitz.

People who read the Bible as a daily newspaper cannot know any better. What do you expect from someone who is convinced that Obama is Kenya-Muslim-Arab born Socialist-antisemite-pronazi-stalinist-maoist-alqaida agent?

on people when they were getting aid from america?? We read the riot act to Israel because its doing whats its doing and it coming to haunt america. If you don't want the aid don't take it. If you don't want the political cover like in the United Nations just say so and we will stop vetoting to protect Israel. Just do these things and you are on your own. Just to make it clear we americans are tired of getting heat from your actions toward the palestinains.

It's the cold that gets to you not the sun!! we frolic in the sun and hibernate in the cold We set that right anyway

In fact I am right there in the thick of it Where we are just entering summer. I wonder where you are...

If Israel was destroyed the anti-semites in Europe and the Obama administration would say. "I guess we were wrong and anyway the world is better off without Israel". What gall to tell Israel we know what's best for you. But, "Don't forget the community organizer knows all".

israeli military technology is part of the picture in afghanistan etc and teh opverall usd package to isreal is USD 3B but the split is ? and surely that is a great investment.

Netanyahu said he was `surprised` by USA`s berating over the 1600 permits faux pas in East Jerusalem. Sources said the crisis "appeared to be orchestrated by the U.S. administration" since "the crisis was behind the two allies." Israel knows fully well the true aim of Biden`s trip. It was designed to appease the Arab League for imposing an "indirect" talk on Fatah in order to get the support of the GCC (Saudi Arabia) to convince China on the UNSC efforts to impose sanctions on Iran! This effort took months to coordinate and was at the verge of success. But our friends in Isreal had to show the world that they pay no heed to friends, not even their closest ally. You shall regret this misstep.

Netanyahu apologized to Biden and believed that the crisis was behind the two allies.

europe has cemeteries full of dead US soldiers, USA rebuilt europe with US taxpayer money, USA was and is NATO, USA stopped Saddam from invading Saudi thereby ensuring world oil supplies (Israel made it easier cos they had taken out Osirak a while before).....europe my dear boy is the spoilt brat having recvd trillions of usd and europe is a lousy ally of usa.

for the reigns of US policy. Winner: Iran.

if you dont know your stuff he can get away with his provocations, mindgames and selective use of "facts" and convenient ommissions.... plenty of countries would fail without help from usa...europe would not even exist but for usa soldiers and USD aid. And whilst usa gives to most, it is only israel that must do as she is told.... otherwise it is referred to as US bullying, hegemony, imperialism etc. Remember the words of our enemies are all fraudulent.

"So with providence and whatever Israel can muster it will have to confront it`s enemies. If that`s the case why bother about obama, hilary or biden, they will be bad-history come end of next year."Carl So will you be joining in the battle Carl---or directing ops from you pc chair. mr spartan.

You are the one talking about hatred of the French (and some that would go back all the way to 1944) while he speaks of London as Londonistan. Didn't you know Sweden was, by far, the most eugenistic State besides Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s? You are exactly like most far-right republicans: Only rhetoric, baseless and constant accusations, and a flawed view of what International Politics are. Help yourself in you ignorance, and satisfy yourself by believing you make any sense...

Any state that has to depend of another state for operating funds and protection is less a sovereign state.

and how is Israel helping the Americans in Iraq--Afghanistan or Pakistan. I was not aware that the IDF is in those war zones. Whenhas Israel ever put one Israeli soldier on the ground to help the USA. Is that sun getting to you Carl.

And should never be divided. The leaders of all nations should read Jewish History and understand why Jerusalem belongs to the Jews with free access to all religions as it should be.

When you goof up, your MO seems to be to point at others who also have problems and ignore Israel's. Why not address yours?

Is that why the US troops are in the Phillipines, Indoenesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, Afghanistan, Pakistan, khazaghistan, etc etc? Not to mention a host of other countries with US troops, not related whatosever to Israel in any manner. What billions? The US is spending $1 billion a week in iraq, afghanistan and Pakistan. And you want Israelt to fall at your feet of $1 billion a year in military aid. Be reasonable man. Is this how you repay a friend who is helping you in the Iraq, afghan and Pak mountains

Israel never agreed to stop building in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel. Past U.S. governments recognized this even if they did not officially agree. Announcing approval for a project does not mean that they will start building tomorrow. Israel does not have to appoligise and should tell America to get down from the ladder. Israel should learn that they do not have to announce everytime a building plan is approved.

And all those who voted them in!!!! N Korea is laughing all the way to the bank. And it's allies China, Syria and Iran have point blank thumbed their nose the Obama adminstration. So I guess we can conclude that Hilary-Obama are complete and total failure. With more disasters to come. The question now is what is Irasel goinga to do? Do you think that the US will spend $400 billion on a war to support Israel like it did in Iraq? Where it might have recd blanks cheques from the Arab neighbours. So with providence and whatever Israel can muster it will have to confront it's enemies. If that's the case why bother about obama, hilary or biden, they will be bad-history come end of next year. But those are just my thoughts

This is another effort by both Israel and the US.America has been trying to appease Israel for far to long,there are more plan buildings for East Jerusalem,Israel gamble has not paid off, the US would turn a blind on this, has really happen yet.If you noticed whenever Israel announce more housing being build on Palestinians land, ( a violation of the so-called roadmap, in which Israel has violated a thousand times)the US always try to blame the Palestinians and force them back to the table. This is Israel and US policy, to steal and much land as possible.Israel has no leadership capable of making peace.

Marie is perfectly right. The US general you refer to was speaking of french people who had been bombed for more than a year by american warplanes while Sweden pretended to be neutral and was trading peacefully with the nazis.

CJK: "he cannot allow his ministers to act against his own policies." Whaaaaaat???? Yishai did not act against this govt's policies, Cipora. Netanyahu is making that obvious when he draws his very clear distinction between the TIMING of this announcement (a cock-up) and the SUBSTANCE of this announcement. Bibi is quite clear that the SUBSTANCE of the announcement is perfectly in line with govt policy i.e. Israel can - and will - build whereever it likes inside East Jerusalem, and it was merely an embarassing balls-up because Yishai simply had no idea of tact nor timing. Your argument has no substance because its basic premise is flawed.

the problem with mr netanyahu seems to be his incessant, obstinate, senseless defiance.

Do you Israelis realize that our support of Israel has cost the lives of americans and americans troops?? The whole islamic world is gunning for us because we give Israel both financial and political support to keep up this occupation of the palestinians. It has to stop now and fast. These wars in the middle east are costing us our treasure and the lives of americans servicemen. Can't you Israelis see this?? Why can't you resolve this and give the palestinians justice. The more you continue to bait the palestinians the more people preceive us as the problem. Sorry but America is getting tired of your spoiled mindset.

so nice, i think israel now under control of hamas like regime ( the settlers). So please dont ever speak about hamas again, you have already one among you and do what they want. Bibi has no idea what is happening?!!!! is he fooling around , he will try his level best to get another intifada, but he will fail. good bye bibi and get mary with a settlers girl she may tell you how to lead your country

The wound may heal but the scar will stay.

Arabs hate friends of their enemies and despise traitors.

This was Israels thrue face; they don't want to have peace, only ground for more houses on land what does not belongs to Israel....shame

There are 3 billion reasons per annum. If you do not want the United States to stop interfering into the internal affairs of Israel. Then get your politicians to forgo the billions given every year by the US, the loan guarantees, the military hardware and the veto in the United Nations. Until such a time you'll find that like most countries on Planet Earth the US will want a return commensurate with it's national interests from it's investment.

infinitely moreoften than Israell. Despite being more indebted to US than Israel is . Or perhaps she isn't: an American general observed and described the hateful gaze of Frenchman following his tanks after the D-Day..

Dear Mr. Netanyahu, Speaking of "hurtful incidents that should not have happened", we should start with the most hurtful - your election as our prime minister. The current regrettable incident should not be viewed as the insult to Biden but the intention of building these apartments in the first place. I hope I am wrong or that Netanyahu changes his mind, but to my deep sorrow, he does not appear to have any interest in a successful peace process, but in just buying time while he lays more facts on the ground.

Typical of the Left not allowing and not wanting to hear both sides. Inconvenient truth. Tell me, has the CIA meddled in countries affairs only to worsen the situation later on? Take Afghanistan for instance. The CIA sent shoulder fired anti-aircraft missiles that triggered the downfall of the Soviet invasion. That resulted in the Taliban. What about Sadam Hussein and Central America. Those who understand the bigger picture of what is going on in the Middle East, understand that on the current course, the US will need to apply massive amounts of pressure on Israel. You are probably glad to hear this because you have been brainwashed to support the wrong side of this conflict. The true facts of Jewish history and heritage have been hidden from you. You allow yourself to be manipulated by anti-Semites and are all too willing to play along. The big lie is the long term history of the Palestinians that never was. CIA may be softening up public opinion in the US.

the illegal occupation of east Jerusalem by Israel. Setting up a committee to see why the announcement to build 1600 houses on land that isn't Israel and will be the capital of Palestine when the two state solution is finally announced will not solve this crisis, and will not satisfy demands by the United States for Israel to make the moves neccessary to move the talks aimed at establishing a Palestinian State forward. Netanyahu yet again is more interested in his name being on the door of the Prime Minister's Office (I hear he has ordered a gold one studded with diamonds) than the long term future of the State of Israel. Lets be clear about this, the United states can live without Israel, and save a lot of money, Israel cannot live without the United states.

Ahmadinejad has humiliated Obama repeatedly by returning his disgraceful, fawning overtures with a steady stream of defiant rhetoric and in-your-face displays of military prowess. For this insolence he suffers no consequences whatsoever, and gleefully continues developing nukes with a nudge and a wink from the craven Obama administration. But where Israel is concerned, notice how little provocation it takes for all hell to break loose. Biden, Hillary and Obama can't contain themselves. Every antisemite in America is enraged. In moments of crisis, Israel ceases to be regarded as a nation unto itself. Instead, it's a "spoiled brat" that must learn to keep its place. An alliance between two countries can't bear much strain when the prevailing attitude is that of a master furious with a disobedient slave.

... which is also obsessive-compulsive about aquisition of real-estate... ... the galut-mentality has always made Jews, inside and outside Israel, extra-keen about real estate...

even if the pm is correct, he is wrong on a tactical level. he cannot allow his ministers to act against his own policies. such an action resulted in a diplomatic misadventure with the u.s. such misadventures must be prevented in the future. the israli government must act in unity. shavua tov. cipora

Stop rubbing your hands with glee,this has already come and gone,just like a marriage row,in the end all is well.

Continue to scorn the rest of the world, show contempt for the reactions of the international community, call Richard Goldstone a bias scoundrel but you should know better than biting the hand that feeds you. Israel would have long ceased to exist without the US crutch.

the "rantings of the elected right wing" stephen ? the usa lip service to democracy fails when reaching the borders of israel !

The timing is not the issue here at all, Yishai and his buddies should never ever have conside- red building new house units into land, that is not theirs (according to the view of pretty much the whole International community, even Israels most loyal allies in this world). And why on earth doesn't Israel make the Galilee and the Negev blossom and starts building new houses in the "real Israel"...??? Still plenty of space around there, insn't it...??? In the end, you have proven 60 years ago, that you can do it, why not now...???

Does Bibi have a backbone? Why apologize for building within our own state... why do we have to regret doing what every sovereign nation is allowed to do. Bibi wake up and get a backbone.

by the admiring Norwegians and the Royal Family.

Now this international crisis should be THE opportunity for the opposition parties in the Knesseth to prove that Nethanyahu is doing bad as a PM and that his politic ideas endanger Israel. And yet I don't read anything about it in the newspapers... What is happening???

where you get your "stuff" from. "Do not be naive enough to think that the CIA did not have a hand in this."gilad 144 My are you suggesting the CIA is divulging info about Israel,s illegal plans for occupied territory. Wow---such chutzpah---those pesky yanks have, Gilad ---are you home alone????.

as far as i can perceive since 1945 the most spoiled state in the world is the usa !

for you won't get needed arms either or would you say you're shocked too.

Abe Foxman, the Obama Administration have every right to admonish Israel against settlement building on Palestinian territory/East Jerusalem + West Bank.

this embarrassment would never have happened ! hes the premier OF A SOVEREIGN STATE !

The problem was not the timing of the announcement, although yes it revealed the gravity of the real issue, which is to even approve such building amidst such tension over Jerusalem. There are so much other land in Israel and even outside Jerusalem that belong to Israel and is it not better to build there and stop fighting over every inch that is hindering peace and distorting justice?

The point is, the US has been insulted. The point is, the US will use the above as leverage in further discussions. The main point is that PM Netanyahu does not control the vociferous rantings of the right wing factions in his coalition. Then again, the right wing factions care not for diplomatic issues. How sad, for Eretz Israel and her friends that strive every day to keep the ship on even keel. For Israel is imploding within its own political landscape giving impetus to its enemies, by simply ignoring the importance of its friendship with Washington. Yes, the PM is the captain of the ship. He is responsible for all aboard. The buck must stop on his watch. Good day from snowy Swiss Alps.

Do not be naive enough to think that the CIA did not have a hand in this.

the ethnic cleansing and theift of e.j'lem...change or get out

I am a Zionist and I want Israel to live well and prosper. WHEN Israel announces plans to build in East Jerusalem is not the issue. The issue is to STOP building beyond the green line. All those people who would live in East Jerusalem should develop the Galilee or the Negev and build new neighborhoods there. I feel like Israel is occupied by a bunch of religious fanatics that do not actually care about the country and are just pushing their religious agenda.

it was also very common to smuggle sheep in Malvinas what about Dresden and Bomber Harris

Shame on us! We are splendidly positioned within the top 10 "Banana Republics" of the world... Great achievement for Bibi

After the snarky way the Ambassador of Turkey was treated recently do you think we believe a word of the apology offered to VP Biden. While our Government is rightfully upset a lot of people like me are really angry. Its long since past time for the kid gloves to come off when dealing with the spoiled brat that is israel

After the snarky way the Ambassador of Turkey was treated recently do you think we believe a word of the apology offered to VP Biden. While our Government is rightfully upset a lot of people like me are really angry. Its long since past time for the kid gloves to come off when dealing with the spoiled brat that is israel

...he's back to his transparent childrens' games...

Then cancel the building directive... Fire Eli Yishai... And apologize to the only friend Israel has... This is the only logical course of action. Anything less shows insincerity to the US and its support. Anything less shows that Netanyahu is not in control. Anything less shows that the right wing has hijacked the country entirely and may eventually leave us with an apartheid-like one-state solution with Jews in the minority (or else a perpetual intifada) and no friends to help when we need them... And we will need them. The US has our best interests in mind in the long run - so why don't we????

on for years,with no embarassment to US. The "crisis" was unavoidable and fabricated in the US too.

are on the subject get rid of any plans for e.j'lem housing for jews only....

Bibi should include Mossad in the inquiry. They failed to discover that Obama actually had a spine. Lots of people in the US didn't know it either. And maybe relations would be better if the PMO didn't leak that Obama is the devil incarnate every other week. "Sources in the Prime Minister's Office said over the weekend that the ensuing crisis appeared to be orchestrated by the U.S. administration, as Netanyahu apologized to Biden and believed that the crisis was behind the two allies." Your excuse that you are incompetent was pathetic. Not even George Bush was that incompetent and he made an art form out of incompetence.

I think he needs another talking-to from Hilary. It is *not* the timing of the announcement, it is the substance. This committee that is supposed to "investigate the events leading up to the decision to ensure that such a thing not happen again" is completely unnecessary. The events leading up to the "incident" is the continued construction in Eastern Jerusalem, it is the 50,000 planned housing units.