Biden: East Jerusalem plan undermines peace talks

Warning to Israel (the government, of course): tread carefully in your snubbery of the U.S. Vice-president. He heads the body that almost single-handedly ensures your defense (while assisting the man whose country sustains any "image" that remains of you).

"good faith". so what's next? nothing. just more of the same moot protestations and muted admonishments from the united states, more frustration and teeth gritting by the palestinians, and more illegal encroachment by israel. and unfortunately, obama ain't got no toofies, cuz israel's got aipac, and aipac's got congress, and [both dems and reps in]congress hold the purse strings in one hand, and votes for his agenda in the other. no right or wrong here, no justice or conscience or humanity; just money, power, and underhanded washington politics. meanwhile, we'll blindly support israel and protect it from being held accountable by the international community... and the single most blatant and longstanding lapse of american values in the history of the united states will continue unchecked.

"At this point, the entire world considers Iran a much more reasonable state than the rogue Israel." No, many people are worried that Iran might try to get nuclear weapons, a dangerous and irrational thing. Israel already has nuclear weapons which the same people think is safe and responsible. Also, Iran has a faction which the government is starting to oppress. When they protest the government violently stops them. Terrible. Israel has oppressed noncitizens who get violently stopped whenever they protest, but this is fine. Iran arms terrorist groups in lebanon. Terrible. Israel arms resistance groups in Baluchistan. Fine. So does the USA. Iran's religious authorities keep Iran's democracy from being a real a democracy. But Israels' religious authorities are fine, the only democracy in the middle east since Lebanon doesn't count. The whole world has sanctions on Iran. Only arabs have sanctions on Israel. The whole world is afraid of Iran but not Israel.

Hassan, You opt for the one state solution, but so do I. Except that the problem is,to the best of my belief, those who are targetting such an end, will never let you or me live, any longer where we do now. The ultimate end aim of those shaping the Israeli policy,is unknown to anybody.Trust me

Biden should stop meddling in Israel's internal affairs and crusading Jihadism on Israel. It is time he returns home and shuts his mouth.

Great Johnboy. You found the word "condemnation and Israel" together. So what ? This administration will not take any single substantial step against Israel and you know it. Moreover, who cares about this administration. Obama's grand design of engagement with the islamic world is over. The equation nowadays is crystal clear. Obama is slowly and clearly endorsing Bush's formula of the axis of evil. America very deep instincts are with Israel, and thre is no doubt in my mind that Iran Hizbalah Hammas, will be violently confronted by Israel, United States and probably the Persian Gulf countries, that hardly have any choice. A world war????? Nothing at all. It will be painfull somehow but the radicals will be defeated.

And it should be dealt with harshly & directly. Withhold aid and suspend trading privilages. Dutch

What,s the problem now Yaakov as only Arabian camels and Palestinian illiterates spit ,so what on earth are you going on about ?

Are Fatah and Hamas friends or foe ,Haniyeh and Abbas friend or foe Sunni and Shiite ,what,another stupid Palestine comment ,where did they find these clowns?

What Joe Biden might have said is just politics Jonnyboy and you should have known better as he needs to cover up the stupid ,racist comments made by his friend Farrakhan which will cost your leftist ilk big time ,you keep on missing the point mate ,why,s that?

Way to dangerous there for leftwing loudmouths ,don,t kid yourself?

And there aren,t even any Muslim trouble makers there ,yet?

First cut the aid to Egypt,Saudi Arabia,Kuwait,UAE and other Muslim dysfunctional states like Pakistan ,Afghanistan ,Iraq, American/Palestinian ,then pass on the savings to Israel,sounds fine to me?

They can sip nice Palestine tea on the porch overlooking the presidential palace in Amman while they contemplate lost opportunities ?

Joe Biden is only a temporary heartbeat from the US presidency as he will be gone with the wind so trying to cover for Farrakhan,s stupidity is not going to impress the Israeli govt. or American voters ,the Obamaists are just hanging on to their power base and losing voters big time as it,s the economy stupid ?

come home joe.

he is a laughingstock here in the US. Nobody ever takes him seriously at his word.

I say in one generation, sympathy for Israel will approach the absolute zero. I mean sure your negotiation foes are not very powerful but just humiliating them and taking the International Community for morons will one day backfires. Thank God for Israel that the United States have a veto in the Security Council because otherwise the UN forces will have been stationed there armless and useless as always a long time ago.

"if the Arabs had accepted a peaceful Palestinian State in 1947 - how much different would this part of the world looked like today?" What chutzpah ? Was the stern gang "peaceful" WTF did you expect the Palestinians and arab countrys around them to do after genocide in arab villages . I hope Biden and Obama take this as a wake up call . Tell the ambasador in the UN to abstain on votes concerning Israel cut off all US aid , financial and military and cut the tax exempt status on ALL donations that end up in Israel . When the UN puts sanctions on Israel we ABIDE by them . Revoke all Pasports for dual citizens with Israel let them travel on Israeli pasports Thats what the people of america want ...we cant afford israel any more

The USA said that if they see that one side is obstructing the peace process then they will call it as they see it, and lay the blame where it belongs. Joe: "I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem," Give Joe his due: he is as good as his word. BTW, am I right in thinking that this is the very first time a senior member of the Obama Administration has uttered the word "condemn" in a sentence that contains the word "Israel"? Can anyone find any other instance where those two words have passed the lips of an Obama official?

What you wrote was very insightful. I am not surprised that all the ranters here did not comment. They all look at today's headlines yet never investigate the history that brought us to this moment. Thank you for your bit of sanity.

the reason israeli gets so much aid is that they use it to buy congress in order to get more . if any congressman says anything against them they will use the money to make sure they don't get re-elected.also what has israeli done for us besides stealing our secrets and take our money. maybe we should drop them and take the other side at least they have oil that we need. israeli only thinks about themselves and no one else. they talk alot but that is it. they will never any peace because the jews want to wipe the arabs out as much as the arabs want to wipe them out

There are about 250,000 Arabs in the Old City that also think of Jerusalem as holy to them. How can you have respect for yourself if you don't have respect for them? What kind of eternal capital is that? To me, that would be a shameful capital to have, a capital of enshrined bigotry, of exclusion. I do not admire Muslim exclusion of NonMuslims from Mecca, and I do not think that we should take even a modest steps down that road. Jerusalem is made holy and eternal by people living together in mutual respect and peace. It is not made holy by building apartment complexes on land in the West Bank.

Scrap all the trade agreements, vote against them in UN and tell them there is no more money, nothing they will get. At this point, the entire world considers Iran a much more reasonable state than the rogue Israel.

you'd have to live (or die) with the inevitable consequences of Israel being "wiped off the face of the earth".

....oh ok, let's let Hamas build in Jerusalem. Not.

"Unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations on permanent status issues. As George Mitchell said in announcing the proximity talks, 'we encourage the parties and all concerned to refrain from any statements or actions which may inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of these talks,'" Biden said. Those two sentences can't work if the first one is true, why because than those actions do not matter anyways and as such how do actions that will have mo bearing negotiations inflame anything personally this statement makes sense as I don't see Jerusalem ever being torn apart again, unless it happens like the last time and Arabs attack israel but this time win. That and USA "prejudiced" the decision in1995 take Hebron and let's start a joint tax on entry for foreigners and tourists. share the money split the land

How many innocent civilians must American missiles kill by mistake to get your attention away from Israel? People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Israel cannot have it both ways. They cannot continually slap US presidents and vice-presidents in the face and expect to continue having the US send our precious tax dollars to a country that not only insults our leaders but violates international law by building settlements. I do not want even one dollar of my tax money going to build settlements meant only for one segment of the Israeli population. This is segregation. This is apartheid. I did not support apartheid in South Africa. I will no;t support it in Israel. I will also be surprised if Haaretz prints this comment.

Amen to that!

"Biden: East Jerusalem plan undermines peace talks" - Haaretz So what? Israel will only stop humiliating America and crushing peace when the USA stops it's craven submission to the Netanyahu government. Why should those Israeli's wishing peace be disturbed so long as they know that the USA will support the Israeli right and do nothing to act for peace? Biden, the 'open mouth, close mind, babble endlessly' guy has just served to promote Bibi and destroy hopes for peace by his mere presence and actions in Israel. Bibi, in his utterly reckless style shoved crap in Biden's face and the only response is disappointment? When the US Government starts to actually harm Israel - then, and ONLY THEN - with the Netanyahu government change it's behavior. This is not what the Obama administration wants. It has no desire to harm Israel, but until the USA stands up to Netanyahu and inflicts suffering upon Israel for it's actions will Israel and Netanyahu change their behavior.

This is, of course, simply appalling! How we let Israel get away with this behavior---and, yes, since we Americans pay for much of what passes as Israel's miraculous economy--we have a right to question how we let Israel get away with this--I do not know. Israel has become a land of brutes; once it was a land with a dream we all could respect. Not now. Sink this ship!

Listen, Biden. You and Obama are not President and VP of Israel. Israeli citizens need housing. Adjust your thinking, Joe.

OK OK We thought you wanted peace. We thought you really believed those platitudes about human kindness, equality, and the brothers keeper stuff. We thought that you represented a civilized constitutional democracy. Oh silly us. We didn't realize that you would pander to those elements in your society who are the flip side of Hamas. Oh don't get me wrong. We've had our nut cases too. They used to march around in sheets and hoods, terrorizing innocents-but we muzzled our dog. You it seems have embraced yours. You have incorrectly assumed that we need you so badly that you can spit in our faces. Good luck Bon Voyage Wish you well dont call us. Dont write. Don't visit. Good riddance.

Biden should not pretend that it is raining. Israel i spitting in his face in public. He should pack, take Mitchell with him and tell his hosts to talk to him when they decide what they want to do with the peace process, don't expect anything special from the US, this is a one way street we don't want to take.

Why are the leaders of Israel such morons? Announce that you will sit down with Palestinian Negotiators and plan a building strategy that includes housing for people of any/all religions. Israel is a democracy, not a Jewish Democracy. If people of a certain religion cannot live with others then too bad - they can go live in Munsey or Lakewood or any other shtetl they choose - but we will be very happy to see you off at Ben Gurion. This Government of ours is destroying our nation. They are destroying our sense of values - our ability to reason and make peace with our neighbors. Their actions make me embarrassed to be an Israeli.

Israel is playing politics with the herdi right now... Why would Israel make a bold statement like holding off expansion in Jerusalem, when their PA counterparts are publicly starting the 3rd intifada? When the pals show Israel that they are able to show restraint, then you will see bold actions from Israel... But not one iota sooner...

This is just another stupid excuse to blame Israel for the absence of political agreement in the area. Even if all of Israel's land was given over to the Palestinians they would then want more, Maybe their heads would do... it doesn't take a Jew to see this, it just takes anyone with even a miniscule grasp of history, religion, and politics. O well, this is none of our concern I guess, but when the world is in chaos due to poor political response to terrorist sovereign states (like Iran), and their hatred toward undeserving Israel, then we will have problems.

When you start living up to your commitments regarding Iran -- then you will be given respect. Until then you are unwanted cowards who do not deserve the privilege of stepping foot in Israel.

It's a Shame that people are willing to go to war, kill and die for a piece of earth that really is only matter. Would God really approve of this?

I don't know how the Israeli govt can spit in the face of the Obama administration. I think it's time for the US to cause a regime change in Israel - or at least re-think our billions in aid. Very ungrateful!!

Right now there is no way for Obama to retaliate against Israel for the way it has treated him, but one of these days, Israel is really going to need the US and the US may just decide to go to a wine tasting rather than help Israel. Israel is repeatedly screwing its **ONLY** friend and I predict that Israelis will one day pay a very, very heavy price for humiliating the President of the US. While it may be fun right now, the price will be terribly high soon.

Who's running the shop? Enough of this bad cop/good cop utter foolishness, this is Israel spitting in the face the talks, reacting as it always does to the Mother of all Existential Threats ... Peace!

Yet again Israel displays total contempt for International Law by building settlements illegally on disputed territory. The time for political niceties has ended - Israel does what Israel wants whether building settlements or walls or using phosphorous bombs - time for a total boycott of Israeli goods. When they can't afford bombs and cluster mines they might manage a change of heart. What a godless nation - bereft of any form of morality!

I totally agree with Boruch. ISRAEL IS RIGHT !!!

Vice President Biden condemned the announced building of 1600 homes in Jerusalem as poor timing. However there should have been greater condemnation of the Palestinian and Arab thugs throwing rocks at Jews Praying at their most Holy Site in Jerusalem. This anti-Jewish behavior is a greater obstacle to Peace than building houses.

Vice President Biden, as have previous American administration officials, clearly states the problems Israel is generating by approving currently the 1600 new homes to be built in East Jerusalem, given that its a core issue within the Road Map. The announcement "is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I've had here in Israel." Not only is this a disservice to the initiative towards peace, but mostly to the voting Israeli public.

You mention Israeli tax payers. How do you think we Americans feel being forced to send billions to Israel every year? We fund these Israeli... crimes is what they really are... We're bankrupt over here, but our "good friends" the Israeli's are STILL asking for and TAKING our money. Will Israel ever be able to stand on it's own?

Either the right hand does not know what the left hand does, or they just want to fool everyone, including themselves. Being an Israeli,one feels lost with such primitive ministers and Prime minister. Their only goal is to please their supporters in order to remain in power.

Israel has fought, and fought victoriously, for its creation and existence. However, it's never fought--other than a brief conflict between the Palmach and the Irguin--for its democracy. It's not the same thing.

Thank you Ruth Yosef, you just strenghten the palestinian position (in the eyes of the world) 200%. Seriously keep up the good work (especially the friendly press conferences)!!! Next time, I urge you to announce 20000 units in JRS when Obama visits!!! but please wait until a high profile US visitor comes to Israel to make these announcements (it gives it a much stronger effect)!!! and of course showing the real face of Israel!!!

Biden is well known for his love and support for Israel. The least Israel could do is to wait until he has left and announce these new settlements!!! The arrogance of this Israeli government is unbelievable!!! Great PR for the Palestinians, a really dumb move for Natanyahu and his team!!!! It is crystal clear which side is jeopardizing the peace process!!!!

As Biden condemns Israel so shall he be condemned! Has anyone asked the Jewish people if they want a two state solution and where did this wickedness come from? Israel is a gift to the Jewish people and no one shall divide it. And as for 'peace talks', these arrogant godless men who think they can bring peace without the PRINCE OF PEACE.... America should have nothing to do with dividing the Holy Land. It will bring death and destruction to our homeland.

LOL at Biden, Obama and USA. Wake-up World the real president of the us is Netanyahu. Obama Netanyahu wants you to Jump-Jump, give Israel all the high tech weapons so the Israel-jews can sell the the tech to China. Keep the $2.5 Billion +Plus coming each year or the congress jews will block your health care bill. Israel GREAT JOB ON 911. THE USA FOOLS STILL THINK IT WAS bin laden. Kind of sloppy on WTC 7 and the Mossad white van. Does not matter you control the news media. It is a please watch the Pros. Love USA

Israel should be very careful. USA's patience is dwindling. If Israel continues provocation they may become the enemy of the USA within the next 20 years. Iran's threats to "wipe Israel off the map" may be empty and irrelevant. But I guarantee you that provoking the United States of America is a reckless and dangerous mistake.

Yishai's statement was likely meant to cause problems. That said, regardless of what the rest of the world thinks, ALL of Jerusalem is a part of Israel. Also, building has been going on in the formerly Jordanian controlled section for over 40 years with little or nothing said so why should it become an issue now? Didn't Israel say when it agreed to a building freeze that Jerusalem would not be included? Yishai chose to publicize this because he knew that the PA would seize upon this as a reason not to restart talks, but given that construction has only been an issue since the Obama administration made it one, he has also focused on the eagerness of the PA to look for a reason not to talk with Israel. If Israel halted all construction, including inside the 1967 lines, the PA would find another excuse. And why not? They think they only have sit back and wait for international pressure to force Israeli concessions.

is that so Abso. and can you explain the releveance of the Falkands to israel. Penguins , sheep . Its not at all clear

It is such arrogance that will seal the fate of Israel. Even somebody like me, a totally non-partisan observer of this madness in the middle east is outraged. I can only imagine what sort of outrage this sort of arrogance on the part of Israel will provoke in an Arab's mind and heart. If Israelis think this is the way to peace they are totally delusional.

This is Israeli land. See, when you attack another country, and lose that land in a war, it's not yours anymore. It was the Jews' land long before Mohammed had his first seizure -- uh, vision -- and invented Islam. Biden criticized it? Netanyahu should announce they're doubling the number of settlements -- and do it again every time they criticize. What happened to Obama respecting countries in the Middle East and not dictating to them? Oh, right. He only meant the Muslim ones. And it's not only this administration. They all lean on the Israelis while the Palestinians refuse to even recognize Israel. Well, if you don't recognize them, they you shouldn't recognize their settlements, eiither, right? Just pretend they don't exist. Just like you pretend your children don't exist when you strap bombs to them and ship them off to war. None of this land was Arab or Muslim land, yet somehow, everything is yours and you only follow history back to 1948.

Therefore, the blame goes on the Palestinians again.

"The BIG question is why does the United States continue to pander to a dependent nation which treats it with absolute contempt?" -Mark Lincoln- Any guess Mark? Does Congress still belongs to the American People?

This to Mark - No American aid, no Israel. Lest you forget!

The Christian Nigerians who were butchered were under the impression that the government imposed curfew was for their own good. The UN & most of the world is making Israelis believe that making peace with the Muslims by giving up land is the way to safety. If Israel thinks that by giving up land it will be safer due to the good will of the rest of the world and the Muslims, it is sadly mistaken. Like those Nigerians who went to sleep under the false impression that the govt. curfew would keep them safe, Israelis will find their position untenable as well. Best that Israel does what needs to be done to protect itself. Such measures to keep its territories and defend itself with its own strength are far better odds than trusting some world community that is beginning to connive with Islamists(as the govt of Nigeria does) to bring about the Peace of Islam.

Rumor was someone was holding a Biden family member to get that man to do what they wanted. At this point in time that is such a low blow way to negotiate and lead. That man is a good man and they could find nothing on him so your going to hold his family member hostage. Is this a true rumor as I was in DC and his staff crying for him or did a member of his family get captured? Can Israel help free this man. If it black mail just tell everyone what it is and they get over it. Remeber dignity of truth to soul and stand before your creator. Also woman with sexually transmitted disease can be used as biological weapons in political take downs. This was reviewed and approved for charges by Supreme Court in 2005 I believe. If a political figure is contracted with a disease by intercourse with a woman then she is a deadly weapon of family or political take down to infect and stop future generations. Rankoo-Karoon

This project was started under Kadima. This is part of a three year old project and it isn't going anywhere. This is a procedural move. Netanyahu coming to office stopped construction over the green line in east jerusalem and west bank. Yet he keeps getting pounded relentlessly by projects started under Kadima. Olmert came to office to stop settlments and kadima had so much momentum with settlements that were approved by them and yet bibi has stopped all new settlements and even sent inspectors in and yet keeps getting pounded by project that have been put in mothballs and are going nowhere but procedural annoucements. The u.s and PA know this and yet keep pounding bibi. I am so sick about this. The leftist biden knows this is procedural and not going anywhere. Bibi stopped settlments yet the media has more announcements over procedural moves than kadima who started all these projects and the media was silent when kadima has massive coustruction and so much momementum.

Why? Because you say it is? As an apparently religious person, you might consider that G-d is in the human heart, not in real estate.

"And if the Arabs had accepted a peaceful Palestinian State in 1947 - how much different would this part of the world looked like today?" Probably about the same. It's fascinating to ask the question though. If only things were different, how must they have had to inevitably turn out? Really, though. If arabs had accepted the 1947 borders, is there any possibility that Israel would today fit inside the 1947 borders? No, Israel would have had to expand, and that would create hostility from arabs, and things would likely turn out not that much different by now. Or maybe not. Who can be sure how things would be today if only something had been different 73 years ago?

And demand an apology from the Israeli government calling on them to stop all settlement activity in the Palestinian capital. If not, they should consider sanctions until Israel decides to return to the international community as a nation that adheres to its commitments. Otherwise, there can be no question that it has placed itself in the category of a pariah state.

Nabil Alqam PA Historian denies thousands of years of Jewish history replacing it with 4000 years of Palestinian History. But where were the Palestinian/Arabs when Jesus a Jew was beng crucified in Calvary outside of Jerusalem 2000 years ago? No mention of them in the Bible, Gospels or Testaments......

Look at this deplorable crew: yishai, ayalon, lieberman, petty little men who think they can shove their agenda down anyones throat. And what is this bullshit all about from these rabid religio/nationalists? Making sure that the US gets the message that the Arab presence in Jerusalem is over. It is not theirs and it will be entirely judaizied, even the Muslim cemeteries. So there.

A: "Excuse me: Annapolis is non binding" But the Road Map is. A: "Jews can build in their land." The Road Map says otherwise.

directly or indirectly we, the US taxpayer fund these projects, and where is it leading to? There will be so little land left that a viable Pal state is not an option and that a unitary state of Jews Christians and MUSLIMS IS THE ONLY OPTION. Whats the alternative? Only a SA-style apartheid state with little Bantustans or ghettos left for nonm-Jews. This is highly unlikely to be acceptable to the world at large. Are there any Zionists with foresight that can see that the more land the Jews take the less chance there is of a two state solution? Check out 'Bilin' and 'Avatar' on youtube

Build your homes! This is YOUR land that was promised to your forefathers!!!Where's your HUTSPUH??? God is your protector and provider!! Soon all of Israel will stand up for itself and will truly see Who really supports them! I think it is absolutely nuts that this sick world we live in thinks they can push Israel around!! No thanks! I stand behind Israel a 1,000%!! If people were smart they'd do the same, God wasn't joking when He said He would curse thoses who curse the apple of His eye.... You'll see......

Announcing the construction of 1600 houses in violation of UN and other international decisions while the Vice president of the of my country is in Israel is an intentional and obviously pre-planned slap on the face to the U.S.A. I am disgusted for two reasons: 1: As an American, I will not forget the insult. 2: It alienates U.S. and World opinion even more. Acts like that are practically a guarantee that Israel will not survive. Where are the decent, thoughtful people of Israel?? When are you going to stop the extreme right wing from putting the very existance of Israel at risk?

Why, in every sensitive context, when there is a great deal of potential volatility in the air, does Israel intentionally behave like a spoiled, angry petulent brat? Does Israel have any idea of how it is perceived in the international community? It seems it is doing all in its power to construct a negative image and then whine how it is them vs the rest of the world. I hope the US really takes action on this latest act of unmitigated arrogance. This move has sunk the ship and Israel gloats.

This saga is bigger than any one and any country. Its about world dominance, preparing the way for the One World Ruler who will rule the world from Israel. That's why common sense, justice and peace will never prevail in Israel.

In essence, the Palestinians are asserting that they are entitled to the fruits of the 1948 Jordnian ethnic cleansing of the Jews from part of Jerusalem. Jordan's illegal occupation of part of Jerusalem from '48-'67 was un-recognized except by Britain and Pakistan. Why does 19 years of Jordanian occupation give the Palestinians an entitlement to Jerusalem as the fruits of ethnic cleansing?

"Even the "zionist forever" types have no excuses now. If ever the world doubted that Israel wants land but no peace, it should be clear as to what is continuing to happen." Except, the Palestinians are demanding that land and refuse to have peace unless they obtain the land that they want for themselves. Jewish population growth and accommodating that population growth bothers them because Jews are growing on the land the Palestinians demand. You don't see the inherent hypocrisy of your own argument? The Palestinians can achieve peace with Israel, but they have to compromise on 100% of the territories in order to achieve it. So, they also prefer land instead of peace, wouldn't you say? Where is your criticism for them? How many times have they rejected a state because it wasn't within the borders they demanded?

This move highlights that Israel is backed by US and Palestinians are impoverished. Nothing more, nothing less.

about the 1600 homes in East Jerusalem. Will he address a joint session of Congress and urge them to stop all aid to Israel?

approach towards Iran. That is, if Iran is not willing to comply with International resolutions, sanctions should be imposed on its strategic strengths. Hence, Mr. President, the same approach could be better applied to Israel and I will give you the reasons why: 1- Iran has no relations with the US whatsoever. Applying pressure on this State is, thus, irrelevant. 2- Israel is, without US financial and strategic support, a bankrupt and defenseless State. In those circumstances, applying pressure on that State would greatly work... and would enhance your State's influence in the Arab world. In the end, Israel would have no choice but to agree to bow down to its supreme patron. In other words, we are talking about a win-win bid. Care to dare Mr. President?

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel; when the US restricts building in Washington and France does the same in Paris, then maybe Israel will consider stopping building in Jerusalem.

"netanyahu repeatedly calls for peace talks. the palestinians find reasons to avoid the talks. the palestinians must realize that the longer they avoid, the more time israel has to build." Yeah, sure. Netanyahoo wants peace so badly. That's why under his so-called "leadership," Israel announces one housing project after another on Palestinian land, or land that is highly contested. That's why Netanyahoo said that the so-called "settlement freeze" was only temporary, and a one time thing. Then, the hilarious part of all this is, he then turns around and violates HIS OWN "settlement freeze!" Can you believe the audacity of this liar and two face?

"Let`s see. In the last very little while we have had the heritage site crap, the 112 unit crap, and now the 1600 unit crap. That`s strike 3 crap wise and guess what?" Oh, crap! Israel's population doesn't remain stagnant and Jews value their holy sites. Can't imagine why. Jake's just a little on the obtuse side.

Time doesn't stand still and populations keep growing. How many times will they reject either offers of territory or engaging in negotiations in order to finally establish a state?

become exclusively Arab. Is Israel exclusively Jewish?

The US should be under no illusions if it is going to act as mediator. It shouldn't pretend that any part of Jerusalem is on the table if Israel says it's not. Negotiations don't mean Israel gives and the PA takes. These buildings will never be given over and its time for the Arabs to realize that is the case. Any state of Palestine will have to have Ramallah as its capital.

Jerusalem is eternal Capital of Jewish Nation...and Jesus was the son of god.

Every time there is a hope for peace, the israeli government do its utmost to ruin it and they always blame the other side. This is a classic.

The annexation of East Jerusalem was declared ILLEGAL by UNSC Resolution 252 (1968)of 21 May 1968 UNSC Resolution 267 (1969) of 3 July 1969 UNSC Resolution 271 (1969) of 15 September 1969, UNSC Resolution 298 (1971) of 25 September 1971, UNSC Resolution 465 (1980) of 1 March 1980, UNSC Resolution 476 (1980) of 30 June 1980 And yet, Israel defies the International Community.

was there too much stuff left behind when Israel pulled out and it was unfair to the Palestinians that HAD to destroy all that state of the art green houses and other infrastructure. Palestinians only wish to cite building in Jerusalem, which is not on hte table to begin with, as an example of how peace can't go forward. So I ask, WHY? As we have seen in Past, Israel can evacuate a persons from areas, it has that power over its people, even if it must use force. So then, why is this always an issue for even TALKING? Do Palestinians not like the way Israeli Building are designed? Are they not upto to code? Otherwise get the foul analogy out of your head notably: LAND IS NOT LIKE A PIZZA, LIKE CJ, LABHARAS, DURSON AND OTHER MORONS OFTEN CITE. USING THE LAND TO BUILD A CONDO, DOESN'T CONSUME IT, YOU COULD STILL DEMOLISH THE CONDO AND BUILD A MOSQUE OR WHATEVER YOU'D LIKE, OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD LIVE IN THE CONDO. LAND IS NOT A CONSUMED COMMODITY, THE PIZZA ANALOGY IS B.S.

Ha! Ha! Ha! America takes it up the kiester again!

As I said in a related thread's post a bit earlier: I will not judge the legality of the Israeli government's approval of building residences in E Jerusalem. But the sheer bad timing - just as indirect peace talks were to begin, and the US vice president starting his visit - makes one wonder exactly how sane the Israeli Interior Ministry - and by extension, the entire Netanyahu government - really are. It's as if the government has been seized by schizophrenia: talking one way, acting another. Enough talk about peace, Mr Netanyahu: let's see the deeds as well. We're waiting. MV

Obama and Biden were elected to work for the American people, now that it is clear that US support for Israel is a serious liability, we need to do the job we elected them to do and disolve our country's ties with Israel and worry about our own national interests. Good luck, you're on your own.

Israel is hell-bent on destroying itself: multiple schools including ones in which secular subjects such as evolution are not taughts; crazy settlers with their own foreign policy that is supported and winked out by Benyamin & Co; 150 nuclear bombs and no adherence to International Nuclear policy;a growing population of people who don't work and study Torah -- but are supported by the state as a whole and are reproducing and weighing down on the social structure of the society --heading in the direction of more people on the dole than workers; a Jerusalem that is no longer the spiritual home of the many, but an insular, ultra Orthodox whose behavior is Talibanistic. These are the trends, and we of America are supporting this repressive, and regressive society that margionalizes its 20 percent Arab citizen -- and acts like we did with American Indians -- stealing their land and putting them on reservations. It is all a grim story--and the society is headed for a collapse on its own

Is East Jerusalem defined as being anywhere Israel builds homes and Palestinians don't like it? Ramat Shlomo is nowhere near East Jerusalem.

More and more countries don't like the policy of Israel. It's better to make no deals with that country.

"Nobody will tell Israel when to built and when not built in its own capital." Mmm Borusch, you obviously missed the fact that the international courts and UN have ruled decisively that Israel is building illegally on stolen land. Even the Israeli High Court agreed that Jerusalem is OCCUPIED, not Israeli territory. An occupying power cannot legally settle its own people on occupied territory or gain sovereignty over it. (Or bulldoze the homes of the indigenous people). You are rather on your own with your assertions.. Yep, Geneva Convention 4 makes it terribly plain. Violating Geneva Conventions is a sure way for Israeli leaders to end up in the Hague. Way to go Borusch, you just keep encouraging them to break the law now.

Tony, how does America fight Israel's wars for them? I know that we have troops in Iraq and Afgan. but I never knew we sent troops to Israel. How many Americans died in Operation CAST LEAD or the Lebenon wars 1 and 2? Get your facts straight before posting. I do not see the people in Iraq jumping at what ever the Americans say. I agree the world should just let them fight and the winner take all, oh, sorry I forgot that happened already, and Israel took all!

Since Barack Obama took office, numerous articles have appeared in the Israeli press, minutely analysing the tea leaves to determine whether President Obama is, or is not, a friend to Israel. None mention the fact that the present gvernment has been no friend to the President, repeatedly going out of its way, as now, to give the President's policies a punch in the nose.

After Barak offered them a 93% land swap in 2000 that the Palestinian rejected and returned with a bloody Intifada, and after Olmert offered a nearly 100% land swap (with East Jerusalem as future capital) to which they even didn't answer, the Palestinian must now lern to be content with less favourable perspectives and accept the fact that a Palestinian state, if they ever wanted one, will at the most have Ramallah as capital. The necessary confidence for more painfull steps on Israeli side is the damaged, seen and recorded the negatives effects of any overture or concession towards the Palestinians. And these are doing as always very little to restore it.

Zionists placed Biden on a low sofa? Maybe they didn't want him to forget about simple things like love. America has done this too often in the past. I think Israel should probably have all of Jerusalem and there should be two states: a Palestinian and an Israeli. Maybe trade some of the West Bank and gaza strip for all of Jerusalem? It is said that Jerusalem is the key to the world's peace. I also think that Israel is too small already, but it isn't a perfect world yet. Really, though, we here in America just don't even know what it is like to live in the Middle East... people have strong emotions about and strong feelings for all of that land. First thing we should do when we engage in conversation about that land is realize this - that we don't know what it is like to live over there, and that living in Israel or in Gaza or west Bank is not like living here in the USA. Assumptions we make about life may not really hold over there. We have to hold that in mind always.

This is Israel's payback for Obama's insistence that it does not attack Iran. As for the Palestinians, they should do what I have always proposed. 1) Dissolve PA 2) Hand territories back to Israel 3) Declare Palestinians no longer want a state 4) Start a non-violent movement demanding Israeli citizenship including full rights and responsibilities 5) In the beginning Israel will refuse but over time the Palestinians have a better chance at this than getting a real country

I knew Alice in Wonderland was a true story!

why? for a change step one back and think from a different perspective : for instance : 1) the ruins and rubbish from the 2006 "war" are still not cleaned up ( I never really could understand why Hezbollah claimed to have won the war. from the extent of damage i saw on TV back in 2006, i didnt get the idea that Hezbollah has won that war, quite the contrary really. I have doubts, i really dont think the Hezbollah will dare to attack the IDF soon again. 2) the Hamas has stopped firing stupid pointless rockets into Israel (I'm not so sure either that the people in Gaza are kean to start a new "war" so soon / i've seen the devastation in Gaza as well) 3) I figure Al Queda got kicked out of the Iraq by now 4) the Taleban seem to be quite busy not only in Afghanistan but also in Pakistan 5) Iran is not very relaxed either, the oposition is not dead yet, maybe just taking cover so; in case all these assumptions are correct, what's the conclusion?

If Israel is so sovereign, maybe they would like to go it alone in the Middle East without US support.

Do the Isreali officials care what the rest of the world thinks. I did have some support for them in the past but it seems they will do anything lately to povoke the Palestinians and avoid having real peace talks. Hopefully the Palestinians will show some restraint and prove to the world they are ready for peace....even if isreal is not. The US administration should openly and harshly condemn this latest action.....they could have kicked Biden right in the balls and been less disrespectful than announcing the building of 1600 homes....what were they thinking. This is one canadian who wonders why we even bother with that side of the world anymore....seems like a lost cause.

you can Drop straws everywhere But reality is Zionists in 1947 didn't want peace but Only "talk" but their actions were opposite of peace. You cant face the fact that Israel committed ethnic cleansing and Genocide of palestinian christians and muslims to force them out. The deal offered before was Not followed by sincere actions by israel this is the case today and in the past.

For nearly 150 years the the Jews kept moving ahead with their program of building a national home irrespective of all Arab threats and reluctance to compromise. In contrast, Arabs seemingly have always opted to either go back to a situation that no longer exists or stop time until a more favorable situation may evolve. Unfortunately, as with investing/real estate, time is not on the side of the procrastinators. And if the Arabs had accepted a peaceful Palestinian State in 1947 - how much different would this part of the world looked like today?

Nobody will tell Israel when to built and when not built in its own capital.

Wishing in no way to trivialize this issue, but try to find a realistic answer to the question, what's the USA going to do about it? Now based on your answer to that question, why then should Yishai care whether Biden is in Israel during this announcement, it's not like the response from the USA will be different had the announcement been made next week, next year, or next century. Nothing will change.

Yes, Israeli's can indeed change their government. However what is needed is a change of ATTITUDE and that is never going to happen with the bunch of nutcases it takes to form a government in Israel. Just look at the pre-conditions the far right and religious parties demand to be "onside". From that perspective Israel is destined to endure perpetual conflict. Israel is going 'round in ever-decreasing circles and we all know where that ends up! Somewhere the sun doesn't shine. Also using fictional biblical texts as an excuse for colonialism does not count under contemporary International Law. Get used to it.

Jews can build in their land.

Why not just ban discrimination in housing like we Americans did? The land of Palestine and Israel belongs to both the Jews and the Palestinians, by right of occupancy and cultural history, and if Israel and Palestine weren't stooping to apartheid, then there wouldn't have been as much of a problem. (Yes, Palestine's stooping to apartheid by refusing to sell land to Jews and creating a hostile environment and Israel's stooping to apartheid, too, by walling off the Palestinians and refusing them entry to the land.)

...or he's a complete idiot. After months of figuring out a way to move the peace process forward, he does this. How could it not be done on purpose. If it wasn't calculated, then he's just plan stupid.

Meanwhile the banner at the bottom of the page talks about courses in diplomacy and conflict studies. Har har har

If Israel refuses to make peace, we should refuse to assist Israel in making war- no more money, no more weapons, and no more UN vetos.

it should be interesting to read the papers in France Germany and Italy today and tomorrow/this weekend. it should be interesting to read the opinions/commentators in the major french/german/italian papers. peace out!

This is like a farce being acted over and over again. Israel never intends to stop its lunatic land grab in Palestinian territory, and cocks a snook at even the world's most powerful country. When will they realise that it is time to put an end to this utterly dangerous nonsense, and take action at the UN, to send in a force that will make it clear to Israel that it must stop all the settlement building in East Jerusalem and throughout the West Bank, and start making positive steps for Israel to completely withdraw from the Occupied Territories. The US must end all arms and aid to Israel (in billions) and sweeping sanctions applied until Israel meets all its obligations under international law and all UN Resolutions.

Palestinians should also recognize the following: 1- Israel is a Jewish State 2- Arabs are ENTIRELY responsible for the past conflicts between Israel and its enemies. 3- Their future airspace ought be under Israeli control 4- Total control of the Jordan river by the IDF 5- Palestinian armed forces forbidden. 6- Hamas, PFLP and Islamic Jihad must be disarmed. 7- The right to resist = anti-semitism. 8- Arabs were wrong to refuse the 1947 split of Palestine. 9- The Security Fence is legitimate and permanent. 10- The bulldozing of the Al-Aqsa Mosque so that the ONE TRUE FAITH might build the old Temple once again. You see... peace is within reach!

"the palestinians must realize that the longer they avoid, the more time israel has to build" Actually, that is a good point...

Arafat put it there later. He namely proclaimed that they will "take all land in stages". So from outside the Treaty he started separately claiming Jerusalem for PA*s capital, which claim his followers have kept insisting upon intead of respecting the Treaty. IF the Pals had stayed focused and commited themselves to what was agreed upon in Oslo, there would not only be peace today, but two states. In no game, rules of the game are changed in the middle of playing!

If Mr Netanyahu really did not ok this decision and the timing of its announcement, he is in a good position to take David Zonsheine's advice and talk to Hamas : maybe together he and Mr Haniyeh can figure out how to manage a prisoner exchange for Gilad Shalit and THEN announce it once it is done !

who can satisfy. by the way is biden here to approve and applaude israel's latest announcement? where will israel stop? it's the locusts, they will eat everything.

Better to compromise before there is nothing over which to compromise.

There is nothing left to say. Israel just keeps on sticking its thumb in the US's eye. Even the "zionist forever" types have no excuses now. If ever the world doubted that Israel wants land but no peace, it should be clear as to what is continuing to happen. Biden should go home and either resign or demand that Obama give up trying. Peace is not going to happen..........only endless war.

Let's see. In the last very little while we have had the heritage site crap, the 112 unit crap, and now the 1600 unit crap. That's strike 3 crap wise and guess what? The jew State may have just crapped out! Oh and a different 3 may be erupting anytime soon now thank you very much. And guess what? The entire international community may be crapping on the jew State as a result! All said and done though and even if grudgingly given one can't help but admire the relentless display of chutzpah by the Land of the chosen.

"Why does my country have an "unshakable" relationship with an apartheid state?" - dov Wrong question. The BIG question is why does the United States continue to pander to a dependent nation which treats it with absolute contempt?

"This kind of provocation only reinforces the idea among Europeans and Americans that the Israeli government does not want peace. Sometimes I fear the image of Israel may never be able to recover abroad." - Ari What other conclusion can the world draw? The current government of Israel is like a petulant and delinquent 12-year old which has no regard for how it appears, what it does and any future consequences. Nothing the world can do about it, only Israelis can change their government.

PA would just give up right of return East Jerusalem there be peace. Israel not agree give up any part Jerusalem. Palestinians demand right of return and East Jerusalem are main reason the Palestinians did not have a state.

"Taking on Obama right now, isn`t to clever" - Samuel It was clear a year ago that Netanyahu could insult and humiliate Obama at will. Obama is too much of a coward to defend himself, much less take on someone determined to destroy him.

You really need to get Israeli hands out of American pockets and Israeli lobbyists out of the American decision making process. That`s the biggest threat to America. Stop worrying about Israel and get on your job

One, or the other. Never both.

netanyahu repeatedly calls for peace talks. the palestinians find reasons to avoid the talks. the palestinians must realize that the longer they avoid, the more time israel has to build.

America floods Israel with money, material, and political support, and then fights Israel?s wars for them. In exchange, Israel spies on America, refuses peace making efforts, and interferes with America?s political system. There is no worse enemy that America has in the world today than this fake friend

"There is no space between the United States and Israel when it comes to Israel's security," Biden said as the two leaders made statements to the media following talks in Jerusalem. No space between the United States and Israel?! Yishai will be gutted. He was hoping to squeeze in 1800 haredim houses and a new shopping centre in there.

Unfortunately it is warmongerers like you who will not allow us peaceloving jews to live coexist with moslems and christians in a city which is dear to the three religions. sham on you mark

Without shande Jews saying "stay out my neighborhood." Israel needs integration to survive instead of "two people" living segregated side-by-side (and designed that way).

I am just speechless.... Another demostration of Israeli short sighted policy, and this is just another example. PS By the way we have a couple of old synagogues here, just ruins, do you think they will be part of Israeli heritage? Should I start packing my stuff and move away????

"Mmm, yummy!" "Good, tell Obama to drop by and we'll throw one in his face."

Would be to not even land until Baghdad, where he could go visit us troops. At least he would be welcomed there.

What was that Jo? Risks for peace? Can't hear you mate over the sound of the bulldozers flattening an Arab house or two and starting on 1600 Jews-only homes in occupied East Jerusalem. If Biden really wants to "stand by Israel", I hope he knows how to drive a bulldozer!

How many innocent christians were murdered by muslims in the past days??? Around 600. Probably the killing is ongoing. How much media coverage does this get? The world's disproportionate obsession against Israel is in direct relation to the neglect of other conflicts. What is so horrible about 1600 housing units built in a neighborhood which anyway will be part of Israel in any final agreement? Dear world: keep proportions and refocus on significant conflicts.

The dregs of Israel in Netanyahu's government...

Sadly this has been the on going story since the whole 60 years of palestine. IF israel feels no pressure to conform to peace then there cannot be peace.. Most of the world was Pressuring christians and muslims palestinians but they have nothing to give anymore. And its clear that israel is not willing to make a move even when Hamas stopped the rockets and Abbas even Pushed himself to the limit for israel. Sadly Settlers and lieberman are running the show

Haven't you heard what President Chavez has said " How long have you thought you would be able to keep your colonial occupation of Islas Malvinas ?" The word is watching ..

Have Israeli leaders completely lost the ability to think beyond the ends of their noses? Does appeasement of religious extremists know no limits? If Iran is the real existential threat, why then go out of their way to humiliate Mr. Biden, a leader from the one country that shares that view completely, and has a prayer of rallying the civilized world behind sanctions? Maybe James Baker was right. Shame on Israeli politicians.

1- Your Shia democracy in Iraq is simply waiting for a pullout of US troops to sign a pact with Iran. 2- Rallying the World into a strike against Iran: that one is not even worth a reply 3- The Taliban are on the retreat: once again not worth answering. 4- Israel simply needs to try to keep under control its thirst for Arab blood: That one is very tough to do... especially during an intifada! It did not look good during Bu$h... and it still doesn't with Obama. You can dream of your long gone Imperial America but that will not bring it back...

Short of actually spitting in his face it's hard to see how Bibi's government of misfits and extrenists could have shown more contempt for Biden and the US. So it'll be interesting to see what happens next. My guess, is an annoucement tomorrow hat the development plan is on hold. Bibi will try to play this as some huge and noble concession for peace, but obviously the delay will quietly and the building will start a few weeks after Biden's safely out of the country.

Didn't Israel say that Jerusalem is on the negotiating table? Do the Arabs have ears? Housing units is not an issue, unless of course, the Arabs cannot accept the Jewish demand that Jerusalem remain under Israeli control. In that case, why enter in negotiations with a people that cannot accept that Jews have any right to their eternal, undisputed, historically grounded capital. I declare it simply, take the hit in the International arena, and state openly, there is no point in talking about a 2-state solution.

Now that the Gaza frontline is proving Israel wrong (since Hamas is not firing rockets), Netanyahu needs a pretext to scream loud and clear the favorite Israeli rhetoric (they don't want peace, they want to throw us to the sea, they hate us more than they love their children and so on...). Only an intifada can give Israel the pretext to shout loud and act with its typical brute strength. However, Israel ought to think of one thing: The next intifada will probably provoke Hezbollah into the fight. A reply on Lebanon would, this time around, bring Syria into the fight. A reply on Syria could, for the first time, force Iran into the fight. Should this happen, even the Saudi King would be forced in as he would not dare risk an Arab victory against the eternal enemy without being at the victors' table... Can the U$ do something about it? Hardly, as they know that the ME is now out of reach for good...

Such ranting posted here. Refugee camps continue in Arab west bank, Lebanon, Jordan & Gaza. It is Arabs who reject the acepting Israel from day one and never developed their own state not even when Egypt and Jordan controlled the areas and ejected Jews.

This provocation when the US is in town and talks were almost started is beyond any acceptable behavior. I am sick to death of this horrid Israeli government that has all but turned me, a lifelong ardent Zionist into a hater. If I were the US envoy or VP Biden I would report back to Pres. Obama to just let any idea of a restarted peace process go as a complete waste of time. Israel, wake up. Time to get rid of Netanyau etal or loose many like me who have supported Israel through thick and thin, donated millions to building the Jewish State and have taken on Israeli citizenship. I am sickened by this blatent insult to the US and by the stupidity of this action.

Soon the bombs will be upon us. We'll suffer major destruction and loss of life. Yes, we will hit back and "win the war" but at what cost "victory"! Then comes the demographic nuclear bomb in an apartheid state. What a pathetic leadership that we have.

Iraq has been defeated, and is on its way to become a fairly stable somewhat of a democratic country. The taliban are retreating in Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda is on the run, and the wall built to prevent terrorists attacks on Israel is doing a wonderful job. Obama, will most certainly be able to rally the rest of the world for a possible strike against Iran by the end of his first term. The only thing that Israel has to do is play the peace maker, try to keep under control its thirst for Arab blood, keep building as many settlements as it wants, and let the U.S run the show. Things are looking much better that they did under Bush.

Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Mitchell should go back home. The current Israeli government is determined to disrupt any actions or even hopes for peace. What does it mean to issue a decision of building 1600 homes in E. Jerusalem which is hoped to be the capital of an independent Palestinian state? I guess the current Israeli government has a clear answer to such question which is Pals have no place in E. Jerusalem and therefore pre-judge negotiations with failure. Minds like Bibi and Liberman have no interest with any Palestinian presence in Jerusalem, in a Palestinian state, and in any solution to the conflict! The world should realize this and take action. There are millions of Pales inside and outside Palestine suffering from this conflict and the world should stop it. With such minds the conflict will be lasting for eternity!!! And so the killing, damage, discrimination and all forms of inhumanity.

Israel is not serious about peace. Abbas the coward must call off the talks now. He clearly made a big mistake by caving in to American pressure to enter these "talks".

Again, another example why our voting system doesn't work. We give inproprtionate amounts of power to people with no mandate. selling important portfolio's to MK's with no mandate. CHANGE ISRAELS VOTING SYSTEM.

lol, they do have a sense of humor. To start I would get mad every time they do something stupid, but now I laugh. I really think its entertaining and funny, how many Israeli ministers does it take to change America's long standing commitment to Israel? I guess just 2. lol. Every decision they make it so politically wrong, it screams in people's faces especially in this information age, where all news spreads in a matter of seconds around the world. I'm just going to stand back and watch as my Jewish friends here in America criticize this new decision. Last time my friend was so pissed off he's like "look I'm not Zionist, I'm Jewish ok, I want nothing to do with Israel anymore"... So there you have it, enjoy the comedy.

in the face of those leaders it calls their friends. If only Biden knew how to kick back and kick hard. Israel has really become a Humpty Dumpty. It can't be put back together again.

How many homes for Non-Jewish residents were approved in East Jerusalem in the last 42 years? West Bank? Israel in the last 62 years? How much land of non-Jewish owners was expropriated in East Jerusalem in the last 42 years? West Bank? Israel in the last 62 years? How much land of Jewish owners? Is there a pattern here?

Not only does this band of hapless so called leaders make clear that they have no intention of entering into realistic negotiations, but they just love to make other leaders cringe and squirm "cause they can do it". Take the example of that zenith of ineptitude, Ayalon, intentianally humiliating the Turkish envoy and now this carefully times announcement meant to spit in Biden's face. If this is an ally, then who is an enemy?

The embarrassment is on Israel. Such petty stuff doesn't change anything with this administration. This visit was about Iran and is why we would be sending the Vice President. They wouldn't be wasting Biden's prestige on the internal issues which Israel does a fine job shooting herself in the foot. We all know building will continue and the two state solution is dead. We all know what lies ahead is an ugly confrontation between demands of equality/citizenship vs concerns of safety that will not look good under any light.

Obama's foreign policy is a disaster because he has too many pro-Israel morons in his Cabinet. Biden and Rahm are useless tools beholden to the Lobby. Americans voted to end these stupid wars and the people will not support a war with Iran that would cost more than Iraq and Afghanistan combined. It seems Israel is hell bent on started a regional war because Israel, not Iran, is just plain crazy.

who is worse, Yishai or Lieberman? only as far as Israel is concerned it is like finding what should we chose in order to commetre suicide, arsenic or a bulette in the head. Only in the case of Israel both should be excluded and their use strictly forbidden, so here what should go for our ministers. With this two and their like in power there is not the slightest chance to have peace whithin a visible future. We, the jewish community, are divide into three blocs: 1- those who follow the initial declarations concerning two states for two peoples. 2- those who dream about one state (jewish) in the entire old Palestine. 3- those who don't care about Israel (extreme religious one of all sorts) for whom the only dream is to be able to live next to holly spots waiting for the Messiah to come and no matter under whose regime as long as it is not jewish secular one.

Israel is the equivalent of an addict who keeps stealing money to feed his habit. Let's help Israel kick their habit of ethnic chauvinism by tearing up America's blank check to the Israeli gov.

israel donot build too many homes/houses for otherwise they will become too cheap or worthless!

Why does my country have an "unshakable" relationship with an apartheid state? I'm young and politically active. I will dedicate my life to changing my country's position.

around and fly out.

Palestine should be declared and made a US protectorate, and US troops stationed on the border to protect from imminent Israeli agression. They can also show the illegal Israeli occupiers the way home by making the gates into Israel one way.

They make reference to 2008 when Condi was secretary.

Of course it was a slap in the face to the US. Why not, plays well to his base, and the US public will take it and say thank you too. Eventually the US public will probably get sick of this warmongering crap, but not until things get a lot worse than they already are.

... when the rockets start falling on you. Reap what you sew.

Why to blame them, while today the US Vice President Biden keeps on saying that the US-Israeli relations are " unshakeable". Why should they care about world opinion when they have a blank check from the World strongest nation for all their undoings?

It is obvious that the israeli government wants to destroy and for ever the peace process. It is a slap in the face of Biden and the whole arabs who urged the PA to restart peace talks with israel. Netanyahu may think of the future from his point of view that jewish settlements are all over historic Palestine but I don,t know what he thinks about the defacto one state solution whether he likes it or not. I personally like the ONE STATE for ALL but EQUALITY is the key issue here.

Build in Israel, not Palestine! Simple enough really, if you have any commom sense at all.

This kind of provocation only reinforces the idea among Europeans and Americans that the Israeli government does not want peace. Sometimes I fear the image of Israel may never be able to recover abroad.

I doubt Biden would come to an illegal settlement. East Jerusalem is palestinian and amny settlement there is illegal. He'll probably just conclude the current governement does not want peace, and tell Obama US money would be better invested elsewhere in the world.

While the U$A are trying to demonstrate a "façade" of neutrality by asking both sides to show restraint in provocative politics, here we see Israel declaring its intent to build more housing units in the settlements. These politics are intended for either two things: 1- The most obvious - derailing the "indirect talks" between Palestinians and Jewish settlers. 2- Another attempt to humiliate Obama. My guess? Both!!

It matters not who won or lost But how you play the game. I REPEAT,there is a time and place to announce these things and it is surely NOT this week, unless Israel is TOTALLY INTENT on inciting Palestinian riots,just so that the government can find another excuse NOT to negotiate.I DESPAIR

In a society which prides itself on accomplishment, this is another slap in the face of the regular Israeli "Taxpayers" We will have to pay for these radical freeloaders. They will stream in from all over the world. No decent, hardworking Iraeli Jew would get caught dead in one of these places. For those who voted for Bibi, I hope you are happy while he is bankrupting this country.

Now just watch, they'll take away the US flag when he meets Lieberman as well!

Right On !!!! unfortunately for the sane majority in Israel and for all the Palestinians

I'm pretty sure Hillary Clinton is Secretary of State these days, but that Saeb Erekat and the Palestinians will be just as successful appealing to Condoleezza Rice.

Most of you probably have no idea where this neighborhood even is. If we can't build there then where the hell can we build???

The US will say nothing -- but God forbid anyone say this is just the latest display of Jewish control over the US government.

Israel never fails to insult high ranking American diplomats. The American Vice president who is a heart beat away from the presidency can either turn the other cheek to be slapped again, or bend over and have his ass kicked on his way to Ben Gurion airport.

and the piece de resistance ---1600 to day. Welcome to Israel --Biden. Need to hear anymore Obama /Biden. Israel does not want you there---just your money to help them with the construction costs for the illegal squats. Time to go home and turn off the spigot and cancel attendance at the UN. The message is clear.

They got. First Barak with the 112 now this. Biden, get the hell out of there and let the party start. Only military defeat will bring those Israelis to their senses.

The National Heritage reclassification. Bibi's Jordan valley statement. New construction in the West bank settlements. New construction in the East Jerusalem settlements. Israel seems to be doing all it can to provoke Palestinian extremists so that it has something to use as an excuse to keep status quo. It is so hypocritical that Israeli officials try to blame the lack of peace on the Palestinians by saying that there is no partner for peace when Israel itself is trying very hard to sabotage the peace process.

"Let's not be children" Dean Rusk once complained.

considering 'indirect' talks.

I'd invite Biden for coffee to one of the new homes...let the US and Obama know that in Israel there is already a sovereignty and it's not American.