Obama: 'Senseless slaughter' in West Bank won't stop peace talks
Standing alongside Netanyahu after the two met privately at the White House, Obama condemns killing of four Israelis, says U.S. support of Israel's security is unwavering.
By Haaretz Service Tags: Israel news Barack Obama Benjamin Netanyahu Middle East peaceU.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday described the fatal shooting of four Israelis in the West Bank as a senseless slaughter that will not stop the U.S. from seeking peace in the Middle East.
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Barack Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on September 1, 2010. |
| Photo by: AP |
Obama spoke alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the two met privately at the White House on Wednesday.
"I did want to specifically take some time out to speak to the people of Israel and to the region about the senseless slaughter that took place near Hebron yesterday," Obama said.
"There are going to be extremists and rejectionists who, rather than seeking peace, are going to be seeking destruction, and the tragedy that we saw yesterday, where people were gunned down on the street by terrorists who are purposely trying to undermine these talks, is an example of what we're up against," Obama continued.
Obama expressed condolences from the American people to the families of the terror victims, and said that the U.S. is unwavering in its support of Israel's security.
"The United States is going to be unwavering in its support of Israel's security, and we are going to push back against these kinds of terrorist activities," said the president.
Obama also sent a message to Hamas, which claimed responsibility for the attack.
"This is not going to stop us from not only ensuring a secure Israel, but also securing a longer-lasting peace in which people throughout the region can take a different course," said Obama.
The U.S. president also said he appreciates the fact that Netanyahu remain committed to peace, despite Tuesday's attack.
Netanyahu applauded Obama's condemnation of Tuesday's killing, and said they were carried out by people "who do not respect human life and who trample human rights into the dust and butcher everything they oppose."
The U.S. is hosting Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for a new round of Middle East peace talks, due to start Thursday. Obama is scheduled to meet Abbas later Wednesday.
Netanyahu earlier on Wednesday urged settlers in the West Bank to exhibit restraint and respect the rule of law in Israel in the wake of a deadly shooting attack near Hebron.
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this time, that it ever was in the past...
We have Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and Hamas. They are no doubt plotting more attacks. Unless you are constantly chasing them, they are liable to be able to regroup, rearm, plan, and attack us, because the last thing they want is peace. Under their present regimes ofcourse.
I wish Premier Netanyahu all the luck in the world. May he be inspired with the right words to achieve a palpable agreement. May President Abbas be reasonable for once, and really show that he is serving the interests of the Palestinian people (cause so far we have seen nothing). As for President Obama's condemnation: it was about time. For a moment I thought he'd let Hamas slide; but he surprised me...good job, president Obama.
obama has said time and time again that america is "fully supportive of israel" and thus cannot ever be a real even-handed mediator in this process. i suppose this beats the previous president, who hilariously claimed that he "understood" the palestinians (while praising israel's lebanon-killing fun times).
....is he wondering whether those nice Obama words are anything more than just words? After all, Netanyahu is also a master of words, of which only he knows their value - depending to whom they are meant ...But Obama's words seem as meant for no one... like for the meant, directly. So, Bibi's grimace could mean "now what?"....
The goal was clearly to end the peace talks. To end them would just achieve the Goal of Hamas.
..we do indeed support Israel's security. But only Israel's -- which is to say the land within its internationally recognized borders.
...is how the PA condemned this slaughter: "it is not in the Palestinian interest", as if there is no moral question here, and only if it had advanced the Palestinian interests it would have been justified. And note, the "moderates" Abbas and Fayyad stand behind the condemnation that the act was not in the Palestinian interest, and Obama is silent, again, about their choice expression...!!
It was not "senseless slaughter" Mr President. It was premeditaded murder.
Yes, but it will stop peace.
If he were, he would be back on the next plane to Israel. Hamas has taken responsibility for the murders. Let them now receive the punishment they so richly deserve.