Israel: EU official's 'occupation' remark casts pall on ties

One great unanswered question of UK politics - unanswered by Baroness Ashton, at least - is whether she received funds from the Soviet Union during her stint with the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. She has never come clean on the question, but it is widely supposed she was either a stooge or a knowing accomplice of the Kremlin. So far as I'm concerned, she has about as much honesty and credibility as she has good looks. MV

I presumed you were a Jew because only a Jew would want the security wall to remain on occupied Palestine territory. The purpose of the wall is more serious than security, because the rest of the world considers it illegal and a land grab. It would be just as effective on Israeli territory. Please spare us your comments on "Greater Israel." The reasoning would be fallacious, Zionist dreams presented as facts, and irrelevant to todays issues. Its only contribution would be comic relief

The EU, Have a look at the picture. What is your explanation. why she opened her mouth in such a way,as if she's thunder-struck. Did any one of the growing number of EUs pinch her: bum,arse.(English) or ass, (American) ? It's something like our Government.It's so huge,people have to invent something in order to be in the limelight ! What a collection !

Only internationally accepted laws governing war are UN resolutions and 4th Geneva Convention declaring Israel in violation for occupying Palestinian territory. The PLO changed its charter and recognized "State of Israel" in Sept 1993. Palestinians originated in Palestine, and predate Jews and Romans in Palestine. When Israelite tribes crossed into Canaan, Canaan, also known at the time as Palestine, was occupied by (among others) semite tribes, Amorites, Hittites and Jebusites.The Jebusites had built Jerusalem and inhabited it for 100 years after the Israelites arrived in Canaan. The New York University School of Medicine, and the National Academy of Sciences have discovered that Middle East Jewish men have common genetic signature with Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese men, and not with any other non-Jews in the world. In the academic world, many noted historians and scholars claim to have determined that the Jebusites are the forebears of the Palestinians. Don't you know anything?

You've constructed a circular argument regarding any criticism of Israeli policies. Zionism is a militant branch of Judaic thought. Do you really expect to be immune from criticism? That's not going to happen. The world has almost unified, and will continue to unify against the criminal policies you implement.

what makes you think i am a Jew??!! : ) Also, would you kindly keep your "grabbing" remarks to yourself before i start talking about Greater Israel!

"So let`s get this straight... the Israelis were expecting a pat on the back cos they stopped building houses on someone elses land..... " Before 1948 Jews AND Arabs BOTH lived on that land. Jordan captured it in 1948 and kicked all the Jews out. Jordan attacked Israel again in 1967 and lost control over the territories. Jews got to move back in. Now, explain how you believe that land, which was only free of Jews for 19 years, is "someone else's land."

It is remarkable to observe this year after year, but Israel, which possesses one of the most sophisticated powerful armed forces in the world, also has what must be one of the most serious cases of collective paranoia the world has ever seen. Here is a Jew, Chaim, whose nation has not had a war with an Arab armed force for 36 years, hasn't seen a suicide bomber for 5 years, and could, with the lifting of an almost genocidal blockade, have seen his last rocket from a Palestinian source, is calling for a meeting at Masada. This is the same nation that has occupied Palestinian land for 42 years, violated international law and UN resolutions for not withdrawing from that territory, has built on the territory and annexed Jerusalem, is depriving 1.4 million people of nutritional basics, all in violation of the 4th Geneva Convention. And this Jew is telling us that terrorism has altered his quality of life and that, "we are occupied by terrorists." Go figure.

It shows a moral ineptitude....

Can we put aside all this brain power and self importance and answer a simple question? I as a person would happly live as an arab under Israeli control in the west bank? I am sure that this question will be missunderstood by some. It is not in their nature to understand but only to demand.

The voice of truth you are! It took Nixon several years admitting he had doe wrong, but he managed to do it. I do not think zionists give any indication of being anything but perfect.

taught me is that when someone reacts to expressions of concern about their actions that are causing them harm by lashing out, they are so deeply in denial that reasoning with them is impossible, and the only thing you can do is wait until their enablers get tired of having to give ever more support, with diminishing returns, and either stop giving more, or stop giving at all. Shortly after that, they'll hit bottom, at which point you can try and help them confront what it is that drove them to their self-destructive behaviour. The other thing it taught me is that those who don't have what it takes to confront themselves can't be saved, no matter how much you care for them.

Israeli Government says "Occupation remark" casts a pall over negotiations. Actually it's the occupation that casts the pall. The remark is just telling it like it is. Zionist spin just doesn't work any longer. The world sees through it. The party's over for Israel. All that's left is the shouting.

Dani: "Palestinian Brit we are not the ones who starts bombing." The first Palestinian suicide attack took place in April 1994, when 8 people were killed in Afula. Hamas said it carried out the attack in response to the killing of 29 Palestinian worshippers by the Jewish colonist Baruch Goldstein in the Ibrahimi mosque in Hebron/al-Khalil two months earlier (February 1994).

That must have been the question that Ashton asked herself . With all the turmoil going on in the world this lady chooses to badmouth Israel. She could have waited a couple of weeks to get accustomed to all other things happening around ...but no ....she just shot out of the gate with both feet on Israel's jugular. She could have mentioned Gilad Shalit and her wish to have him released soon with her help...but no ... that's not an easy thing to do. It's just always easier to abuse Israel.

"The truth is that we just can`t abide the truth..." - Esther It is most amusing that in international negotiations as well as the negotiations with Palestinians Israel INSISTS it is the Legal Occupying Authority. The documents posted by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs prove that. Indeed, why is there military authority in the territories? Why is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for dealings with the Palestinians? Yet it is clear that many Israelis and others have built a very fragile fantasy that somehow there is no occupation. Total reality denial that for pathological reasons must be strongly refuted whenever their fragile beliefs are challenged.

"Either provide a another better solution for stoping suicide bombers or please let us hear your silence." The fence would have been just fine if it had run over Israeli territory...

lady ashton was a communist herself in 80s and probably kgb agent.normal in modern europe. olaf palme - PM of sweden was a kgb agent too.

The best worker for the palestinian cause is actually FM Lieberman. With him at that position, no one can shut their eyes for the racism in the Israely government. Keep him there and this farce will come to an end much sooner than it would otherwise...

You comment is a master of understatement. It's not just the EU that opposes the West Bank security wall, the UN International Court of Justice, which represents the 192 members of the UN, has declared the wall to be illegal. It's hard to imagine there is a Jew in the world who doesn't know that. The wall was built for more than security reasons. It's another land grab. The solution? Move the damned wall to Israeli territory. It will be just as effective there.

Isnt it time for EU to tell the Wakf to end its occupation of the Holy of Holies!

One could assume God could flood the earth, but he didn't. There are records in other parts of the world, China for example, that there was no flooding of their land in that time period, or any other.

So let's get this straight... the Israelis were expecting a pat on the back cos they stopped building houses on someone elses land..... The phrase that comes to mind ryhmes with 'clucking bell'.

Is it really "anti-Israel" to promote an Israeli state within pre-1967 borders?

The US is not the only super power, they are a bankrupt country with a debt owned mostly by Chinese, Japan and Saudi Arabia. Look at the trade deficit Do the math! They are being sucked dry of money by the military industrial complex and bankers as we speak. Ask yourself this. Who do you expect to export your goods to that is close enough to not make freight costs a burden to profit and can afford the higher prices of Israeli good compared to places like China, Turkey, etc? I assure you Europe does not need Israel but Israel needs EU. This is evidenced by the desperate scramble to stop a boycott of your countries goods in Europe.

that they not only created this situation but their cowardliness in standing up to hitler/genocide - the only continent to have to genocides in the same century don't forgot - if israel and iran go to war the europeeons will get what they want - no israel and no iran

"There some areas of Eastern Israel that are unlawful but there is no occupation just people out there willing to harm innocent people for one reason or another" Yes, we'd noticed that a lot lately. The illegal settlers have to be punished for their destruction of Palestinian property and olive trees and their attacks upon Palestinians themselves.

Reading your words I can asume that you were exposed for years of hate against Israel but you the so called "Anglo-Iranian" and other Muslims not read the words of Moses in the Qur'an? Surah 5.22:- 'O my people! enter the holy land which God hath assigned unto you,' And have they not read the words of Allah? Surah 17.104:- 'And We said thereafter To the Children of Israel, 'Dwell securely in the land (of promise)':

This is a matter of international law and acknowledged by both the EU and the US. Her statement is no more earth-shattering or out of the mainstream than saying grass is green.

The referal to Israel and the accupation is to divert attention from the real issues that facing the EU. She must concentrate on issues that are a concern to EU such as : Northern Ireland, Basks , imigration to Europe the financial issues and the involvment of EU in Iraq and Afganistan and the crimes they comited there.

ever heard of aboriginals ?

She's right.

The former Yugoslavia, located in the back garden of the EU. Europeans were helpless and useless and needed American support to end the fighting. EU is an extension of general prevailing European ignorance among people and politicians. Mind your own business and leave us alone. Fix what can be fixed. Feed and irrigate Africa.

Wake up Israel. The world is not buying the deceptions as it once did. The occupation is a blight, and must end. No amount of Torah reading can justify bronze age real estate declarations in today's reality.

"Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English or France to the French...in my opinion, they [the Jews] have erred grievously in seeking to impose themselves on Palestine with the aid of America and Britain and now with the aid of naked terrorism... why should they depend on American money or British arms for forcing themselves on an unwelcome land? Why should they resort to terrorism to make good their forcible landing in Palestine?...They can settle in Palestine only by the goodwill of the Arabs. They should seek to convert the Arab heart. The same God rules the Arab heart who rules the Jewish heart."- Gandhi

... especially when it is delivered unembellished...

You said "being anti-Israel doesn`t constitute anti-Semitism" and yet you accuse other people of being "ludicrous" and "downright stupid". Being anti-Israel means thinking that Jews should not be self-determined in a place they have been part of since the times of ancient Egypt, notwithstanding the large numbers who were forced out into the diaspora and the return of some of their descendants. Your view is clear Jew-hatred, sometimes clumsily known as anti-Semitism. The standard Iranian and Western neo-Comm propaganda is to describe a loose clutch of relatively recent economic Arab immigrants as "the indigenous people". Believers of this would be the correct focus of accusations of "downright stupidity". When you can bring yourself to be pro-Israel AND pro the creation of a viable Palestinian State, your input will be worthwhile.

"Type in Israel in google news and you will see that all headlines are basically soundbites supporting the Israeli point of view." TWO and they're the UK.

The EU is fiscally, politically, and morally bankrupt. It will devour itself given the chance. The US is Israel's best friend despite the difference. Wake up to who is the world's only superpower.

What would you expect from a "Brit". She was not expressing her personal views, or her views as a mere Brit. But the views of the entire EU community. In that respect they should be taken rather seriously.

Type in Israel in google news and you will see that all headlines are basically soundbites supporting the Israeli point of view. It certainly isn't an unbiased presentation of the news. All you could get about Livni's arrest warrent for the war crimes perpetrated inGaza is how absurd it was. Not surprising when billions of dollars are being spent to shape American public opinion. The "IDF" has an entire branch dedicated to posing as disinterested internet posters on websites just like this one to justify Israeli atrocities in the eyes of a western audience.

"What would you expect from a "Brit". Their country is already implementing Sharia laws!" Which can be over ridden by British common law. "As a citizen of the USA, I do not support the UN or the EU in their positions regarding Israel." I see you condone the illegal acquisition of territory. You must be very proud!

"THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR IGNORANCE FROM AN EU MINISTER !" I agree. Say....Which part is she ignorant of?

Look up five Israeli dancers arrested on New York on 9/11. You will probably change your mind It wasn't just Palestinians who celebrated.

Ask ANY country in the world. Israel defined it's borders in their may 1948 letter to the UN. The borders Identified in that letter are Israels legal borders. The ONLY thing that can change the borders is agreement with the Occupied. Which of course is why everyone keeps saying the borders for a Pal state have to be "negotiated" Without Pal agreement Israels LEGAL borders are those of 1948. Under International law Israel may NOT transfer their population to land in the occupied area. Since Israel has done this they are in violation of the law. The pals should demand Israel come into compliance and return to 1948 borders. Facts on the ground mean nothing since NO ONE should be rewarded for knowingly breaking the law. If Israel can ignore the law so can every other country.

And Rightly so.

What would you expect from a "Brit". Their country is already implementing Sharia laws! As a citizen of the USA, I do not support the UN or the EU in their positions regarding Israel. I think you will find many more here that are also outraged at this latest attack on Israel. Know that you do have support "over here"!

Is it snowing in Israel? Does it freezes? Does hell ever freeze? Is Ashton like the rest of us disagreeing with the zionists an anti-semite? Frankly the last thing we care when talking with people we just met is their religion. Anti-zionism is an invention of the zionists, to cover the fact that the only semites in Palestine are the Palestinians.

"Britain should stop Irish / Gibraltar / Falkland Island occupation" If you live in Britain, then you really should know that the above mentioned places are Sovereign British territories. Further, they are all extreemely pro British and you wouldn't wish to damage their "self determination" now would you?

it commendable to speak out when you know wwhat you are speaking about ! THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR IGNORANCE FROM AN EU MINISTER !

your first speech and you show unbelievable ignorance on the subject ! amemeber of the labour party appointed mby the idiot mr brown !

I am delighted that Lady Ashton has quickly pinned her colours to the mast and underlined the existing EU policies on the OPT, but in more forceful language then we usually hear. It is in marked contrast to the grovelling approach of the UK Government on the Livni warrant affair.

Perhaps this one of those reasons. Each time you go to Jerusalem you pass my house, which is close to the Tunnel Rd. Please bear in mind that this road was built on the land of my neighbours, but none of us are allowed to travel on it to Jerusalem! It was built only for Settlers, as were many more like it. How would you like to be classified as a second class citizen in your own land. Maybe you were born in Israel, though I doubt it. Settlements usually attract immigrants, not native Israeli's.

One of the headlines this morning concerns Haradim fightng with women worshippers at the Western Wall ! Such a God-fearing nation!

Invwenting stories Rachel? I do not want terrorism from either side. But I do want freedom and equality for every Arab as well as every Jew. Israel is a privileged society - make the most of it, the world has had enough!

It needs to be changed to "politicians" in order to fully understand the American support for Israel. And besides, just like Martin Indyk, American Jews are losing their zeal for Israel over exactly the same things that are being voiced in the EU. A fact that makes all these posts that are claiming its because of anti-Semitism sound pretty stupid.

Is that some king of unnatural act?

You are totally wrong. Israeli Arabs born in Jerusalem can always return. Arabs who refused Israeli citizenship have difficulty. It is the same in the USA. Mexicans who come here illegally or legally but return to Mexico for whatever reason (prior to getting their green card) have no ability to return to the USA without a lot of difficulty. East Jerusalem was NEVER Palestinian, Jordan OCCUPIED it in 1948. They evicted all Jews who were living there and confiscated Jewish property. Furthermore Israel allows Christian, Jewish and Arab people to all holy sites. Jordan treated Jewish holy sites as garbage dumps. Learn your facts before you post.

If it looks like occupation, smells like occupation, tastes like occupation, sounds like occupation, and feels like occupation......then guess what IT IS OCCUPATION... How about offer made by Arab League? Stop fooling yourself about Israel wanting to give back occupied land. If you don't believe me then read some of the posts here on Haaretz, a liberal Israeli paper.

Michael: Israel did offer citizenship and identity cards to Arabs after the wars. Most refused. Interestingly enough Israeli Arabs do NOT want to move to a new Palestinian State. They prefer their Israeli citizenship and are concerned about being returned to 7th century Islamic law.

There some areas of Eastern Israel that are unlawful but there is no occupation just people out there willing to harm innocent people for one reason or another. For this reason there is a security situation in Israel that requires a lot of security and security precautions that effect ALL of our qualities of life. It is humiliating to have to show inside my trunk everytime I go shopping or to empty my pockets to go to a cafe or to have to think to carry a gun at times but this is due to terrorism and this is why there appears to be a occupation. We are occupied by the terrorist!

Israel is not ocupaying anything, there is no a country named palestine, this is a open land named palestine and whoever grabs it first will keep it. where were you great eurpoean leaders when jordan was the ruler, how come nono of you great crusaders spoke about the unjust ocupation of palestine by jordan or by the same token Egypt with gaza, bunch of hypocrites

I never heard anything from you europeans about Rwanda, Sudan,Thailand,Yemen, Syria, Irak, Iran, what happen? are you so dumb or just plain antisemitic. Is no surprise for a regular minded human being to understand that as loon as you involve Israel in anything, you will sell newspapers and people will watch your stupid news.Israel should charge you for using their name.

of Egyptian blood. The Palestinians won't fight at all. They would rather leave for Europe and America.

Occupation? an obviously anti-semitic word! Why not just abolish it? Maybe AIPAC can run a contest in the States for a new word? Offer a prize--like a week's free accommodation in a West Bank village surrounded by check-points, with inadequate water, next to settlements with lots of greenery--and then the winner can go on an AIPAC-sponsored tour telling the world about how lucky the village was to have Israel's 'protection.'

I don't know what makes you think Israel is an important ally in fight against radical Islamic terrorism. You must read Israeli propaganda. Arab countries are the US most effective allies in struggle against terrorism. Countries like Saudi Arabia are in the front line of the war against Islamic terrorism along with Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait and the Gulf states. They provide the US superb intelligence support, and military bases. Recently, over a 4-day period the Saudis killed 15 members of Al Qaeda, and they have over 200 in prison. It is also supporting Yemen on its NE border with air strikes against Islamic terrorist elements. (Al Qaeda.) You should know Israel is not involved in this fight. It talks big but considers Hamas and Hezbollah its primary terrorist targets. But they don't attack the US nor other nations involved in the fight, and are considered by everybody but Israel to be small potatoes and not worthy of attention. How many Al Qaeda members has Israel killed and imprisoned

Any time someone has the courage to speak out against Israeli abuses they are immediately labeled ANTISEMITE. Well it just isn't so. All my life, 60 years, I have supported and sympathized with the Jewish people, and Israel, and their dream of a nation. Five years ago I took time to learn just how modern day Israel came into existence and their treatment of the Palestinians. I still support Israel but am disgusted with the open air prison that they force the Palis to live in while they take more of their land and resources. It has to stop. Antisemitic I am not. Asleep to facts on the ground? Not any more. Quiet? Never! Go ahead and let the bashing begin. Try driving away another supporter. Soon Israel will be without friends. Israel doesn't need friends? I hope you do not have to find out the hard way that you are dead wrong.

Oh well one more muslim zombie.She climbs over dead bodies to advance her career. She is in the control of her Arab bokors.She is right though in one respect. Israel should lift the blockade and let Hamas out. to relocate anywhere.

Can any Israeli take these calumnies seriously, even on the "left"?

Don't hurry. Read this before you go.The book of Genesis told Abraham he will give the land of Canaan to all his descendants. But that would also include Ishmael his first son. But God also said, in Judges 2:21-23, "In the future I will not evict any of the nations that Joshua left in the land when he died." So the Jewish people do not have the right to claim all the land of Palestine. Israel accepted UN resolution 181 and declared itself a state, without Judea and Samaria being within its borders. Therefore, Israeli settlements in the West Bank are a violation of UN resolutions 242, 452 and 465. As such they are in violation of articles 49, 53 and 147 of the 4th Geneva Convention. These are violations of international law and constitute a war crime. Jewish religious beliefs do not supersede international law. If international law had to conform to the beliefs of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism etc., there would be no international law.

BRAVO BARONESS ASHTON. WHEN WILL HILLARY CLINTON SPEAK SUCH BLATANT TRUTH,

Why would Israel object to its colonization and control of the West Bank being referred to as an occupation. If it's not an occupation please do let us know exactly what it is so we don't risk being politically incorrect in describing just what Israel is doing in Palestine.

janice wrote: "that will, in the end, destroy Israel" Yes, occassionally you all let your agenda slip. But it should be no surprise. Supporting Hamas means supporting their agenda and charter, which explicitly states that not one inch of "Palestine" should be yielded from the Islamic Waft, and explicitly calls for the destruction of Israel and death to the Jews. You can all go piss in the wind. Am Yisrael Chai.

So if it's not an occupation, what is the correct term for Israel's ongoing dominion over the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both of which lie outside Israel's internationally recognized borders?

Yah, for the most part the battles amongst the Jews pertaining to settlment are battles of ideas. They are not blowing each other to smithereens. That preserve, thankfully, belongs to the most vehement critics of Israel, the Muslims. Need I say more other than the BARONESS, with nice earings, is also critical of Israel for defending herself.

Many Israelis keep talking about racism, but the fact of the matter is Israel has racist laws. Christians and Muslims born in Jerusalem if they go live abroad can never live in the city of their birth, but a Jew born elsewhere can. These people can't even be Israeli citizens, though Israel illegaly annexed East Jerusalem. Thus, these Christian and Muslim Palestinian Semites are not even second class citizens. They are not citizens, period, and their lives are in peril. The Palestinians are Semites, and they are targeted by prejudicial Israeli laws, and, furthermore, polls in America show many Jews strongly disapprove of Israel's actions, so Europeans and many Jews don't like what they see in Israel.

Its ironic that someone who lives behind a giant historic status fence with the pretentious name of the "Baroness ... of Upholland", someone who is as priviledged as this person would criticize Israel for defending its people from the murderous, blood thirsty barbarians they call the Pals.

may be she is the one that is going to have the politicians in israel open their eyes and minds that the game is over . any move to discredit her now will make the jews life in europe a living hell because it will be clear as an Israeli plot . any move to change the law of the land in england to have politicians change the legal system not to prosecute war criminals will be a political suicide .. this is not the US senate . 1967 line is the name of the game ,facts on the ground means nothing ,biblical or not,get another excuse . we owe them a viable state ..not a dependent nation ,or an open air prison ... May be our secretary of state slow learn Clinton will pick up something here .

A bit hypocritical to comment on Shia and Sunni not getting along. In Israel jews are fighting one another over the so-called settlement freeze

if the remarks cast a pall on Israel-EU ties. The world doesn,t need Israel, but Israel needs the world. Since being nice has got nowhere but a partial temporary freeze that Israel says it won't abide by anyway, then why be nice? Let Israelis know exactly what the world thinks of their government.

The tide is turning

You would infer from many posts here that Ashton is a lone voice merely expressing her own opinions. In fact,like any good foreign minister (am not sure Israeli politics works the same), she will be reflecting the official opinions of who she represents- in her case, the major capitals of Europe. And particularly after the Gazan destruction and killing, the capitals' opinions reflect the views of most Europeans who stop to consider the issue. Shoot the messenger by all means, but ignore the message at your cost.

"[H]ad the fence followed the contours of the 1967 armistice lines that would have been a victory for terrorism." Huh?!

It is the Arab countries are that are Judenrein, throwing out 800,000 of their own JEws turning us into refugees.

The fear of G-D is the beginning of wisdom--obviously no fear of Hashem World leaders and their minions who abuse Israel better get some soon

re: syrian opinion: "Either provide a another better solution for stoping suicide bombers or please let us hear your silence." A better solution would have been to build that so-called separation fence on Israel land, not on stolen Palestinian land. A better solution would have been to try to minimise harm to the indigenous people, the Palestinians, and instead more inconvenience for the illegal land grabbers from oversea.

#55 Britain should stop Irish / Gibraltar / Falkland Island occupation. Worry about your 20% unemployment in Ireland rather than Israel. most Israelis murdered before the wall were Jews; not Arabs.

Either provide a another better solution for stoping suicide bombers or please let us hear your silence.

Stealing Tibet? Tibetans have equal rights in China, whatever they are worth.

This woman with the flashy name is a nobody in the world arena, she was apointed as a last recourse to represent the ultraliberal and oil greased countries whi have so many problems that is very convenient to blame Israel and Jews for all their maladies, NOTHING NEW.

Catherine Ashton has never been elected to any political post in her life. She was for a time an active member and secretary of CND -which promoted nuclear disarmamanet by the West and particularly by the UK. She is one of a number of Labour supporters whi were placed in charge of government funded agencies and charities and later given a seat in the House of Lords and made a minister by Tone Blair. Her only experrience at international level is when Brown sent her to replace Mandleson as Trade Commissioner two years ago. In the UK she would not be regarded as a serious politician and anyone who heard her being called a stateswoman would roll on the floor laughing.

eu politicians should learn some history before accusing israel of occupation and demanding that jerusalem be devided between arabs and jews

"...It is time the USA got on board and stopped defending and supporting a rogue country!" (Hagee) You don't like your country's supporting Israel, do you? Can you at all visualize America ever abandoning Israel? Tell us the truth Hagee, is that possible? How would it come about? What would happen to the deep ties America has with its millions of Jews who have so much contributed to its greatness?

How unfortunate that the EU allowed its' grossly uneducated/ill informed FPC to comment on things she doesn't understand.

Israel=jews are NOT a provocation but the 'lightening conductor of the world. Without them who could be 'blamed for ALL the failures of leaders and individuals, for ALL the losers walking around? Israel is like the "red rag to the bull. That's why the world looks to Israel, so they don't have to look to themselves. It's as simple as that.

If you believe that GOD is the creator of all, that he spoke the universe and earth into existence in 7 days, healed the sick, walked on water, parted the Red Sea, and spoke through prophets regarding the timing and circumstances of Christs birth, death, and resurection over 500 years in advance....it's not a stretch to believe he could flood the earth.

"to all those who say PEACE, before or after shia muslims make peace with sunni muslims and vice versa?" - rich #32 what i meant was how can anyone expect peace when shia and sunni cant even make peace with each other ?

i wish we could stop looking at them for approval.i wish we could say to ourselves "we have built an important country.with a bit of luck we do not need europe anymore.we will look into ourselves to sustain the people of the state of israel." i dont believe it will happen.

and others are willing to admit to pollsters that they dislike jews what hope is thre for good relations with europe?

All stories in the old Testement are written by story tellers but they are indeed well written. Noah's story is a fairy tale because not only Jews were living on earth at that time. It is impossible to put the whole planet earth under water.

The British Royals have always been enemies of the Jews.

Ask yourself, why is the entire world focused on one tiny nation? Isn't that a little strange? The number of fulfilled Biblical prophecies about this nation and Christ stager the immagination and are way beyond human control or chance. Don't take my word for it..read, study, and prove it to yourself. Where you spend eternity depends on it.

when europeans think we are a danger to world peace in the same way as north korea and iran then we had better ask ourselves whether we should take them seriously.

Anti-Semitism is a broken record. Try to use and acceptable adjective. By the way all Arabs are Simites + the Assyrains,Caldians and many Africans.

mr eldar has never brought a smile on our faces. we never read good news for israel in his efforts. how about it akiva.try just once this week.i will be rooting for you.

These statements are part of a growing flood of justified criticism of Israel. It would do well for the Israeli government to heed the remarks of the EU before becoming the pariah state that is so well deserves to be. End this damnable occupation that will, in the end, destroy Israel.

no borders have been set for starters, secondly had the fence followed the contours of the 1967 armistice lines that would have been a victory for terrorism.... is that what you recommend ? or do u think terrorism respects borders. usa govt understands that any victory for terrorists encourages terrorism worldwide.

The English should get out of the Falklands ,it belongs to the Argentinians,out of Iraq,it belongs to the Israqis and out of Afganistan,it belongs to the Afgahns ,then talk to the Israelis .The lesson is people in glass houses should not thr4ow stones .

The quote that you attribute to begin is a falsification. Begin never said such outrageous things, and you are lying. Antizionism is antisemitism, and the largest component of antisemitism is lying.

...if it were not so sad at the same time... Some people here are suffering the worst kind of paranoia every time when somebody shows any kind of sympathy or understanding for the Palestinian cause or for the ordinary Palestinian people, who have lived without freedom for decades.

because Lady Ashton has not immediately towed the Israeli line she is immediately condemned as an anti semite (or the current buzz term new anti semite) No doubt the Israeli lobby in various foreign capitals will be opening their cheque books to ensure she does not stay in post for longer than is necessary.

It is the fact that you built the fence East of the Greenline on land which is not Israel. It was land theft wrapped up to look like self defence to create a de-facto border and facts on the ground. Which is against International Law.

"This woman promotes the slaughter of Jews." - #50 Liliane. How on earth did you reach that conclusion from this article? If I condemn American foreign policy, does that mean I promote the slaughter of Americans? Do you in all honesty believe the entire world is out to get you just because you're Jewish? Incredulous! Quite possibly one of the most deluded statements I've read on here, and that's saying a hell of a lot.

hadn,t you noticed in your desire to have Isreal Arab Frei. Yep 20% of Israelis are Arab---they might get hurt too. Lady Ashton is just one of a growing number of voices condemning the criminal policies of the rogue state. Get used to it---or you could make aliyah and help your ewish brethern through their troubles. No---safer on your perch in blighty--is it.

"to all those who say PEACE, before or after shia muslims make peace with sunni muslims and vice versa?" - rich #32 What does that have to do with anything? You claim they're terrorists while Israel considers itself to be the only beacon of democracy in the middle east. If that's really the case, why would you stoop to comparing yourself to them? Hold yourself to your own standards, don't bring up the faults of the British aristocracy or whatever's going on in the rest of the world to skew the arguement. Oh and being anti-Israel doesn't constitute anti-Semitism or wanting "all the Jews in the sea". That's ludicrous, paranoid, and downright stupid. People disagree with your actions because they're criminal. Not because you're Jews. Get over yourselves already.

That's a great start and I hope the time for playing games with the Palestinians are now coming to an end. We all have a historic debt with the Palestinians. We owe them a state and a dignified life that was always denied by the occupier. First stop the brutal siege and boycott of Gaza. This is a disgrace for all of us!

Lady Ashton is,of course, to talk and say what she wants. I doubt whether anybody except islam sympathiser will take any pleasure hearing the contents of her maiden speech. I am at a loss to get the idea that israel is responsible to feed the Gaza area. If EU is so concerned about the wellbeing of the citizen of Gaza, they should make sure, that the money the allocate does not find its way into the wrong pockets.

Israel built the so-called "security fence" deep into PALESTINIAN SIDE of the border--swallowing up large swaths of Palestinian lands. That is where the problem lies. Had it truly been for security purposes, Israel would have built it along the internationally-recognized green line.

The Malvinas are Argentinian. Instead of judging another people you should stop illegally occupying Argentinian land.

What is left out of the whole senerio here is what God has to say about all this...He gave all of Israel to the Jews, so much of the Land has been given/traded away to the enemy, there is very little left of it...this is all about to change, He has just about had enough of, IF you will read the BIBLE it tells you what plans He has for those who divide His Land and curses Israel. It isn't nice...make no mistake about what He says is coming, sooner rather that later. This is all part of the end times....

She obviously does not know history nor fact UN SC Res 242 does not say Israel has to give up any land nor is Israel's control over Judea and Samaria illegal. She forget to tell USA to tear down the wall it is building along its border with Mexico. Her maiden speech is a stupid diatribe against Israel. She will go nowhere.

The world has completely lost its moral compass. How can Jews think this criticism is anything but anti-semitism in the face of all this hypocracy. They can bomb us, missile us, make claims about wiping us off the map. It's all good. We raise our hands to defend ourselves, even non-violently by building a protective fence, and we are the worlds pariah. I hope the Baroness is happy when she is forced to wear a Burka in her country.

The Wall has saved Jewish lives. This woman promotes the slaughter of Jews. Clearly a bigot.

If Israel had given the Pals Israeli passports, you might be able to argue about it. But if you invade someone's land and keep them in captivity for 42 years while stealing bits of their land, that's an occupation, and not even a legal one.

... Rock 'n Roll, that's how it's done!

Could we refer to the Great Wall as such?

To those who use the "anti semitism" card at legitimate criticism of Israel, being Israeli does NOT make one a semite, Israel itself is an anti semitic state. There are more semites amongst the Palestinian peoples than Israels who have converted to the Jewish faith.

Sidney wrote: The world Jewery needs to wake up and stand up to what is rightfully ours. THE WHOLE OF THE LAND OF ISRAEL. The world Jewry of 13 million souls reperesents merely a pimple on the rear end of mankind. Just a reality check, which is badly needed in your circles Sidey!

Of course you do not want the fence (the wall is only 10% of its length)! You wish the terrorists to come every day and kill Jews as has been done for years.The barrier (wall/fence)prevents that . And the same with IDF who nightly it performs the HOLLY job of LIFTING TERRORISTS PERPETRATORS from their beds. Well done and please continue so.

doesn't matter what group - just as long as they are big fish in a small pond wonder what the brits would do if some country stated they wanted to wipe the UK off the map???

justice for Palestinians

I feel for you..I really do man...and for sure, living under that security is no fun..but, you have to ask, how did that come about? as you know, the PLO was formed in 1964, to "liberate the land"...BUT, and correct me if I am wrong, there was no so called occupation in 1964..am I missing saomething? that aside my palestinian british friend, how does blowing up buses and old ladies, bashing childrens heads on rocks, launching rockets, hijacking airliners, murdering olympic athletes, how does any of this help your efforts? do you think this is reasonable? you would have had a state in 1968 if you renounced violence and accepted israel's right to exists...I am sorry for you, but to be honest, this is your people's fault, and maybe that explains the anger..because you know inside that this is the truth...it's so sad actually..as a palestinian, YOU have a duty to seek true peace..but watchout for those fatwas :-)

As an Israeli I applaud your honesty. This is precisely what is needed. I hope that such words will be backed up by actions. Israel currently enjoys preferential trade treatment by the EU. Why should this continue when we continue to violate Internation Law and Human Rights in a systematic fashion?

Bus and restaurants killing civilians as favorites target, you guys are seeding the wind and you are getting back what you deserve to get back. Peace is always possible if you like it, you only need to recognize us and our right to exist a simple act that can open thousand of doors.Do your own interest and fight for peace this will be the best weapon in your hand.

A sigh of releif when Italy's Massimo D'alema was not voted EU foreign policy chief,this lady is far worse,what is it with these people,have they nothing better to do than attack Israel for every stupidity. Apartheid,occupation and who knows what other adjectives. I hear no comment about the daily carnage in Iraq,where war crimes are committed on a daily bases.

I have not seen the full text of her speech, but where in this article are Baroness Ashton's strictures against the Palestinians. Sounds a bit one-sided to me. In the London Times today she says she is in favour of "fostering dialogue". She has a funny way of going about it. Very diplomatic! She's off to a great start!

Let's see. Palestinians arrested in their homes every night by the IDF. The entire population under complete control by Israel. Permits to leave, permits to enter, Homes and land taken and given to Israeli settlements. Checkpoints at every turn. Sound and feels pretty much like an occupation to me!

Ashton demanded that Israel immediately lift its blockade on the Gaza Strip, and reiterated that the union opposes the existence of the West Bank separation fence, as it opposes evictions of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem. Always DEMANDING, WARNING, these are very strange creatures.

Only thinly disguised as anti-Zionism. Where is the scathing criticism of Arab terrorism and war against the Jewish state from its founding which is the reason that Israel is even in possession of the West Bank? It's too late for the mealy-mouthed mouthpieces of Eurabia and too late for the Arabs. History has left the 12th Century far behind.

We gave them land for peace and we received back Kamikaze moreover they still do not recognize us, Games are over land for peace is not an option anymore. If they want peace its ok if they want another war it will be ok as well ball in your hands now. Even between Palestinians there is not Harmony, Hamas is doing its job in the behalf of Iran if they take the power also in the west bank you dear king Abdallah with her nice queen could be forced to find another job. Just a little lesson of history your dear Hussein has killed more Palestinians during the black September operation than Israeli army since the 1948.

1967, defensive war, land won, internationally acceptable under articles governing war, israel always asked to trade it back in return for full recognition of israel's legitimate right to exist, , arabs say no no no, we will never recognize israel. PLO was formed in 1964, 3 FULL yrs Prior to any so called 'occupation'. This land cannot be classified as palestinian as it was never theirs to begin with..it was as EVERYONE knows, egyptian and jordanian, and before that turk ottoman...and before that...etc..etc..but it was never palestinian as there are no palestinians...palestine was a historical reference given to jewish land by the romans. that's it folks..go home, turn off the lights, there is no occupation. If they want it they have to play nice, and everyone seems to be blind to their behaviour...why is that? is it ok to kill jews? fashionable? go on with your excuses and platitudes, most sincere peoople know what the palestinians are all about...

Her first minute on the job and what problem does she attack? The Jews. Wow, color me not all that shocked.

before or after shia muslims make peace with sunni muslims and vice versa ?

give it a rest....criticism of israel shows only how ignorant the world is....you clearly know nothing about the world and what is happening elsewhere if you think israel / pal problem is a priority. like a patient with lung cancer with a doctor worried about an ingrowing hair on the little toe. pathetic.

This latest lambasting of Israel as an occupier and violator of human rights in the WB is very heartening. We are hearing more and more voices coming out publically in their condemnation of Israel policy of confiscation, and annexation and expulsions, in its attempt to make a Palestinian state impossible. The US is still cowtowing but the statements of Indyk show a chink in the wall. As more criticism is heard, Israel will send out its spinmeister with their usual line. We have seen it with lieberman this week: Either you go along with us or we will paint you as the new anti-semites. But lieberman and his henchmen know their tactics are falling flat. Kol Hakavod to the new EU policy chief. May her words inspire actions.

The Baroness is a member of the Labour party, from Lancashire where she attended the local Grammar school and technical college. Nothing aristocratic about her at all!She attained her title from sheer hard work. The tories, on the other hand, are inundated with hereditary peers and are to a man educated in the private sector in the UK - Eton mainly! Get your facts right Vladimir

End visas for EU politicians. Show them that they have made themselves useless.

in regards of Jewish People. Blood libels, insults and appeals for annihilation of Jews is normal occurrence in contemporary Europe. They are our enemies - this time they will pay more than they did for 2 millenniums of abuse, plunder, ethnic cleansing and murder. A big mouthed female from United Queensdom did not added anything to our inderstanding.

You are right. Words is not enough. Sanctions have to applied. No aid no trade with Israel.

Of course you do not want stop Israel because is its best ally against terrorism. expansionism try to question your Arabs friend on this matter, since the beginning they try to send us back to the sea and they do not succeed than they create the victim (Palestinians) they provide them with guns and explosives but they don't give them Hospitals and schools because they are afraid over democracy.

representaives in Brussels...... dont expect any words of wisdom, this is how low humanity has sunk when we get stupid comments like hers. israel needs to realise that euros have no spine

This unknown, unproven and unworthy individual is desperately trying to drum up some cheerleaders and it's trendy in the UK right now to shout for Jihadists as though that might make them a bit less likely to blow you up. Chamberlain Lefties like her know they are in no personal danger if they slag off Israel. And Vladimir - she is definitely not from an aristocratic background. She was given a title in order to get her into the House of Lords, because to get into the House of Commons, people need to vote for you. It's a backdoor route around democracy. Let's see how long it takes her to get some balls and cuss China for stealing Tibet... etc etc etc rather than demanding that a barrier which has saved countless Israeli civilians from Taliban-style attacks be removed.

No Dani, First day of peace is last day of ILLEGAL occupation. Remember those words, LAND FOR PEACE. It was in Madrid Conference. Have you heard about the 4th Geneva Convention? Have you heard about the Hague Convention? Have you heard about the International Court of Justice? Have you heard about Human Rights Watch? Have you Heard about Amnesty??? They ALL accuse Israel for Violating International Law, and committing acts again Humanity. Not to forget the WAR CRIMES in Gaza. You need to understand that Palestinians have RIGHTS. You are not giving for favor. The day you understand this, and your government acts like this, then there will be peace. If you keep thinking, the more we occupy, the more we kill, the more we destroy Palestinian homes, the more we kick palestinians from there homes in E. Jer, the more we violate international law, we will get peace!!! You will be totally wrong. LAND FOR PEACE my friend, LAND FOR PEACE. Regards to Gideon Levi.

Let's presume that Cathrine is a honest intelligent person. If she asks Israelis to give up on their deaply held aspirations she must have something very valuable to offer in return. What is it? If Israel gives up the dream of Jerusalem united is it that she knows that Iran, Hisballah, Hamas will make peace with Israel? If Israel lift Gaza blockade is it that she know for sure that Hamas will set Shalit free? If Israel give up on Judea, is it that EU is ready to pay all relocation costs and PA will pledge to give up on the so called ROR? What are the goodies she offers?

Israel continues to march down a path of isolation, by its own choosing. The International Community is totally fed up with the arrogance of Israel and the contempt it holds the entire world in. People who have been proponents of Israel in the past are changing their support. It is time the USA got on board and stopped defending and supporting a rogue country!

Time to put some beef behind all those words, Baroness. Europe always gets its mouth full of criticism against Israel's oppressive policies, but its acts are always on the opposite side, ever increasing cooperation, assistance and collaboration with the occupation regime. When will this hypocrisy end? When will the embargo and the boycott start?

What a pleasant surprise. Finally someone who does not turn a blind eye just because the criminals are Israeli zionists.

Welocme the new face of anit semitism in surope, the EU comissioner for fortign Affairs. She wasted no time showing how partisian she is and how biased. This new idiot will set the peace process another 50 years working with Obama. Well, as food fo thought, this jerk can think about what she will say when Israel goes after Iran and one of the reasons cited is Israel's lack of trust that Europe will stand together against Iran. Nice work EU, more gasoline on the fire.

This 'complete unknown baroness/EU foreign minister want's to show SHE's worth her money. SHE will make the difference. SHE is going to 'change the politics of the ME. Soon SHE will be guided to her proper place.

All the world Jewry should stand up close to Israel and fight diplomacy.This is the only one way we have to show them that we know how to use word instead of gun. Terrorist have no argument they were created on purpose to have instability in the area. Israel is the only one real democracy in the area and Arabs do not like it. They are still leaving as 500 years ago and they want their people slave.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland, hmmmm? it is not what she says, it is who she is! Having aristocratic titles does not help. Lets think, aristocrats have been and are blood suckers and parasites that carry on a legacy of exploitation, colonialism, imperialist ambitions, class oppression, and a false sense of entitlement. Perhaps one think that the French revolutionaries did right was to get rid of aristocrats. The Soviets perhaps only and only one right move was to get rid of aristocrats. If Baroness Ashton of Upholland is real about her commitment for peace and justice, then she should resign her "title" in public and in shame, then we can consider whatever she says. Shame on the EU by letting an aristocrat represent them.

After this first step we can talk of many other things and Jerusalem will not be an argument.

Ashton's impact on major foreign policy will be very much like her impact on world eceonomy as a EU trade commissioner:Zero. She and the new "President" of the EU van Rumpoy (hope I didn't misspell his name, he was barely heard of before, wasn't even elected to office in his country) were chosen over well known authorities such as Blair for one reason only: They are nobodies and as such can challenge neither the European national leadership, nor the Moddle Eastern ones. But, they can "courageously" critizice Israel. No danger in that, no Fatwah will be issued in East Londonistan against them. On the contrary. Nevertheless, their impact will remain zero and the Baronness will soon be in a position to return to horse racing and cucumber tea parties. Eldar doesn't get the difference between the discourse of the political European left and the European axis of decision.

It is encouraging that some in EU are speaking out in a manner consistant with their moral obligation. However, that is not enough beacause we all know if it was any other country it would have been slamed with international sanctions long time ago, but it is a good first step.

If you think Israel will end the occupation, you're crazy! They want the land and more.... Read what begin has to say about all who are NOT Jewish "Let us consider the ponderings of the Bolshevik Jewish racial supremacist," Menachem Begin: ?Our race [speaking of the Ashkenazim false Jews and Edomites] is the Master Race. We are divine gods on this planet. We are as different from the inferior races as they are from insects. In fact, compared to our race, other races are beasts and animals, cattle at best. Other races are considered as human excrement. Our destiny is to rule over the inferior races. Our earthly kingdom will be ruled by our leader with a rod of iron. The masses will lick our feet and serve us as our slaves.? ­ June 25, 1982, as quoted as an enhancement of Rabbi Schneerson?s racist claims in the ?New Statesman?. Begin was first a terrorist and later became PM of Israel. Think they want peace?

Others may call it a "Gypsies Warning". Its there, for Israel has been charged,judged and sentenced,a sign of the times. We live in a convoluted world, where economic disaster for most countries looms on the horizon. Oil and gas hikes are not to be taken lightly. EU commercial trade with the ME is vital. Israel, on the other hand cannot be forced into a situation of surrender or be banished forever by the EU. Gaza, the West Bank and the settlements are now an issue, which must be addressed by Jerusalem in a forthright and transparent manner. For although many right wing citizens could not care, Israel must understand that the EU is a true partner for many years. Decisions must be made, based upon the actual situation that Israel faces, not on some hocus pocus biblical mumbo jumbo stance that has many of our allies reeling. Good day.

Well done. I think that is the first step for a real Peace. I hope that in this Century we will see a peace in the Middle East. Today the Earth is so small for this kind of Conflict: BASED ON RELIGION.

It is already long overdue for the European to speak out. Catherine Ashton, a brave 'woman that says what coward fellow men did not said what they think time and again since decades. Bravo Catherine. I think you deserve the highest applause for your courage to say the truth.