Netanyahu: Israel will keep building in Jerusalem

Z: "I repeat, maybe you will get it this time, Ramat Shlomo is in north Jerusalem and not included in the 'freeze'. " And I'll repeat: the exemption is what makes that "freeze" unacceptable to the USA, the EU, the UN, and to every nation on the face of Planet Earth whose name isn't "Israel". How many times must Biden and Clinton say that the problem with Ramat Shlomo is not just the timing BUT ALSO THE SUBSTANCE of that announcement? You appear to be insisting that an announcement by Bibi of a "partial freeze" gives it The Force Of God-Given Law. It doesn't. It is what it is i.e. a duplicitous announcement by a venal politician. And NOBODY - but NOBODY - is willing to play "let's pretend" that it is acceptible. Not. Any. More.

Z: "I repeat, maybe you will get it this time, Ramat Shlomo is in north Jerusalem and not included in the 'freeze'. " And I'll repeat: the exemption is what makes that "freeze" unacceptable to the USA, the EU, the UN, and to every nation on the face of Planet Earth whose name isn't "Israel". How many times must Biden and Clinton say that the problem with Ramat Shlomo is not just the timing BUT ALSO THE SUBSTANCE of that announcement? You appear to be insisting that an announcement by Bibi of a "partial freeze" gives it The Force Of God-Given Law. It doesn't: it is what it is i.e. a duplicitous announcement by a venal politician. And NOBODY is willing to play "let's pretend" that it is acceptible. Not. Any. More.

Dan,#29 With all do respect. Before you make statements like the ones you just made. I suggest you really take the time to learn the true chronological history of the events that brought Israel back to prominence. Oh and by the way. Part of what the U.S. gets for it's support of Israel are all those after market upgrades to the F-15's on board systems.These upgrades are also made on other U.S. military hardware. Also U.S. gives high tech weaponry to Egypt, to the tune of billions of dollars! I guess that not a problem for you since they are a dictatorship! Also stop painting the religious to be fanatics, It only shows your intolerance! I am speaking plainly and without profanity. If you really want to know what is going on do some honest research. Don't allow yourself to be spoon fed the garbage that the media throws at you. It is grossly inaccurate and designed to distort and lie.

I repeat, maybe you will get it this time, Ramat Shlomo is in north Jerusalem and not included in the "freeze". Johnboy trying very hard like Alice's words- "Nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary-wise; what it is it wouldn't be, and what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"

NOT the administration. Americans do not agree with O, HC, JB, RE, etc and its administration and their Democrat - Blue Dogs. Again Americans need work, hire Americans! Our cities are dying, yours arn't and we are waiting for next time to vote!!!!

Z: "The freeze explicitly excludes Jerusalam you ignoramus" The "logic" is staggering, isn't it? I promise not to steal from you, except for those places where I still intend to steal from you: THOSE places are exempt from my promise, but I'll still insist that it is a promise. And we all know that a promise is a promise, even though my promise doesn't apply here (Yishai), nor there (Barak). This must be how Alice felt when she ended up on the wrong side of the Looking Glass.... "When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less."

Dear Tyson, Arabs are building all over Jerusalem (East, West, North, South), Judea, Samaria, Negev, Haifa, Galilee, both legally and illegally.

Indigenous Palestinians are Jews, not Arabs that came from Arabia. And what about returning Australia to Indigenous people? Of course it is difficult to do because you eliminated most of them, as Arabs are trying to eliminate Indigenous Palestinians, namely Jews. you ignorance competes with you arrogance.

Way Obama is going soon Israel will have to provide the USA with financial aid. With unemployment we have and with Obama's burning desire to destroy America, Bibi can safely ignore Obama as does everybody else: Brazil, Iran, Honduras, Syria, China, Russia,North Korea. Obama is a laughing stock. US Congress and American people support Israel overwhelmingly according to Gallup. Taking into account that in 6 months Congress will become Republican, Obama's ability to hurt both US and Israel will diminish tremendously. Way to go, Bibi.

The Israeli annexation of Jerusalem and settlements in the West Bank are violations of international law. Israel is lacking any legal basis for sovereignty in Jerusalem. UN resolution 181, under which Israel declared statehood, declared Jerusalem to be an international city, "corpus separatum," managed by the UN. In 1980 the Knesset passed the "Basic Law" which declared Jerusalem, complete and unified, the capital of Israel. The Basic Law is a violation of UNSC resolutions 476 & 478, and thus a violation of Article 49 of the 4th Geneva Convention: a war crime. UNSC 478 declared the Knesset Basic Law "null and void," and 476 declared any demographic changes in Jerusalem a violation of the Geneva Convention. Breaches of articles of the Convention are considered war crimes. The international community does not recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. There is not one foreign embassy in Jerusalem. They are all in Tel Aviv which is recognized as the Israeli capital.

I love the comments from some jews in the US. I lways thaught that most jews had a lot of common sense, but to my suprise, most of the comments posted on this site could only emanate from mentally challenged people who do not measure the danger of extending the current situation and complicating it. The enemy of israel is not hamas or iran it is itself.

Dear Mr. Netanyahu, If you will not halt building in East Jerusalem, why not build 2? One for Palestinians, one for you (Israelis). With love, Tyson

He's doing what he's supposed to and that's why we voted for him. Jerusalem is ours. There's nothing to talk about.

"Please tell Biden and Clinton to take a walk. Please!" And take their money with them?

The freeze explicitly excludes Jerusalam you ignoramus

N: "Re: What did Israel get for the freeze" Answer: Another 1,600 new apartments, apparently..... Mind you, Barak had already approved an extra 112 apartments before Yishai decides he could Go One Better..... So that's what Israel gets for the freeze: a construction race between the Minister of Defence and the Interior Minister..... Some freeze, heh?

Q. What did Israel get for the freeze A. They got nothing from the word of the USA, nothing but empty promises from this cowardly con artist so called usa administration

Obama is a light weight and Bibi grew a pair the size of an elephant.!!! Smack down, Israeli style!! I LOVE IT! Any time Obama wants to be 'insulted' bruised and battered, start another round of 'capitulation' talks w/ Bib, he'll set you straight.

Bibi makes me very proud for Israel. MAZEL TOV!!!

And Hillary and Obama. Obama bows to the Saudi King, a vanquished Japanese "Emperor", and tries to be a dictator where Israel is concerned insults America by acting like a knave. Israel is not under Obama's rule. Israel took Nancy Reagan's advice and "just said NO".

Mr. Netanyahu absolutely did the right thing. Israel is the only civilized country in the Middle East and is a strong force for good. This news comes as a great relief to millions of Americans who know the difference between right and wrong, and know who REALLY insulted whom. Please remain strong and steadfast, Israel. At this point the world needs you more than ever. Also, I see there's an article entitled "Obama tells Netanyahu: Show us you're serious about peace." Now THAT is insulting. Honest people who know any history at all know that Israel has ALWAYS been serious about peace.

The world is on her side and individuals and groups will also chip in to make it hurt. Dutch

Has anybody noticed that since the headlines about the Jerusalem housing project started, we haven't heard a thing about tensions on the Lebanese/Syrian border? It looks like we've taken control of the daily news agenda away from the Iranians. Brilliant !!!

He wussied out and now is trying to recover, he's a bit bipolar isn't he - try to decide who you are booboo and stick with it.

Go Bibi, keep it up! It's about time Israeli politicians stood firm to US pressure. Obama and co. are no friends of the Israelis, and are not interested in looking out for Israel's best interests. They would put Israel under the bus in a second if they could. Please tell Biden and Clinton to take a walk. Please!

BiBI STAND TALL,...THE OBMAS.RAHMS/AXELROD/HILLARY WILL COME AND GO.IT IS OUTRAGES THAT THEY DEMAND ISRAEL SHOULD STOP BUILDING IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY,,, THE USA HAS ONLY ONE COUNTRY IN THE MIDDLE EAST THEY CAN RELY UPON...JUST LOOK AT THE VOTING IN THE UN. YOU BIBI STICK TO YOUR GUNS..AND THE NEXT TIME BIDDEN IS 45 MINUTES LATE....CLOSE THE DOOR. JG

iran 's leaders having a ball with U.S and israel fighting

How much respect do you show our Indigenous Australians - you appear to show none for the Indigenous Palestinians of Palestine!

Israel, what do you suppose it means when even your friends dislike you? You've become insufferable. Harry

hope that netanyahu does not build too much in east-jerusalem and on the west-bank. if the houses have to be sold too cheap or become worthless then( the) money of the israeli taxpayer will be lost, which will cause (more) national debt for israel, with all consequences. and if other countries and companies give help or/and invest money in israel they want to see results of their investments. i hope that israel will not go bankrupt. perhaps israel can better build in the negev-desert, which is thin-populated and about half the seize of the state of israel.

Well done Bibi---do not give in to the US. Obama cares nothing for Israel, just as he cares nothing for America. He will destory both if permitted. Would that I could move to Israel and be governed by a leader with real courage. Remember Genesis 12---I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who cure you. Yet another reason I'd like to get out of here---we're doomed at this rate. G-d will not stand by and allow the US to continue on its current path. There will be peace, but on Israel's and G-d's terms only!

As usual I listen to local as well as USA radio talk shows. I thought today would be a Netanyahu/Israel drag them across the carpet...but no..still health care. It is as if Israel is not even on the radar. Maybe things will change tomorrow but I thnk not. Obama's administration is so deeply mired in the health care reform bill , that Biden could not get Obama's attention.

Bluster and sound tough as he may,Obama is going to have to back down before he makes a complete fool of himself. E Jerusalem only became an issue because Obama made it one,and showed how little he understands diplomacy,giving the PA unrealisable hopes and destroying what little there was left of the peace process. Iran and the nuclear issue are looming larger and larger on the horizon.Obama NEEDS Israel,there's nowhere else in the region that the US can rely on if it wants to keep its options open and avoid REAL humiliation. Tough luck Abbas,you lost. THREE CHEERS FOR ISRAEL!!!

It's apparent from the talkback and comments here and elsewhere that neither Americans want to give further aid to Israel nor does Israel want to receive it. When will our politicians follow suit with the overwhelming public opinion? Cut ties with the Israeli lobby at once! I demand it as an American citizen!

for him to finally fight back. Good for him.

By taking away your support, you weaken the very organizations that hinder the building projects of the Nation of Israel in Samaria. Netanyahu is starting to become a modern Jewish hero and I am proud he is our prime minister right now. You Jane, are outside the picture. You are removed and your efforts, threats will bear no fruit. You have no power in your position and influence nothing.

iF YOU TROUBLE YOURSELF TO LISTEN TO WHAT THE PALESTINIAN ARABS ARE ACTUALLY SAYING, YOU'D FIND THAT THEY WANT ALL OF JERUSALEM,NOT JUST THE EASTERN SECTION AS THE CAPITAL OF THEIR CLAIMED FUTURE STATE.

Wow...well...seems it is a check mate..sad..

The name of the Lord

The Pied Piper,Obama,Arabs & Jews. Barack Hussein Obama. The Pied Piper from Illinois. And the Jews of America followed him till he came to the mouth of the river,piping all the way. Some turned back,many followed him till the bitter end. And he,like his Arab brethern will always want more,the more you give. An unsatiable thirst of 'Gimme,'Gimme' ! When Barack Hussein Obama,The President of the yet greatest nation on earth bowed so low to the Saudi Arabian desert 'king' warning bells should have been ringing to warn of a new dawn. A dawn frought with danger,even going far to appease the monster,Iran. He has turned his back on America's best friend Israel, in the Middle East. Although I had many reservations on the way this huge & uncalled for Government is conducting itself. Now it's the time not to falter nor fear,but to continue building where you deemed it necessary before without changing plans.Because whatever you do,they'll demand:more,& more. Gimme,Gimme!

Only $4 billion in aid every year

Israel is the "Apple of God's eye" regardless of political positioning around the world. God will protect Israel! Don't worry, Bibi! God is on your side! Why haven't the Iranians or others in the region attacked Israel? Because they know they will lose! They have lost BIG every time they attack Israel! I can't wait to see the defeat of Israel's enemies this time!

Amidst all of the nonsensical kudos to Bebe for his "grand gesture" of willful rejection of the spirit of the talks, most Americans do NOT share the view of the radical right in the USA or Israel. Israel's blunt, arrogant sense of entitlement is wearing very thin on a public that sees the US shovel money (and arms) into the Israeli trough only to be sneered at for their concern and support from an unwilling "partner" for peace.

there can never be any meaningful talks between israel and the palestinians as long as netanyahu dictates the rules unilaterally and according to what he wants for israel. but at the same time cunningly accuses the palestinians of demanding preconditions. netanyahu remains as always undiplomatic, uncaring, stubborn, defiant and absolutely bossy. it's wrong for anybody like the US or the EU to offer kindness to israel.

it's North-West Jerusalem!

The US got the answer to the 'perplexing' question at what level was the decision made to build and announce the building of the 1600 units in Jerusalem. Not withstanding Barak's disingenuous and useless comments, Israel has made the decision to continue to build throughout the conquered territories whatever the consequences.

....in the New York Times, where he asked the Obama administration to get even tougher with Israel !! He is one of those potential Jewish voters, that you had in mind with your post, maybe there is much less reason to be scared of the so called "Jewish vote" for the Democrats, than anybody is assuming...??? :)

A nation is only as strong as it's support for Israel. God blesses the USA because of it's support for Israel. Obama is poking God in the eye for his pressure on Israel to give up it's capital. But no worries, we know how all this will end. Read Esekiel 38 and 39.

OBAMA is has fooled you all... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E62Xo0IOQ0 See and cry!!!

Obama and his odious party are poking the God of Israel in the eye. Who are they to divide up Jerusalem and give a portion to those outside the covenant promises of Jehovah They read their Bible and either do not see the promise of the land to the Jews or choose not to believe it. Whichever way they should be assured that what God has promised will prevail and not their idiotic liberal theories

Excellent, Theo... I agree so strongly with you. I know that BiBi is not going to give in. I believe that he will do the right thing and build in E J - and if he gets the chance, he will do more than that - He might actually take out Damascus...

Bravissimo Bibi !!!!!!

As an American I am INSULTED at Israel's treatment of our Vice President. That was NO ACCIDENT.

Never said I know what I am talking about. I am saying that if the reports about the briefing by Patreus is true, and American soldiers are dying as a direct consequence of Israeli actions and policies. It wouldn't matter how much money AIPAC threw at the problem, if the American public accepts that their troops are dying because of Israel the damge will be done. How would anyone counter the person in charge of the American military making such a charge. http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/03/14/the_petraeus_briefing_biden_s_embarrassment_is_not_the_whole_story

and... his fellow Democrats in Congress are about to be shown the door in this November's elections. On the other hand... Israel is here for eternity. What's all the fuss about. Israel never agreed not to build in Jerusalem. It agreed to a 10 month freeze in the West bank excluding Jeruselem. And it HAS! The apestinians will never agree to anything other than the destruction of Israel, so what's the point of talks. Arafat was offered 98% of the west bank - he refused! The mistake the West makes is in believing that the apestinians are genuine. Just read their Quran which they pray from 5X a day and you'll see why they cannot make peace. Du-uh?

Jerusalem is the history of the Jewish People and will always be their raison d'etre. The Palestinians have Mecca. Please don't mix the West Bank with Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. The Jewish People have survived for thousands of years without the US and will continue to do so. I would be more worried about terrorists in America nothing to do with Israel.

# 108 N.D. Just shut up. You yourself said that you are a Palestinian american. Your loyalties are elsewhere. Not in the USA. We haven't forgotten,that Homeland Security was after your tail for inciting terror against Israe/Jews. Be careful where you tread. The earth might open its bowels & swallow you up !

I am one of many Jewish People who supports Israel. That is wishful thinking on your part.

In 1947, the Arabs rejected a partition plan which would have had Jerusalem as an international city. The soon to be state of Israel accepted it. Then the Arabs launched a war to destroy Israel and failed. They did gain control of the eastern part of Jerusalem, kicked out all the jews and destroyed synagougues and cemeteries. From 1948-1967, eastern Jerusalem was controled by Jordan. That was ok for the world. In 1967, Jordan joined in the 6 Day War and attacked Israel and lost eastern Jerusalem. Israel gained control while defending itself. All the business calling it illegal is nonsense. No one complained when Jordan destroyed synangogues and cemeteries.

While Biden is in town, Abbas honors Fatah terrorist Dalal Mughrabi, murderer of 38 Israelis -13 of them little kids, in a ceremony naming a square in Ramallah. Clinton and Obama yawn. A few months back, Abbas attends the funeral and honors the two scumbag cowards that shot the rabbi on the highway. Clinton and Obama yawn. A Jew thinks about building a house in Jerusalem. Clinton and Obama start foaming violently at the mouth and wildly climb the walls. The Leftist nutters from London to Australia all start moaning like banshees. Nobody can provide a rational explanation for all this.

a congressional resolution merely exspresses the opinion of that particular congress. It is not a law. No subsequent congress has re-affirmed that resolution. The US govt does NOT recognize an undivided Jerusalem, In fact E.Jerusalem is considered occupied territory by every country in the world.

Likud Even Misshandles the Most Important Nation that Gives us Support Lemmings - that is what these worshippers of the golden calf that is East Jerusalem are turning us into - Bibi is finally trying to lead us somewhere - the problem is that it is over a cliff

Good...keep building..I am one American who does not share the same sentiments as the current administration!

3 cheers and many thanks to the Obama administration for fortifying the support of the overwhelming majority of the Israeli public for the status of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the sovereign Israeli nation. "ki meaz yetze matuk" peace will only come when people don't want to fight anymore. Not sure how any reasonable person can tie peace to settlements after what transpired in Gush-Katif (a settlement of mostly farmers that was forcibly removed to make room for a terrorist organization!). As long as so called "moderate" Palestinians consider it may be politically beneficial for them to start the third violent intifada (the second one since the signing of the Oslo "peace" accord and the establishment of the Palestinian authority), there can be no peace. At least not one with any chance of lasting. And yes, I am a peacenic, "yefe-nefesh", "smallan" etc. A card carrying peace-now activist. I just refuse to play stupid anymore. Arafat/Barak made sure of that.

What Israel does OUTSIDE of Israel's actual declared Sovereign territories IS the business of the UNSC "And lastly, where Israel builds in Jerusalem is not any of America`s business." Jerusalem is not legally in Israel. Israel has never legally annexed ANY territory.

Does Bibi think that he can threaten to topple Obamas critical health care bill if Obama gets tough with Israel? I would sure like to know. We really need to pull this string until the end. it is important to see whos loyalties are to America and whose loyalties are to Israel.

Don't flatter yourself with trying out the 'ratholes'. I stand by what I say. Start cleaning up your own backyard. Start with yourself. Start at home. Stop blaming everyone else for this. Blame yourselves. I will support Israel when it supports social justice for 60+ years of occupation, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, human shields, children tortured in prison... the list goes on and on and we can have a historical debate 'till hell freezes over' Your dragging the world into an end war. STOP NOW! Israel needs to look at itself and forget about changing the subject. I have my own criticisms about my own country as well. Start acting like chosen people! Make the world proud of Israel. It can be done.. but absolutely not on it's current path of doing to the Palestinians what was done to you in WWII. Makes no sense. Insanity and blindness. Power and $$. Great confusion. World will react.

Prime Minister Netanyahu made another blunder by declaring Israel would continue to build in Jerusalem adding fuel to the already tense relations with the United States of America.

Got your attention eh. And if it happened, the skinny-ass Barak Hussein Obama wouldn't dare to lift a finger against it. Then V. Putin would have has hands on both oil taps. Think again Europe.

Jerusalem is a Jewish city. It's an Israeli city. What, did the Jordanians legitimize it as an Arab city merely by kicking out the Jews in 1948? Obama, read some history, and get out of Israel's way.

Dear AA, I understand your feelings, I have them sometimes. But I know they are emotions of desperation, and no emotion is ever final. This horrible government, nurturing the two Frankensteins you point out, will fall before Israel meets its doomsday -G'd forbid-. Neither you nor all the pioneers who gave their blood, sweat, life's work for the zionist dream, will be proven futile. The Jewish people is struiggling essentially, because it is an endogamic tribe. That in itself is different than a nation-state. The faultines between both are expressing themselves as ultra-orthodox and nationalistic fascism in Israel. It is an illness, but it is not mortal. In a few days, we will be singing "Vehi Shamda" ("The promise that has been standing all along"). Please, don't despair. You have so many brothers and sisters here in the diaspora as well as in Israel, who understand youyr pain and despair, and yet, who won't allow thes frankenstein-illness to kill our dream. We will somehow heal.

I don't know a single Jewish person who supports Israel. Israel is losing all of the younger "diaspora Jews" as Israelis like to call them. Furthermore, the Americans who are fanatical about Israel (besides the 10% of New York and New Jersey) are fundamentalist Christians who just want the land in Israel after all the Jews are carted off to Hell. I think today is the day I turned against Israel.

Alan, The difference is that US stole the lands of the Native Americans in the 18th century, when the stupid colonization mentality was in fashion, and Israel is doing it right now, in the 21th century, when culture, human right standards and global law has reached a another level of humanity.

I support Jewish life in E. Jerusalem but the current US President leans towards a "pro-Palestinian" point of view. I admit that Bibi is "between a rock and a hard place" but he just can't close his eyes and pretend that nothing has changed and that he doesn't face a problem--hoping that the current administration (which if it does anything well is to hold a grudge) will ignore that he is ignoring them.

Why is it so difficult for the Israelis to build Jewish homes within their own borders. Why can't they leave the Palestinians alone?

Chris, you may think you have US policits figured out, but you don't. You are off base and in over your head, to mix some metaphors.

It is factualy incorrect to say that most of the US military is black and hispanic. Only 26% of the US military is black. This is out of active and reserve troop strength of about 2.25 million. Also, isn't it wildly racist to conclude that all blacks and hispanics love Obama? If you knew naything about hispanics, you would know that they have Conservative family values which tend to be offended by Obama's agenda. And lastly, where Israel builds in Jerusalem is not any of America's business. Only to Hussein our so called president.

So the insult to Biden during his visit--the "announcement"--was a "bureaucratic mistake." Israel's decks are filled with loose cannons. Everybody and every party think they run the country, and in the end it seems that no one does. Insult the US if you wish, but please decline the foreign aid.

--Bibi?. It's the beginning of the end for him. If I take something from my neighbor and then negotiate with him to give it back and one of the rules is that what I took belongs to me, then I am giving him nothing and the purpose of the negotiation is non-existent.This is total hypocrisy which brands the Netanyahu administration, with all its cronies and unsavory elements as absolutely the worst in Israeli history. The continued building in Jerusalem is nothing more than a license to steal and will augur nothing but ill for our country. Is is quite possible that we will not survive these actions.

It is refreshing to see and Israeli PM spit directly into the American presidents face rather than taking the more usual devious route to get his way. The elephant in Israels living room? Should America give unquestioned support to a nation that is taking steps condemned by the American president and millions of others? Common sense says that you don't support someone that is in opposition to you. Israel is in opposition to mideast peace as well as in opposition to Obama. If Israel gets away with it unscathed, then Bibi will have won a great victory and Obama will be a cripple the rest of his term (and life). Either way, I am glad to see things come to a head. So unlike Israel.

because most of them are really idiotic and that is what makes them humorous. # 45 - Nati Hans - claims that Bibi "has better approval ratings amongst Americans." Wow! Nati must be able to read every story about Israel in every newspaper in the U.S. and know every American's thinking to make such a statement. Whoever Nati is, this person is good for a laugh. Then, the others too numerous to count. Among them calling for Bibi to "stand tall." One must admit that all of these comments are hilarious even if they are pathetic, sad, vulgar, condescending, etc, etc...but they are funny, no doubt about that. Can these people be for real? How can one take them seriously? Bottom line: Israel has become an ugly, despicable, racist, divisive society. How did that come about? Is it the nature and character of Israeli society in general? Don't Israelis see what they have become? These people are doomed unless they get their act together and become human. A tall order, indeed!

Don't give in to Obama, G^D will protect you and your people.

Even if it is a good idea, the US can not back it as there are congressional elections in November. Obama risks losing those election now, and he will lose Jewish support and money if he sanctions Israel in any way or backs a Palestinian State without Israeli consent. It is a hard fact, but it is unfortunately true.

Believe me, you will definitely need it, Lady, and many, many (truck) loads of it !!:)

The long range plan of continued occupation and settlement, hoping the world will not notice or at least not complain too much, is going according to plan. These Zionist posters know it and even openly applaud it. But the world is not forgetting that it is all illegal. The US is not forgetting. And the world should now distance itself from poor little nuclear armed Israel and let it dance alone. Israel please take AIPAC and the Israel firsters back home. Leave us alone and we will leave you alone, to twist in the winds of the world.

it is amazing to read all the talk backs i have a simple question, if jews can build in ramat shlomo why could they build in tell aviv who give the right for any jew to be in the "middle east" why is israel in the middle of a sea of arabs states? why are jews alive? the song of never again, song by so many "left" jews rings so hollow... simply, it screams the question what is a jew? answer the above and you will understand who gave and got the slap in the face! G-d only knows!

Give The Land Back To The Palestinians! I recommend Americans know more about what is going on. For some reason the American press doesn't 'touch Israel'.. So.. there's no dialogue. Sp there will be no support from this past supporter. Let The Truth Stand on it's Own. Open the dialogue in America and beyond. Let them see the footage.

Honestly, I doubt it very much !!:) Have a look at the responses on the major U.S. political blogs on this issue, and you will get a rather hard landing into reality. Believe me, it's not a pretty picture at all there from a (right-wing) Israel perspective.... ....mainstream America is not very amused, at least the educated part of it.

Most of my life I have supported Israel as an American. I no longer do. Israel needs to take a look at the ethnic cleansing, Apartheid and it's attitude to thwart peace// or really.. have no desire for peace. You won;t be seeing my children or grand kids on your side unless the Jewish nation provides social justice to the Palestinians. Israel is pulling the whole world into a war. Worst I've seen in years and years. Outrage in the world!

When I (seldom) access these talkbacks, if I see that Swiss (Dino) and Esther are responding I breathe easily as I know whatever they write will be the opposite of what will happen for my Jewish State - Baruch Hashem.

"Are jews the only people not allowed to build in their own capital?" A) Israel's capital is in illegally annexed "territories occupied" B) No. Israeli Arabs, Israeli Muslims, Israeli Christians, Israeli atheists aren't allowed to build in the territories illegally annexed by Israel. "Mexico claims Texas and California" They were LEGALLY annexed, by TREATY to the US. You're from the US, YES? Yet you know nothing about the US's relationship with Mexico? Or is it convenient to forget facts when it comes to Israel?

My guess is that 75% of Americans would think you sneezed if you said "Netanyahu". It is our government, and not us, who cares about Israel.

And now we all know exactly where Israel stands on peace. I wish you good luck, as you will need it.

that AIPAC will be able to reign in Barack Obama and his administration. http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/03/14/the_petraeus_briefing_biden_s_embarrassment_is_not_the_whole_story if this report is correct, Netanyahu is about to seriously overplay his hand. Foxman gets it, Netanyahu doesn't. All the President has to do is win the support of the American people, many of whom don't know where Israel is. If he tells them Israel's policies against the palestinians is causing the deaths of American troops which are running around the world attempting to put out the fires that Israel starts. Israel will be in the deep doo doo. The American Military will always out trump AIPAC. And the American Military consists mainly of Hispanics and African Americans. Which of course are Barack Hussein Obama's core vote and slightly more than 12 million strong.

Bibis actions say that he believes that he has more support in America than Obama does and he dares Obama to put it to the test. I say that Onama better go him one better and issue an executive decree to suspend all support to Israel immediately. I mean if Bibi wants to play hardball Obama better not come to play hopscocth.

You are ill informed.The 2,7Billion dollars a year were part of the treaty to settle the 1967war,and a compensation for Israel returning the Sinai to Egypt...You are wrong by 19 years...By the same treaty,Egypt receives also 2,7 billion a year and Jordan 800Million...The money Israel receives return ten fold to the USA in Equipments Israel purchase from the USA and in the form of Technology Israel shares with the USA...Israel rented Kfir fighter planes to the USA Navy.Israel Sold DRONES TO THE USA,BEING USED IN IRAQ AND AFGANISTAN,ISRAEL SHARES ROCKETS TECH WITH THE USA,ETC,.ETC,ETC,,,AND you are in urgent need of Psychiatric help...This schyzophrenia you have is lethal...

Israel is an independent nation. Let Israel follow G-d's plan, as biblical, and the Promised Land is now in Israel's hands, where it rightfully belongs. Jerusalem is unified, per G-d's plan. It will always be that way. Israel has always stood alone, so what's new? Joe

"Peace talks are a first priority for Israel and for the entire region," said Barak. As long as it never progresses beyond talks. If peace gets uncomfortably close then it is "Intifada Time". Netanyahu to Ashca-nazi--go out and break bones and knock down a few hundred homes. Oh yeah--nothing new here. We have now been watching this charade for over 60 years.

but you say 'sanctions only hurt the people not the regime' ...umm yeah...lets let the zio's get slim while thinking about where they went wrong voting for natanyahu

I think you should go back to high school and get some education in Civics, human rights and geography. Jerusalem is not part of Israel and will never be. I'm sure you can't even locate Israel on the map! Or maybe for that matter even Mexico. This is how most of the right wingers are. Illiterate morons!

Are you implying the West Bank is Israeli? If so, when is Israel going to give citizenship to those who live there?

My allegiance is to President Obama. If he says you should do something, I'd like to see some indication that people are listening to him.

And you are a brave one to mention double-standards politics as the defender of Israel. We live in the 21st Century, while you live in the Crusades' time. If you think you can give any credibility to your nonsense by claiming others conquered before, I can only tell you that the Kellogg-Briand Pact and the UN Charter decided that this time of diplomacy should remain in the past. Israel is in the past it seems. It is in the past because it believes God gave the Jews the land, because it claims unilateral annexation on the pretext that others did it before, because it openly has an Apartheid policy towards the Arabs, because it is the only state of the ME that uses its Military as its prime diplomatic card. To finish this, I will tell you why we are double-standards with this puny state you call Israel: This state claims to be Western, Modern and Democratic. Hence, by claiming it is like my state, it is insulting the Westerners. We do not take land in the name of God anymore...

All the rhetoric at Obamas AIPAC speech, undivided Jerusalem, this that and the other. STAY STRONG BIBI!

Just like the Serbians who attempted to form a Greater Serbia, so the Israelis are looking to take East Jerusalem from the Palestinians. Land taken by war does not entitle ownership. The US, European Union, etc has not recognised Jerusalem as Israeli. If you want to be on your own in the world, sorry that is not possible.

Jerusalem is Israel's capital, and Obama is weak. Israel has been and is still strong in congress. Israel will not be punished and sanctions are not going to be issued against Israel.. The United States...Obama himself will thwart any attempt to sanction Israel.

Keep building those homes! The Obama Administration is digging its own grave by obsessing over 1,600 homes halfway around the world while ignoring the record number of foreclosures at home. No wonder America is on the decline!

And I see building everyday in London, Tel Aviv and Dubai.No one challenges that because they are not disputed areas. Feigning normality in E Jerusalem's construction is not helping and doesn't decieve an innocent dog. Don't you know that only Mirconesia recognizes E Jerusalem as part of Israel's Jerusalem? NNetanyahu belongs to a bygone era - The Washington is changing and you and Netanyahu must understand that.

He's on a way way ticket to self-destruction for israel. He will do what the world wants, he will destroy israel and Palestinians will get their land back. Thanks Netanyahu, you are too stupid to even realise.

The Bibi government is opposed to the creation of a Pal state on ideological grounds. It's time for them to stop pretending, almost desperately buying time while expansion into desired areas become consolodated, while trying to fool US and the rest of world. Bibi should have to courage to come out and show his true face, and stop saying one thing and doing another, pleasing the yanks one day and torpedoing peace hopes another. "The Government of Israel flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river. The Palestinians can run their lives freely in the framework of self-rule, but not as an independent and sovereign state. Thus, for example, in matters of foreign affairs, security, immigration and ecology, their activity shall be limited in accordance with imperatives of Israel's existence, security and national needs." http://www.knesset.gov.il/elections/knesset15/elikud_m.htm

Mr prime minister don't be intimidated the Obama...See what the WSJ says about him today.. the Obama Administration has endorsed "healthy relations" between Iran and Syria, mildly rebuked Syrian President Bashar Assad for accusing the U.S. of "colonialism," and publicly apologized to Moammar Gadhafi for treating him with less than appropriate deference after the Libyan called for "a jihad" against Switzerland. When it comes to Israel, however, the Administration has no trouble rising to a high pitch of public indignation.

The US Congress H.CON. RES 60 Concurrent Resolution was passed in the House of Representatives voting 406 -17 that "Jerusalem must remain the UNDIVIDED CAPITAL of the State of Israel" Some people seem to be easily insulted but It should not be considered an "Insult" if Israel builds homes in Jerusalem, nor should it be an "insult" if Palestinians build homes in Jerusalem, although under Arab Rule, Jews were not permitted to worhip at their Holy Places in Jerusalem.

all the power to you...since when can anyone tell us where to live?...are we in germany with ghettoization?...NO....does anyone tell the arabs where to live and how much to build?...a joke... tell the world to go to hell...this generation of jews will not be like generations before...

U.S.Civil war: (1) One Southerner can lick five Yankees. (2) the North will never fight; (3) God is with us. Germany WWI: (1) We must fignt because we're encircled; (2) Belgian neutrality is a scrap of paper; (3) God is with us. 19th Century Britain: (1) The sun never sets on the British Empire; (2) Empire is the white man's burden; (3) God is with us. Israel in 2010: (1) Jerusalem is the eternal, undivided capitol of the Jewish people; (2) We have no partner for peace; (3) God is with us.

As #25 (fedup) mentioned before, no part of Jerusalem was included in the freeze. Hopefully, Bibi won't give in to the US bullying. It is untrue that any part of Jerusalem was stolen. However, the land where Washington, DC is located was stolen from the Native American Indians and no one is complaining about that and telling the US not to build there.

What does Israel want more from Obama? 1) Weapons 2) 3 Billion in aid every year 3) Vetoes at the UN 4) unqualified support in its "fight against terrorism", and constant state of war with it`s neighbors. It is quite simple.

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

Obama does not like Israel, and will never favour it as deep down he affiliates to the Arabs. So with an essentially weak man as US President, Israel must make decisions alone based on experience, and its own wisdom and foresight. It must not be dictated to by the enemy that Obama has become to Jewish interests. No worry, he will soon be out but the Jewish nation will continue forever. Go Bibi.

Are jews the only people not allowed to build in their own capital? Mexico claims Texas and California, should not hispanics not be able to build homes there? Can you liberal lefty wieners admit you have a double standard?

Way to go Nat! With you in power, we Palestinians should only sit and watch! Thank you! You're (almost) the best that ever happened to us!

You are right, too bad about Biden, who cares? Netanyahu should build without restrictions in the West Bank and Jerusalem: tell the US to go to hell. Attack a US naval vessel again, continue running espionage operations against the US, sell our technology to China, sell more of the intelligence you got from Pollard to the Russians. Then finally, the US can cease supporting Israel in the UN, cease guaranteeing Israel?s international loans and stop the $3 billion a year in aid (now totaling over $3 trillion since 1948) and begin pursuing its own national interests in the ME, not those of Israel. Without US support, Israel will be totally isolated in the world Without the US veto in the UNSC, Israel will be before the ICC in the Hague answering war crimes charges before you could turn around. No loan guarantees, Israel could not borrow a dime. Finally, the US could dump the unproductive one-sided burden we have been carrying, and show Israel what a nasty enemy we can be.

The more Israel is lying the more it will lose its support from other country.

he may well be the Talk of the Town in Jerusalem, but also in Damascus, Teheran, Beirut, Alger, Rabat, Jakarta, Rawalpindi...they all love Bibi.The "Bibi craze" is taking off. Stand your ground Benyamin, stand your ground!!

We are waiting.When Bibi comes out and says:"The building in Jerusalem - and in all other places - will continue in the same way as has been customary over the last 42 years" then he still haven't got the message and it is high time for the Obama administration to set him on the right track. We are waiting for the reaction. "May you live in interesting times".

Just hang in until November. OyBummer will again make history as the earliest lame duck when the American people repudiate him and his entire group of clowns. The good new is all this is that OyBummer is even more incompetent than Jimmy Carter. He's simply acting out of a long-standing anti-Israel and anti-Jewish attitude.

www.exposingalltruth.com for how it's been done for decades of NSA transmissions and mind controlled media for starters.

BEHIND THE FACADE of a new Immigration Bill to prevent employers from hiring illegal immigrants, Zionist Jew, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), is pushing a National ?biometric? ID Card that all American workers will be required to carry on their person. Under Schumer?s Bill, all legal US potential employees will be issued an ID card with embedded information such as ? retina and fingerprint data; credit and criminal histories; DNA sequences; social profiling; and medical history ? ALL linked to a central database. Schumer himself is advocating the use of embedded ?vein scans? on the ID card, a prelude to the New Testament?s prediction of the ?mark of the beast.? View Vein Scans Here, Here, & Here. Zionist Jew Schumer, Chairman of the Senate Immigration Subcommittee (why do Jews hold all the chairmanships?) (why does Schumer serve as Chairman on so many committees?) is also promoting the use of ?scanners? to be installed at all businesses to distinguish between eligible and ineligible

The fuss, because, there is a third player - Iran. And this "untimely" announcement is playing right into the hands of Iran.

In a changing world, where US needs to reformat its ME relationships, Israel has given the clearest indication of intent - either US continue the same relationships as it did in the past, or it is on its own.

it might have struck you that israel does not want to become czechoslovakia in may 1939 ! that the usa must stop believing its own crap agenda from ike eisenhower onwards . us policy in the mid east has been a disaster called crude oil !

You won't get unconditional surrender from Palestine. Now that you know this, tell me how you strongly believe that your method of dialogue will bring to peace...

Ehud Barak an old soldier who fades away (according to Marshal) is like a leaf who bends as the wind blows. so dont expect too much here unless you have the power to blow the wind

Imagine what would have happened if the Independence war had taken place in 1950? The world would be demanding that Israel leave all areas conquered in 1950... which includes Jaffa West Jerusalem and Beersheba... So what was the difference between 1949 and 1950? Simple the world signed a document in 1950 that stated that no country was allowed to conquer any more land... So now jump to 1967 and Jordan attacking Israel after Israel begged Jordan to stay out of the conflict... What was Israel to do? Clearly the international law stating that no land was to be conquered could not include Jerusalem? Was the world saying that forever Jerusalem was to be a divided city... where there wasnt any religious freedoms in the eastern half... (for 19 years Jews were barred from the old city) NO the law applying to territorial acquisition cannot apply when talking about Israel and Palestine... Imagine if Israel had taken east Jerusalem in 1949 I wonder what Obama would be saying now?

The best thing that could happen to Israel is for America to cut off all foreign aid. To sell your soul is just not worth it. Israel is not a vassal of America.

If polls are going to show a democrat defeat in 2012, there will be no interest for Israel to work for peace, why? because Obama, is acting contrary to Congress, he wants a split Jerusalem, something that is not going to happen, without a war being waged against israel, interestingly, that is EXACTLY how Jerusalem was first split and later reunified. But what will be Israel's interest to negotiate with Obama, when Obama's view is not inline with congress or Israel on Jerusalem? Not when in 2012, a republican could be elected who would move the USA embassy there in an instant. If this is true, why would you negotiate with USA mediation that is more inline with Palestinian view than Israels. especially when Israel annexed EJ after ARABS waged war on Israel, by breaking an Armstice for Egypt and Syria and declaring war, JORDAN. The law stating that you cant annex land from war, is written against AGGRESSIVE BELLIGERENTS not defensive wars.

Next move, the US will hopefully NOT use its veto at the UN to cover up Israeli agression. Well done!!

please, go in the streets, make rallies to say to your leaders the crazy way they get in, make here your voices to say that you want justice to come make back to holy land !

extremely well said, you stay in NYC having good ideas on Israel and we or rather our offsprings will have to die fighting for the existance of Israel for which you have great visions and genial ideas. just stay where you are living in peace and great security and let us tacle with your fascist rightists and illuminated rabbis and their followers. JUST STAY WHERE YOU ARE AND PRAY FOR US

If Bibi capitulates now, and negotiations begin, we all know that in a number of months he will get a phone call from Hiliary telling him he must sign an agreement that gives the Pals all they ever wanted, or else. Surely he must know this. So if you see Bibi capitulating in deed, regardless of what he says, then take every dream that Arafat ever had, write it down, and that will be the text of the agreement Bibi will sign.

dopey is NOT a cousin of nostradamus ?? someone will remind them what happened after czechoslavakias betrayal in 1938

If you knew any better besides that God gave you the land, you would understand that Freeze = Talks. And in talks, demands are made... this is why the talks were set up. If you understood this, read the next paragraph. You could have asked the same question to Hamas before January 2009 but this way: What has Hamas gained from the respected cease-fire - NOTHING. The blockade did not end... do you see now why they have resumed their Rocket launching? It is amazing how pathology has taken a hold of all those Israeli die-hards. And even when they will be told wrong, they'll come up with: The Bible gave it to us!!!

'Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said that Israel would continue to build in Jerusalem in the same way that it has over the last 42 years.' US presidential administrations have been opposed to building over the Green Line for 42 years, too. And some have actually tried to do something to stop it (GHW Bush, for example, by withdrawing loan guarantees from Israel). But my sense is that Obama is deadly serious about it, and he is no friend of Israel's to begin with. The initial row over Ramat Shlomo was bad enough - but this latest statement from Netanyahu - !!! Netanyahu lit the match, but both he and Obama seem to enjoy throwing more petrol on the fire. Provocation and counter-provocation is the order of the day. And the Iranians must be laughing their heads off at all this, whilst the centrifuges spin, ever-faster. MV

Obama has promised the Pals that building in Jerusalem wil stop. Time to spank Nutanyahu really hard. How about inviting Livni to the White House for coffee?

It was known that the so called freeze did not apply to Jerusalem. The US knew this and so did the Pals, when they agreed to restart the negotiations. So what's changed? Just the unfortunate timing of the announcement of the building. And so, the Pals and the US wasted no time in voicing their outrage, and demanding a concession that Israel can never agree to. Stay strong, Bibi. Don't bend to that blackmail

Netanyahu and Lieberman take the US for granted, and frankly it makes me feel like a fool. I would like to remind all Israeli religious zealots that the United States is the ONLY country that has ever activated any part of its military for possible defense of Israel. We may love Israel, but we do not have to like her. And our love for Israel gets us nothing in return.

Seriously I'm not trying to be rude, but spelling or grammatical errors really reflect poorly on the validity of a paper. I'm only writing in because Haaretz is a great news organization and I expect errors as flagrant as these to be well few and far between. I'm guilty of rushing through without spell check all of the time, but then again I'm not writing for such a news organization. Every error you produce undermines your message...is Haaretz a blog or is it a reputable center of information on events concerning the Middle East? I know I've got too much time on my hands right now, but I'd rather comment on something less volatile than politics and well spelling seems to fit the bill.

I bet he's banking on the US Jewish community backing him up but he's got it all wrong. Even the right wing is insulted and embarrassed at this historic blunder and grand arrogance of the entire Netanyahu gang. Long standing supporters like me are pulling back all support until there is a marked change in behavior from Israel.

The shackles must be shucked. So be it. What chutzpah Bibi. Well done.

"Israel is a sovereign Nation and should not be dictated to when it makes decisions within its Territory." Indeed. However, for 61 years, it has been OUTSIDE IT's territory. // Letter From the Agent of the Provisional Government of Israel to the President of the United States, May 15, 1948 ?MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I have the honor to notify you that the state of Israel has been proclaimed as an independent republic within frontiers approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its Resolution of November 29, 1947, and that a provisional government has been charged to assume the rights and duties of government for preserving law and order within the boundaries of Israel, for defending the state against external aggression, and for discharging the obligations of Israel to the other nations of the world in accordance with international law// Israel has never legally annexed ANY territory! http://wp.me/pDB7k-pE

The security of the state of Israel is far more important than angering Obama or members of his administration. Way to go Bibi. You have to take a stand sometimes. Bette late than never. Israel is an independent country. We respect US view point but we do not have to agree with it. No land for peace. Peace for peace.

Who does Barak Work For? The United States or Israel.

The 'peace process' is turning into a complete farce, every day Bibi puts another nail in it's coffin.

Yes Barak is ready for talks, provided that they only lead to more talks......................

Recall our ambassador, stop all military sales, all foreign aid, all intelligence sharing and expell all Israeli spies in the US. Do it now. Then let them do as they please.

When will the israelis learn not blare their shoffar on the wrong time??? The mistake of the 1600 appartments is not the fact they are building them.IT'S THAT THEY ANNOUNCED THEM...NOW BIBI IS REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKE...BUILD BUT DO NOT TELL...LEARN FROM THE AMERICANS...KISS BUT DON'T TELL!!!!!!!!!!!!

...I don't see common ground ahead.. I don't see moderate minds on either side in the future.. This is a collison course!

Poor stoopid Bibi...By kowtowing to Israel's fanatical right, he's missing out on what's probably his last opportunity to do something meaningful for the Israeli state that he purports to love.

Looking forward to the next few months of excruciating difficulty for Israel. It's AIPAc vs the US's interests in the Middle East. Who will win? Homeless Ultra Orthodox who breed like rabbits or the US armies in afghanistan and Iraq? I hope bibi stays Prime Minister for the next 5 years. He's a delicious liability for Israel and he's doing tremendous damage to the country. Yalla bibi!

If they don't want to fine. Cut off all foreign aid and let Israel solve It's problems on It's own.

a nation makes decisions that show what are its core values. Israel has now done this. Its core values consist of ways to accrue land and avoid peace. America's interests, however, are at odds with Israel's. America would benefit from a negotiated end to the conflict between Israel and its neighbors - exactly what Israel wishes to avoid. This is a deep difference that will not be resolved readily.

its hard to stop stealing...besides its ok we are chosen

sure mr Nethanyahu, add some fuel to the fire! You've not yet pissed off the US and the Palestinians enough I suppose

Let's not let Obama and his anti-Israel tirade make any difference...It's offensive and galling for the Americans to be all forgiveness for the Palestinians, Syrians and even Iranians and come give orders to Israel like a little fascist that he is.... I respect and like the American people but I think Obama embarrasses them. Israel is a sovereign Nation and should not be dictated to when it makes decisions within its Territory. I was hoping for Bibi to strengthen his spine and he has!!!! Wonderful!

Smart move, Bibi, rub it in a little more just to make sure there isn't a single person in the US administration you haven't angered. You should resign and let Israel have another chance at choosing a real leader.

This is getting better for the Arabs. The Arabs don't even have to do a thing. Let the Israelis dig their hole...

Jews don't like image, so they are not good at outlook design as people thought. At least, that is about tradition. However, mordern city design somewhat needs "look and feel" which might not be predicted ahead. That is the key reason a lot of cities failed to organize themselvs in city images. Hence, 3D model of cities from all angles, perspectives and lanscape views are very useful in graphic planning of the city. In math and computer science, such applications are pretty much mature in theory, though not in wide use. Hence I told Chinese government that they never have a view of the cities before so many buildings are raised at the stimulation of money instead of imagination and wishes. What a waste? a 90% waste.

only more demands. Why continue the freeze??

FOr the US policy there is a change of heart. YOu would like to build fine, we won't fund and provide other support in lieu of that. You'd have to bake hard decision as to butter or guns, or occupation for that matter.

it is the end of all hope ever to live in peace in the state we dreamed about and fought for and all this is thanks to a bunch of religious fanatics and nationalist fascists.

Israel just isn't doing a good PR job or the world wouldn't be up in arms about the latest construction. I am sorry Biden felt insulted but he should have known that Natanyahu never agreed to stop construction in Jerusalem nor should he. Can any Jew imagine sitting on the balcony of the Cinemateque in Jerusalem and the view isn't part of Israel.

Even the lowest IQ realizes that E. Jerusalem is Arab and will become, officially, the capitol of Palestine. C'mon Bibi, choke on it. Salaam/Shalom

Bibi is being humorous. Everyone knows that so go on with these self-damaging policies,

Thank the Lord, that there will be a reasonable U.S. administration and reasonable Europeans, that will save your skin by recognizing a unilaterally declared Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital at the latest by the end of next year....