When Israelis degrade Israel by humiliating Joe Biden

When Israelis degrade Israel by humiliating Joe Biden, they do it to prove : A) They are thick B) They do not care who they insult C) They do not know who Joe Biden is D) They are proud of purloining Arab land E) They like to prove that they do not care about International Law. F) This is standard Israeli diplomacy. G) They are not interested in the peace process

why are israelis appologizing, stand strong, all the prophesies are comming up really fast. Nothing to worry about, G'D is in charge, not obama, not anyone. Everyone take upon a mitzva daily, do a good deed, put on tefillin, read tehilim, do tshuva etc. and you'll see what happens to all the haters of G'd. Lubaviche Rebb prepared and blessed bibi just for this fight. Stand Strong BIBI, We Support you, its Our Land, Its Our country, its our Freedom.

More than US money, if the US withholds it vetoes from the UNSC, Israel will be in front of the ICC in the Hague to answer war crimes charges before you could turn around. God did offer the land of Canaan to the Israelites, but he 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. The Jebusites, who built Jerusalem, and are considered the forebears of the Palestinians, were there when God said that, so God made it clear that Jews cannot claim all of Palestine. Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is a violation of international law, and, 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. Do you wish to try to convince us that American settler/Indian wars justify the 42-year Israeli occupation and oppression of Palestine? Are you nuts?

Humanity is at its lowest when you see what Israel is doing of late.. -- Killing indiscriminately unarmed women/ children and destroying homes, farms, orchards. -- Enclosing Millions of Palestinians - if this is not apartheid than what it is. -- Insulting foreign dignitaries like the Turkish ambassador, US congressmen and VP of USA. (Without USA's support both in kind and words Israel will be nothing) -- You can't do what you want and when you please without considering the consequences - The height of arrogance is the first step towards downfall

For heaven's sake!! How hard is it to "humiliate Joe Biden"? And anyway, who cares? Obama had proven that he will throw Israel under the bus faster than his own grandmother. Israel has no reliable ally in the US. Israel will always be subjected to the whim and political maneuvering of POTUS. When you get a POTUS who has learned his ant-semitism for twenty years at the foot of the vile Rev Wright, be prepared for the worst. And tell the unlovely Mrs. Clinton,to put a sock in it. Oh, yes, to be sure, suck up as best you can but really? hardly worth the effort given that the US is now so indebted that NOBODY is their friend anymore.

Be prepared for the consequences when Israel will unfortunately "light up Iran" & a few more surrounding nations who threaten her. Those countries will as flat as a parking lot when the nuke dust settles. Will you people be satisfied than? Proud & defiant Jews like ME really mean it when we say NEVER AGAIN!

What is the point of insulting the country that provides international cover so that Israel can continue to steal land like thieves? If it gets to the point where it costs Israel more to buy Congress than it receives in US aid, what have you gained? For $6 billion a year, can't we expect that Israel won't spit on us while our VP is there? Simple diplomacy demands that Israeli leaders pretend that they do not own our country. It was rude to be so blatant.

VP Joe Biden was representing ME! Israel has insulted ME! I am a tax-paying U.S. citizen. After reading about Israel's stupid behavior I wrote to my Congessman, my Senators and President Obama asking them to cut off ALL aid to Israel. Is this what it's going to take for that moronic, high school Israeli government to get its act together?

I agree - Israel should be independent of the United States and the United States should shut up about what Israel wants to do and how it does it. Of course, the bombs, airplanes, money, support also stop. You want independence? Good - it's what I've wanted for a very long time. Shalom. Good luck. Everybody in the world hates you so you've got nothing to lose. Go for it. Alone.

Call me crazy, but I believe this post could be described as, um, satire. Which means those who agree are -- what, exactly? Partners in parody? Dupes? Hmmmm.

is, according to most estimates, the amount the United States sends to Israel -- meaning this developed, industrialized nation is far and away the greatest recipient of American foreign aid. The various semi-coherent comments above, many of which defend Israel's sovereign status and question the Obama administration's commitment, all fail to address the simple fact that, in a time when US schools are cutting teachers and US states are cutting vital public health services, the American government continues bankrolling the state of Israel, including its illegal settlement activities. Netanyahu and his allies consistently fail to recognize this reality. Perhaps the timing of this announcement was pure accident, but it's still the prime minister's responsibility, and this calls his competence into question. As for the reactionary commentariat above, cut off the foreign aid pipeline, then you'd have at least an iota of credibility to talk about independence.

In other words, the US is asking Israel to become a lame duck, just waiting to be nuked by the Iranians or their proxies.In view of that, Israel couldn`t care less about Biden`s praise, since the existence of Israel is on the line.You don`t create stability in the Middle East, by praising Israel, but by fighting arab and muslim extremism.The time has come for Israel to stop making one-sided concessions to the pals, especially since the pals have decided to name one of the squares in Ramallah after a female suicide bomber that massacred 35 Israelis.Right now, there IS NO peace partner on the palestinian side.The question is: are you smart enough to realise this, or are you just bashing Israel for the fun of it Although the announcement came during Biden?s visit to the country, an Interior Ministry spokeswoman stressed on Tuesday night that the timing of the decision was coincidental. ?There?s no connection,? the spokeswoman said regarding Biden?s visit. ?This is a plan that has been drawn out and discussed for over three years, and it?s a process that will continue for a long time to come". The spokeswoman added that the public now had 60 days to file any formal objections to the Ramat Shlomo plan, which could stall the beginning of construction. A spokesman in the Prime Minister?s Office said on Tuesday night that only that afternoon ? following his first meeting of the day with Biden ? had Netanyahu received word of the Interior Ministry?s approval.

The whole government had to be rebuilt. It has only been two years and many hours of time to rebuild a nation from ruin. Lets get one thing straight some man went and told everyone he was my husband Nation Anthem Mikal Dunploe which some said Dunlop and proclaimed himself king giving him power. Brance was killed outside of Georgia and the time has come for the truth. You need to realize that the power right now is below and above. Critism is done and time to arise is now. We asked for help and there are individuals who think they are above the Prime Minister at all times. The real royals are in love with him being in power let them lead as he is good. So are the leaders in Gaza,West Bank. We got clearance for neutrality yesterday and it was blocked by two nations for their money rights so bills are getting paid off. It was projected for truth to keep the whole nation not state aligned in peace. Start the process the government wont stop and Peres request blocked by them. Lamb Karoon

Good post,thank you.But the naysayers only refer to monies Israel receives,forget the reason why the US is our friend and NEED us. Since you put your finger on the truth,I will deffer to yours and leave you for now. Bye

do not find them compelling. Apparently the intelligence Israel gave the US to prevent 9/11 wasn't "actionable"? As to Iraq not having a nuclear program, we found out, for sure, not necessarily how I would want to, but still the best way possible. Boots on the ground that found no WMDs... I'll take your word for it re: the US military intelligence and urban warfare training by Israel. And after the longest US foreign war, Iraq, I'm not too too sure which has the most current knowledge and experience in those regards- Israel or the USA. But I'd rather that the US had its own competency in both- and I'm pretty sure that the intelligence flow, at least now, is bidirectional...and I'm not too sure that the US should be occupying any Arab / Persian land..if war is necessary for the US with either, I'm for the "bomb them back into the stone age strategy" as opposed to occupation. Let them reap the whirlwind...

The USA needs Israel's knowledge and experience. Without Israel USA would not have had the intelligence information to prevent 9/11. Without Israel USA would not have known Iraq had no nuclear program. These were the two most important intelligence items since the USSR fell, and it was Israel that gave us the critical information. Israel gave the US military its central training about urban warfare and how to run an occupation of arabs, and how to interrogate arabs. USA used those methods extensively, 2003-2005. Without that, the Iraq occupation would surely have gone very different. See? Israel is very very important to USA.

Because he cannot ,simply intellectually challenged ,hence the same old claptrap, nothing new to debate on?

Your analogy of ky jelly is uncouth ,just like your comments ,give it up already ?

That,s right Jonnyboy ,you just carrying on waiting ,it,s part of the Palestine culture,waiting for free lunches,handouts from the UNRWA,carry on waiting,g,day?

It isn't time yet. Israel needs to have Netanyahu "negotiate" for another year or two, and promise a few concessions. *THEN* have the no confidence vote, and spend maybe 6 months forming the new government. Then the new government can say they aren't obligated to anything that Netanyahu agreed to, and the negotiations have to start over from the very beginning.

Why? I think not. As the old saying goes, "with friends like that, who needs enemies..."

israel need the US as the US need Israel is that clear enough ? we will not move from an inch of the land of Israel until all the threats will be removed (Iran ,hezbollah,hamas,syria) from the white house to new york you can't dictate us what will be our future with the our arabs neighbourhood ! if all the jews that voted democrat feel legitimate to speak or to think in place of the israelis i just tell you that israel is an independant state that must rely only on its people and cityzen to face the threats as you are not cityzen of the state of israel you can't decide for us today because you will not face the consequences of what will happen tomorrow in case of a war !

I have been reading Haaretz and comments for some time. From that I deduct that Bush and Israel were out for an Iran war and quickly withdrew from the horrific Gazawar when Obama was elected. After the recent rejection of Biden,building new settlements, I hope to god that the world will be spared from a MO3 and that Obama will still achieve what he set out to work on with you too, to further peace by negotiation and progress to solutions for both parties. I believe that a lot of jews would welcome this too, but were is your outrage to the western world about Biden and settlements? As your behaviour shows nothing but dedain for the already overly given support of the US and Europe, the state of Israel wants its next war, never mind about dragging the rest of the world into it, may a peace god stop you and forbid this! A worried European.

As usual, Obama needs to throw someone under the bus. As he hates israel and the Jews, he sent Biden to take the hit. The fact is that most Americans are pro-Israel. The financial aid to Israel is spent in the US, saving American jobs. Only a few anti-Semites and Democratic liberal Jews are up in arms when Bibi stands up for his people. Obama didn't even had the decency to allow Bibi to enter the WH at the front door. Iran's threat of Israel's existence is of no consequence to the Snake Oil Salesman. He doesn't even respect the Supreme Court Judges. So lets stop the whining, and wait for November when his party will pay the price for his arrogance, incompetence, and stupidity.

I meant "water" metaphorically this time. When I get something good again I'll put it up on Haaretz as usual. Regards!

The PA should go back to Tunis and leave the West bank as a headache for Israel to deal with. What Abbas and his gang are doing is but being a tool to the Israelis. Abbas keep talking, talk is cheap.

It seems Bibi, in order to hold power, must hand out ministries to a motley assortment of right-wing crackpots. What's worse, each seems to behave as if his portfolio were a government unto itself, as if his idea of a cabinet is a place to store china which, from time to time, he takes out to smash. However, what drives voters to resort to this kind of governance is the record of fecklessness of the very kind of governments Bradley favors, that drives all peoples into the arms of fascism. Israel has been playing Mr. Nice Guy, has been going the extra mile, has been knuckling under to Yenta outsiders for decades, with the result that the Palestinians are as bloodyminded as ever. As anathema as it is among those of superior sensibilities, the graffito "Kahane was right" continues to gain credibility as time passes and Palestinian treachery and intransigence are recorded. The greatest calamities to befall Israel are the death of Rabin and the terminal incapacity of Sharon.

I love the new approach from Israeli's government. We must show that who is the boss in the region. It was a good move.

Friends, what we are collectively witnessing is the destruction of the Jewish State that we grew up loving so much.

The Israeli right is transforming itself into a cult with an apparent death wish. They hate secular Israelis; they hate most Diaspora Jews; and apparently they hate America, along with the rest of the world. Right now they're running on hubris, setting themselves up for a big fall. It's a pity this ancient proverb isn't in the Torah so they could learn from it: "Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad." The right is losing its mind, and one can only look on in amazement.

LET VOTE IT DOWN

YOU are horrified? Barack Obama is my President. I would no more wish him to visit Israel as I would for him to visit Texas. Both places are homes to virulent ideologues, and not a few assassins. At least Texas doesn't have billboards of him wearing Arabic headress. When I read some of the responses here from Israelis to articles that dare to criticize official policy...and even more so by American Jews who don't even have a dog in the race by act every bit as Pavlovian...it makes me shudder. President Obama should never visit Israel. Some settler will shoot him, and get off with a 3 year sentence.

Israel crossed the final borderline. Announcing another 1600 housing units in East-Jerusalem just some hours after the American VP strengthened the friendship of US to Israel is a calculated and most offensive slap in the face of Israels best friend. Nevertheless Israel should get the help it needs. Israel must be stopped for not undermining its own future and that of ME: Any financial or military support should be stopped for ever. Palestine should get all the support a country destroyed by Israel needs. Israel must be forced to end the blockade of Gaza. A two-state-solution has to be enabled and put forward. The court in The Hague should find out about warcrimes committed by Israel and by Hamas. UN-resolutions against Israel might not be blocked. In case of an israelian attack on Iran any help (even humanitarian) should be denied to Israel: there would be millions of innocent Iranian victims, may be polluted by Israelian nukes, which need help first. SHALOM

To answer Sid, the kid. You don't need to bow down to us, and we don't need to go on bankrolling (and fighting wars for) your corrupt and petty sliver of sand. You ungrateful piece of %&@%!

Why would Israeli officials degrade Israel by humiliating the vice-president of the United States? Because they can! No one will do anything because AIPAC can buy all the politicians in the American (and Candian) government for the price of a bag of popcorn.

you have admitted that you don't know where your real borders are, so there goes that your statement down the drain. P.S, before you answer that, you might need reminding that even your leaders have stated much.

Must be to anger the rest of the world so You ca n REALLY wring Your hands and accuse everyone of antisemitism. At the same time feeling SOO sorry and misunderstood. The time is however fast running out and nobody will be sorry if You disappear from the face of the earth. For good this time, I hope!

If I may the whole world's population stands now at:6,800,000,000 nearing 70 billion and Israel is a mere 6(minus muslims) is under 6 million.Yet,and yet,the rest are obsessive only with Israel.Why is that? Why when there are so many other countries who need censure, daily discussions against them,but only obsess with Israel. I have wondered for quite sometime and the only thing I can discern is Islamism has caused the phenomenon in recent years. No point in accusing the Crusaders that was long ago. That was then,this is NOW at 2010. It has become so,I cannot fathom its reason other than blame it on the Islamisists and its oil.Plus their fundementalism. Very discouraging...

Why finance our common drills, if Obama vetoes Israel's right to defend itself against Iran AND doesn't impose significant sanctions on Iran? With his ineptitude and naivety, Obama is putting Israel's existence on the line...AND that of the Persian Gulf countries.I'd rather have Obama angry at Israel, after Israel hit the Iranian nuclear installations, than Iran nuking Israel.If you were Israel, what would you do, knowing that only one nuclear warhead can send Israel to oblivion?

Either you are very naive or you pretend to be.Iran doesn't attack directly.It uses proxies, such as Syria, hizbollah and hamas.E.g.hizbollah killed 85 civilians in the AMIA (Buenos Aires, Argentina) bombing.It's thanks to Israel's nuclear deterrence, that conventional armies have stopped attacking Israel.If you are ignorant enough to compare the mullah regime in Iran to the Israeli government, then you simply have no clue. But, one thing I can assure you, potobac: NEVER AGAIN will any people, government or army kill Israelis/Jews without consequences.You say'hopelessly slanted toward Israel': this only shows that you have learned NOTHING from 9/11.

Stephen hello You say and I quote:You have had deep and nice feelings toward Israel from an early age. After all you were very young (8yrs old)? That was a long time ago coming from a child. How did you reach the conclusion and what was the motive behind it Did you learn to love Jews through your parents,or because hearing distasteful words spoken by your peers. That,that might have been a catharsis to make you an arbiter and defender of Israel,don't know. You then perhaps were urged to take a moral high ground? I am puzzled and think you are not entirely sincere.If you are,then I apologize.

Then stop begging us for money. You're only sovereign when your very existence doesn't include needing American charity.

They have no interest in peace. America needs to end this one-sided relationship.

It is the current Israeli government. How many more friends can Israel afford to lose?

When you say your religious books which you wrote for yourself say a patch of land belongs to you, that may not be definitive proof to anyone not of your religious persuasion. Would you agree to be governed by the information in the Book of Mormon?

bottom line: Israel is a beggar, period. They could not survive without the U.S. I'd say: let them try, and good riddance.

This government is making so many mistakes - one hand doesn't know what the other is doing. This is partly due to the fact that Lieberman and his cronies have their own agenda. Time to put this to a no confidence vote.

problem is: Not enough of them.

He said himself (so the Bible says) he came to earth, not to change one jot of the law of the prophets... Jesus (I believe) was an enlightened Jew. I was once a Christian, and I am sure if I dig far enough back into my family genealogical history, I just may find myself some Jewish relatives. Think you could reserve a spot for me in Jerusalem just in case I decide to convert/revert and use that there quote in the Bible you refer to? : ) Cheers.

Basically Biden (whom I term "Bidet-on-tap") was chosen by 0bama due to his NOT being intellectual (on foreign-relations committee, he showed his lack of knowledge oft). You cannot expect Israeli officials to dumb-down to Bidet-on-tap's level!

The Yishai LIE was transparent and Netanyahu feigning surprise was too. This current Israeli government has all the credibility of Richard Nixon. This was a well planned legless sofa, with a variation since Biden is American, not Turkish. It also destroyed over a year of careful US diplomacy, getting the PA back to the table after the attack on their citizens in Gaza. The Israeli government has lost any credibility it had left. Is there anybody in the Israeli government who knows how to be honest? Or who is interested in Peace?

Israel is a sovereign nation. In my opinion, you have the absolute right to build wherever you choose in your own capital. Biden, indeed obama is not a friend of Israel, nor will either ever be Israel's friend. Both would like nothing better than to see Israel destroyed, or at best reduced to second rate power, subject to Arab whims. Do not back down, Israel. Stand firm.

I agree with you George.Biden has such a thick skin---point of fact as thick as a rhinoceros. And it wouldn't make a dent into his personae. I am sure they are all laughing and joking at the whole episode. Must dash,you have said it point blank truthe is hust that.

Isn't it wonderful that the Jewish Bible tells you that Israel belongs to the Jews? It's also wonderfully self-serving and at least somewhat disingenuous- sort of like saying "it's mine because I say it is". Using that logic Americans, some of whom had nothing to do with taking the US away from the "Native Americans" (who archeologists will tell you weren't native to the Americas), don't have to give the land back to them, any more then Israel has to give back its lands to the people who were indigenous to that land the ancient Israelis called "the land of milk and honey" before they "discovered" it.

the billions of $$ barbara are all sent back to the usa to buy subsidised arms from america !

Ladies and Gentleman, I have just made Aliyah to Israel. One of my reasons was this new USA administration is scary to me. I have never seen so many inept bungling fools working together at once. They are usually spread out.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmRXH7RkCZQ&feature=related If you don't believe me see this link of one of them that just visited us and said "Are you ready to take the risk for peace"? The answer to that is an unequivocal "NO" not that kind of risk. Liberalism is sinking America, Europe and attempting to do the same to Israel. I myself came here because I am 1st Jewish and Patriotic to my Faith and heritage. Please don't tell me you are soft and sassy. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his staff inclusive of Lieberman have got the Mojo. I am can say PM Netanyahu is probably in my top two leaders in the World today. Do not take him or his staff for granted. I am so pleased to see their boldness and guts. Baruch Hashem and may Hashem Bless Israel.

It would take about 17.5 years worth of the Israeli Government Budget to do so...but if it's only "DIMES & CENTS", no problem, right?

Kevin good postings.. People those numbers of US dollars: that $$one trillion....plus more..

Quite right too.Biden has as thick as skin of a rhinoceros,and wouldn't take amiss even if he was humiliated which I doubt anyhow. I am sure he has not even noticed it and laughing his head off. So,your assumption is spot on.

Exactly my point and to others who are in agreement with your points. This is like the pot calling the kettle black and people forget the many infractions committed by the Americans throughout their existence. So one law for a big country,versus another harsh one FOR TINY Israel? Let the deluded ones think before making the wrong assumptions and admit the US is not an innocent by stander.They are not only hated by many in the world,but still they think of themselves being without STAIN.

Israel has every right to name any city in Israel as its capital. Problem with Jerusalem, though, is that it's not IN Israel at all.

If Biden had had any guts h would have turne on his heels and left this crazy country immediately. As for the country, it badly needs a crashcourse in elementary diplomacy. David

As for the US being bankrupt, we'd be in far better financial shape if Israel didn't come here so often with its begging bowl. And if not for Israeli intrasigence we probably wouldn't be spending billions in Iraq and Afghanistan. So long as you take my tax dollars you need to shut up and stop whining when we put you in your place.

Here in L.A. it is 12:15 p.m. You sounded good. Keep up the good work, and thanks!

...Israel is the recipent of multiple US Gov't (aid) Programs. Recipents of monies needs to follow the conditions placed upon them, Israel doesn't always do that. I can criticise the "Why and the How" US money is spent, even in Israel. Lately I would give you a grade of "F."

How about instead of US keeping our "DIMES & CENTS" you instead repay the 3,808,416,948,800 Israeli New Sheqel(s)[1,011,908,000,000 US Dollar(s)] the US gave Israel between 1949 & 2007 (per the 2008 Congressional Research Report)? Seeing how it's only "DIMES & CENTS", and doesn't mean too much to you, no big deal, right? We'll take it DIMES & CENTS" if that's all you've got and are concerned with.

...My friend, first let me share with you that I have been friendly with Jews from eight year of age--close to fifty years now--& I liked most of them. I also believe that Israel should exist;; BUT within the original boundaries or now '67 boundaries. The USA (tax payer$$) & Israel: It's officals from Israel, who want the money from the USA. USA gifts $$$ to Israel to buy USA defense products. The Benefit is to you, Israel. Certain Jewish charities receive deductions from US tax, costing taxpayers $ 1 billion (before econ collaspe). USA gaurantees international loans for the Israeli government to have operating cash. What other country would do that? Miscellanous gifting of extra military stuff, ammo, supplies etc etc US sponsored military Drills (anti-iran drill occurred last Oct.) I'm the best type of American supporter for Israel--knowledgable and experienced.

Paul you are right. Israel has done a lot of dirty work for the US. In Guatemala during the 1970s and 80s Israel supplied Uzis to the Guatemalan far right murderous military to use against peasants, teachers, human rights workers etc. Israel also supplied technology to the Guatemalan government so that they could track those opposed to the dictatorship. In Nicaragua Israel helped to train contra terrorists & also supplied many of the weapons. When the US cut off military relations with apartheid South Africa Israel not only supplied weapons to the apartheid government but worked with South Africa to develop the South African nuclear bomb. When a far right anti-Semitic junta took over Argentina Israel supplied weapons even as Jews were being disappeared. When America didn't want its fingerprints on dirty actions they called on Israel. What does that say about Israel that they served as minions of the country that has committed dirty deeds across the globe? Nothing good.

There are plenty of good Israelis

No one can humuliate Joe Biden, he is very good at pissing on his own shoes. Diplomacy and negotiations are a very intricate science and art form, Bibi and his "Crew" are masters in that chess game. Poor Bradley Burston is no rocket scientist, obviously.

First, keep your money, since you think it gives you the right to tell us what to do.We don't need it. Israel is NOT your 51st state.Second, before you criticise Israel, first give your land back to the Native Americans.This is land you stole from them.The Bible tells us that Israel belongs to the Jews. I didn't read anything in there about you having the right to steal your land from the Native Americans.Capiche, Stephen A?

Paul, how old are you? Have been Bar Mitzvah yet? Your opinion have no substance. "American taxpayers are getting the biggest bargain...supporting Israel," American Tax payers have "gifted" $86 billion in military aid since the '80s, and American national secuirty is worse today for actions by Israel with American weapons. "There are many, many examples of Israel doing the dirty work for the USA," may have true up thru the '80s but not in the last decade. The Mossad mis-lead the Americans and EU into a war with Iraq and when the dust settles in the Dubai assisnation, the mossad will not look good again. You said "many & many" with out one example. Israel had a lot of promise in the '60s and '70s but it's country that lost it's way. Go to JStreet.org and check out where I'm coming from. I'm pro-Israel; but not "carte-blanche" for Israel any longer. USA security has declined due to the Israeli relationship.

It is time the world comes to know that Biden is an idiot!

To Stephen A We have said it a million times that the monies are spent right there for your lot in the US.Please,please keep your dimes and cents(few as they are)for your economy is on free fall and floundering And you need all those DIMES for sustenance.We in Israel have managed very well,and will continue to survive without THOSE DIMES. But after all said and done the US needs Israel more than Israel needs it. We have many venture with customers we can do business with(and do so up to a point)why you may ask. I will tell you by our associating with the USA we lose more because of the dictums imposed upon us by them. i.e the US. We have had it during the Bush's tenure and had to abandon many business ventures. The freedom by cutting the umbilical cord it will enable us the freedom and no restrictions with who we do business with. Hey remember to save all those DIMES & CENTS.

Short and sharp We have said it a million times that the monies are spent right there for your lot in the US.Please,please keep your dimes and cents(few as they are)for your economy is on free fall and floundering And you need all those DIMES for sustenance.We in Israel have managed very well,and will continue to survive without THOSE DIMES. But after all said and done the US needs Israel more than Israel needs it. We have many venture with customers we can do business with(and do so up to a point)why you may ask. I will tell you by our associating with the USA we lose more because of the dictums imposed upon us by them. i.e the US. We have had it during the Bush's tenure and had to abandon many business ventures. The freedom by cutting the umbilical cord it will enable us the freedom and no restrictions with who we do business with. Hey remember to save all those DIMES & CENTS.

It would seem your difficulty in communicating may have some basis in your lack of reading comprehension. I said nothing about building in Kaliningrad being insulting; my reference was to your disgusting habit of personal insult to everyone you correspond with. Aside from that, the fact that Jews have a history in Palestine is absolutely meaningless. That was then; this is now. Jews moved into Palestine, exterminated the Canaanites and took over. Later Jews left and others took over. The wheel of history turns.

First, Israel has made it quite clear that it has nuclear bombs is so if it is pushed too far, it will destroy its enemy with them. It may be true that it has never said so in so many words, but it is quite clear that if it decides to do so, it will "wipe another UN country off the face of the earth". Second, I believe the purpose of the Iranian bomb is to trump this Israeli blackmail by assuring MAD. Third, Iran has as much a right to push its way of life as we have of pushing ours. If you look at what the West has done to Iran (toppling their elected government, imposing the Shah and SAVAK, etc), they have a right to their hostility. Finally, what would be the point of criticizing the PA? They know from past performance we are not impartial, but hopelessly slanted toward Israel.

The real, big issue here, is Iran and its nukes and its arming of Hezbollah and Syria. The other issues like talks with the Palestinians are meaningless when there is this constant threat of anhilation from Lebanon, Syria, and from Iran. And Obama and Biden and their Regime, have already decided to do NOTHING about Iran's nukes, and to do NOTHING about Iran sending advanced weapons and military units to Syria and Lebanon. And what is worse is that the Obama regime is denying Israel the right to defend itself and is threatening to shoot down Israeli aircraft that overfly Iraq en route to Iran. No peace treaty with the Palestinians can proceed one inch, with an axe hanging over Israel's head, and Obama and Biden know this very well and they are projecting their own fantastic delusions onto Israel, so they can score political points back in the USA, where they are FAILING in every other regard.

You cannot degrade the USA. The country has no face when it wants money and / or oil. The USa have just asked forgiveness to Qaddafi: when oil is in the play....! Israel should do what is in the country's interest and not what some American want. PS: Ask Biden to show the permits given by the Indian to the real Colonial American. surely everything was done in accordance with the USA law...the one with the gun!

I used to like Netanyahu, but he has a lot of nerve. If he really wants peace, then, stop playing games, go back to the 1967 borders and let the Palestineans have their own state. Either way, to insult the VP of the U.S. was way out of line. Biden should come home and take all of the aid and support that our American tax dollars send to Israel with him.

The amazing thing is Isreal and Palestine trust Obama and Biden to implement peace when in fact they cannot achieve any success in America.

The usual mantra of the $$ does not,will not work anymore.We have said it millions of times and now do we have to CARVE IT IN STONE to your likes?Okay and for the VERY LAST TIME (for I just said it on the other forum)i.e the monies ARE SPENT THERE FOR YOU LOT.We give more than we receive and why the US is more dependant on Israel. Please do keep your few dimes..you most certainly need it,with the falterig economy you are suffering under.PLEASE,PLEASE SAVE YOUR DIMES.But be careful how you spend it. Good Luck

Whi did Bibi's wife not slap him in the face for that?

Now that the U.S pressured the PA to 'agree' to indirect talks, whatever this charade means, Israel proved yet again it is not prepared to take even minscule steps towards any settlement of the conflict. The palestinians were pressured by the U.S and the Arab league to engage in these 'talks' even as netanyahu promissed not to vacate the Jordan Valley. Now he upped the ante to tests the wills of the U.S and the PA. I believe they should tell the PM to shove it.

Its a coincidence; the building application rules are administered according to a rule calendar; the applicant has a right to a response and the Committee has an obligation to announce its decision within a certain time period. The original applictions were made years ago and the decision must be released in order for the objections to be registered. While the building pla at this state is approved, there are always caveats; i.e. number, size, green space, sidewalks, set backs, etc. It is not the final announcement sicne there is now an appeal process (60 days)and subject to any Peace Agreement. And even then the israelis have shown a willingness to retreat and tear them down.

Hi Mr Burston I just wanted to encourage you in your writings and the stands that you make. I always love following your articles and I appreciate your views and honesty. You are a great example of an Israeli. James

chadgadia - Of course Israel will! And it will reap what it sows... Eric L. What polls? From today's headlines: "The latest Associated Press-GfK poll found that fewer people approve of Congress than at any point in Obama's presidency. Support has dropped significantly since January to a dismal 22 percent as the health care debate has roiled Capitol Hill. Neither Republicans nor Democrats are safe; half of all people say they want to fire their congressman. Conversely, Obama's job-performance standing is holding fairly steady at 53 percent."

'quote the mentor of Bambi and yourself ,Reverend Wright : "God damn America!!!" Satified ? [sic}' You're slipping, Swede. This is more pathetic than infuriating.

It is a cear message to Obama,we in Israel will see to it that what you preached before you became president,that Jerusalen will stay united and undivided,is indeed going to be that way. So you should't worry as to what Israel builds there.

As an American Jew, I am ashamed and embarrassed of the current American administration appeasement policies. Indeed, most Americans have rightfully become ashamed of Obama's appeasement.

I wonder when those who rail against US officials who rightfully condemn the building of new settlements will also demand that the US stop all US funds from coming to Israel. When will they demand that Congress stop voting to send Israel $3 billion a year of our precious tax dollars? When will they demand that the US continue protecting Israel in the UN? When will they demand that all military connections between the US and Israel be severed? If Israel wants all this largesse from their major benefactor there is a price to be paid. Israel is lucky that the US has long ignored the fact that every settlement in the occupied territories is illegal under international law. Maybe if the insults continue the US will no longer look the other way.

Ruthless and without any interest in diplomatic niceties. Bibi didn't have time to receive and have dinner with Biden on Monday night either, Biden's first evening in Jerusalem. He went to a Christian Zionist dinner with Hagee and his adulatory annual magical mystery tour instead. Obama has so far failed to grasp the choreography of this coalition.

Instead of appreciating American influence if it's support, and refusing American influence if it's criticism, maybe it's just reasonable, if Israel tries a bit more to stand on its own feet, maybe looking for geographically more obvious partnerships. I agree that we, including Israel if I'm allowed to say "we" one more time, must not demand from the Palestinians to put up with occupation and expansionist settlement projects, land being the ground of every creature's physical subsistance. But I think it's better if the middle-easterners find their own ways to make peace, that rely little on Western (including European) authorities. There's always a little problem with what some call "development aid" : Formerly, the Occident exploited the countries and destroyed autochothonous structures through colonialism and then they impose as "developers" their Western views believing that they now have the solutions to the problems of those for whose culture they had nothing but contempt before.

..My friend, Israel selects to be dependent upon the USA because it accepts American Tax dollars and has been doing it, since the 1970's. USA gifts do come with strings attached, which Israel violates.

forgetting the old Jewish maxim: Them who's got the gold makes the rules... The U.S.'s got the gold and one of these days it will make the rules, and Israelis will have no other choice but to obey their masters the: U.S. It ain't gonna be pretty, but it will be well deserved!

If Israel is going to treat the US and its leaders this way, then at least have the decency to announce that Israel will no longer accept US aid because it no longer needs it. I remember the days when James Baker and crew slapped Israel around. Maybe that is what is needed now.

Joe Biden is a failed politician who lost the mandate and couldnot become a president. So now he has to amend his desires and doing hisbest to remain in power. What is even mlre frighteneing is when Obama retires he is next in line to become president: I shudder at the thought. Now it is up to the Republicans to awake and stop this charade and get into power as soon as POSSIBLE.At least one hopes.

That said, I do not agree that being disrespectful to the Vice President of the United States is how Israel demonstrates that fact. It does so by acting as it should as a member of the community of nations. Not by creating "facts on the ground" as "warning shots across the bow of the Ship of State of the United States". I've been to Israel forty-five times, and I consider myself a strong supporter of the State of Israel and it's citizens. But these "warning shots across the bow of the Ship of State of the United States" could have an unintended consequence: the alienation of the PEOPLE of the US. And that will not serve Israel well, soverign or not. Israel needs to solve the two state process in a way that earns itself respect throughout the world. Settlements are not part of solution that would deserve respect.

So Barry we are not happy unless we are at war you say.How absurd this comment of yours that beggars belief.To think Jews/Israelis love war to such an extent by having to fight constantly IN DEFENCE and lose their LIFE as a consequence you find it .. Coming from an Israeli no less from you an Israeli NO LESS. If it wasn't too ridiculous it would be LAUGHABLE.

Instead of worrying about the settlements the US should work for a one state solution with equal rights for jews and nonjews..To preserve the "jewishness" of the state each nonjewish household should be offered $200,000 if they will move out.It would cost the US taxpayers about $200 billion which is a very small price to pay for world peace. It is less than a fourth of our bloated defense budget.

Talk about chutzpah! As a ticked off Jew,im never surprised by the majority of the nations who are even BIGGER HYPOCRITS.The double standard that Israel deals with is beyond deplorable. It is a true mental illness. Speaking for myself, American tax payers are getting the biggest bargain when it come to supporting Israel & the powers that be know it & are appreciative of it. History proves it. There are manny, many examples of Irael doing the dirty work for the USA to write in here.This too goes for her exemplary work as well. One main example for you & other readers here. The quality of life of traveling around the world to airports.Which religius group is in favor of terrorising the world? & what nation in the mid east is making a great example of keeping us fellow humans safe?

under the PARTITIONED of Mandate Palestine. The CITY is to be made an INTERNATIONAL CITY for the three M A I N RELIGIONS.That what vthe Jews accepted in 1947. YES!!!Did anybody hear of""ETERNAL CITY""given to us by GOD.""" By the way things are going NOW, soon the United Nations WILL bring a PETITION to the Security Council to complete its UNFINISHED work from the Resolution of 1947, and thus setting the BORDERS of the State of Palestine, that was meant to be jointly C R E A T E D with Israel. and to recognise its SOVEREIGNTY with those borders. Please do not count too much on the US veto this time, as Pres. Barak Hussein Obama will rather be friendly with the 57 MUSLIM COUNTRIES, than be a friend to those who HUMILIATE his SUPERIOR OFFICIALS.

loks like the pals will not get Jerusalem, how much of the west bank?, it will probably look like another refugee camp

Like real riends (supposedly)of Israel either. Telling the truth by should be considered by you as well,and not twist it to your own vesion. Finally I say with with friends like these who needs enemies. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Truth will out and has been so for a very long time.Bad enough while G.Wya was in charge,but now with Obama it is geting worse. He(Obama)is the puppet of the Arabs,he is sidelining Israel to please the aforementioned. No doubt about it.But I hope my Govt does not take heed of them. A sovereign country does not need ourside interference particularely from THE USA.

Why must Jews kow-tow and bow down to the WORLD's demands that DENY our RIGHTFUL "HERITAGE" claims? Because the WORLD decides FICTIVELY what is "legal" based on some political considerations instead of historical heritage facts which could/SHOULD make it clear whose got the better claim to the land? The WORLD can INVENT whatever legalities it has a pretense for in the name of pragmatics and to "appease" the majority mob ..but that cannot wipe out a people's identity-heritage -history connnection with THEIR CLAIM... THE WORLD can deny Jews as it always has--it is easier to appease the Arab and Islamic hordes and to give a stamp od approval to their expansionism in history while expunging the Jewish HERITAGE fact or giving it mere lip service as unimportant in the scheme of things... yes the PALs havs a PLIGHT-but that should NOT de-value the PRIMACY of the Jewwish heritage land claim..There are other solutions to the PAL "plight" than giving their LESSER claims any value.

Potobac, your assumption is incorrect.Israel has never threatened to wipe another UN country off the face of the earth. Iran did just that.It doesn't matter if you're a muslim or not, potobac. I don't have anything against muslims, only against the ultra-islamists who, in the name of Allah, allow themselves to kill others wherever they live.Rest assured that, from the moment that Iran acquires the bomb, it will find a way of using it (in)directly against Israel and/or Europe and/or the US.In the best case, the Iranians will try and spread their radical islam, so that the rest of the world will become one big caliphate. Would you like to live in such a world, potobac? I wouldn't. It's also very strange that Biden reprimands Israel, but doesn't say anything to the PA, who are about to name a Ramallah square after a female suicide bomber, who massacred 35 Israeli civilians.Biden is making a very big mistake, since the Israelis will stop trusting him as an impartial peace broker.

Why is it that many of OUR Politicians have to go there for? If our politicians stop taking Jl monies, and only get voted according to their ability to serve their constituents, then there would be no need to get HUMILIATED by the very country we are spending so much on without any appreciation. Thanks to our TRILLIONS they can afford to show off as the strongest army in the region. We must correct our mistakes, and cancel our contributions,as few of them say "WE want OUR independence from US of A.

The Israeli government can get away with insulting the U.S. because the Obama administration invested so much political capital into promoting a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks that it will suffer humiliation if it can't get talks restarted. In contrast, both Israelis and Palestinians know that peace talks are unlikely be successful. The Obama administration needs the resumption of peace talks because it foolishly put too much political capital into this. Obama will have to pretend to be earnestly engaged until after the American mid-term elections so as to not look even more ineffectual than they already do. After the midterm election, Obama should reduce the diplomatic effort and inform the American people that neither Israelis nor Palestinians are prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to resolve the long-standing issues of sovereignty over Jerusalem, borders, security, and the "right of return". The two sides can call the U.S. when they're serious about peace.

Maybe he saw this coming. If it happened to him he'd have to make some dramatic response or the US public would think he was a wimp and he'd be a lame duck president for the next 3 years. As a friend of israel, he arranged to duck out from that friendly fire.

rationale? doing what one wants and destroying another country is an essential between the two . what is your rationale for constantly posting in haaretz ?

is "insulting" while attacks on Israeli construction in Jlem is not ? Taking into account your complete lack of knowledge of history I hasten to add there's no trace of name "Kaliningrad" anywhere in the pre-1945 history while there is aplenty of history of Jerusalem ,not Al-Quds(arabic for Kaliningrad) in the same period.

When the bottom line is obvious.... sabotage, sabotage, sabotage.....

"Why would Israeli officials degrade Israel by humiliating the vice-president of the United States?" - Bradley Burston They don't see it as 'degrading' Israel. They see it as showing their constituents that they can humiliate the USA with impunity. "What conceivable advantage is there in the Interior Ministry choosing the occasion of a high-profile visit by Joseph R. Biden, Jr., a mission aimed at soothing strained relations between Israel and the Obama administration. . ." - B.B. I guess Joe didn't fall for the sawed off sofa. "The profit, for the hard right, is political. It mines an emotional vein along a relatively small but potent segment of the Israeli electorate, which holds that to insult Israel's indispensible ally is to assert the Jewish state's independence." - B.B. Yup. Face it Burston, there is no room left in Israel for decent people. You folks just don't matter at all.

"I do support the independence of Israel from USA period. Our "small segment" is growing and by the end of Obama`s 1st term we will succeed in our aim to gain true independence." Solomon, I offer you my very best wishes in this. Israel has been dependent on the USA for far too long, and the USA is starting to ask for too many favors that Israel should not grant. Better to refuse all US money and all US military cooperation. Send the US embassy home. Tell everybody who has dual citizenship that they must choose which country they belong to, and if it is USA then they can never again visit Israel. Stop the trade deals that Israel has allowed which favor USA over competitors for Israeli products. USA is sinking. Don't let Israel get dragged down with them.

We are not happy with peace we need to show the world that we are strong, macho men who do not give a dam about anyone else. So be it we will reap the consequences in the end.

"The US should prepare to recognize Palestine sooner than later" M. L. The US knows what is good for her. I can't imagine any one is waiting for your advice ! I can only imagine that every one expect Israel to tell the truth. And that what Israel did ! One, friend & foe, should thank Israel for doing so ! Blaming Israel for being open with Biden is something not any one with a shred of honesty will not welcome ! Why it makes you so unhappy, I can't understand ! Unless there is more than the eye can see !

Hating Israel by Bradley? All you need to do is read what he writes in the same vein on other websites.I was not surprised to read them for they reflect how he really feels about Israel. Reading the blogsin reply to him:They say who is Bradley with such a name...IS HE A JEW OR?? Therefore,when you sa would Israel be more secure without Bradley? i say yes.But he is not the only one at Haaretz who's all their journalists are the same.he knows the ones,so will desist in mentioning them. last but not least what you said:Biden was not humiliated ! Biden was honored with the truth. And that is what Biden came to Israel for; to hear & see ! If Bradley Burston hates the truth ! That is his own business ! He is living in a country that he doesn`t love. He himself said that before, in one of his always predicted articles !

..By humiliating Biden..the Gov't of Israel humiliated and insulted the Obama Adminstration and indirectly the American people and American Taxpayers.

It does not have any allies for a reason - and if there is a war and no one comes to its rescue they will claim anti-semitism instead of taking a hard look at the type of personality traits that lead to its isolation and arrogance.

Yes, let Israel do what it wants, and I say let Iran, a soverign nation do what it wants too. Israel wants the US to help it with Iran and then pretends to be independent when it comes to the Palestinians. The reality for the Pals is this - the only option is the Iran option - allying yourselves with the US and the Saudis is leading you nowhere - Israel will not make peace unless the threat of destruction is at hand.

To be free from America that hinders our doing business with other countries because the US likes it not. It happened during Bush's tenure. And who runs Israel? Is it the US or our leaders irrespective of their numbers in the Knesset. Since we have the system of PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION it is like it or not our SYSTEM:This is my reply to someone here WHO ASKS:Who is running the country. I just explained.

It is bad enough that they extort every government for goodies to hand out as patronage, but now they are showing how independent they are by a gratuitous slap in the face that serves no purpose. Let's hope the Arabs aren't as stupid as the Jews who came from Arab countries.

If the palestinians wants a real peace and not their last intifatha; not only all pigs will fly but i will eat all my skullcaps, new & old ! Biden was not humiliated ! Biden was honored with the truth. And that is what Biden came to Israel for; to hear & see ! If Bradley Burston hates the truth ! That is his own business ! He is living in a country that he doesn't love. He himself said that before, in one of his always predicted articles !

The vice-president is a nobody in any administration, unless your name happens to be Cheney. Biden was not insulted - he was only shown his true worth to Israel.

Mr B.BURSTON, You said " When Israelis degrade Israel by humiliating Joe Biden". This is not a fact,it is an opinion,it is your opinion and your opinion is may be biased. So the comments call not for a fact but for your opinion.It is just not a fair game . It is rather a trap.

In this latest post of yours you assuming the smiling as a green light id BOGUS. If you think the American Govt is that naive, then you need to ponder somewhat. It all began with Obama's dictating Israel with THE FREEZE.But then the programe was/IS not new.Therefore nothing has changed either way.The buildings had begun quite sometime ago. The fact it is being considered a new subject is preposterous.

officials to Israel for getting INSULTED. Next time call the little PMs/Presdents to USA and give them some DEMOCRATIC lessons.

potobac, it seems your history and perspective are biased against the Jewish people. Jews did not expel any inhabitants. Close to 1 million Jews with roots going back 1000's of years were expelled from Muslim Arab states in 1948. Their wealth and properties were confiscated and they were real refugees. The Arabs that left Israel did so on the promptings of the Arab nations that told them they were going to destroy Israel and the Jews and to clear out. Why do want to treat Israel and Jews different than other peoples. Yes there were many Jewish refugees that came back to the Jewish homeland after the atrocities committed against them in their countries of habitation in Europe and the middle East and Russia.

Good old Joe. The vice president is in Israel to play kissy-face with hosts who are in no mood to pucker up. And for good reason: There's abundant evidence that President Obama is no friend of the Jewish state, and the Israelis must decide whether to believe Joe Biden or their own eyes and ears. This White House puts great store in its ability to make millions believe nine impossible things before breakfast, but the Israelis are a tougher audience than any Mr. Obama faces at home. When your survival is at stake, it's difficult take words, no matter how thick the butter on them, as the equal of action. "What you do speaks so loud," as the saying goes, "I can't hear what you say." The Palestinians are trying to make hay, with the help of compliant Western media, of the announcement that the Israelis have approved construction of 112 new apartments in "an ultra-orthodox" settlement on the West Bank, and the Palestinian complaint that this violates an Israeli undertaking to restrain further development of settlements will complicate the veep's mission, but not by much. The Palestinians will always find a reason to find a fly on the pastrami, and the purpose of the Biden visit is to warn, harshly, Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu to be nice about the West doing nothing about Iran. This from an article says it all.

Imagin how many Latin American, East Europeans, Africans, Asians, countries FRIENSHIPS would we have with such a vast amounts of dough??

just about the USA election cycle.... There are no primaries in 9 months...there's a general election (off-year) in November. Six months before he(Obama) enters the election year--WRONG. Try 2 years..24 -30 months..the summer of 2012 is when sitting presidents stat their campaigns. The Jewish vote is very splinter in the USA now. The Jewsih vote may effect only one or two states like New Jersey... Jewish money doesn't play that big of a role any longer.. Israel has friends in the Republican party--Bush receive confirmation about the "two-state solution" and the"road-map." It was under Republicans that Olmert and Livni came to Annapolis to discuss the Arab Peace Proposal.. Don't talk eronously about OUR political process...fix your own..

Purely not only dramatic but as you so well said:With their attitude of amateurism and ineptitude, the Obama administration is both preventing Israel from acting in its national interest AND doesn`t impose significant sanctions on the Iranian regime. The US is frightened and are putting the onus on Israel in an underhand way to do their job for them. They are no friends and forget Iran's proxies who are the ones Biden should think and stop badgering Israel.We are fighting for our very lives and here comes another visitor among others,uttering their usual nonsense. The rest of what you wrote is something the likes of all the American Govt to take into account and stop acting the innocent BYSTANDERS. The rhetoric goes on and here comes Bradley accusing Israel of humiliating Biden. More like Biden,Mitchell,through Obama who is humiliating ISRAEL.

Binyamin Netanyahu? Aigdor Leiberman? Ehud Barak?, or the last commer Eli YshAI? Frankly, our Politicians are all loosing a grip on real stuation. If we can humiliating our friends in our own country as this. Would we ever have good friends again. I doubt it.

"small but potent segment of the Israeli electorate" I am not a supporter of Kahane and I voted kadima when Sharon run for PM's office. But I do support the independence of Israel from USA period. Our "small segment" is growing and by the end of Obama's 1st term we will succeed in our aim to gain true independence.

you guys should not focus only on Haaretz and Jerusalem Post, the NY Times and the Washington Post! It wont hurt anybody, nor be too stupid to check out afew of those as well : Le Figaro, France Soir, Le Monde, Liberation, Il Corriere della Sera, Frankfurter Allgemeine, La Stampa, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Il Nazionale, La Republica, Die Welt, TAZ, BBC Times, Independent and many others. I'm just saying this because the world is not as tiny as some might think! Israel needs to be informed about all the newspapers i mentioned above! Israelis need to have that information! Biden/Bibi/Abbas , lets have a closer read! peace out!

This gov of israel never stop saying 'Jerusalem is the eternal capital of israel'. I was watching when nethanyahu was standing next to Brown the pm of uk and nethanyahu said it publicly & without playing with words; jerusalem is not an issue for discussions ! Joe Biden was supposed to know the truth ! Hiding the truth from him could only be humiliating & more serious ! Those who don't like one telling the truth can't be satisfied !

he did not have to wait for the next Plane as HIS was on the Tarmac, ready to head for USA at any time.. WE, the US taxpayers get insulted from far away and NOW OUR VP getting a bloody nose . How long would WE, the Americns, can accept such HUMILIATIONS at the tune of $10 BILLIONS a year given away to ......

I have been supportive of Israel and also of a peace process but as of late Israel is acting like a bad boy with all its allies and it is starting to annoy everyone even the pro Israelis. What's going on in the mind of the Israeli politicians. The Dubai gate, the never ending settlements head aches! The world is having enough of all of this. I have many Israeli friends and they are against settelments. All of the problem Isreal is facing internally and externally is because of these settlement issues. I have the feeling that until the new generation gets to the power things won't improve. And guess who's going to lose? Well the Israelis. Leaving in a constant fear in your own country and abroad and being the in the headlines all the times is not a position any of us (non Israelis) would like to be.

are rolling on the floor laughing at this. just sad!

To tell Israel--a sovereign country what it should do or not. If Bradley thinks he has been humiliated my REPLY TO HIM THUS: IT IS ISRAEL THAT HAS BEEN HUMILIATED not Biden. Let him go away and ponder about what he uttered. Israel is NOT THE 51st American state. Now he will go CAP in hand,even BOW DOWN AS LOW as Obama has done to kiss the feet of the saudi dictator and beg for the viscus OIL Humiliated indeed...more of a load of COD'S WALLOP

CJ informs us that the United States has accepted the partition and therefore Israel pre 48 war borders. But what about post 48 borders? Not recognized? What about the 242? Kidding me. Now I must assume that America voted to bring back israel to the partition borders,but we did not know that? Devolution of territories and secured recognized borders referred then to the partition borders. Welllllll CJ. Thanks for informing us. Thanks for informing the americans as well, becuase it seems that they were hardly aware of it. Thanks for informing the palestiniasn that seems that do not demand that either. Since Oslo they accpeted the 242 as the basis for negotiations, and that is about 67 borders so far. However, I think that it sounds more realistic to saa that the future borders will be the 67 plus, rather than 67 minus. The partition is dead. Pals did not accept it.

It may well be that the force is saying that Jews are entitled to the same treatment as everyone else - no better, no worse - and that the concept a group has the right to move to a place (expelling and subjugating the locals) because their ancestors lived there is totally invalid.

degrade, humiliate, summons, etc?

IT IS IN YOUR BOOK. Return what you stole and thou "maybe" shall be forgiven. If it is not for our tax money you will not exist. Behave spoiled child. You are making your dad (USA) look bad too. Insulting our vise president is OFF LIMIT and a red line you can't cross. I am a republican but when it comes to insulting USA, I am an American FIRST. Shame on this government and on all of you siding with this 3rd world government.

communicate the foundation of the state. it is quite clear in every treaty that the jewish state and its territories were to include all the peoples in the state . this attempt to invent a limit which the ozzie mafia keeps attemptimg will not wash !!

Great piece...but wait! Couldn't this just be a coincidence? How do we know Israel just forgot what week it was and who was coming? I bet it is just a big misunderstanding and we'll all have a good laugh about this real soon! Vegas

You speak of the impossibility of there being peace in the ME without a serious blow to Iran. Might that be revised to saying there can be no peace in which Israel is dominant (which is not the same thing to the rest of the world)?

Instead of always being Johnny One NOte, why don't you get over your fixation on San Remo and discuss the real world today?

With their attitude of amateurism and ineptitude, the Obama administration is both preventing Israel from acting in its national interest AND doesn't impose significant sanctions on the Iranian regime.In other words, the US is asking Israel to become a lame duck, just waiting to be nuked by the Iranians or their proxies.In view of that, Israel couldn't care less about Biden's praise, since the existence of Israel is on the line.You don't create stability in the Middle East, by praising Israel, but by fighting arab and muslim extremism.The time has come for Israel to stop making one-sided concessions to the pals, especially since the pals have decided to name one of the squares in Ramallah after a female suicide bomber that massacred 35 Israelis.Right now, there IS NO peace partner on the palestinian side.The question is: are you smart enough to realise this, or are you just bashing Israel for the fun of it?

It is a sign of your weak intellect that you find it impossible to speak to the substance of another person's post, and can only resort to insult and ethnic bigotry.

Sometimes Israelis just cannot hold themselves back from doing the most monumentally stupid things both on the right & left of the political spectrum. The US is our key ally so why slap them in the face? Why give them reason to withdraw support & pressure Israel into an unfavourable starting point for negotiations? Yes Israel is an independent state but it is a small one and needs all the big friends it can get.

They just act like Spoiled children !

Sorry... Bradley Burston, it's not the powerful pro-settler bureaucracy. Nor is it the mercurial style of the Defense Minister. Matter in fact... no cares, if all this was pure happenstance. The stigma and the strain that this will cause within US policy circles... is gonna be very difficult to live down. This actually crystalizes... in a very coincidental way, how unworthy and unreliable the Netanyahu administration really is.

The idea that the US governenment should be ousted just because it displeases Israeli far rightwingers is preposterous. It is this kind of attitude that undermines Israel's image in the USA. Don't expect the USA to keep supporting Israel if you're spitting in the face of their officials.

There have been no peace talks as a result of yet another great and discriminatory concession made by Israel. A building freeze against Jews in the Land of Israel. Making Gaza Jew-free did not help peace, destroyed the lifework of 10,000 Jews, helped delegitimize Jewish existence in Israel, and damaged the security of the Jewish people. The immoral discrimination of the freeze has also hurt the Jewish claim to its homeland. Those embarassed by Jews building homes in Israel seek to delegitimize Jewish claims to her very ancient homeland and to undermine the rights of the one Jewish State called Israel.

One side of the equation is fighting, delegitimizing Jewish construction to make a huge chunk of Israel Jew-free or Judenrein. A strong argument can be made that it is same force that has underlied the Third Reich, the Inquisition, the Pogroms, the expulsion of close to 1 million Jews in 1948 from the Arab-Muslim states. The other force is is fighting for a JEW to be FREE and safe to live in Israel, the dream of the Jewish people since the Romans destroyed Israel, expelled Jews and renamed it Palestine almost 2000 years ago. Good v. Evil can be very confusing in the modern world.

"It was already in the pipeline." Yeah, right. They HAD to announce this during Biden's visit. Can a government be any more stupid. Yishai, Danny Ayalon, Lieberman... they're all a bunch of idiots. It's a shame that Israel elected such a government at a time when the country is under so many threats.

Mr. Burston: This U.S. administration is not only the most anti-Israeli one in my lifetime - 66 years - but also the most anti-American. Everything possible should be done to bring about its downfall as soon as possible. You are humiliating the Jewish State and the Jewish People, not our government.

Flying too close to the sun? Do you honestly think that what the US did to Israel in 1956 can't happen again? Short-term gain for Likud, potential long-term pain for Israel. Smarten up.

When the Obama impeachment is under way no need to stress until his end of term, a shame of term.

Israel seems to making a lot of mistakes at the moment.

I can see it as good timing to lower the world's expectations. The message is clear - do not expect more than usually.

Israel didn't just humiliate Joe Biden Israel shafted Joe Biden without using ky jelly. I wouldn't be surprised if there is major fallout when Joe Biden gets back to Washington. One thing I know about American Politicians is that they have huge egos, Netanyahu is going to hear the news, possibly financial, more likely a clear and unequivocable statement defining Israels borders are to be the 1967 greenline. Probably throught the media, because netanyahu won't be going to the White House anytime soon.

How can one be stupid enough to humiliate the only country left in the world that has the power and desire to help Israel?

Sorry to inform you. I am not a russian. But I have no intention to tell you where I am from. I have noticed, that normally you do not have as an answer anything else than insults.

vh: "#20 cj and forgetting san remo and us a american anglo convention 1925" How does either grant any "rights" to the sovereign state of Israel to claim territory that was specifically EXCLUDED from the territorial extant of that state when it was founded? I'm serious, victor: show me ANYTHING in either sanremo or the Anglo-American Convention that granted sovereignty over Jerusalem to ANYBODY. I'll wait....

It was a stupid mistake and those who made it should be reprimanded, and perhaps even worse. Mr.Burston however needs to see some insidious intention here.Can't he understand that we are just stupid sometimes?

It was no coincidence that this announcement came right now.We have to understand that the US have clearly broken their promise to Israel, by letting Iran off the hook.Bibi understands that, without stopping Iran, no peace in the Middle East will be possible.If the lefties, who regularly bash Israel, will think for a second, they would understand that no peace in the ME is possible without dealing Iran a serious blow, Otherwise, they will continue and support their proxies, Syria, hamas and hizbollah.Bibi, and rightfully so, sent a clear message to the US: start keeping your promises, or this whole region will erupt in a general war, caused by Iran and its proxies.

by the way they treat the Palestinians.

They are all extremists one way ort another. There are the right-wing chaquvinists who always chant, "my country, right or wrong. No, always right." There are the left-wing loonies who don't see realities because they are blinded by their ideoilogies. An there are the anit-"Zionists".

East Jerusalem is in another country.

When Al Quaeda stop quoting USA support Israeli violations of Arab human rights as justifications for atrocities such as 9/11. When American money stops funding the huge arsenal of the Israeli military that powers such atrocities and when America stops using its veto in the UN top protect Israel from justice under UN international law, then it will be none of the USA's business. Then Israel can deal with the more extremist elements of the Arab world on its own.

having to hear that a Jewish family builds home in Ierushalaim... Something is disturbingly wrong with this man, his country, and the world permitting such a travesty. What is really happening is my country is deeply troubled by economic, social, and psychological distress over so many things changing, and many of those rapidly changing to worse from what was already not so good. Look to economy, look at Twin Towers, look in the eyes of our 16 year olds who know that some of them will soon be going to Kabul... When we had good time, we shared. Now... I feel sorry Mr. Biden brought scandal to Israel instead of measured and carefully considered input of a friend. One thing is for sure, of all the people who would come to Israel today Joe Biden was the most open and enlightened and full of love to Israel. It's hard to think where things will go from here. Not intellectually... As for Mr. Burston... what did you plan, meshugene? Sterilize those without home?

american anglo convention 1925 both extant under vienna convention on treaties 1968 !

... what Israel does in its own sovreign territory. It would be like complaining about a building approval in Tel Aviv or Beer-Sheva. Or Israel complaining about a building approval in Chicago. The announcement by Biden *and* Obama is nothing less than chutzpa, with the US expecting Israel to kow-tow to their party line. They would never expect that from any other ally.

,now called Kaliningrad ? Or have you not built anything there since 1945 ?

Colin is too generous - our polticians and bureaucrats are more stupid than mad; but the result will be the same and Israel will bring about it's own demise through its stupidity.

Why would any state insult it's best friend in the way Israel has Joe Biden? If Biden ever thought Israel wanted peace rather than expansion through settlement, establishing "facts on the ground" he must be thoroughly disabused of that notion by now.

..does Israel really believe this can go on forever?

Instead of showing respect, Israel shoots itself in the foot. Well done.

We are all waiting for Obama to react.

Is it a good timing to announce the building the new settlements just couple of hours before the visit? Actually it is...At least all the news around the world notice the visit of high ranking politician to Israel. Now millions of people are able to watch and listen how Israel humiliate US, its biggest supporter until now. Otherwise the the announcement of the new setllements had not had so much attention.

As a U.S. citizen, I am and my country is insulted by Israel humiliating my vice-president and shutting off my president of whether I voted for him or not. Israel would have not existed without the support of U.S.A. Israel by insulting its best friend the U.S.A. in front of the whole World, Israel shows it is not trustworthy and is capable of crime against its enemy and humanity when it comes to its expanding.

this is how it should e seen by the american governement !if you don't take the right measures against Iran we will not move an inch and ive you the opportunity to advance the peace process ! the israeli is right we should link both of the subject !why giving territories that will become hamastan in one or two years with an iranian influence at the gate of israel !we should be given something in exchange as an agreement with the PA is not a guarantee of peace !!

With the grace of a drunk elephant, Israel welcomes the Vice President of the USA. A man that praised Israel from the moment he came, up untill he got spat in his face, Israelis playing a dangerous game.

Barack "The One" promised severe sanctions against Iran if Israel refrained from a preemptive attack. Israel did so - and what happened? Exactly nothing. So what does this buffoon expect?

Isn't this just being honest (doogri)? Although, I don't condone settlements, I admire Israel's ability to pursue what it believes to be its interests without consideration of anyone else. It believes that America will just stand by and do nothing (maybe mumble a few words of "condemnation"), and, on this account, Israel is 100% right. After all, perhaps after this show, maybe the US will get the message, shut up, learn its place, stop wasting everyone's and just keep the aid and the UN vetoes coming. Our politicians prefer handouts from lobbies rather than standing up for US interests. Now, if we only pursued our national interests with the same vigor that Israel pursues what it believes to be its national interests, the US and the Middle East would look a lot different. Wouldn't you say?

"I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units, The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now." Joe Biden Well he isn't to happy.

That is the answer to your question. These are hybrids of arrogance and narrow mindedness that believe they do not need to be accountable to anyone. They have calculated that the status quo is better than status post. They know that more than ever the IDF has settler born soldiers within its ranks, that government survival depends on orthodox Jewish parties, that the occupation is an industry with enormous self interests that must be preserved. They want only a pretence of talks. They rejoice at the divisions within the Palestinian polity to which they have contributed. They understand only tomorrow, but not the day after. They are masters of short termism. They offer none of us a real future, just one more day of them swinging their lead about. Wait, and they'll be calling Biden an anti-Semite and an enemy of Israel.

Basically you suggest tiny Israel should teach a lesson in humility to the biggest power in the world, whose money enables Israel to keep going? Does not seem like a great idea to me.

quote the mentor of Bambi and yourself ,Reverend Wright : "God damn America!!!" Satified ?

Maybe the U.S. could "fine" Israel l billion dollars for every home they build on the illegal settlements. Israel's treatment of Biden is disgusting!

for the behaviour of the Israeli actions... It is not only to condemn something which is against the international law...It is not to hate what they are doing . The most appropriate word to describe the feelings of the people around the world, is to DESPICE...

Israel is a tiny little country that is little more than a parasite on the US. It is small and insignificant to the US. It gets support from the US government only because of the ceaseless propaganda operatives in AIPAC and large campaign donors. It's a sham and a scam. Israel demeans the Palestinians, not the US with its military occupation which I can guarantee you Israel will never give up at any price. The plan is to marginalize the Palestinians into non-entities, little more significant than grazing cattle in a large fenced in pasture. Don't worry about the US, the US has a lot more to worry about than tiny irrelevant, arrogant, hypocritical Israel and it's steal land in the name of democracy existence.

It all depends if it is a puddle, vast ocean, muddy or clear and free flowing? Dreaming of water and the ability to interpret the same is the measure of spiritual awareness - something you can see but cannot convince others of. On a more practical level, Palestinian people can the water - the ocean off Gaza's Shoreline, but political Zionists won't allow them to fish for food in that water. Cheers.

The right-wing settler mob that is running Israel these days, is IMHO asking for some big troubles. IMHO its about time for crippling UN sanctions that will include a.o. a total naval blockade of Israel. A better signal: Obama should invite both Ahmadinejad and Assad for a joint meeting at the White House. Or giving a joint American-European support to a Palestinian State within the 1929 borders. Israel must be stopped.

Its good to see that Israeli government appreciates the tireless efforts of the American Jewry who have kept american policy aligned with Israel. Keep this craziness up and you will find out that American Jews will not blindly support Israel at the expense of the country that has done more Jews than Israel has managed to. We love Israel but only to a point, show some due and hard earned respect to American Jews and our country the USA.

Well, we have had a number of missteps from the present incompetent government to date. However, this one really tops them all so far! For Israelis who love their country this government is creating an image in the world of Israel & Israelis that is embarrassing!

What chutzpah, i bet loads of Israelis are loving the cheekiness, just like the cheeky murder in Dubai using British passports

Biden ran for President of the USA on a platform of forcefully partitioning Iraq by religious and ethnic geo-political boundaries. His visit, along with the announcement that Israel will be negotiating with George Mitchell rather than Abbas is the first step down the frog-marched path of surrender to Obama's final solution for Israel.

is not in the freeze.Did I miss something? Of course it would be better and more normal if Israel did not make announcements at every stage of building approvals. I don't remember reading everytime a building permit is issued in another country.

....this governement. No better chance for them to see Israel (and with that the Jewish religion) destroying its reputation around the world, even among the most befriended nations. Oh my Goodness, they must be chuckling today !!

Nobody cares about what Biden thinks, and that especially includes Obama. Biden is a typical US Vice President in that he is has no influence on anybody. Dick Cheney was the big exception in that he was a VP who actually had influence over policy, particularly in going after terrorists where they lived and getting rid of that monster Sadaam. Compared to Cheney, Biden is just a little kid trying to throw his weight around without having any.

Burston is right on the money with this one. Israel will constantly trip over its feet diplomatically because it's trying to be all things to all people - a peacemaker to the international community and a no-holds-barred settlement builder at home. Israel has had it both ways for a long time - particularly during the appalling violence of the intifada when security trumped all other concerns. But now time is running out.

And he should bring the Ambassador and Mitchell. This current Israeli government is worthless. Let 'em stew on Iran, too. . . . and the horse they rode in on.

The way I see it, American politicians are sadomasochists when it comes to the relationship they have with Israel. It's always been the case regardless of who is or was in power or who was the secretary of state - visits by American officials must always be an exercise of one humiliating act after another - from yarmulke wearing rituals to wall banging sessions to of course, the announcement of more Jewish settlements in land that the entire world views as illegally occupied territory. Americans politicians grovel before Jewish power - and I watched Biden today give a interview and his submissiveness,groveling and boot licking gestures and words towards Israel was enough to make one reach for the vomit bag. I think former SOS General Colin Powell and Baker were the only ones who weren't a fan of this humiliating exercise of arriving in Tel-Aviv to only be met with announcement of more settlements. Biden will take it like a good boy.

in a 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. The Act of Independence will become effective at one minute after six o?clock on the evening of 14 May 1948, Washington time.// US recognition was for an Israel, within frontiers approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its Resolution of November 29, 1947. Not one inch more, or less.

`Those whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad.` Keep it up, guys. I, for one, am applauding all the way.' And I'm watching the farce too. A wise old friend many years ago once said: Never trust your children or your dog. They are sure to embarrass you when you least expect it. One could add Israel to the list. Only difference: one is duty-bound to love one's children and one's dog.

you want to say: let jews suppress palestinian people and drive them from their home land !. At the same time i would like to ask the american patriots to let israelis go their way alone without any financial and military help.Only then this artificial state will recognize its volume !!!

... we know what happened to Rabin a short time after he was depicted with a kaffiye...

... so they took that as a green light to-do-what-they-like in Palestine or anywhere else... maybe they even sought to be applauded by him...

How much evidence do we need that Israel has no intention of making peace. I support a one-state solution now, with equal rights for all citizens.

And why aren't you worried about degrading Palestine for far worse offenses? Because Biden will say it's raining when Abba pees on his leg.

Alert: Obama is NOT the president of Israel. Biden should be back home in the USA taking care of things there. Let the Jewish people build homes on their land. Stop making Jews refugees in their own lands.

Biden is a fool. How come Obama didn?t go himself? Maybe he was at a basketball game? Obama knows this is an important issue. This Issue will affect his future. Obama needs to stand up for Israel. War is around the corner. The G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel will not be mock. However the Torah is clear about the land,which I accept. And many Christians believe this ?topic? will usher in the anti-Christ and 666 will come and soon afterwards the great battle and end of the world. (a crazy world view) For Obama to survive he must accept this or he is on the side of darkness. Hashem gave the land to Abraham. Plus the P.M. of Israel is a nice guy like G. W. Bush

"Groveling to the Colonial Master"? USA heartily endorsed the UN creation of Israel in 1948, and Israel has been our good friend ever since. But she would be described more aptly as the World's Colony. There are some primitive regimes who refer to US and Israel as the Big and Little Satan. One would hope Mr. Burston does not subscribe to such images to inform his writings.

Joe Biden is a bombastic politician centered on only one thing: Joe Biden. Sending this doofus to Israel is an insult to the State of Israel, all its citizens, and every Jewish person is the world. But, what can you expect from Barak Hussein Obama: The Doofus in Chief.

That seems a rational explaination for some of the more bizarre statements and actions of Israeli politicians vis-a-vis the US. However there seems to be a growing risk that the US may wish to assert it's own independance by, for instance, failing to veto some critical UN resolution on Israel.

For the international community to take the lead on this issue. It's become glaringly apparent that there's no end in sight as long as the peace broker completely acquiescent to Israel because of internal politics fueled by Evangelicals and an extremely powerful Israeli lobby. It's time for some of America's European friends to step to the forefront and forget about bowing American wishes on Middle-East conflict.

The correct answer is that the Government of Israel, like Sharon, believe they own the american government. I'm pretty sure the rest of the world agrees.

Actually the US has brought this on it self, It has protected Israel at the UN, subsidized it's occupation, it any wonder this spoiled child acts this way. In the circus of world politics, the US is like an elephant and Israel is the little child commanding it to do one trick after another.The US is Giant among world nations but it is a midget in front of Israel.

"Screw you, we own your congress". They were pulling the same crap every time Condoleeza Rice visited Israel during the last year or so of the Bush administration. They know that as long as they pull the strings in congress, there's virtually nothing of substance that the Obama administration can do about it.

I can see many things. Some things make sense and some things don't. I can deal with all the Anti-Semites and Anti-Zionists. But when Jews do things that seem completely assinine to me, I'm at a complete loss. It's like I can see the water and tell the other Jews, "There it is!" But they won't listen to me and you either Brad!

'Those whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad.' Keep it up, guys. I, for one, am applauding all the way.

Why is it that the Right wing individuals are determined to sabotage any chance of there being peace with the PALS. The bad press that Israel receives today is directly linked to actions such as these. More importantly, who in Israel is standing up to the Right? A very demoralizing situation for all Israelis.

If the posts that I usually read on this site are any indication of the general mood of Israelis, then there is more than a "small but potent" segment of the Israeli people. This slap at Biden is indicative of the hubris of Israel today. Such slaps indicate: that Israelis are not grateful in the least for previous aid/cover by the US and that Israel should now be cut off from further aid/cover by the US. Israelis deserve what is coming to them.

Joe Biden but even the president is Israel's birth right.Americans have to be told who the master is. And that also frequently

Israel is supposed to be welcoming one of its allies, but they insult us by treating our VP as if we he were a token player in a kabuki dance. Totally disrespectful. I don't even like the Obama administration, but this was obviously calculated. And after all we have been through as allies. Learn diplomatic protocol, Netanyahu, you ingrate.

Bibi has started no new projects and given no new permits for new projects. This project was started three years ago and once again the leftist media pounds bibi and kadima shows their hypocrisy when it was started under them. This was a low level procedural move that was started under kadima and yet bibi gets the blame. Unreal

An blatant insult to our Vice President is an insult to all Americans. It's way past time to kill economic and military aid to Israel. You are no ally of ours. - or as they say - with friends like you - who needs enemies!

The message was clear and unambiguous. This current government has no desire for US assistance or peace. Unless Netanyahu overrides this, Biden should come home and so should Mitchell. The US should prepare to recognize Palestine sooner than later. And the recognition should be on our terms, not the current Israeli government's. Netanyahu has once again proved to be THE OBSTACLE to peace.

Israel is sending a message to the United States and the international community: Israel will continue to colonize the West Bank and East Jerusalem - and do pretty much whatever the hell else it wants - and nothing is going to stop them.

What a pathetic notion! No country in the world would let anyone dictate when she can build in its own capital. Aside from this, US Congress in 1995 passed a resolution requiring to move US embassy into Jerusalem. Not insisting on fulfilment of this resolution and accepting embassies anywhere not in the capital *does* indeed degrades Israel.

Announcing the building of new homes in Jerusalem this time is not an insult to Biden,it is merely being open and honest and not going behind his back.It would have been worse to declare that after Biden leaves Israel,that would have been a stab in the back .That kind of old style European hypocritical nice in your face ,but stab you in the back politics (which is still followed by the left)is now defunct.There is now a new kind of direct,business like ,open politics.It seems like Mr Burston has not noticed that the world is changing because of the tremendous spread of information.We do not need hypocricy any more.The left has got to come clean and tell us precisely what they are about.