Obama's charm isn't enough to convince a skeptical Israeli public

There is no logic in this article. Giving back what you have illegally stolen can not be treated as a voluntary concession. This is the mistake in logic that the Israelis make and which can not be taken seriously. When you abuse the population you are occupying and then make it a crime to protest that crime peacefully, you are setting new standards in obscenity. A country built on this corrupt framework will surely fail sooner or later.

the settlement project - it is illegal, immoral, and is destroying Israel.

So be it. Maintaining and continuing the Occupation will win you no friends and isolate you further and make you more enemies on a daily basis than you currently have. When you eventually lose your jewish state do not whinge or whine...do not hold your hand out either. You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.

1) Israel will be protected from incursions by other states, but, 2) The US will no longer enable the settlements, and has pulled out of protecting Israel from the consequences of colonialism with the world community. Watch for a sea change in US policy.

It is patently clear that the only thing Obama can do to win over a sceptical Israeli government and public is to go to war against every perceived enemy of Israel and to keep bailing them out finacially.

Right on target!

'Israelis remain unconvinced that making major concessions will buy any real closure to the Arab-Israeli conflict' I don't think Israelis want any closure to the 'Arab-Israeli conflict.' In fact, I'm unconvinced Israel could survive without it.

take exception with your disrespectful characterization of the US Military. While you may invoke what ever arguments you want generate fear among the people of Israel, I would remind you that not only does the US spend ten times more that the next ten largest countries spend combined, on our military but we are also battle hardened, we have been tested, and our generation answered the call of our nation and we will continue to do so. We are more than capable to defend American interest in any place at any time our nation calls . Any person who's reasonably informed about issues of the world knows that this is so.

foreign states think of them. Unless you are a US taxpayer. Are you?

Charm has nothing to do with a real reality.

Cutting out the bloat is an example of "hollowing out" the US military? Remind me again how many aircraft carriers and F15/F16's the US will have after this "hollowing out" process has run its course...

No the opinion of the americans Jewish

"Obama must steel himself to prodding the Arab side" ... Seriously ? How is it possible for the US to support Israel anymore than it does ? And honestly, the ONLY reason why US politicians support Israel is because there are a bunch of religous lunatics here who believe that Israel has something to do with them going to heaven, and they vote. Truth is that most "practical" US politicians understand , but can't say it in public, that Israel is a strategic liability. Israel has very little strategic importance after the cold war and zero natural resources and the US now has plenty of client states in the region who do. The days of US subsidies are coming to a close. Israel will have to make peace, one way or another. Or be swallowed by the "womb of the Arab woman".

american military will not have to ride to the rescue - they will be there alongside their ally from day one if anyone is stupid enough to attack israel

Very special ! Thanks from Obama !

When will Israel honour its signed ROAD MAP agreement as Netanyahu said it would. When will Israel dismantle settlements and freeze growth as it agreed to. When will Israel abide by International Law and withdraw behind it Sovereign borders defined by the Partition Plan that it agreed to, When will it withdraw from Territories Occupied. When will it understand that defying law only draws boysotts and rocketfire and no American President can help you no matter how many billions he throws in your bank. The overwhelming odds are against Israel maintaining its criminal actions.

Don't overestimate the Goodwill of Mr.Obama .and others. Both have to convince themselfes they built their future in peace or destruction by themselves !.

Obama is our president and he doesn't have to convince your arrogant ass about anything. Yes the days of us writing Israel blank checks is over. Yes the days of us backing your every move with American wealth and might is over. Of what possible use is Israel to the American public? Obama is not being vetted, Israel is. Unless you want to face the world alone without your benevolent big brother, shut your arrogant mouths.

Given the opinions Amiel Ungar has expressed in the past I doubt anything would convince him to change his mind about the desirability or posssibility of a peaceful solution of the dispute with the Palestinians.