ANALYSIS / Netanyahu senses Obama's weakness on Jerusalem

America did not support the establishment of a Jewish state or an Armenian state because of their holocausts. To invoke the holocaust to justify past and future American support for Israel is shameless. What is the morality of Americas support to occupy and oppress the Palestinians? America is honoring a moral obligation in assisting in the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes? Any support for Israel should be justified based on what that support is used for and who it is used against. Our moral obligation to those who are oppressed and displaced from their lands. Not to those who would oppress and displace people from their homes. What Germany did over 60 to Jews, Gypsies, Slavs and other non Aryans has no bearing on America?s moral obligations. That is a crime that they should atone for, not America. The Jewish holocaust cannot be used as justification for preventing a Palestinian state. Just as the holocaust cannot be used to manipulate American support for Israel, neither can 9/11. Neither have anything to do with the other. Hamas and Hezbollah are not our enemies, they are yours. Al Qaeda cares little about Israel. Their target is largely the Muslim world and the western (Christian worlds), primarily America. We do not have common enemies. Allow American who are only concerned about America to be concerned with American moral obligations. I suggest that yopu concern yourself with Israel?s moral obligations.

Why should the US not stop spending another #3 Bil on Israel~? Because there are those for whom America`s morality is more important than it is for you. Those who know what Pres Eisenhower saw at the Nazi concentration camps. ~. And those who know that without America`s help, Israel would be exterminated to the last woman and child by those who could do such monstrosity as 9/11!- S # 51 I just finished Truman?s biography. Truman?s recognition of Israel was not based on morality or the holocaust in Germany. It was based on a sense of what was right and to a greater extent on the influence his Jewish friend, Eddie Jacobson. Truman also noted the attempted pressure of the Jewish lobby which apparently he ignored. Ultimately, it was Jacobson who carried the day for Israel. You will not find any two presidents who would be more concerned for American morality and personal integrity than Truman and Eisenhower. However, Truman and Eisenhower insisted on America remaining neutral and refused to allow arms sales to Israel. The holocaust did not influence their decisions. The embargo of American arms sales to Israel, which did not end until Kennedy allowed limited sales of defensive weapons in 1962. Neither they, or other American leaders, Generals Marshall, Bradley, sec of states, Byrnes, Acheson, Dulles, etc, considered Israel a strategic geopolitical country or vital to Americas interests as other countries in the middle east. The strategic geopolitical reality has not changed since then. Only the degree of political manipulation of the Israeli lobby on the American political system has changed. Israel, as it demonstrated in 1967 was able to defend itself without significant American aid. But it was only after 1967 that significant American military aid, about 100 million in 19667 to 2.5 billion a year a decade later. If America had maintained it neutrality it is unlikely that Israel would have, or could have annexed the conquered territories. The American military and economic aid has enabled Israel to abandon self defense and become a conqueror and oppressor of other people. The military aid is well beyond what is necessary for self defense and is now used for aggression, oppression and expansion. If America withdrew its aid Israel would be forced to pursue a political solution to its problems rather than attempting a military solution. In this context American aid has also perverted Israel?s political system.

My friend, you failed to address the major point of my posting, which is: Why does America need Israel? The gifting of $3 billion in military aid through FMF program to Israel does help with US job creation but the same if not larger impact to job creation would be direct contracting from the pentagon to US defense contractors. My friend, you went way off message about morality...events of 70 years ago (concentration camps) have little or no bearing on current day geo-politics of the middle east.

"your inability to accept opinions different from yours is indicative of a lack of tolerance." Cipora, I never said you dont have the right to express a view, i only suggested that you see one side of a coin & are in denial of the other.Please find me a 'historical record' (i mean substansive evidence) where an Arab leader literally said lets throw the Jews into the sea.Either way, I DO NOT deny that some people/groups exist & act upon that, & it is a shame that those ppl exist & certainly it is not to be condoned but condemned.I want to clarify that point.But you see thats where my problem is & why I put that post.I have shown the capacity to express that what Arab leaders are to be condemned, but also for what Israel does & is doing!You can dress it up whatever way you like, but what this occupation is & all the aspects of daily lives of Palestinians is a result of Israel's not 'call' for destruction but actual destruction & denial of basic human rights.THAT is a fact not opinion

the 'automatically rightous' comment was sarcasm by the way ofcourse that would be an absurd claim. and again, i did not 'deny' you the right to criticize, i simply stated my own interpretation of your subjectiveness. and ofcourse i know you're not refering to the whole country but only head of state. It's just hypocritical to claim that a country is democratic when they are only democratic to their own people but they act differently overseas. I mean all US Presidents since WW2 have formed good relations with tyrants and emperors while attacking others. why? because its based on who is going to be a complacent/client regime which will be strategically beneficial for the US. So they liked Saddam back then and Suharto....etc but they attack Castro and Saddam later and others who defy their orders. Thats not good 'democracy promotion' is it? Thats old news Cipora and you probably know that. but thats a whole other tree to be barking up at.

Cipora, I never said you dont have the right to express a view, i only suggested that you see one side of a coin & are in denial of the other. Please find me a 'historical record' (i mean substansive evidence) where an Arab leader literally said lets throw the Jews into the sea. Either way, I DO NOT deny that some people/groups exist & act upon that, & it is a shame that those ppl exist & certainly it is not to be condoned but condemned. I want to clarify that point. But you see thats where my problem is & why I put that post. I have shown the capacity to express that what Arab leaders are to be condemned, but also for what Israel does & is doing! You can dress it up whatever way you like, but what this occupation is & all the aspects of daily lives of Palestinians is a result of Israel's not 'call' for destruction but actual destruction & denial of basic human rights. THAT is a fact not an opinion

...Why should the US not stop spending another #3 Bil on Israel, when it could "easily" be spending it to stimulate jobs...? Because there are those for whom America's morality is more important than it is for you. Those who know what Pres Eisenhower saw at the Nazi concentration camps. Those who understand that the truth of the present situation is complex and CERTAINLY not favoring one side or another. Those who know that the Arab side has been the more aggressive one from the very beginning until today, and continuing, and that Israel's side has overcompensated with the offshot of grotesque settlements. And those who know that without America's help, Israel would be exterminated to the last woman and child by those who could do such monstrosity as 9/11!

It is so refreshing, in this day and age of weak leaders and weak men generally, to see a leader of a country take the lead and show strength and comittment towards his fellow men. Netanyahu is one of the few men in the world today who does not bow down to his enemies for the sake of polical correctness, which will only result in suicide and seen as weakness by his enemies. By contrast Obama is a weak leader, as seen and reported my many! Why should Isreal trust such a man ?? They have nothing in common and Obama is as dangerous as any of Isreal's enemies. Beware the wolf in sheeps clothing!! Go Netanyahu...

there are no countries which are "automatically rightous." it is very revealing that you should make this claim while denying me the right to ctriticise the american president. your implied assertion that criticism of this president and his administration is a fortiori a criticism of the united states shows a lack of understanding of the workings of democracy. in a democracy, the head of state is not the state. nor is it acceptable for a democratic head of state to "bow deep to foreign kings and emperors."

there is no power on earth that could "indoctrinate" me. your inability to accept opinions different from yours is indicative of a lack of tolerance. if the "palestinians had the upper hand and controlled gilo...." as i had pointed out, the egyptians when they did control gilo, did bomb the low lying jewish parts of jerusalem. the arabs did declare in 1948 and again in 1967 that their aim was to push the jews into the sea. there are many historical records so proving. hamas, hezbollah and iran still openly call for the destruction of the jewish state. this is just a fact.

One, Israel is violating international law when it is building settlements. During WWII, certain countries violated international law. We let them do so. We said never again, but, now, we see an Israel trying to hide behind the race card and demolishing the homes of Arabs in East Jerusalem and violating international law. They are saying that it's prejudiced not to let Jews build in East Jerusalem. These are Israeli Jews who are using the might of their military to build there. It's not by the consent of the occupied. Thus, they are violating international law. Are Arabs allowed to build in West Jerusalem? Even Arab Israelis can barely build as Israeli citizens in Israel proper. The government of Israel is clearly an apartheid regime. Imagine the whites of South Africa saying people are anti-white for calling them on their segregationist policies. Israel needs to wake up to its ugly violations of human rights.

If you wanna wrestle with the bull, expect to get the horns.

The Israeli arrogance towards Obama and American Jews who do not agree with Netanyahu is astounding. Without American financial and military aid and the American veto in the U.N. Israel would not survive but if someone dare to ask why more and more land is expropriated they are branded a self hating Jew, or in Obama's case, an anti-Israel Moslem. Even prominent supporters of Israel from major Jewish organizations who have endorsed a settlement freeze have had their Jewishness attacked, called self haters & told to convert. Perhaps Israel would be much better off without American arms, money, and without the veto in the U.N. they have come to expect. Sticking your finger in the eye of your #1 ally will not make Israel stronger & the settlements continue to take badly needed money away from the hungry & poor inside Israel & to deny that is living in a fantasy world. Your enemy is the settlers, not Obama or American Jews. The choice will soon be between a binational State or apartheid.

construction in the areas surrounding Jerusalem but that's a technical matter to be resolved with the Palestinians in exchanging territories Israel settled and developed over decades. The suburb of Gilo is amongst the other communities surrounding Jerusalem. Why not negotiate the boundaries before proceeding with further developments in a region which is highly important to both people? We must acknowledge that the significance of this region is unlike any other real estate in the world and besides the fact that all U.N. resolutions refer to resolving concerns over Jerusalem as a final status issue, it's morally correct to confer with future neighbours proposals to making compromises. It seems that current activities in Jerusalem construction is towards high-end marketing - a sector which can easily afford a delay or find other housing in the Holy Land if there's urgency.

...understand, why America needs Israel more than Israel needs USA. The money flow and the "best" (most technologically advanced) weapons flow from US to Israel. I would concede in past decades (pre-Iraq) the Mossad helped the US interests. Not now. USA security is at higher Risk through our partnership with Israel, and that's new in the last decade. Petra the job issue is lame, cause our defense Depart could easily spend another $3 Bil to stimulate jobs. It doesn't need to go through Israel to have that impact. Petra, help me--understand

unraveled. He almost waited too long.

I am an Israel-loving Jew, but Israel's gotta decide- either you get as much aid as you can carry, or you do whatever you want. If you keep expecting both, America has a right to get annoyed. Wake up, Jews!

Quote: "is this a right that is reserved only for Jewish states?" The problem, JB, is that there should be many more 'Jewish states' then the Jews would be less fearfull or totally insensitive to the threats of being exterminated by the one or more "non Jewish states". But going back to your racial-religious-ethnic negative insinuations, how about the huge number of Muslim, Arab, states. How is it in your mind to constantly belabor little Israel, struggling for survival against the enormous weight of billions of enemies owning the worlds vast oil resources, vast terrain and seashores. Open your mind and your heart and see the enormous injustice that you and your fellow posters are perpetuating upon this little nation. You people are a disgust to your own God Allah, the god of Abram, Ismael, Izick and Esau and Jacob.

It is quite customary in diplomatic and overseas circles. I guess S has not travelled much or met many people of other races. An example: It is a politeness to bow to the Sultan of Oman, that is the correct form in that society. (He is after all a royal). If you are senior enough (and even if you are not), he will likely bow to you in return. Not everyone in the world shakes hands S, there are other forms of social behaviour. You confuse formal greetings with obeissance.

America can't afford the superior competition with Israeli arms? There is a saying that at some point quantity becomes quality. It doesn't matter how good you are if the other guy has too many forces for you to face.

They defend Israel NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO, because its automatically rightous, & then they come & say things like "bow deep to foreign kings & emperors, appease dictators, & bully israel." Basically the one country that has provided Israel with the military, ideological, & economical support for decades, & without which Israel would not be the same, is then being accused of appeasing dictators & bullying israel. No one was complaining when they were with you all the way. But once they express views (about settlements) which virtually the whole world sees as unjust, then they get on the OFFENSIVE (not defensive) & start calling everyone critical of Israel as Jew-haters. That is pure rejectionism. Never do these people ever question Israel's actions. they just follow & defend it blindly. The fact is, this goes to show that those people DO NOT want peace, they just want to boast about how their side is right unquestionably (because its their side) & not reach any kind of understanding.

Some Israeli apologists defend Israel on the grounds that it biblically belongs to the Jews, others because the whole world is anti-semite & wants all Jews dead & therefore they need to protect themselves... Whatever mentality they have, they all share the same indoctrination (that is the same indoctrination that comes with Islamic fundamentalist or any kind of blind following). If the situation was reversed & Palestinians had the military upperhand & controlled Gilo, & said they would never give it up because it strategically protects the surroundings of Jerusalem from 'hostiles', the israelis would immediately see it as anti-semites wanting to kill Jews. But somehow they dont see any problems with the brutal occupation that is oppressing every day people & therefore contributing directly to hatred & hostility towards themselves (the israelis). Also..

Instead of crawling to Cairo to praise the Islamic world for being such a peace loving wonderful people who have contributed so much to humanity (some might disagree), Obama should rewrite his speech and call on the Islamic world to enter it's period of enlightenment and accept the interpretation of Jews of their own history. Obama should tell Muslims that this recognition does not need to come at the expense of Islam but must acknowledge what Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, was for Jews and is for them today. This might even spur some secular Israeli's to consider their heritage as well.

They defend Israel NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO, because its automatically rightous, & then they come & say things like "bow deep to foreign kings & emperors, appease dictators, & bully israel." Basically the one country that has provided Israel with the military, ideological, & economical support for decades, & without which Israel would not be the same, is then being accused of appeasing dictators & bullying israel. No one was complaining when they were with you all the way. But once they express views (about settlements) which virtually the whole world sees as unjust, then they get on the OFFENSIVE (not defensive) & start calling everyone critical of Israel as Jew-haters. That is pure rejectionism. Never do these people ever question Israel's actions. they just follow & defend it blindly. The fact is, this goes to show that those people DO NOT want peace, they just want to boast about how their side is right unquestionably (because its their side) & not reach any kind of understanding.

Some Israeli apologists defend Israel on the grounds that it biblically belongs to the Jews, others because the whole world is anti-semite and wants all Jews dead and therefore they need to protect themselves... Whatever mentality they have, they all share the same indoctrination (that is the same indoctrination that comes with Islamic fundamentalist or any kind of blind following). If the situation was reversed and Palestinians had the military upperhand and controlled Gilo, and said they would never give it up because it strategically protects the surroundings of Jerusalem from 'hostiles', the israelis would immediately see it as anti-semites wanting to kill Jews. But somehow they dont see any problems with the brutal occupation that is oppressing every day people and therefore contributing directly to hatred and hostility towards themselves (the israelis). Also..

CJK: "hence, gilo is a strategic ground. it protects jerusalem from being completely surrounded by hostile elements. israel will not give it up under any circumstances" So you are saying that a state has a RIGHT to seize and keep "high ground" because seizing and keeping that "high ground" improves its strategic position vis. its neighbours. Hmmmm, and every state has that "right of conquest for strategic reasons", I take it, Cipora? Or is this a right that is reserved only for Jewish states?

'The US & EU have already ruled out supporting any unilateral decleration of statehood so that leaves Abbas with 2 options. 1) Say we lost 2) Negotiate unconditionally' The 3rd choice of course is to say it's a complete crock of a deal, there is nothing whatesoever to be gained from talking to Israel, Hamas was right all along, let the 3rd intifada commence. I mean realistically, the Palestinians are never going to accept Israel taking a third of the land and the capital and so on. Far better to admit talks are pointless and use the only remaining weapon available to them, in the absence of help from the US or EU, passive and active resistance for as long as it takes.

gues ,there are no convictions and no truths. And the news "hit Israeli press" at instigation of Israeli Lefties ,rushing to the US Embassy in order to snitch at own country

You may be right stan, maybe Obama hears voices from above. Problem is, he is also acutely aware of the law. He knows as well as you, I and the next fellow that Gilo is on Pal land outside the legal Jerusalem city boundary and was unilaterally 'annexed' by Israel. And I guess he knows that that annexation was, is and will remain illegal, which is why the UN and international courts have NOT accepted it and demanded in UN resolutions that Israel VACATES that land without further ado. I would not bank on these religious voices carrying the day for you.

Cut the money flowing to the pal parasites. Its supporting a million man standing army which the US is training and equiping. Napoleon said, "an army marches on its stomach". it was true then and is true now. the NGO's crying "save the children" are actually saving future recruits. From where is Hamas getting their food supply?

kemardens is long the senator and congressman and the Evangelical and AIPAC are more visible than the people that want a 2 state solution Obama cannot do anything. Let put our feeling out in the open with writing and calling the white house, with flooding the street with our dissaproval of where this peace process is heading and call our senator to stop protecting Israel blindly and stop the money and weapon to Israel!! Maybe then we will see something moving toward a 2 state solution.

Instead of crawling to Cairo to praise the Islamic world for being such a peace loving, wonderful people who have contributed so much to the world (some might beg to differ), Obama should have called on the Islamic world to enter it's period of enlightenment and accept the interpretation of Jews of their own history. Yes there is a place for Islam, and yes that Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, is the holiest site for Jews. The truth will set you free. The main stream Islamic interpretation of Jewish history is founded on lies to advance political goals.

Obama is on record supporting sending up to $30 billion in unconditional military aid to Israel over the next 10 years. Before honouring that he should have spoken to Bush Snr or his Sec of State. Baker who could have given him a tip or two. As Israel's former FM, Ben Ami has said, they showed no fear or concern for the lobby or Jewish voters in key states when making their stand against settlement policy versus Y.Shamir [Israels former terrorist turned PM].

Martin Luckily for Israel Obama cannot unilaterally cut off American military, economic and political support no matter how much he might like to. To do that he needs the support of Congress which he won't get. There are a.lso midterms coming up in March and quite a few Democrats are expecting to loose their seats so the last thing they want is their president making to much trouble for Israel if it might cost them seats in Congress. I would say Bibi has at least until March before he has to worry about Obama to much. If Obama had any sense he would tell Abbas sit down talk with Bibi unconditionally. I might be able to get some small concessions out of him but just don't expect to much on Jerusalem but your going to have to talk unconditionally or you don't have any hope of every getting a state in any border. The US & EU have already ruled out supporting any unilateral decleration of statehood so that leaves Abbas with 2 options. 1) Say we lost 2) Negotiate unconditionally

I urge Israelis to proceed with extreme caution. Has anyone given a thought that maybe the next time Israel needs a critical veto in the UN, the entire US team will be having lunch at the Whitehouse and unable to vote? Obama may have to let Bibi humiliate him right now, but he has lots of ways to get his revenge and it will hurt Bibi and Israel a lot when he humiliates Bibi some time in the future..

Obama is on record supporting sending up to $30 billion in unconditional military aid to Israel over the next 10 years. Before honouring that he should have spoken to Bush Snr or his Sec of State. Baker who could have given him a tip or two. As Israel's former FM, Ben Ami has said, they showed no fear or concern for the lobby or Jewish voters in key states when making their stand against settlement policy versus Y.Shamir [Israel's former terrorist turned PM].

My partner was in the East Jerusalem Sheik Jarrah neighbourhood a few weeks back. There a Palestinian family lives in a tent on the street opposite their former home. Fanactical Jewish settlers have moved in to their home back up by private security and Israeli police.

He has allowed Abbas to believe that all he needs to do is say what he wants and then Obama will get it for him. The result is that Abbas is starting to play tough and start demanding concessions Bibi couldn't even make if he wanted to because he has a coalition and credibility in his own party to consider. If it had been Bush or Clinton they would have said to Abbas stop making rediculous demands that you well know Bibi can't deliver on and sit down unconditionally and talk look to get realistic concessions. In the past the US demanded that Israel freeze construction of less politically sensitive settlements and move illegal outposts. Not exactly revolutionary but something was achieved. Right now Obama has let Abbas make just agreeing to sit down and talk be based on major concessions. Abbas & Obama are damaging the palestinian cause not advancing it. Better to take small steps and go somewhere rather than just talking about running a marathon.

bow deep to foreign kings and emperors, appease dictators, and bully israel.

"gilo and other jerusalem neighbourhoods have been at the heart of israeli consensus for many years. "their residents vote in no small numbers for the labour party or parties to labour's left." those with any knowledge of history and geography know that gilo, sitting on high ground, was used during the war of independence by arab army to pound and bomb the jerusalem jewish neighbourhoods in the lower lands. hence, gilo is a strategic ground. it protects jerusalem from being completely surrounded by hostile elements. israel will not give it up under any circumstances. obama and his advisors should understand that some facts cannot be changed regardless of who is the israeli prime minister or the party in power.

You Israeli's haven't figured out Obama's political manuverings any more than the Republicans. And so you too will find unexpected defeat in the end-game, even while you think you are scoring points. Causing problems for Obama while he is in the middle of dealing with more pressing issues will backfire on Israel in the long run. Israel will regret mistaking Obama's short-term focus not being on Israel, with weakness. But not until the end-game has played out and Israel pays for this mistake.

At first there is hubris, then comes ate, than nemesis... then we count who is left standing!

Obama's a laughingstock. No one in Tel Aviv, the US Congress or anywhere else in the world is paying the least bit of attention to him. He blew his political capital. He wouldn't go to bat for his base on healthcare, unions or ending our numerous illegal wars and he won't stand up for international law and the Geneva Conventions, regarding the settlements and the collective punishment of the Palestinians. He's done -- and no Arab or Muslim should trust him about anything.

Look, I don't know who is weak or not. What Mr. Netanyahu and all parties concerned, need to start to think about is that they need to use the American President to accomplish long term peace goals for Israel and Palestinian people. More of the same, despite internal political support, is not in the interest of either of these parties. While American commitment to Israel has been unmatched in the world and unwavering by all US politicians; there have been those in private who have wondered where US support should stop. Some day that line will be found. Most of all, it peace is for the people who live in the region. Honestly, they need to find a way to resolve this or live in war. They have learned to live in war, or a kind of war, but it has not been healthy for all involved. Mr. Netanyahu has been here before. This time he needs to lead his countrymen and a find the partner he needs to accomplish peace. Not a simple task. But not one he can accomplish if he is playing games.

The Israeli PM has been slapping Obama since his elecion and has now spat in his face. Obama, should now go the the West Bank and make bold speach that Israel no longer will get his support if they continue the building. And he should tell the Palestinians that he is willing to help them and defend them if necessary. About time he stands up on his two feet.

The split between Obama and Hillary Clinton is being used in the PMO's office and maybe the young President is ready to act?

Obama is no ally of Israel and Netanyahu. Netanyahu should forget about Obama and proceed with the settlements.

Tome to come home, George. Leave a business card so they can call when they want, if ever. We can use your talents elsewhere. Give it up. The Israeli government isn't interested. We can offer the moderate Palestinians refuge like we did with your dad's people and your mom's, too. We take in more from South and Central America each year than there are Palestinians. We can't want it more than they do.

It is true that Obama faces constraints in how far he can push Israel, especially with regard to Jerusalem. After all, he has to deal with right-wing Jewish and Christian lobbies. But, if he really has some guts, he can make it clear that any additional settlement construction, anywhere, will result in an immediate cutoff of American support...military, economic, and political.

Everyone in the world has realized that Hussein Obama is a miserable disappointment and a disaster at foreign policy. Notice how the theme music fades, the crowds quiet and dispurse...He hasn't a clue on anything domestically or internationally. Sure we all want peace and love and happiness, but Obama cannot deliver because he is too busy swimming against the current while everybody else is in boats and wondering why he jumped in the middle east cesspool like an idiot. Listen, Netanyahu went to Washington and gave Obama the whatfor--that is what happened. He told him to back off or Israel will destroy Tehren and on the way home, consider dropping a couple on Baby Assad and his ohouseparty guest Nasrallah. Ask yourself why Mugniyah was toasted in DAMASCUS. The announcement of the Gilo expansion is just a small reminder to Obama of who is running the show in Israel, and it ain't Obama and his lackey Emmanuel.

Netanyahu's only ally in the world is Obama and the US. He would be a damn fool to isolate him. Seriously, how long does Netanyahu think Israel can continue down this road racing towards self-destruction?

I am waiting for the day when we have a President with the courage to tell Israel that they can do what they want, but we will no longer finance it. I'd cut Israel off so fast it would make your head spin. The Israeli government doesn't want peace in the region. They want to remain the bully on the block. What angers me is that they are doing it with my money. Without US financial support Israel would face a far different future.

He can do what George Bush Snr came within a hair's breadth of doing: he can stand up and declare that it is US policy that all Israeli settlements beyond the Green Line are illegal under int'l law. Not just "illegitimate" (that anchors the fight over them in the diplomatic arena) but "illegal" (which is a whole different matter). Do it, Obama. Do it if only to watch the smirk suddenly vanish from Netanuahu's smug face.

As Akiva Eldar so rightly points out, neighbourhoods such as Gilo are very much in the Israeli consensus. What is surprising is that the US has chosen this time and this particular issue to create a crisis. Your conclusion that Netanyahu is exploiting Obama's weakness over Jerusalem is debatable but if this is indeed the case, it is what national leaders are supposed to do for the benefit of the countries they represent. It is, however, unwise to point it out in a newspaper headline, since it can only be counterproductive - which, of course, cannot be your objective, Akiva.

The whole world knows that Jerusalem is an integral part of Israel - the Jewish State in which people of different religions and race can live in peace and dignity provided that they choose to fit in. So why would Obama choose otherwise ? Surely his religious beliefs tell him this ?

Obama may have folded his tent... or he may simply have a long bite. Nobody thought he would push his health reforms to where they are today.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1129016.html

How can Israel be insecure when they can bitc* slap Obama and America at will...How humiliating...but now Obama knows where the power is