Israel believes East Jerusalem row won't stop Mideast talks

Suppose that Palestinians have no intention for peace but only want to destroy Israel. Suppose that Israel has nothing to gain by negotiations with those who would destroy her. Still, the world does not see that now. What if Israel were to negotiate anyway, and give up what the world says she should. And then when Palestine goes to war, Israel wins. Will Syria fight too? Jordan? Lebanon? Whoever fights, after they are defeated Israel can transfer surviving Palestinians there. Would the world object? Would the USA demand that Israel take the Palestinians back and give them the West Bank? Hardly. So when you get right down to it, how dangerous is it to Israel to negotiate peace? It looks to me like the only big danger to Israel from peace talks is that the Palestinians might actually accept peace, and then Israel would be stuck with peace. And how likely is that?

The only person who may believe this crisis is over is Netanyahu. He gravely miscalculated in thinking he could insult the Obama administration in this manner without large numbers of Americans taking it as an insult toward the nation as a whole. We are rapidly approaching a tipping point where the majority of Americans no longer want to support Israel unequivocally. Or even support Israel at all. When that tipping point is surpassed, you may truly be on your own.

"Israel believes East Jerusalem row won't stop Mideast talks" OK, but it has done a fair amount to damage trust with the American govt. and if Israel wants our help in dealing with the Iran nuke issue, we need to know that the Israeli govt.can be trusted. Tehran has got to be happy as can be about those 1600 housing units and the israel's govt. so blatently humiliating Biden. Good luck when Iran gets da bomb! At least then we won't have to pay you guys 3 billion a year not to use your nukes, you will have a different incentive not to (MAD) and we can spend that "aid" we currently give you on our own country.

Second try. After all, I am not an Israel supporter! Yes, American is the first word in AIPAC. Taken alone I know what it means. But in the context of AIPAC, it means that Israel uses it to buy congressional votes to fulfill the foreign policy agenda of Israel, pure and simple. Big Sur, from the comforts of your American home, prove that the above statement is not true. Plus, are you a dual? You must make a choice. In as much as Israel has become a danger to the US, do you love Israel more (then move there) or America. You can't have it both ways.

Israel has nothing to gain and everything to lose by negotiating with the Palestinians. Abbas has nothing to offer Israel and no interest in a real peace. Israel certainly shouldn't pay a price in the form of concessions in order to have talks.

Or would 'Netanyahu prays that East Jerusalem Row will end Mideast Talks" sound more probable? The request was that Israel suspend all construction in disputed areas while talks continue. Given the tendency of Israel since Oslo to stall talks while continuing to build this is not an unreasonable request. It is, in fact, a necessary show of good faith. And Israel's response was exactly the opposite at every turn. So what can anyone think? That Israel will only talk while it can build? That Israel will talk until every inch of disputed territory is settled or a Jewish neighborhood and then announce that no settlement or Jewish neighborhood can be forsaken? Israel has destroyed ALL of what credibility it had with the world in the last 20 years and it is Israel which now needs to convince the world that it is not the problem. I wish I could tell the world that Israel doesn't know what it wants. The world is convinced Israel wants it all and will never accept less for peace.

We will see only what happens when a ruthless man is only able to regain power by any means necessary. The other guy in the government who is in EXACTLY the same position is Ehud Barak. Avigdor Liberman is still the bar bouncer and a major threat to Israel. Shahs is a a party composed of the same sort of people who rule Iran. And this is what Netanyahu has to keep on board his pathetic coalition to stay in power. Israel is not a nation ruled by it's least common denominator, it is a nation ruled by it's least. ANY action which is seen as a sincere effort to make peace would bring down his government. It could even end in his assassination.

"I became convinced, right now, that there is, must be, lots of understanding between the US and Israel in the matter of Jerusalem. And in general, unless I am very wrong, . . " - S Neither Mark of Lewiston or I is an enemy of Israel. I am not an enemy of my children when they do something stupid. In fact, when they do something stupid I take them to task because they are engaging in behavior which is ultimately self-destructive or risks their survival. Israel is not my child, but it is a nation which I have been aware of since I was a child. It is a nation which I like and often admire. I have studied it's history as I have my own. "Of course, whether you like it or not... "My country, right or wrong", remember?" - S Sort of. The guy who said that was under arms, and thus under orders, yet still preceded it with "may she always be right. . . " How much has the occupation cost Israel? How much will continued occupation cost Israel? It has to end sometime. Or it will end Israel.

Mark C, no government of the United States, has ever accepted the legal premise upon which East Jerusalem was annexed to Israel. This is quite in line with ALL the other significant governments of the world.

Dividing Jerusalem will be historical mistake and will not stop intensions of arabs to drive jews to the sea. They just trying get closer than it are easier to send fanatics to kill Jewish people this is the only purpose of their existence. Any place on the earth where Jews settle will be targeted by fanatics.

FACT 6 It was still a part of the non-state entity of Palestine. (what remained of it after Israeli Sovereign Independence) Nonsense. That entity deos nlot exists, and has no legal territorial rights over Jerusalem or oven anything else. IT will have the day they become a sovereign state. they rejected that option in 1947. FACT 8 Israel divided Jerusalem in 1948 illegally acquiring territory by war Wrong. That was war imposed to israel. Nobody worlwide, not even Palestiniasn demand from Israel to return to partition.(Mayve Hammas which is a terrorist organization) All the International community recognizes israel in its cease fire borders. The only debate with palestinians and the the UN. are territories acquired in 1967. The rest is indeed ...legalistic nonsense.

I'm guessing that by the time Bibi leaves after his visit to AIPAC, loan guarantees from Congress to finance the 1600 homes in E. Jerusalem will be arranged. And he'll be carrying a apology from Biden for his "outburst" when he visited Israel... such is the US-israeli relationship

Lets not be naive here. Construction in E. Jerusalem has NOTHING to do with Palestinian aspirations for statehood in the "West Bank." It is a misnomer to refer to "East" Jerusalem as if it were a separate entity like "West Virginia. "East" Jerusalem simply refers to that part of Jerusalem that was ethnically cleansed of Jews by Jordan in '48. "East" Jerusalem contains not only the Jewish Holy Sites, but also the militarily strategic high points the Jordan used to shell the remainder. Jerusalem has had a Jewish majority for over 150 years. Ethnically cleansing part of Jerusalem of Jews from '48-'67 DOES NOT entitle the Palestinians to the fruits of past Arab ethnic cleansing of Jews.

Even the unquestioning supporter Harper government has spoken out! They and the US government like it better when Israel repeats meaningless rhettoric about peace and a two state solution and nod in agreement when they know that Israel is lieing through their teeth! Double speak and double think rule in this Oasis of "DEMOCRACY" in the middleast! EACE NEVER?

The United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The United States also accepts the judgement of international law that East Jerusalem is an illegally occupied territory. It does not currently accept the annexation of East Jerusalem. The congressional resolutions supporting an undivided Jerusalem are expressions of sentiment and perhaps some political posturing. These resolutions are not U.S. law or the official position of the government. The official position of the government is that the final status of East Jerusalem is unsettled and on the table for negotiation.

You said"have AIPAC designated as the lobby for a foreign power" American Israel Public Affairs Committee WHAT FOREIGN POWER ? AMERICAN IS THE FIRST WORD.

I love these out of the head and onto paper poster.s Iran has threatened atomic bombs yet Israel you say is endangering the US. hmmmmmm

Hi JC - and the problem with wanting ALL non-jews out of Isreal is? Can you tell me how many Jews there are in any Arab country? And you're not questioning that system of Apartheid? To put it another way: Canada is for Canadians, Sweden is for Swedes, France is for the French, and Israel is for? Non-Jews? Just checking.

obama knew about the building in east jeruselem

we had enough excitement. Now let's get serious. We are not to blame for anything, it's the palestinians. Get it? They won't talk!

I was one of those who applauded Israel's efforts to achieve statehood and was GIVEN the land behind the Green Line. However the attitude of present day Israel and its operatives and money influencing the US Congress is beyond belief. I shall be part of the populace that will fight to have AIPAC designated as the lobby for a foreign power, to convince others that Israel has become an enemy of and a danger to the US, and to have the US apply "crippling" sanctions on Israel and to stop all aid/comfort/cover for its benefit. A word to "Israeli firsters" in the US: it's past time for you to make a choice.

"Ayalon wasn`t thrown bodily out of the US. But we`ll see if Mitchell can work a miracle and get anything done." (MoL) and "Israel believes East Jerusalem row won`t stop Mideast talks- Haaretz flunkies" (ML) I became convinced, just now, that there is, must be, lots of understanding between the US and Israel in the matter of Jerusalem. And in general, unless I am very wrong, (as I was yesterday), the relationship between Israel and the US is made of iron, indeed! Much more so than I thought before listening to Biden's wishy washy response to the slap on his face of yesterday. Anyway, no one appears as outraged as I was yesterday. The thread is no longer even on Haaretz's homepage...And I thought it was so important! An earthquake... Of course, whether you like it or not... "My country, right or wrong", remember?

always have, always will. 9-11 sealed that support.

Biden is being used as a dupe for Obama. Israel needs no permission from America or any other power. She answers to the ultimate power, G-d.

BUILD BABY BUILD DON'T STOP.

and none of this changes the division of ottoman empire at san remo 1920. it is all israel !!

Don't you wanna come back to us...???

Whata nonsense! USA soliders endanger itself by killing innocent Afghans, Iraki etc. Israel is surely not respnsable for this so first look in the mirror before blaming others.

If the US just takes this humiliation from Israel and insists PA goes ahead with talks, it's pretty much the final betrayal of the Palestinians by America. America's addicted to Israel and however much it says it'll be fair, like a deluded alcoholic it ends up doing exactly what Israel tells it in the end, every time. Ahmedinajed may be a slightly deranged fanatic, but at least he's perpared to put money and power behind the Palestinians, which America never will. He's probably the last person you'd want on your side, but with the US and all its Arab kings abandoning them, it's hard to see where else the Pals have to go.

Every move like this reduces the US's ability to put pressure on Iran. Well done, Bibi

American Jewish lobby is big and powerful and Obama is not tough enough to stand up to them. Palestinians must throw two state solutions to garbage can and start righting for " one man one vote " right for all Israelis which include west bank, Gaza, and all Palestinians, including refugees.

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It has finally dawned on me what this charade is all about. 'US will apportion blame...' The bone will point in Abbas' direction if he does not eat his share of the dead rat Netty served up to Joe, who is maybe not as dumb as he appears. Tell me I am not being paranoid.

Obama clearly decided that it rather has an evil friend than a just peace. That makes peace talks meaningless as Israel has nothing to gain and nothing to fear.

The real reason for building 50.000 houses in East Jerusalem is to give work to 100's of Palestinians.The fact that Israelis will live in them is purely coincidental

TAU was a venue capabable of holding Mr.Biden... Austarlia... former penal colony YAY!!!!

If there was anyone left who believed the current Israeli government was interested in serious peace negotiations that thought should have finally been put to rest with the latest announcement in East Jerusalem. This is a government in blatant violation of international law, binding UNSC resolutions and ICJ rulings at the Hague. This can't be disputed pure and simple. What also can't be disputed is that President Obama has no spine when it comes to standing up to Israel. The U.S. should cut off all aid to Israel until that government agrees to get serious about peace and to comply with International law and binding UNSC resolutions. Enough is enough and as a U.S. taxpayer I am sick and tired of my tax dollars going to Israel.

is fine with me. I trust the man.

Having gracefully dined on the dead rat served up Netanyahu, Biden expects Abbas to stomach the cold leftovers.

and you should read what you cite VERY carefully. FACT 1 US Congress did NOT say Jerusalem was the LEGAL/LEGITIMATE capital of Israel.(the UNSC had condemned Israel's illegal annexation of East Jerusalem) FACT 2 Senate Concurrent Resolution 106 reflects UNGA res 181. FACT 3 Jerusalem was united under the Mandate. FACT 4 It was not a part of the declared Sovereign territories of Israel. FACT 5 The UN did not implement it's part of UNGA res 181. FACT 6 It was still a part of the non-state entity of Palestine. (what remained of it after Israeli Sovereign Independence) http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1950/apr/27/jordan-and-israel-government-decision FACT 7 The UNSC tells us the status of Jerusalem has not been legally changed. http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y#annexation FACT 8 Israel divided Jerusalem in 1948 illegally acquiring territory by war FACT 9 Senate Resolution 113 DOES NOT say Jerusalem must remain an undivided city under Israel.

Tel Aviv, the world wide recognized, capital of Israel! Yay!

nothing left to give up.....the zionist invaders have 78% of what was palestine for nothing...now they want half of the remaining 22% plus j'lem.....nothing left to talk about

.....there is no longer any threat of peace talks so back to the business at hand, bulldozing Arab homes and building Jewish ones.

Any contact between Israel and America until the Netanyahu government falls can ONLY end in a further humiliation of America. Mitchell should stay home, our ambassador and all of the staff of our embassy should come home. We should terminate all contact between our governments and all financial transactions between our nations. All shipment of weapons and transfer of technology should end. Israel holds the United States in total contempt. Clearly Israel has chosen to make Netanyahu Prime Minister and his government holds the USA in total contempt. America should say nothing and pull out. "Speak softly and carry a big stick" - President Theodore Roosevelt "Shrike loudly and attack everyone" - Resident George W. Bush "Roll over, play dead and kiss ass" - Barak Obama

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Israel is now acknowledged to be endangering US troops. The US will no longer put up with this nonsense.

and now the world hates you...be sure you are getting nothing anymore but trouble from anyone...US might take up with Iran to do you in

I think it was Abba Eben who once said "the Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity to make peace with Israel". "Hit them, and hit them hard" - Babe Ruth giving baseball advice.

PM Nataniahu should have told point blank to V P Biden: "there is no trust issue here! I didn't here you saying anything about the continuous incitment by PA, about their wish to destroy Israel, etc., etc. / It was a war and Israel WON! and there are consequences"

...crisis is over, because--with limited manpower on all sides--all available resources must now be concentrated on getting psyched up for the next one.

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"...They said proof was the invitation to Netanyahu by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to meet in Washington in 10 days while Netanyahu visits a meeting of the AIPAC lobby group..." How quaint. And what does the yank President think? Not to be surely but has Biden become no more than a front behind which the real decisions are now being made? Well there are those Congressional elections to be held in November. So perhaps a holding pattern (read proximity talks) after which the jew State may be thrown to the wolves? No surprise there.

is to drive ALL non-jews from what they call israel...

THE u.s.a playing dumb they knew U.S knows everything the war the land despusts east jeruselem

this is what happens when the U.S gives carte blanch to israel

Ayalon wasn't thrown bodily out of the US. But we'll see if Mitchell can work a miracle and get anything done.

In 1995, the 104th Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 [5], in which the legislators stated that "(1) Each sovereign nation, under international law and custom, may designate its own capital. (2) Since 1950, the city of Jerusalem has been the capital of the State of Israel?. (9) In 1990, the Congress unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 106, which declares that the Congress 'strongly believes that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected.' (10) In 1992, the United States Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 113 of the One Hundred Second Congress to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, and reaffirming Congressional sentiment that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city."