Secret Israeli report: U.S. cozying up to Palestinians

Ron, Just to clarify. The land of Canaan was REALLY called Palestine at the time of Joshua's conquest? And the so-called Palestinian people of today are descended from the Jebusites, Hittites, and Amorites and not as the British documentation affirms, from a wave of Arab immigration in the early twentieth century. Wow, you must be right to question the scholarship of everyone who holds an opinion contrary to your own. Apparently in your misguided froth you have redefined what it means to be a scholar. As to being a traitor, I prefer to defer to the authority of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (His title for himself.) But I don't know that I have pledged allegiance to the usurper in office. To my knowledge I've only declared my allegiance to the flag and the republic for which it stands. Or if you prefer Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, in response to Olivia de Havilland ("Why you speak treason",) replies, "Fluently."

The claim that CENTCOM and Amb Goldberg assured Israel that no US naval vessels were in the area of attack on the USS Liberty is a lie, and irrelevant. Liberty was under command of 6th Fleet, which was under command of CINC US Naval Forces Europe, not CENTCOM. CENTCOM could issue no such statement. It commands 5th Fleet. As UN AMB, Goldberg would, and could, not comment on position of US naval ships: he would know nothing of such matters. Anyone who thinks Israel did the right thing to attack the Liberty is a zionist, anti-American apparatchik. The Liberty was in international waters: it had a legal maritime right to be there; Israel did not have any legal authority to order the Liberty, or any other ship, in international waters, out of the area. By claiming Israel had the right to sink the Liberty you are claiming Israel had the right to sink any ship, from any nation, in international waters. That is an act of war and a war crime. Adolf Eichmann apologized.

Good to hear a couple of Zionist supporters admit the truth: That Israel deliberately attacked the USS Liberty (an unarmed vessel) and murdered scores of American sailors, Now if we can only get the word out to all American citizens,...... The attack itself was one of the most cowardly in military history, The unarmed vessel was napalmed and the American medics treating the burned and wounded on deck were machine-gunned by Israeli gunboats, When the survivors tried to launch life rafts those were also machine-gunned by the Israelis. If you feel this was justified because they were collecting intelligence, I guess you wouldn't object if the US executed Pollard and his Israeli handlers.

No thinking person with any sense of human decency wishes to see Israeli civilians slaughtered. And no thinking person with any sense of human decency wishes to see the continuation of the 42-year harsh, humiliating Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. Move the damned wall to Israeli territory. Its another illegal Israeli land grab!

American neutrality must be maintained. For every dollar of aid given to Israel Palestine must get an equal dollar. For every weapon given to Israel, Palestine must get an equal weapon. Let Israel find out what equality truly is before they spew their "cozying up" nonsense.

abooz whats up in Kaboool?

Albert, you have come up with a reasonable idea. It would explain why the USA is so committed to keeping Israel armed to the teeth. However, it does not work. Israel is not a US proxy. Every time the USA might have used the Israeli military, rather than let Israeli units serve under US command the USA chose not to. In each case having Israel as an ally would have caused more trouble than it was worth. We instead were thankful that Israel cooperated by not getting involved. The USA got no value and filled no strategic needs by Israeli invasion of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, or Lebanon. In each case they were nations that we might have cultivated as allies and put bases in if we had seen the need. Egypt and Syria became cold-war USSR clients because we had picked Israel. Israel is not a US proxy because they do not do what the USA wants. Your idea made sense. But US support for Israel does not make strategic sense. There is no rational explanation.

Most Jews don't know the definition of anti-semitism. Consequently they have used it against anyone who criticizes Israel so much that it has become a hackneyed, trite phrase, no longer with any meaning. But, you are right, I am angry, angry at Israeli policies, and the constant Jewish attempt to distort history, particularly that of Palestine and the Palestinians. The occupation of Palestinian territory, the building of settlements on their land and the attempt to starve the Gazans is wrong, it is immoral, illegal, unconscionable, and the worst violation of human rights taking place in the world today. Anyone with any sense of human decency should be angry as well. Call them whatever you wish, as long as you understand you are defending a rogue nation.

I think it's about oil. Israel sort of acts like a proxy for the US to project power into the region. And if push comes to shove and there is a final grab for the oil fields in the middle east by another power like China or Russia, Israel will be on the front line of that conflict. That's the best and most realistic theory I have heard so far. And it explains why the US is so committed to keeping Israel armed to the teeth.

And by that I mean Jerry their Arab brethern prefer to keep them as pawns,as an irritant for Israel. But Israel looks after them better than those brothers.And why they much prefer to remain as Arab/Israelis rather than live with them anyhow. For their life would not be worth it.With all their restrictions,lack of freedom of speech and all that pertains to have a decent life. There's my answer to your question.

Funny, from 1948 to 1967 Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem were under Arab control. Why didnt they give the Palestinians their 'state'? And to all those who complain about the wall Israel built, none of them mention the fact that suicide bombings have been reduced by 90%, or maybe they would like to see Israeli civilians slaughtered?

Arabs say they will accept 1/2, but you end up with 1/2/ of 1/2 and that's where they boil the frog. Arab DEMANDS NEVER END until they get it all. UNR 242 gave the Jews 1/2 of the British Mandate; they've got less than 1/4 and most of that is badlands; agriculturally useless. The Arabs hold the lion's share of the good land. Their track record is abominable in dealing with 'infidels'. Israel momentarily has somewhat of the upper hand and it wants its 'full measure' no compromises. What's yours is yours, and what's mine is mine. Obama is now siding with thieves. Pals are a Black Hole for aid money. They are loosers. Look at the difference in lives after 143 years of Jewish development in the region; Arab are still living like trogdolites (some of them literally living in caves) and Jews have a civil life. Who do you back up? Obama is choosing wrongly.

"it was a tragic mistake" I'm reminded of an old Pogo cartoon. Albert has drunk a glass of water holding Mrs. Frog's polliwog, and everybody's running around franticly trying to see what to do about it. Pogo tells the porcupine "Oh no! Albert has done eaten the polliwog baby by mistake!" And Porky gives Albert the eye and yells "People don't eat other people BY MISTAKE!" It's absurd to think that the Israeli military didn't know who they were sinking. That dog won't hunt. But why does that matter? They were doing the right thing. The americans were entirely in the wrong. They should not have been there. They stayed after they were repeatedly ordered away. Israel had every right to sink that ship. And anyway they apologised. Israel is America's best ally, practically the only real ally. You've got to admire them for slapping down the USA every now and then when the USA gets way out of line.

There is no confusion or doubt over this, it was a tragic mistake, which occurred after Israel was assured, publicly by UN Ambassador Goldberg and privately by CENTCOM, that there were no US Navy vessels within 100-300 miles of the are of conflict. http://www.amazon.com/actually-liberty-website-ChiTribune-trumpets/forum/FxL68OI8R2QYW3/Tx3MXS6ZQXSRUZ5/1?_encoding=UTF8&asin=0743285026

as opposed to what the US is doing in Afghanistan with Predator missiles? I suppose the fact that we (the US) manages to kill as many Afghan civilians as targeted Taliban/Al Qaeda takes it out of the category of "assassination?" Grow up. In an ideal world, only top level provocateurs would be killed, regardless of where they are, rather than large numbers of poor slobs at the bottom of the food chain.

So many messages from Ron, again and again. That's one angry anti-semite.

You wish to apologize to Israel for what? and you do not speak for the American people, nor the international community, when you offer apologies to a rogue nation. Israel has a record of crimes against humanity which compares well to that of Burma and North Korea. It is a country that has been occupying Palestinian territory for 42 years in violation of international law and UN resolutions for refusing to withdraw from that territory, built on that territory and annexed Jerusalem in violation of UN resolutions and articles of the 4th Geneva Convention, and therefore could be prosecuted for a war crime. The same country that is imposing a near genocidal blockade as collective punishment on a civilian population in Gaza in violation of article 33 of the 4th Geneva Convention, and thus in legal jeopardy for another war crime. That is the same Israel that built the security wall on Palestinian territory that has been declared illegal by the UN International Court of Justice.

According to the Defense Dept. report on the Liberty attack, declassified under the FOIA, (therefore not keeping mum) you are as wrong and deceitful as J.Thomas. "We all know the Americans were spying on Israel and...helping the Arabs," is a blatant, bold-faced lie. The ship was collecting against targets assigned to it by NSA. The targets could have been Arab, Israeli or Soviet Med Fleet activities. The target data has not been declassified. So you couldn't know what their targets were. The ship was in international waters and not guilty of anything. Every nation has free rights to international waters. As a typical Jew, you are expected to attack personally anyone who criticizes Israeli policies. Should Israel not be criticized? It is in violation of more UN resolutions than any country in the world. The Gaza blockade is the worse violation of human rights taking place in the world today. Do you have a zionist justification for these violations of international law?

You obviously know nothing about about the capabilities of Arab intelligence services. But, as usual, you lie, and try to deceive that you do. Arab intelligence services are the most effective US allies in war against radical Islamic terrorism. Jordan is one of the most effective services in the world in this fight. The CIA director recently commented on the genius and direction of the Jordanian service in penetrating and neutralizing former Palestinian terrorist organizations and Al Qaeda. Recently, over a 4-day period, the Saudis killed 15 members of Al Qaeda, and have over 200 in prison. Israel is not involved in this fight. Hamas and Hezbollah are its primary targets. But they don't attack the US nor other nations involved. Mossad is traditionally effective against national targets with Jewish populations. There aren't many Jews in Al Qaeda. How many Al Qaeda members has Israel killed and imprisoned? Mossad is more effective in operations against the US

Wonder why some people decide to bring in the old CHESNUT of The Liberty incident when we all know the American were spying on Israel and by their means helping the Arabs. It happened long ago and even now the US keeps MUM about it because they ARE/WERE guilty as charged themselves. Someone here is calling you a "shill" when he himself is A TROLL. Constantly doing all in his power to demonize Israel in every post and never stops. He will not gain anything and most people IGNORE his RANTINGS.

Otto ,how about the Turks vacating Constantinople and returning the whole country back to the Christians who were there long before the Ottoman/Turk empire ,so much for your stupid theory of conquered territory ?

The US needs hitech drones but even more importantly credible intelligence in the region from Israel as the Arab agencies are all corrupt ,useless ,inept,incompetent as a double Jordanian agent proved ,your next stupid question ,please?

If you "looked into some of the details," you should have looked further. Whether or not Israel ordered the Liberty to leave the area is irrelevant. The Liberty was 14 miles off the Sinai coast, heading West, in international waters. Any nation would ignore the arrogance of a demand to move one of its ships in international waters. To attack a ship in international waters is an act of war. Damn right blame Israel!! The Israelis didn't have to attack the ships antennae, they had jammed the radio frequencies. There was one they didn't discover. Five aircraft attacked the ship and then 3 torpedo boats arrived. They strafed the bridge and fired 40 mm rounds at the water line. They then fired 5 torpedoes. One killed 24 of the 39 sailors killed. Plus 171 were wounded. AND YOU CLAIM NO HARM DONE!!! You are a traitor. The crew then put life rafts over the side to abandon ship. The boats closed and machined gunned them, sinking them all. You claim the boats gave the rafts back. You are a liar

Would it be nice if we went borderless With religion everyone wants to kill everyone. Everyone is wrong Your parents lied to you Your teachers lied to you There is no God or Allah its just a way of controlling people. I am surprised that the women of both religions allow themselves to be second class people. All people are equal. The only real animal is man who wants to dominate and control through religion. Why do women want to have religion where they are separated in a place of worship because they are not good enough

The goal is PEACE and SECURITY, nothing else...what can bring such peace and security may be debatable, but the goal being peace and security is not debatable....after all, a state by itself solves nothing....You can wave a wand and create another (a 23rd) Arab state instantly, but that can not stop hate and incitement by itself....Obama administration stressing a new state rather than peace is just more harmful appeasement...

You Jews should give your hearts to the Eternal, but also know that Jews have no legal title to any land outside the borders specifically detailed in UN resolution181, when Israel declared statehood under that resolution. You should also know that when God offered the land of Canaan to the Israelites, 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 by many historians and scholars considered to be the forebears of the Palestinians, were there when God said that. So the Jews cannot claim all of Palestine. Under UNSC resolution 242, the current 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.

If you will give your life for Israel regardless of the position of the US government, you are a traitor. Your loyalties are not to the United States. And you are not a well educated traitor. Send the Palestinians where? The Palestinians are the original inhabitants of Palestine. When Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, also known at that time as Palestine, the land was inhabited by (among others) semite tribes, Hittites, Amorites and Jebusites. The Jebusites had already built Jerusalem, and inhabited it for over a 100 years after the Israelites entered Canaan.The names Arab and Jew weren't known then. In the academic world there are many notable historians and scholars who have determined that the Jebusites are the forebears of Palestinians. According to the New York University School of Medicine, and the National Academy of Sciences, Middle East Jewish men and Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian men have the same genetic signature, different from any other non-Jews in the world.

You are misinformed, or lying, about the Israel attack on the USS Liberty. The Johnson administration denied nothing: there were no accusations against US, accusations were against Israel, who said attack was case of mistaken identity. Senior US officers wanted to bomb Israel, and several resigned because that request was denied by Johnson.The Liberty was in international waters 14 miles off Sinai coast. Israeli recon plane flew 90 ft over the mast twice. Airman waved at US sailors. Ships bow had markings 10 feet tall AGTR-5. The designation listed ship in Jane?s Fighting Ships as US signal intelligence ship. Next came two waves of fighters strafing and rocketing. Then 3 torpedo boats arrived and machine gunned bridge and fired 40mm rounds at water line. They fired 5 torpedoes one of which killed 24 of the 39 crew members killed. In attempt abandon ship, life rafts were put overboard. Boats closed and machine gunned them, sinking them all. It was an act of war. Try it now.

US has strategic oil reserves of 1.4 billion barrels, which it may use as foreign aid. 1975 US/Israeli agreement obligates US in an emergency to make oil available for sale to Israel for 5 years. US aid to Israel is $3billion. US gives combined $2.32 million in aid to Egypt and Jordan. Cooperation of Arab allies with US is not based on aid. Many in D.C and many Americans beginning to think US national security interests lie more in Arab world than with Israel. Arab world has oil, supports US in World Bank and IMF, provides US military bases and superb intelligence on Al Qaeda and Taliban. Arab military fought with US in Gulf War, and some have troops in Afghanistan fighting with US troops. US relations with Israel are highly out of balance. As of 1 August cluster bombs will be banned by international treaty. Use will be war crime. In last bin Laden audio interview, he said he attacks America because of its support of Israel. He has said so many times, as has Khalid Sheik Mohammad.

"Israel, there are many Americans here who would give thier lives for you regardless of our leadership`s position." I'm not one of them. It's bad enough that I almost had to give my life for a Neanderthal and warmonger in the previous President.

"Israel should cut all connections to the USA for a few months or a few years until the USA begs forgiveness." Please do it, Israel!!!!! But make it 10 years instead of a few months, or even 50. The US needs Israel like it needs Iran - both are threats with no redeeming aspects - but Israel is worse because we have pretended it was an ally for so long and given it so much. believe me, there would be no begging by the US. How on earth would lack of dealings with Israel be in any way detrimental to the US? It is neither a significant consumer nor source of US goods. Mossad feeds lies to the CIA. It is the biggest albatross imaginable. Millions hate the US because of its support for Israel and Israel treats our President like a bum. Israel in no way helps the US, but hurts it badly every day. Frankly, I don't think the vast majority of the people of the US would even notice any disconnection but for the Jewish lobby.

"the U.S. needs ISRAEL more than ISRAEL needs the U.S." Please explain to me what on earth the US needs Israel for? They take our money, loan guarantees and military aid, then spit in our face and refuse to even listen to good advice, saying we don't have any right to influence them. Israeli leaders insult and threaten our President. The US has protected Israel from harsh sanctions for decades, but Israel refuses to listen to anything it doesn't want to hear or to even consider that non-Jews have human rights too - even in Palestine/Israel. The Mossad feeds the CIA propaganda disguised as intelligence, half the world hates the US for supporting Israel and Israel not only spies on the US, but gave our secrets to the Russians. Israel is not an ally of the US or anyone else. It is a major destabilizing influence in the Middle East, second only to Iran. Please, please explain to me any possible "need" the US has for Israel.

It's probably true, as you say, that the U.S. doesn't get anything anywhere near the great boon that the English get from Arab oil. So you're being logical in saying that the U.S., should abandon its good ally because it could benefit from better oil-relations the way the U.K. does. However, the U.S. isn't ready to bend over yet for the Arabs the way Britain has and sell its allies down the river for oil and from fear of domestic tantrums. "The US gets a bit of hi-tech from Israel, but it pays ffor it, and it could no doubt get it elsewhere if it had to. It probably gets a bit of intelligence, but I bet it only gets the intelligence Israel wants it to get, showing the things Israel wants it to see." The other side of the coin is that Israel is a constant source of conflict between US and the Muslim world, not the only source of conflict, but definitely one of the biggest.

It is time to end the occupation. Of Eretz Yisrael by the Palestinian Arabs. It is time to return to thier homelands (i.e Egypt, Saudi Arabia, et al.). Come home, Mitchell, they don't need treacherous lapdogs over there. Israel, there are many Americans here who would give thier lives for you regardless of our leadership's position. However it is a vain thing to trust in this nation for your strength. This present trouble will only be solved by turning your hearts to the Eternal.

Same ol same ol... this president is gutless and will try and take the safe route and lie to both sides. Israel, do what you need to do, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has your back.

I am confused by your comments. There is no "objective" truth about Obama's position on the Middle East. It's a matter of assessment. Most Americans seem to approve of his Middle Eastern policy (based on polls), most right wing Israelis perceive everything which is not in line with the present government's policy anti-Israeli. I deplore this bias because one can be pro-peace without being pro-Arab or pro-Israeli. Also you think that most settlements will not be evacuated, but then you concede that this is a matter for the present negotiations. So, again. it's your assessment against mine, but you state it as truth from Sinai. Cipora, the future of Israel cannot be built on stolen territories. You will of course argue that they are not stolen, but that's again the basic international law which does not allow settling conquered lands. I can tell you with utmost certainty that no agreement will be ever reached unless the settlements go. And I will not even say kadish for them.

I don't disagree with you, but I'm not sure some congressman realize that or would agree. The need to raise money. That comes before all else. The want to feed money to Lockheed, Boeing, etc and aid to Israel is one way to get additional dollars to into the coffers of their campaign donors.

This should not surprise anyone. This is the way out for Obama to distance itself from Israel, when Israel will have to do whatever, against the Iran Nuclear issue. because , sure as hell, no one will come to Israel's aid. Translation, I didn't do anything, it was Israel.

Please supply data substantiating your statement that the US backs Israel 4 - 1 or admit this is another of your zionist fantasies.

Cozying up to the arabs more like,but our Govt will never abandon the settlements which began a couple of years ago anyway. And if you think Obama is a friend of Israel then you need your head examined. All the visits by Mittchel,Biden and the rest of the bunch can come and go,but the settlments are needed for the Israelis and we will to continue to BUILD AND BUILD.

that Qartar will not kick out the US under Islamist pressure like their Saudi Brothers? Israel has military airports that the USAF uses,whats this nonsense that it must be for exclsive use? Who said anything about closing Diego Garcia ???Why? For obvious reasons The USA needs its defence facilities widely dispersed. ETC.

The Palestinian demands are very moderate. The international demand is that Israel gives up all the occupied territories, including East-Jerusalem. The Palestinians are hardly asking for more. So there is nothing wrong or strange about the U.S. demands being closer to those of the Palestinians. It's only in the Zionist view that the U.S. sides with the Palestinians. In reality, the U.S. has sided with the Zionists time and again.

"As someone who was actually in the US Armed Forces, the Liberty incident, which I consider an act of terrorism by our supposed "friend," makes my blood boil." I looked into some of the details. Israel ordered the USA repeatedly to leave that war zone. The US Navy had logs of eight (8) different orders to the Liberty to leave the area, and none of them got through. You can hardly blame that on Israel. The Israeli airstrike successfully destroyed every radio antenna on the US ship, and then the torpedo boats closed in to make sure there would be no survivors. But US sailors improvised a hidden antenna and got the word out. So the torpedo boats instead gave the life rafts back and offered assistance. It was a foreign spy ship in Israeli waters. Wouldn't you do the same in their place? No need to hold a grudge. It was just a little problem between friends. Let's forgive and forget. No real harm done.

"marat", you are so right.

My friend, even though you claim to live in the USA and have "doctor titles," you're quite ignorant of the American politics. First, The role of Congress is foreign affairs and policy has been shrinking over the last few Adminstrations and the Bush White House went further without Congressional approval than other President. Congress offically only "advises," the president. The exception is a Joe Biden, who as 30 years Chair of the Foerign Relations Comm, he developed personal relationships that help or hurt the president in power. Don't even talk about 2012: until you know who is nominated for the Republicans, if there is a third party?, and where is the Economy in spring and summer of 2012. Remember, Obama won by 7 points in popular count and over 200 electoral college votes in the Electoral College that really counts. Three more years...every week for the next 3 years Obama's team will be pressing for peace.

"Secret Israeli report: U.S. cozying up to Palestinians" Barak Hussein Obama cozying up to Islamist extremists ??? Who could have guess that would happen?

I hope Obama gets it, even at this late hour.

"Secret Israeli report: U.S. cozying up to Palestinians" Ed. It has been repeatedly said & understood that the relation between the U.S & Israel is based on both countries share the 'same values' etc.. One expect this relationship will never be "cozying" ! Like all other relations of "sharing values" its time is eternal . One also wonder if the arab-palestinians have new values now that are closer to that of the U.S than those of Israel ?! Or, it could be possible that 'values' changed with the price of oil & strategies changed accordingly ! One wonder !

As per usual, Cipora makes her points with statements that anyone can say but with no backing (she is quick to point these things out when it's someone who is against what she says) "obama is certainly not a friend to israel. such is obvious to all objective observers." When you make a statement like that, explain WHY you think so. not just state it as fact and move on. Furthermore, when you say to "all objective observers", you basically mean the ones with your ideology. You see that stance is in itself a reductionist/subjective stance as it basically says "all whom I find as objective since they represent the same mentality as myself". ie: This is objective because I say so... So tell us why is it obvious that he is not a friend to Israel?

The Northern Persian Gulf is only strategic and important for a year or two at most ,to counter the mad Shiite rhetoric emanating from Tehran ,nothing like a flotilla of Amereican warships to intimidate and warn the madmen in Persia of their silly childish antics ,Chris Linthwaite once again misses the point ?

That,s telling it like it is or reality bites Dr.Soon the socialist/leftist Obama regime will be consigned to the pages of Che Guevara,Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez,s socialist/communist dictatorial book of failed societies and the Republicans can get to work tackling the Islamofascist ideology running the world ?

With Confgressional elections soon the typical leftwing strategy emerges it,s the economy stupid as the polls show ,since when do socialist leftists create jobs ,just another Democratic trick to try and stop the loss of huge Obama support ,next time keep the Nation of Islam fascist quiet ,it,s too late now even for Palestinian negotiations.

Again the Palestine/Texan hasa been caught out by fast moving events so what does he do ,the obvious attack the writers of the article ,the main persons involved Israel politicians but no woed of the actual contents of the story ,Obama is looking to save his flagging reputation as the polls show ,he is losing huge support everyday ,time for a change get the big boys back(Republicans),the Islamic/American CAIR is inept and has no say or power anywhere in US politics and there,s nothing the Palestinians can do about it?

During the first year he was in office, there was about one article a week leaked from the PMO. Then you can also read the talkbacks from right wing Israelis, like Hardman and some right wingers in the US like SDHD. And from other countries like you and CJK. Top that off with people like the Birthers, Orly Taitz and how she was quoted in Haaretz and JPost. You start to see patterns.

Can you tell me where the $1 billion facility capable of supporting Stealth Bombers is situated? I'll give you a clue it's Qatar. Can you point out where a similar facility used solely by the United states is situated in Israel? And just what will the future role of American military bases in Iraq be? And will the military base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean be mothballed because Israel gives the United States Military a couple of warehouses to supply weapons and ammunitions which in reality have been positioned for use by Israel when the war breaks out, without Israel having to pay for it ($800 million) The fact is the centre of balance in the middle East has moved from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Northern Persian Gulf. Which means a decline in the importance of Israel other than American right wing religious nutjobs paid for by AIPAC ensuring that the revenue streams Israel needs to survive are maintained. Anything else is hysteria on Israel's behalf

and a health program that is meeting resistance at many levels including states that have a health program in place and object to the idea of subsidising other states.

where Israeli leaders say they hold the Obama administration in contempt? Sources would be appreciated or maybe you have minutes of cabinet meetings not available to the rest of us

"And the response of the Obama administration - it`s total craven submission to Israel" What if he's submitting to the will of the American people, clown?

If the USA did not want the R&D coming out of Israel they would not buy it,they buy what they want. There were artcles a few years ago about the USA storing emergency supplies in Israel,their Saudi "friends having essentially kicked the US military out. What R&D do you think the West gets from Israels neighbours? What will the West need from the neighbours as the alternate energy sources come on line? So do tell what they have got to offer the West besides immigrants by the millions and jihadists?Or no go areas in Britain?

"The Obama Administration knows what contempt the Israeli government has for the current US government." - Mark of Lewiston And the response of the Obama administration - it's total craven submission to Israel - proves just how cowardly and self-destructive Obama and his gang are.

Israel refused to cooperate with Goldstone in his Gaza fact finding mission so that later Israel could claim the report was biased. It was simple posturing to avoid the truth. Now Israel is posturing again, but this time it will claim the USA biased the negotiations as they fail to progress as Israel wants them. This is the politics of obfuscation. The USA has blindly supported Israel historically. Israel is just trying to make it difficult for the USA to stand for truth.

i had sent you a rather long post which was not put out. so this one is short: shalit is held by hamas who answers to iran. obama has no influence in the matter of shalit's release.

please stop your nonsense. obama is certainly not a friend to israel. such is obvious to all objective observers. furthermore, israel will not evacuate most settlements. if ever there is a final peace agreement, there might be some adjustments to borders and territory. that is precisely part of the negotiations process. nor is an economic union between israel and the pa and jordan advisable. israel has no reason to assume such burden.

It's about time! What do Americans get in return for the billions America throws at Israel? Nothing but a virulent "anti-everybody who isn't with us" attitude! Is anyone more secure because of it? I don't think so. Palestinians need a break, and if I can help in that process I will happily do so.

NYC Guy: What does risking another 9/11 have to do with America's support for Israel's existence? BinLaden clearly stated, after ordering his pig vomits to crash jets into buildings and slaughter the innocents, that he was angry at the Crusades (Christians), and he's repeated that several times. In fact, he specifically stated that he was angry at the Crusades for kicking Moslems out of Spain some 600 years ago. What do we do about that now? Declare Islamic Sharia Law in the U.S.A. to make that piece of crap happy? Is this how we operate America, bow to the lowest of low? Yes, especially as of late, he's included in his diatribes that he's angry about the Israeli-Palestian Arab situation. But, historically, his statements have been reserved on this matter.

"It is time to cut the cord which still attaches us to a country which has become dangerous for us. " Spineless twits give up on their friends when threatened with violence.

I believe that Obama is getting too cozy with these people alright ! But I urge the Glorious State of Israel not to persue a two state system, but to go ahead and declare the State of Israel itself and the the territories in question; The United States of Israel; And the heck with a two state system.

US backs israel by 4-to-one, only Obama's failed leftist presidency, out of touch, out of step with the American people, unable even to push through its core socialized medicine "health program", wants to cozy up to Abbas. Obama requires Congress approval and suppurt for his foreign policy, and he isn't getting that. Widely agreed here that he is only using "peace process" as a PR stunt to try to slow his crashing poll numbers and the expected disaster the Democrats face in the November elections because of him. Bibi should just mark time until Obama and his party take the expected clobbering in the next elections - signal for him to alter course or face landslide removal in 2012. US is visibly sick of this clown. Bibi is bright enough to realize that he won't get any reciprocity from Obama no matter what he concedes to the PA: deal should be for 80-90% of 1998-2000 Clinton deal Arafat wrecked over "right of return". Rewarding terror by sweetening the old deal endangers every American.

Your post is a very superficial one. Islamic attacks on the U.S. would not diminish a SINGLE BIT if Israel never existed! There are another 15 or so nations in the world who are under attack by Muslim terrorists today, did you forget this "small" fact?? Moreover, most "aid" to Israel comes in the form of the U.S. cosigning for Israeli loans (the Israeli economy is quite vibrant) and in JOINT Defense Dept. projects between the two nations. The U.S. buys LOADS of Israeli defense/security products, developed BY ISRAEL. It also purchases major solar power systems, a field that Israel has expertise in. Virtually every major U.S. IT company has a branch plant in Israel for the simple reason that Israelis have some of the most talented computer scientists in the world. Send Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google a note and he'll tell you why Google needs and depends on Israel talent!

You are absolutely right. This whole division of the world into pro-Israeli and Pro-Palestinian is a child game or a result of a historical paranoia. If this conflict will be ever resolved no party will come out with all it wants. The main contribution of the Palestinians will have to be containment of all hostilities against Israel. Israel will have to evacuate the settlements or at least the majority of them and form an economic union with the Palestinians, possibly including Jordan. The most important condition of a mediator is impartiality, and seeing to it that agreements reached are carried out. Mitchell is surely experienced in that sense and the Obama administration will back him. All stupid slandering of Obama must cease. He is the best friend Israel ever had. Friends are not those who cozy up with you, Israel, but those who lead you to just peace. The syayement about cozying up with the Palestinians comes from the Foreign Office and therefore should be totally ignored.

Well said Michael. It is time to cut the cord which still attaches us to a country which has become dangerous for us. It is beyond ridiculous to say that the US needs Israel more than the reverse. Perhaps the ungrateful Israelis WISH that were true.

Israel needs to understand, the world has just about had enough of your evil. Even PM Brown said he would take you to war! You might want to start thinking about "change"! Nobody feels sorry for you anymore. You have become the monster now!

The new Israeli fashion is to launch relentless tirades of insults on United States Gov't, and cry at the same time that the United States Gov't doesn't love them anymore. Can nobody see the connection? Anyone? **crickets**

The hug of the Cobra....

Don't know which ally you're talking about. Obama begs and pleads with Netanyahu, just not in public on bended knee. He's sent half the Executive Branch to Israel to hold hands with the politicians and explain why it's a bad idea to start WW III.

All that he's interested in at this time is getting a lower level negotiation started stating, "they'll be no pre-conditions.before a higher level negotiation ensues." Duh !!!

Perhaps so, but there would be just as many local contractors building hospitals, roads, etc, and there would be a great deal more votes when the money is spent on local pork projects ( local jobs, you know).

"You ask about the "accident" on the Liberty. I haven`t forgotten it. The Johnson administration, another Democratic blunder, decided to spy on it`s ally Israel" You have some nerve saying that. Your country has spied on us on numerous occasions, or have you forgotten about that? In fact, Pollard should have been executed for his crimes. As someone who was actually in the US Armed Forces, the Liberty incident, which I consider an act of terrorism by our supposed "friend," makes my blood boil.

Abbas refused to resume direct talks with Israel because he insisted that Israel freeze building not only in the West Bank but also in East Jerusalem. Netanyahu only agreed to stop building in the West Bank (for 10 months, not to be extended), but is developing East Jerusalem. The freeze was mandated by the Bush "roadmap" which both Israel and the PA accepted. Today, after the new provocation of Netanyahu, lisying the Cave of the Partiarchs and Rachel's Grave on the Israeli National Historic Sites (even though they are not in Israeli territory), perhaps Abbas will also insist on getting satisfaction on this issue. In any case, and even with the coming US congressional elections, I don't see a problem for Obama to state that what Netanyahu does is against the language and spirit of the "roadmap". He can spell it out, and the US Jews will see that Netanyahu's position lacks any sense. I imagine the Jews will call on Netanyahu to mend his ways, and not hold this against Obama.

The USA is just as devoted to the Israeli cause now as ever, and Netanyahu knows it. Accusing the USA of "cozying up to Palestinians" is a way of turning the thumbscrews on Obama, with the net result that Obama will reflexively become even more pro-Israel. A dreadfully simple and transparent tactic, but it works when you're dealing with incompetents like Obama.

Finding a way to proceed justly on this issue will be plagued by controversy. I cannot tolerate the violence visited on Israel, but Israeli's racist and inhumane policies toward the Palestinian population make sympathizing with them extremely difficult. When the Israeli's implement a secular state which respects others' human rights things might change. Thank goodness for even the small changes Obama has brought to the issue, which enhance justice and decency.

Because the US is appearing even handed all of a sudden they are cozying up to Palestinians? Total Foolishness, If the United States does not become an objective player in this peace process and keeps defending Israel blindly then it will be bad for the U.S. and for Israel.

Abbas refused to resume direct talks with Israel because he insisted that Israel freeze building not only in the West Bank but also in East Jerusalem. Netanyahu only agreed to stop building in the West Bank (for 10 months, not to be extended), but is developing East Jerusalem. The freeze was mandated by the Bush "roadmap" which both Israel and the PA accepted. Today, after the new provocation of Netanyahu, lisying the Cave of the Partiarchs and Rachel's Grave on the Israeli National Historic Sites (even though they are not in Israeli territory), perhaps Abbas will also insist on getting satisfaction on this issue. In any case, and even with the coming US congressional elections, I don't see a problem for Obama to state that what Netanyahu does is against the language and spirit of the "roadmap". He can spell it out, and the US Jews will see that Netanyahu's position lacks any sense. I imagine the Jews will call on Netanyahu to mend his ways, and not hold this against Obama.

You complain that people are not loyal enough to the USA. But the USA is morally and literally bankrupt. Their shelf-life has expired. I'm as nostalgic as the next guy, but we cannot depend on the USA for support of Israel any longer. We must find new allies, and if that requires us to be anti-USA then so be it. But we will always be friendly to americans and if the USA survives as a nation maybe sometime in the future we can do them a favor. Anyway, why should you complain about Israel spying on the USA? Good friends spy on each other, that's just how it works. No hard feelings, eh? But releasing this report hurts Israel. It damages Israeli relations with the USA and makes it harder to extend peace talks. If it was intentionally released by the Israeli government, then the Israeli government was being stupid. Israel needs better diplomats. You can slap the Americans around and they won't hold any hard feelings but China is different.

The picture tells the story of cozying. This should be a concern to those who know what the wolves and tigers in the region are up to.

pathetic leaders, Arafat the Thief, Meshal the Traitor, Abbas the Fearful. Is it any wonder there is nopeace for the Pals or a state?

has shown a lot of contempt for it allies as well. That would include the guy sitting in the Oval Office.

Obama needs to keep his nose out of Arab-Israeli affairs. He has no true understanding of the problems, players or history there. Everything he says or does is motivated by pure politics. He's already made a mess of things by insisting on a construction freeze. This wasn't a precondition for direct talks until he made it one. Every time a president gets his tit in the wringer at home. he turns to the middle east for a political boost. It didn't work for Carter, Clinton or Bush. It won't help Obama either.

U.S. cozying up to Palestinians means Obama specifically and specially . The Palestinians have effectively two states Gaza and the West Bank .Obama is desperately trying to remove the protection Israel gives to Abbas so the Hamas can move into the West Bank and as with Iran Obama will severly warn Israel against any retaliation .Vote out this communist inspired President .

The American economic system is built upon the premise that if you have an item worth something then you can sell it. The price is whatever the public is willing to pay. I do not know exactly what buisnesses the 2% of the Jewish populationis invlved with but they are following the American dream. In the meantime 85% of the wealth is still amongst the non-Jewish public. All I am doing is working with the figures you portrayed. I have no idea if they are correct. In the meantime the Wal-Mart family is the richest in the USA and their money is going to China.

Irony can be a dangerous tool on these talkbacks. Some people may think you are serious!

A recent Gallup poll showed support for Israel amongst Americans is very high - it's one of the most respected countries. If that's losing support so be it.

Don't tell us, tell the US Congress and Senate. Add to Israel is a way to funnel money to defense contractors. If you keep all the money it may not make its way to these companies and subsequently back to the politicians campaign funds.

All Obamas policies, local & International, are not more than strong adherent to appeasement. It didn't work in N. Koria, it is not working with Iran, it failed with the U.S banks & it will certainly fail in his Mideast strategy ! If Israel can't agree with Obama regarding his policies with the palestinians, the reason because Israel is living in this conflict long enough. Talk is no good with the palestinians as much as it failed when Obama talk with Islam & Iran. It is not how to divide the land between Jews & Arabs. This land is not a piece of cake ! This land full of hate. How one dividing the land can change hate ?! Obama must know about the other hate in Islam. The Sunni & Shai'it hate that is almost 1500 years old. If Obama can cure the hate between Sunni & Shai'it, he might be able to do something about the Arab-Israeli conflict !

Clearly, the Obama people are trying [unsuccessfully] to "play both ends against the middle" while not taking a real stand for either. This is Institutionalized Cowardice at its BEST!

Abbas refused to resume direct talks with Israel because he insisted that Israel freeze building not only in the West Bank but also in East Jerusalem. Netanyahu only agreed to stop building in the West Bank (for 10 months, not to be extended), but is developing East Jerusalem. The freeze was mandated by the Bush "roadmap" which both Israel and the PA accepted. Today, after the new provocation of Netanyahu, lisying the Cave of the Partiarchs and Rachel's Grave on the Israeli National Historic Sites (even though they are not in Israeli territory), perhaps Abbas will also insist on getting satisfaction on this issue. In any case, and even with the coming US congressional elections, I don't see a problem for Obama to state that what Netanyahu does is against the language and spirit of the "roadmap". He can spell it out, and the US Jews will see that Netanyahu's position lacks any sense. I imagine the Jews will call on Netanyahu to mend his ways, and not hold this against Obama.

The Christian Right is a minority in the U.S., though a powerful one. They are not the only reason why Israel has a lot of power. It is mostly due to its foot soldiers amongst American Jewry, who represent a minority of American Jews. They are effective, none-the-less and know how to direct their resources. As far as religion, I can't say that Evangelical Christian shares the same God with Judaism whil Islam doesn't. Islam is very close to Orthodox Judaism. The women cover, they don't eat pork, Muslims seek out kosher food, Muslims sometimes wear something that looks like a kippa. Christianity has the trinity which is a problem for Judaism. Orthodox Jews don't like Christianity necessarily or Islam. They use Christians because they think it's necessary for protection. The Christians also use them.

I apologize to Israel on behalf of the American people. We do not support Obama the traitor's policy toward Israel.

The real reason it was a Secret report is because of the amounts of sheer uninformed speculation and assumption contained in the report and how misinformed the report is about the ways the US government works.

Israel ended its occupation of the Gaza Strip several years ago, only to be attacked by Hamas rockets. Israel maintains its occupation of the West Bank only because the Palestinians walked away from a generous offer of statehood on 97 percent of the West Bank, with its capital in Jerusalem and with a $35 billion compensation package for refugees. Had it accepted that offer by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Ehud Barak, there would now be a Palestinian state in the West Bank. There would be no separation barrier. There would be no roads restricted to Israeli citizens (Jews, Arabs and Christians). And there would be no civilian settlements.

To all, who are Obama haters, take a look at the leader who is helping you. Military aid was passed by Congres signed into law by Obama and $$$ transferred to Israeli accounts...(wow, that's good, $ 2.7 bil) Obama's White House has discredited and voted against the Goldstone Report. Conducted huge joint military exercises (Iran defense drill)--that is a big Deal How can the leader of the USA be perceived to be anti-Israeli?

...that nothing will happen is that the current president is focused on his own re-election. Any move perceived as pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel will decrease his chances for re-election.

Wow. What is happening to our values. I got it. This is what happens when you have a distorted power lying in the hands of a minority. 2% of US population are in Jewish hands (important now due to flagrant Dual Citizenship benefits- call it the Mabhouh Syndrome) 8.5 of US congress are Jews ( Distorted US foreign Policy) Dual allegiance. 15% of US wealth in Jewish, a serious problem due to US financial commitments coming from non-jewish taxpayer.

then the land will still be 'Occupied' ... but by Arabs this time.

They will have to agree to every agreement

You say a very great proportion of the US money given Israel is immediately recycled into the US arms producing industry. If we keep it here, ALL of it will stay in the US economy. Sounds like a much better deal, doesn't it?

People are getting the picture about obama: the "O" stands for "Zero." Like, Zero trust, Zero talent, Zero experience, Zero wisdom and Zero change. He's a poster boy with no idea what the heck he's doing: he's IGNORED the middle east 'peace' process because he won't get his hands dirty and he bows down to anyone and everyone because he thinks it makes him look good. Talk about a PC addict!!! He's a one termer, if that: he may be impeached, hopefully, before his term is up. G-d Willing.

Zionists seems determined to believe that Israel representes excellent value for money for the US, but I have to say, like a lot of people, I just don't see it. The US gets a bit of hi-tech from Israel, but it pays ffor it, and it could no doubt get it elsewhere if it had to. It probably gets a bit of intelligence, but I bet it only gets the intelligence Israel wants it to get, showing the things Israel wants it to see. The other side of the coin is that Israel is a constant source of conflict between US and the Muslim world, not the only source of conflict, but definitely one of the biggest. The US really doesn't need Israel. It does what it does for Israel because of the number of Israelis who are also US citizens and because of the number of US Jews and US evangelicals lobbying for Israel.

"Why is anyone publishing this classified report? Do they think it is somehow in Israel`s interest to do so?" Who is treasonous? Did you ever take the time to sit there and think about HOW Israel came across this information? Who in the USA spied and gave this info to the Israeli government? You are worried about Israel being harmed by this info, but yet you dont even think about your own country and how information like this on future foreign policy is being leaked to a foreign government. THAT is treasonous. You Israel firsters are becoming pretty bold.

Just as the zealous and hasty Israel-critics here on Haaretz talkback (#1, #2, #3, #5) show us that bias and ill-concealed rancour don't offer any prospects of success and reconciliation, so also the left U.S. administration which has taken since the first moment pro-Palestinian positions had later to withdraw from them due a lack of pragmatic realism. They don't understand yet that the real obstacle to peace is rooted in the Palestinian society and way of thinking which, in its hostility against Israel, isn't ready for a comprehensive peace. This attitude must change before claiming other unilateral concessions from the Jewish state. The Israel-critics above as the Obama administration should be aware of their responsibility while nourishing the Palestinian delusions of a too high excessive stake to gain: with this one-sided attitude they will only worsen the situation and jeopardize possible further progresses, especially for their fellow Palestinians.

Why is anyone publishing this classified report? Do they think it is somehow in Israel's interest to do so?

"To those who think of Israel as some 3rd world nation--the U.S. needs ISRAEL more than ISRAEL needs the U.S." Israel should cut all connections to the USA for a few months or a few years until the USA begs forgiveness. Netanyahu could announce to the world that he will not accept the USA back until Obama is impeached and removed from office and President Biden issues a formal apology.

price,if it is ever called on. Where did you get the 2 billion economic aid? How much do you give the Arabs? What do you get in return? Other than votes against the USA in the UN? Where did you get US ban on sales of cluster bombs to Israel? Are the Lebanese going to stop firing cluster munitions at Israel in the future? 9/11 Bin Ladin hates the USA becuse it stands in the way of global Islamisation.His son reiterates that in "Growing up Bin Ladin"!

will be to sit the US embassador on a stool in front of Lieberman and Co thrones. This will surely teach them a good lesson. just look how we succeeded with the turcs

... "righteousness" has negative connotations in rational discourse... the Pals want their human and national rights...

You ask about the "accident" on the Liberty. I haven't forgotten it. The Johnson administration, another Democratic blunder, decided to spy on it's ally Israel during a war and then denied this misdeed, denying any knowledge of the spy ship Liberty. You forgot about that, didn't you? Barack Hussein Obama is trying a similar tact - and then Loony Leftists in the Arabist camp will try and blame Israel again. Deny history and you will be forced to repeat it...

... than the stiff-necked approach of Bibi and his cadre of chronicly stiff-necked advisors...

...cozying-up-to the likes of Lieberman would have been perilous for Israelis and Pals alike...

Remember Obama's shiny rhetoric about giving priority to resolving the Israel-Pal conflict? Now, Obama "has decided to concentrate on achieving the limited goal of restarting the negotiations. The peace talks will not be at the top of the Obama administration's agenda...[Instead] the administration will focus in the coming year on domestic issues that are expected to determine the results of the Congressional elections".

bibi and the bouncer took over with their fascist oriented coaltion. doesn't matter who's in the white house, that trend will tend to continue as long as the trends in israel proceed as they have been.

Which area did you refer to regarding "Arabs in, Jews out": Israel or Occupied Territories?

Why? ..you ask, azbob? It is because of an affinity with the same 'One True God' between Christian and Jew. The two being 'witness-people' one to the other in the god business. This is the real issue that knots The USA and the Zionists tightly together. A foothold on ME Oil is secondary. This is also THE ISSUE that this paper will not see fit to print. It never has and never will. Myron

While the Jews may have a good lobby in the US , pro-palestinians would still continue to write to our representatives in Washington. We got them to ban cluster bomb sales to israel and we will push for even more. While they may throw rockets and even kidnap, Israel does much worse to these people on a daily basis. No more "cleanups"! Just get out, and stay out. Leave them alone. We in the US will not risk another 9-11 to aid and abet jewish religious fanatics in their quest for realizing a dream of restoring Israel to its biblical borders. Just stay within your own borders. Stop killing people in other countries, stop harassing your neighbors and inciting. Or simply tell us to keep our aid money and stick it out alone. 3bil in military aid, 2 bil in financial aid, 1 year of guaranteed oil reserves and thats at our expense, at the going rate can be another 10bil!(Most americans dont even know about that!) Id be happy if you told us to keep our money.

Since Israel enjoys the support of both parties in the US Congress. Thus the real obstacle in achieving peace in the Middle East is the US Congress and the various US elections.

obama had made his position clear even before the elections. his supporters on this site were and are pro-palestinian.

The headline is just anti-American claptrap. The story is to cover any objectivity on the part of the US because Mitchell is not apparently solidly in the right wing Israel-from-Iraq-to-the-Nile camp. No US government has recognized the annexations of the Eastern part of Jerusalem or the Golan. Bush went so far as to acknowledge that Israel had created facts on the ground. And he did help drive Hamas into Iran's arms, just to distract and make peace more difficult. But even he didn't recognize any Israeli right of conquest. Your Foreign Ministry need not have made the report secret. The Obama Administration knows what contempt the Israeli government has for the current US government.

No time for the US 'cozying up to the Palestinians' because confusion and disturbancews are breaking out in Gaza right now. Hamas is in trouble.

Just go to the U.S. Jerusalem consulate's website to understand the U.S. true position, it's no secret. Arabs in, Jews out.

...Yeah... while continuously gaining land under the Likud... Time will come when this will be reversed. But ONLY if the Palestinians "righteousness" will change! You see the difference, Natallie?

There is no point to peace talks if gilad shalit is not returned and Hamas doesn't recognize Israel's right to exist. In the meantime the leadership of the West Bank continue to make statements inciting riots.I think Mitchell is wasting his time,

A very great proportion of the US money given to Israel is immediately recycled into the US arms producing companies. They don't really lose it - it forms a slightly concealed subsidy for a beleaguered economy. Honest brokers? Hardly.

The propagenda driven by billions of dollars of Palestinians money is telling us that the land of the Jews is now Arab. But for the Jews, it will always be Israel, especially after a 2000 year struggle to return.

The Arab agenda will remain the same--the eventual destruction of Israel, annihilation of the state, in line with the Koranic mandate. To those who think of Israel as some 3rd world nation--the U.S. needs ISRAEL more than ISRAEL needs the U.S. As it is, Obama lost an ally, only 6% of Israelis have ANY trust in him. Which is GOOD because they are realistic and on the mark. His agenda is with the Islamic world and he has already decided to let Iran obtain nuclear weapons, despite his parroting of "sanctions" which are a total farce. He would destroy Israel. Israel will get closer to more recent world allies. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, recently said that if Israel were ever successfully boycotted and shut out, "Google would be in very deep trouble." Israel's spirit and talent will go on, with or without the U.S. and Americans will rue the day Obama ever stepped into the White House, an incompetent orator.

The authors of the report also predict that the administration will avoid taking any position that suggests disagreement with Israel, because of the support that Israel enjoys among both parties in Congress.

Azbob's comments are correct. Israel isa deadweight on the progress of the US. With thecord cut Israel will drift off on its own slowly taking on water until it slowly sinks withour trace. Its original immoral blackmail to use nuclear weapons if it ever looks like loosing is an empty threat when the destruction is from within by corruption and self interest.

The Palestinians have a more righteous cause, the the Israelis have a better lobby. The Israeli lobby has been losing its power and will continue to do so. The righteousness of the Palestinian cause will not change

It is up to Israel and the Palestinians to be serious. Thus far, Israel in deed and word proved without shaddow of a doubt that it is not. Why should Obama break his neck to extricate Israel from its morass? If Eldar is correct, then The U.S will assign the blame to Israel putting further pressure on it. No drastic moves, only very slow continuous squeeze.

Why should the US care any longer. It does not need Israel. Israel is a drag on the US. It spies on the US. It takes taxpayers money. It breaks UN resolution after resolution without hesitation or remorse. Its people have become arrogant. Remember the "accident" on the USS Liberty? It's time to cut the cord and let Israel drift on its own.

Pals and show the world we don't approve of the Israelis going around the world assassinating people.

Finally. A US government that doesn't comply with every single Israeli action, no matter how ridiculous they are. And, ofcourse, this is being shown as "cozying up to the Palestinians." Here's a tip, Israel: Stop committing human rights violations and breaking international law. And, maybe, if we can complete those seemingly simple and obvious steps, we can comply with your policy. It would help if you weren't trying to make ILLEGAL settlement expansion part of your peace deal. And when the Palestinians refuse, you try to make yourselves the victim.

The 1st installment was yesterday when the White House said they would start to put blame on the Pals or the Israelis if they do not work out an agreement within 4 months. Talk about pressure! And now today a "secret" report indicating the White House is going to "cozy" up to the Palestinians. Does this mean the Palestinians are getting a boost start and that the White House is already planning their blame game on Netanyahu. Just what is going on in Obama's mind. Right now he needs a win...is the Palestinian/Israeli problem one he is depending on in the win column ?

A "secret report" that is part of the Bibi government's ongoing attempt to turn the 78% of American Jews that support Obama against him and turn even more Israelis against him. Bibi is misreading the mood in the American GOP now if he thinks it will advantage him. They are getting increasingly isolationist, and Bibi is drinking Always-Wrong Kristol's Kool-Aid if he thinks Obama will allow a bomb in Iran. It probably doesn't matter. Just restarting these negotiations along with the Israeli criminal justice system will probably end Bibi's coalition.

This headline raises two questions. First, how can the US 'cozy up' to the Palestinians. Second, given how despicably Netanyahu has treated the United States why should it NOT 'cozy up' to anyone? "The U.S. administration will not put a lot of effort into the upcoming indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, opting instead to focus on the November Congressional elections," - Haaretz Why waste time on what Israel has made impossible at the expense of what is necessary? "The authors of the report also predict that the administration will avoid taking any position that suggests disagreement with Israel, because of the support that Israel enjoys among both parties in Congress." - Haaretz Safe assumption so how is the US 'cozying up' to the Palestinians? Does the concept of Israel as a nation deeply overwhelmed by paranoid fantasies have anything to do with this article?