The Obama administration asked for the East Jerusalem fiasco
Far from being a technical mishap, this week's East Jerusalem debacle was typical Israeli clockwork chaos.
By Yossi Sarid Tags: Israel news Middle East peace East JerusalemDon't believe Benjamin Netanyahu for one moment when he says he "never knew." The Jerusalem planning committee is only too aware of what the bosses want, and the government has decided to step up construction in greater Jerusalem. Dispossession and taking possession, kicking out and moving in - that's what it's all about.
Over the years, a streamlined and generously lubricated machine has evolved, one that makes it possible to take solace in the building of Jerusalem (in the phrase used to console mourners) and to take pride - but also to take cover - behind a facade of disingenuousness and disowning. Yesterday, it was convenient to disown.
No pretext is more dismal than "bad timing." Ehud Barak immediately put out a press release about the "harmful timing of the publication." As if there were a proper time for provocations. If the announcement of the 1,600 planned housing units had come before Joe Biden's trip, they would have said it was aimed at sabotaging the visit, and if it happened after he left, they would have said Biden himself was in on the secret.
But with Barak, that willing slave-minister of Netanyahu's, everything's cool, but if only they had kept that call for bids confidential, if only they built apartments in some dark secluded hideaway, like the Western Wall tunnel.
Don't believe for a moment that they never knew: The chaos works like clockwork. The detonation mechanism is activated remotely and a safety range is carefully observed. It will always be possible to make procedural claims - "it's a technical matter" or "the political echelon wasn't involved" or "the timing was purely coincidental" or "three years of deliberations happened to end now." What judge hearing a case would accept "I didn't know" as a mitigating circumstance?
This is one visit Joe Biden will not quickly forget. First he was compelled to sit through 25 minutes of an annoying speech in his honor by our president. Shimon Peres really believes that he is the destination for pilgrims from all over the world who drink in his musings and are intoxicated by his vision.
Later, Biden was given a certificate memorializing his mother, but the glass broke. Once again, Bibi didn't pay attention, leaned on it and shattered it. No fear, his speeches have always diverted attention from such mishaps. And finally, to add a finishing touch of infuriating disgrace, the Haredi neighborhood Ramat Shlomo was dumped on the vice-presidential head.
Truth be told, the Obama administration just about asked for this slap. In Jerusalem, the lesson has been learned that the White House doesn't fulfill its obligations - it just goes through the motions by issuing insincere rebukes. And now, they'll begin the "proximity talks" - Orwellian for distance, which is greater than it's been in 20 years.
If I were Rahm Emanuel, I wouldn't advise Barack Obama to follow in his Veep's footsteps and visit Israel soon. It's safe to predict that on the day he's addressing the Knesset, they'll tell him work has begun on the Temple Mount. The first Temple was that of Solomon the Wise, the Second was that of Ezra the Scribe, and the Third of Netanyahu and Eli Yishai. Let the Temple be built, and the home of the nation will be laid waste.
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Given that the United States is the largest producer of arms in the world by far; it is reasonable to assume that the outbreak of war in the Middle East between Israel and whoever will be good for American business. So, is America simply being stupid or is Israel being deliberately allowed to walk a path that will most certainly lead to .....
A total of 50,000 is being planned. Multiply that by 4 and you've got another 200,000 Israelis inhabiting the eastern portion of Jerusalem. What I don't understand is why the Palestinian Arabs cannot simply admit their error for having rejected the UN sanctioned partition plan way in the beginning? They didn't mind being occupied by Egypt and Jordan until they received another major humiliation in 1967. Today they are blowing civilians & themselves up in cafes out of desperation. Some "liberation movement". As a rule, losers of conflicts usually do not get much say in any matter. They should be happy to get whatever is offered to them. Imagine what it would be like if things were the other way around?
If anyone in the Israeli leadership believes that the humiliations of various US officials can continue after the Biden debacle, think again. For the first time, the US MSM, which have consistently been silent about Israel's worst excesses, are reporting and commenting on what is seen as an inexcusable insult to their Vice President. This unprecedented interest in Israel's actions will continue in the future, to Israel's detriment. The US economy is reeling, unemployment is at an unacceptable level, and now the media are pointing out that this country, that has received more than $100 Billion in US aid since the 1950's, has given the finger to one of its leaders. The US public is learning for the first time that Israel's arrogance knows no bounds and will not stand for it again. Netanyahoo must have been out of his mind to permit this to happen.
you've that right. Unless Obama grows a pair, the Israelis will continue to do a number on the U.S., and the rest of us Americans will continue getting the shaft. But goes around always comes around!
We stated that there is no freeze in Jerusalem and they never should have been one in Judea and Samaria either. This is our land and we are not going to allow anybody else tell us what to do in our land. The Arabs already have 78% of our territory they are not going to get anymore.
Can we the American tax payers also stop funding all muslim nations? Would that also be alright w/ you? You didn't say... I'm all for it, Israel already has the 3 bill needed if Obama wants to play hard ball, ( which is not his style) no balls, no style, no ability to unite rather, he's made a serious enemy of a once more than loyal ally. American's also agree/ he's toast in 2012.
And so well put. Thank you. Shalom.
Atleast Neville Chamberlain had an excuse,he was naive,or maybe stupid,and he didn't"sell" his country,only the Czechs.What is your excuse Yossi Sarid?
Peace with Israel would be the end of all Arabs regimes including Hamas and Mubarak.Who else would they blame for the lack of democracy and education,and poverty,and freedom of speech,and women rights.That is why they will fight against peace in the Muslim world,even if it is built on thousands of Israeli bodies,or American,and btits,and spanish bodies,and worst.their muslim brothers bodies.They fear peace more than they fear Israel.
Youssi was very efficient in 'making piss' when he was in the government... They generated this endless 'new Intifada' together with chairman Arafat. Now he is so critical of others...
Tzivi I second That The problem we don't have enough jewish people to admit that, and if we keep our mouth shutand don't say anything The evil Jews will win and the country will be distroy and they will put us in the dark ages,
" Why not bulldoze them into the earth as fertilizer for orchards? Much more efficient! " Am I really surprised, that this language passes thru this paper no, not really. This kind of language was once spoken in Europe, by some germas.
No need israel is slowly destroying itself and the moderate Jews like myself will have to pay the price because of terrorists who have voted in extremists to run my country. Why wont the evil Jews in the US leave my country alone and let israelis and Palestinians live in peace as this is wont most of us want. I fear a disastrous end for israelis.
"...but Jerusalem is eternal" Well, the way you conduct business and diplomacy, this may not be the case.
Isreal has no intention to conclude peace with Arab, She thinks that peace is the perfect end of Israel's expansionist state. Instead of seeking the true peace Israel used to waging wars and striking their "enemies" as the world is too "understanding" the urgent need for the so-called Isreal Security, even if it is being built on thousands of Arab bodies.
"It hurts too (spoken as a Euro that donated)" You realize "as a Euro", that's illegal, right? People who are "Euros" don't have a right to donate to *American* presidential campaigns, unless they're American citizens- which you, (speaking as a Euro), do not seem to be. So, you know, stop trying to illegally influence American elections, k?
If Israel is not part of America, then stop taking our billions of dollars a year to support the Israeli criminal enterprise of settlements and arms. And by the way, you can tell the 700,000 yordim to return home. By the way, where were you born, Brooklyn or Monsey?
It isn't Obama Yossi,they blam Emanuel for the fiasco.Obama has done nothing wrong,because he has done nothing.
That Peres is annoying is no secret ,he's the figurhead of Israeli Lefties ,the first one who had kissed Arafat. Sarid followed and still fondly remembers the Sweet Lips of Yasser. Bringing up Bibi's smashing of some glass is as petty as the Great Interpreter of the Immortal Thoughts of the Left ,Sarid is. Now comes the crux of the matter-Sarid's attack on some alleged "3d Temple building" as the source of past and future Israeli disasters. Stalinist Sarid doesn't believe in Temples of course and provides a "rational explanation "of their harmfulness. But Yossi ,your Great Idol,Josif Stalin used religious "Brothers and Sisters" ,not "Comrades" when adressing the Russian people after his buddy ,Hitler ,he had trusted as the Israeli Left trusted Arafat ,turned in him and advanced into the Sovjet Union. And Stalin asked the Madonna of Tzvition ikon to be flown around Moscow in a plane (in secret of course) And priests were released from Gulags. See Yossi ,one never knows..
It seem to me that you have described your own country.Your country is the master of "extending its middel finger".To Europe on the enironmental policy.To the Arabs in Iraq.To the Muslims in Afghanistan.To the African in Darfur. to the world opinion in Gitmo,and the list is long.
Jerusalem is part of Israel period. Israel can do whatever it wants in Yerushalayim Ir Hakodesh Sh'chubra la yachdav!!! Why do wee have to apologize? We agreed to stop building in the West Bank ONLY. j-M IS not negotiable period. Call me extreme but that is a fact. If we give up our right here, Israel will cease to exist. Hashem will no longer grant us grace.
It would be easier to abide by American advice and support if they had at least one evidence that they have succeeded in their policies. How successful have they been in preventing atomic bomb construction in Iran, ensuring peaceful life in Iraq and Afghanistan, intervening in Sudan, achieving evironmental international policies, etc etc? When they can prove their success in actions and not words, maybe someone will listen.
ah yes, a cancer. Israel is the cancer in the territories and they say 'let it grow'!?
Let's wait for the US midterm elections in November. After that, "The Unborn" will be nothing but a lame duck.
Lots on here today. Too much aluminum in the water maybe?
"Take Gaza back from the terrorist and relocate the Arabs in the West Bank to jordan, matter of fact, take southern lebanon as well." Why not bulldoze them into the earth as fertilizer for orchards? Much more efficient!
Israel will build her land according to her will. And for that I say, HALLELUJAH!
Mel, The problem is that Netanyahu wan't elected by a majority and had to plaster together a coalition with various fringe parties. Therefore, the minority vote is actually running the country along with foreign policy. If you want my opinion this is is a debacle and the current government are not the only ones to blame. I think a lot of blame goes to Livni who was offered to be in a unity government but refused for what seems to be me to be nothing else but selfish political motives i.e. sit back and watch a right wing government go up against a left wing US administration and make a hash of it. When it comes to the next election she won't get my vote. It seems to me that the Israeli political system isn't offering its voters much at all and needs a serious overhaul - the list system is just plain stupid. Unfortunately that's not on the cards as it isn't in any of the politicians' interests. Overall, the outlook is not looking pretty for the next few years.
It is clear that Netanyahu is lying through his teeth when he says he didn't know. Sarid's "remote control" analogy is spot on - Netanyahu operates the machinery from a safe distance. Israel has blackmailed the world for too long. It is high time that this bully is stopped dead in tracks. Now they want to demolish Palestinian homes in Jerusalem to make way for a nature park!!! Having cleared the area of non-jews to create a park, they will then redesignate it as a housing development area - but only for jews.
Oh Yossi, you will never learn. Last I looked Israel is not part of America. We have our own interests and a Prime Minister who was elected by the people to lead the country. Because he does not conform to your opinions does not mean he is an idiot. Maybe its the people who can let go of the Oslo fantasy are the idiots. Why are you not concerned with US and their constant starategy of stringing us along on Iran?
Biden was on a peace mission and didn't come to get humilated by the Israeli rights, including Netanyahu. Anyone who believes that this slap on the face for the no. 2 man in Washington will go unnoticed and without serious consequencies. It is time now for the USA and the West to act and show where this paria state should be placed.
"Poll: Half of Israeli high schoolers oppose equal rights for Arabs" Jewish chauvinism is a cancer that is eating away at Israel. It is destroying Israel's moral values, it will destroy Western support for Israel, and ultimately it risks destroying Israel entirely, because the West doesn't want a Jewish chauvinist Israel and the Middle East won't accept one.
that Israel is just begging for some form of reduction of the enormous flow of money from the US to Israel. Do I think it will happen? Nah, this storm will pass and in the end the houses will be build without much fanfare
these morons don't deserve any of our help and support
...I am getting there too, following Esther and Yossi. I never thought I will...
It must really be the messianic era if Yossi Sarid is calling for building of the third temple, albeit sarcastically...
What's the big deal? Jerusalem belongs to Isreal and the Jews. Build as many houses as you wish. Take Gaza back from the terrorist and relocate the Arabs in the West Bank to jordan, matter of fact, take southern lebanon as well. Joshua the son of Nun, will comment you for it. I promise.
This is our land, this is our rigth, this is what is going to happen!!!!
Is Obama a friend of Israel? NO! So why should Israel listen to a single thing that comes out of his mouth? I say BUILD, BUILD & BUILD! Facts on the the ground are the only things that count. Obama and his marry band of cult followers will soon be gone, but Jerusalem is eternal.
Perhaps I took too many words in my last post. If anyone allows anyone far weaker and dependent upon them to demand money and arms, while kicking them in the nuts, pissing in their face and shitting upon them; then that self-made victims and not the gangster is at fault.
For a year every appearance in the region by a member of the Obama government has been met with an act of the Netanyahu government which humiliated that US government. Each was worse than the prior. Each involved in flaunting Netanyahu's defiance. The last two, 1,600 and then 50,000 acts of contempt a day later are just the natural progression of gratuitous aggression which went unpunished. Netanyahu, Lieberman and Barak are just doing what they are. Which is acting like self-centered juvenile delinquents unfit to rule their own lives much less a nation. It is Obama which has egged them on by his endless cowardice in the face of their contempt. America is confronted by a juvenile government run by men of proven incompetence and America's failure to hold them responsible encourages further childish actions. It is clear Israel has nothing but total contempt for the USA. And the continued groveling to Israel proves the US deserves Israel's contempt.
Lets be clear this is about the timing but not the act?
When the third temple is built that will be the end of you Mr Sarit, and the great begining of the religous Jewish people. I know you are worried abut that, and indeed you have good reason to be so
Democracy is not one of them. This poll reads like the American South circa 1950. How embarrassing for thinking Israelis. Truly shameful.
Has mastered the art of extending its middle finger to the world, and taking umbrage if anyone objects. It's really quite remarkable.
Bama the Chicago Bull turns out to be a sheep once in the ring. It sucks. It does. It hurts too (spoken as a Euro that donated). But still a round to go. Is asking for a miracle insane?