U.S.: Mideast status quo is not sustainable

S: "1 israel was attacked." Jerusalem wasn't "in Israel" in 1948, shlomzion. It still isn't. S: "2 jordan and israel signed an armistice agreement" Yeah, funny that: they *BOTH* signed the same armistice agreement i.e. they *BOTH* agreed to stop fighting each other. S: "3 the latter said that fighting ended 'without prejudice to future settlement or boundary lines' " Indeed. And THAT means that the fighting between 1948-49 - and therefore the deployment of your troops when the fighting stopped - has no impact on determining "who has what and where". s: "you have no case to make." You, apparently, find my case beyond your comprehension. I'm not sure why, because "the armistice agreement is saying that the war of 1948-49 meant Jack Shit" is not a particularly difficult concept to grasp.

Isreal must change or descend ever further into full-blown socio-political psychosis. NOBODY anywhere accepts as valid the view that Isreal can claim an exeemption from the elmental concept of justice - peace can be acheived tomorrow - Isreal must simply, authentically desire it.

"There you go, again and again, from your cozy and safe haven in the US--the country which formerly protected, covered for, send aid and weapons to Israel. You have not yet made your choice, I see,but continue favor Israel over its former friend, the US." Palestinians have bombed US citizens at home and abroad. Meanwhile, you support them. Do you like talking out of your ass from your AZ haven? You might not be aware of this either, but the American people support Israel. It's this current administration which is at odds with it. "Soon you will be forced to choose. This could get interesting. Tickets?" I choose for you to have surgery. Get your head removed out of your ass and quit supporting people who repeatedly chant, "Death to America." Don't let the Arizona sun continue giving you so much mentally-debilitating heat stroke. Side with our allies, not our enemies.

Like I said before, keep on pushing and the rope it'll brake. You can have as many arguments as you like...

gaps, I question the gaps you created between the One True God of Israel and yourself. Gap #1. You are no christian as you once purported yourself as being, you and I know this. #2.You were not born in a manger in Bethlehem, Israel, we both know this as well. Good Lord man, you can't even make people believe you were born in Hawaii.The truth to your delusional thinking is the anger of you not being born in Israel. We both know this too. Eh? Lastly, The desire to be loved by all of who you will try to enslave soon enough, will be your downfall. We both know this to be true as well. Don't we?

No power on earth can change what G-d has promised.

This is above his pay grade ! What next? Will he command Jews to cut their own straw and the tally not diminish? Obama, let my people go ! Hell will freeze over before E. Jerusalem is held by the Palestinians. Many Jews rather fight to the death first. Israel needs a PM with backbone who will stand up not stand down !

Seeing the real Moshe and not an immitation.

And the offer you propose is meet and just yes? Of course.i.e Be generous with your own land. I have better trade: Jerusalem remains our undivided capital and they can have London. And I say amen to that Steve of Mevaserret Zion. With all my heart and soul. before I leave you Shabat Shalom

"The majority of Americans do not agree with the recent treatment of Israel by the Obama Administration. Please do not think that our current leaders speak for all of us" Neither do you speak for all of us. Many Americans do not agree with the treatment of Palestinians by Israel.

"Other than in the eyes of an anti-semite there is no (typical) New York City Jew" Rubbish. I've got a friend who describes himself as a typical New York City Jew. It's obvious you live nowhere near New York City!

When Israelis deny the sovereign rights and human rights of others and fail to hold their leaders and commanders for their wrong doing they don't deserve a place at the table today. Hence all their victim- hood goes out the window and their place in the Middle East be- come invalidated.... No amount of patching up by Obama will repair that damage today either. The impact will be widespread and the results will be devast- ating in scope --like in Rachel Carson 's , Silent Spring and fable to- morrow. The people will lose all they took for granted... Dutch "It was a spring without voices. On the mornings that once throb- bed with the dawn chorus of robins, catbirds, doves, jays, wrens, and scores of other bird voices there was no sound, only silence lay over head the fields and woods and marshes. On the farms the hens brooded, but no chicks hatched. the farmers complained that they were unable to raise any pigs--the litters were small and the young survived only a few days. The apple trees were com- ing into bloom but no bees droned among the blossoms, so there was no pollination and there would be no fruit...No witchcraft, no enemy action had silenced the rebirth of new life in this stricken world. The people had done it themselves." " Rachel Carson

Who elected him? you Israelis did when you agreed to take a multi-billion dollar pay check and also fund your own foot soldiers in Washington DC

Be generous with your own land. I have better trade: Jerusalem remains our undivided capital and they can have London.

There will be no supporting Israel as an illegal entity and the contin- ued denial of Palestinian sovereign rights and human rights... People have their principles....Dutch

Other than in the eyes of an anti-semite there is no (typical) New York City Jew.

Many Peace loving Palestinians would like to live in peaceful coexistence with their neighbors, but militant leadership among the Palestinians have been preventing this possibility for years.

Jerusalem is already divided, and not only between east and west. People who trumpet what you've just said have never opened their eyes. You'd save yourself a lot of bother by doing just that, right now.

The events of the past forty three years seem to show that the status quo is not only sustainable but works in Israel's favor. Not only has Israel kept the situation where it was forty three years ago but has developed the land and populated it with hundreds of thousands of Israelis. The Palestinians and the Americans might like to think that is an example of something not being sustainable but they are deluding themselves. I believe Israel would be very happy to see the next forty three years develop as the last forty three years did. There is nothing anyone can do to stop it.

FYI - The majority of Americans do not agree with the recent treatment of Israel by the Obama Administration. Please do not think that our current leaders speak for all of us.

although he is probably a voice in the ocean. Palestinians want the end of occupation not precisely mutual recognitio of national claims. In any case the basic idea is what you metioned with minor changes. Jewish neighboors in east jersualem will remain part of Israel. Some territorial swap is a must, and a quite good idea would be to shift the "triangle" from Israel territory into palestinian territory.

You write: Judea and Samaria has been Jewish for thousands of years. Suure.. Keep repeating it, it might just make it true. (Ain't it the Zionists' way.)

...I think we can both agree that Obama does not "own" Israel, but considering the level of aid in US tax dollars that Israel receives, our president more than has the right to make some demands about Israel's treatment of the Palestinians, which much of that money goes to. If Israel doesn't need Obama's approval, then why don't we just suspend all that aid?

Typically, this is only posturing and creative positioning by the acting-like-a-spoiled-brat Israeli "leadership." They'll keep pushing this "no freeze" song of theirs, until they whisper in Obama's ear, "Okay, we'll freeze development on the stolen lands, but we want you guys to back us when we strike Iran." Pop goes the world.

When the Palestinians declare their desire for a Bi National State and Isreal is on the new "Axis of Evil" it will be too late. No use coming crying when you have lost it all. The Palestinians will be able to say that Israel was offered peace many times but turned it down. Yep the new three "Nos" and we will hear all the same argumenst the Palestinians made but this time from Zionists who will be on the losing side.# Oh well ---you can lead a horse to water etc.

Once again, Bebe's government plays the spoiled child, just as an American envoy approaches Israel. It is one thing to disagree - as honorable people often do - and another to signal indifference to the strategic interests of Israel's best friend in the world. As is often said of Christian extremists in the US: "Everyone is free to have their opinion in a democracy, but that doesn't mean we let the village idiot determine policy" When will the adult, realistic view of most Israelis be reflected in a government committed to building a just peaceful future for all the region's children?

What is Bibi's vision for the future in regards for Israel and the Palestinians? And how does building in East Jerusalem fit in? I don't hear much about any realistic vision for the future.

There you go, again and again, from your cozy and safe haven in the US--the country which formerly protected, covered for, send aid and weapons to Israel. You have not yet made your choice, I see,but continue favor Israel over its former friend, the US. Soon you will be forced to choose. This could get interesting. Tickets?

You and your kind live in a dream world. Today International Law is the standard by which you are judged whether you like it or not. All these biblical claims are baseless.

Good for Netanyahu. His position is now crystal clear. And I'm sure Obama will respond in kind. Best of luck Israel.

Supposed to be release of Israeli Prisoners, what have the Palestinians returned for this gesture besides Quassams, and againI repeat to you Politeness is beginning your ending in shalom not salaam which does not exist in any arab Culture period. SHalom Peace (or is english too insulting for you?

Canada, Australia to name a few

who are you, President Obama, or any of the other four "Quartet" leaders to say that it is time to divide the land--the land given to me and my children and my children's children by the Original Owner, G-d?

You all seem to forget that it's not just the US administration that wants to see Israel stick by her agreements and adhere to International Law. Most of the rest of the world agrees with Obama and his advisors. Ignore that if you wish but don't whine when you are completely isolated from the family of nations. No one will be listening.

There are cardinal rules in negotiation. The first is that there need to be parties willing to negotiate. The second is that the negotiation, if it is to be more than a charade, must be in good faith. The third is that if there is a negotiated solution, even interim, the parties must defend the solution from third parties. So who is are the good faith negotiating parties. Maybe you have confused "armistice" with "treaty?"

What exactly did Israel get from our 'partners' in peace? Talk about land grabbers they the Pals have not even released one soldier that they kidnapped as a 'concession' to peace.

Thanks for your thoughts. I see how you think so and I fully understand your argument. The main difference is that Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan "last forever". All the wars that Israel had to fight were of a very short duration. It is human nature to do daily what they want to do unless they have a major disturbance and so far, there hasn't been one. That explains the difference in the behavior in the US during Vietnam and all and in Israel now. The Tea Party is a whole different story and for the time being, it is on a very small scale. Perhaps I shouldn't have brought it up.

logios an israeli asks a foreign leader to discredit the elected prime minister of israel. how much credit does logios have

logios do you mean things like "f--k the jews they didnt vote for us." a famous baker saying.

"the true reason the peace process has frozen is due to the weakness and inability of the Palestinian leadership." Yuval Steinitz of Likud Ah, Israel is innocent. It's the "cockroaches in the bottle" that are guilty. There was only "negotiate, negotiate, negotiate, even to the year 2000." Menachem Begin in 1977 Frozen? Just one treacherous stall job after another while Palestinian land is "expropriated". Salaam/Shalom

The only question is whether Obama's appeasement policies will lead to a war as costly as those of his hero Neville Chamberlin or will it lead to an even more catastrophic conclusion.

During the yrs of the Vietnam War in the US there was very strong opposition to the war that resulted in mass movements of students, unions and religious figures. They eventually brought about the withdrawal of toops and affected US foreign policy. That has not happened in Israel. There are no mass movements against the colonists who won the election and dictate foreign policy. There are ad hoc groups and groups if brave individuals but no large group with a leadership that can direct the movement in making real policy change in Israel. Small agressive minorities (and I dont believe it is that but that the right is much more sizable than you seem to believe) have received the support and encouragement of consecutive Israeli gov'ts. They are in control because the ideology they adhere too was the one that was elected and put in control. There is no collective voice for justice or compromise. And those who do speak out or take a stand are denounced as fith columnists

american patriot i have been shouting to your president at the top of my voice telling him to mind his own business. our politicians are too busy planning the attack on iran.

Israel MUST maintain a hard line. Secure borders is the only way Israel will find true peace. KEEPING YERUSHALIAM UNDIVIDED IS THE ONLY WAY ISRAEL CAN MAINTAIN ITS TRUE IDENTITY AND SOUL

take your carpets elsewhere.

unless you write english there is no point in answering you.

'johnboy you(sic) thesis does not stand up to scrutinity(sic)' can't spell-can't think.

we control the land you write about.how do you expect to force us to give it up?

You are wrong! "wrong by inclusion". Israel wants peace. Or, to say it better, most Israelis want peace. As you well know from your own past experience, while Nixon was in Vietnam, Bush in Iraq and Afganistan you wanted peace, didn't you? Well, many, and I dare to say most Palestinians and Israelis want peace but, the small aggressive minority is in control. Just watch the Tea Party group in the US and see how much damage will they may do to Obama in the next elections. The settlers and their supporters are very much the same as the Tea Party.

you mean the teleprompter man?why would we insult him?

ok boston withdraw the loan guarantees.give them to iraq.they need them more.or perhaps afghanistan.and somalia.and also yemen. israel does not need money given with so much ill will.

read the armistice agreement for the true state of affairs.

control of the city was the whole point of the fighting.both sides israel and jordan agreed that the freeze gave no one any advantage over boundaries.you convince no one.

Born and raised here. Served Israel twice, as did father and grandfather. Was prosperous here and abroad. After much family wrangling, have gotten agreement that we should sell all and lease back and/or rent where we can. Art objects and valuables are out of country, in storage, - similar to what parents did prior to WW II. This is no life, but we are still tethered to the country, people and land by heartstrings. Whether it is right or wrong, Bibi will have to make concessions. To do anything else will result in a disaster for us all. We can build in safeguards, as long as thay are acceptable to all concerned. As you can see from the above, we have prepared for the worst. Also, everytime there is a severe problem we take a family vacation. It is really no way to live, but we feel a definite "disconnect" with the present administration.

1 israel was attacked. 2 jordan and israel signed an armistice agreement 3 the latter said that fighting ended "without prejudice to future settlement or boundary lines" you have no case to make.

It is not only Obama, it?s not only the US, it?s not only Europe, it is also Israel. Yes, some Israelis support the construction of more settlements but, they are a minority! Most Israelis prefer peace! Before you continue to follow this arrogant decision, think again of how it can damage the good image that Israel has been trying to build for so many years.

Voices of Palestinain moderation will be silenced the guns of Hamas and other Iranian sponsed groups whose goal is the elimination of Israel. Ya'alon says what most of us that have served in the IDF reluctantly acknowledge: the plain truth about our enemy is that they do not want peace with Israel, but peace without Israel.

rusalem . Netanyahu must remove any bureaucrat that understands nothing in business .

Opinion of others is tainted by world wide antisemitism. Jews have more rights to Jersualem, Juda and Samaria than any other cournty in the world who occupied any terriotory it did not have when it was formed. That is a historical fact and not an oppinion of some court that by the way was established after Jerusalem was freed.

"Right. Was the Jordanian takeover of Jewish lands also a grave violation? Or is it only a grave violation for Jews to build on their own properties?" Are you comparing Jordan's occupation of East Jerusalem with Israel's? Hmmm, that seems strange. We are decades removed from 1948 and 1967, and clearly, both sides acted poorly in the early years of the Arab Israeli Conflict. Today, in 2010, the world has grown tired of continued Israeli intransigence. Peace is possible, but not if the peace is on Israeli terms only. Both sides have to comprimse. That means Israel has to agree to share East Jerusalem. The Palestinians have to agree not to go back to the original 1947 parition plan, the one that essentially served as israel's birth certificate.... Learn to share, cousin...

not have the guts to spell it to OUR PRESIDENT.

thank you , and by the way also all our armaments that get you 2B a power in the ME.

"Israeli construction in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem is a grave violation of international law" Right. Was the Jordanian takeover of Jewish lands also a grave violation? Or is it only a grave violation for Jews to build on their own properties?

She is on great demand, lately.

The world's highest court, in an advisory opinion, left no doubt that East Jerusalem is occupied territory. No nation including the good old USA recognizes the annexation of East Jerusalem by Israel.

Oh come, come. What you really meqan to say is that no nation has the right to criticise Israel. It should be off limits. Well, that isnt happening. You behave like a brute in power, then you should expect nothing different. Obama will soon see that Barak is no different, just talking a different line but are any of those 23 illegal outposts he promised to remove 2 yrs ago from the hills of Palestine, are any of them gone?

What about the enexationof Australia by the english and others, yourself and you forfatehrs included. Maybe we should discuss that before we duscuss how "bad" Israel is. Judea and Samaria has been Jewish for thousands of years. We have every right to be there. We won that land fair and square in a defensive war and it should be hours to keep. If Israel has to relinquish Jueda and Samaria, then everyone in the world should leave land they once conqured. That would include most if not all countires in the World.

Good going bibi, tell obama our children need homes!

Why is this article not on the CNN. I really would like to read the American take on it.

Without American Pressure on Israel, little will move in the direction of peace. The Obama administration should learn the lesson of the Papa Bush administration and apply some serious pressure on the Netanyahu government. The Likud government at the time, headed by Shamir, was hard line. Secretary of State Jim Baker announced in 1990 that when Israel is interested in peace, she should call the White House telephone number (and publicly gave out the number). In 1991, Israel was facing a flood of Aliya from the former Soviet Union. She asked the US for loan guarantees to absorb the immigrants. Bush refused. When AIPAC tried to get Congress to approve the loan guarantee anyhow, Papa Bush came out and complained publicly about the armies of lobbyists employed. AIPAC realized this would anatagonize the American people and gave up the battle. In addition, Bush started voting for some "unpleasant" Security Council resolutions. Israelis are no dummies, and realized the disaster that Shamir was taking them into. In the 1992 election, they replaced Shamir with Rabin. Obama should do the same with Netanyahu. Get rid of the disaster by discrediting him and his policies in the eyes of Israelis. Example: Allowing the Security Council to condemn Israel for building in Jerusalem will be an unmistakable signal.

The Swedish daily DN has put an extra spin on this news. They report that sources in the White house mean that the only israeli politician behaving like an adult is Barak. There is not one single day that they don't have Israel bashing on their first page. Lovely democratic Hamas for instance are almost never criticized.

... and you will reach an invalid conclusion.... s: "so johnboy that being so the united states or the united nations have no right to interfere. " The only problem with that statement is here: "that being so" Because "that" isn't true, and so your argument fails. The armistice agreement did not confer any ADDITIONAL rights to either Israel or to Jordan. And PRIOR to the armistice Israel had no "right" to Jerusalem, because that city was not included in the territory allocated to the "Jewish state". And if 1) it had no right to annex the city pre-armistice and 2) the armistice didn't grant it ANY additional right, then 3) it stands to reason that Israel had no *more* right to annex it after the armistice than before the armistice. That annexation was therefore illegal, and that is EVERYBODY's business.

I as an American fully support and encourage Netanyahu to stand firm against Obama. Netanyahu needs to do what is best for Israel and not let Obama nor his cronies bully him nor Israel around. Jerusalem is Israels promised and eternal capital and should not be used as a barter piece. Stand firm Israeli Government

The US is having its own economic meltdown. Why should we be guaranteeing billions of dollars in Israel's debt? It is harming US interests, insulting our President and making a mockery of international law. All efforts at friendly influence have failed. It's time to get tough. So Israel thinks it doesn't need the US. One thing is clear. The US does not need Israel. Stop all foreign aid, loan guarantees and the sale of military materiel to Israel. Then we should lead the UN in formulating a series of progressive sanctions that will gradually shut down the Israeli manufacturing sector by denying them the raw materials they need but cannot get in Israel. All Israel has to do is what it agreed to in Oslo (implementation of Res 242 and 338) and with other UN SC resolutions such as 465. International law is clear: Not 1 square cm of the WB belongs to Israel, including E Jerusalem. It must choose isolation or continued participation in the world community.

A few questions perhaps some posters might answer. Does the US have a position regarding the Israeli annexation of E.Jerusalem and the Golan? Has this policy been consistent through the past few presidencies? Does the US recognise the colonies and illegal outposts that have been erected in the occupied territories designated for a Palestinian State? What is the US's "special relationship" based on and why does it need constant repeating when the Israel government defies the American position? Is the US really dedicated to finding a just solution to the Palestinan problem and what is its relationship with the Abbas/Fayyad government?

Shlomzion says: "has someone asked obama what is his justification in pressuring us.by what right does he do so?who in israel elected him? The US has paid for the right to influence Israeli policy. If you don't like it, feel free to send back the billions of dollars in aid that has propped up your state for decades.

Certainly undivided but also the capitol of the new Pal state. Admistered by both countries in their respective East and West sectors. I don't see any contradiction there.

He has pushed both sides into their most radical corners. Whether you support him or not he is an ineffective negotiator here and will probably accomplish nothing in his 4 years.

If you use the "how many years" argument, why don't you ask yourself how many years it's been since 911? Stop hunting Osama, pull out of Iran and Afghanistan...stop living in the past! Sound stupid...it is! People in glass houses....

After the midterm elections, BHO will be a lame duck. And I am not sure if the Democrats are willing to commit political suicide in 2012 or if they call a halt before it's too late.

The reality is that Israel has the most number of UN violations of any country in the world, including settlement expansion violations. Obama should next move to repeal our US foreign aid to Israel unless they stop these settlements (a similar move that G. Bush Snr did as president). I am glad to see Obama & the US are stepping up to stop these Israeli abuses & making our country more just & impartial when it comes to Israeli foreign policy.

"i support a united and undivided jerusalem under israeli control" is what he said.the full speech is on youtube.look how far he has deviated from this pledge. "deviated"? I'd say, he lied. And all the American jews, who are on the liars' side, are betraying us.

iraq has huge quantities of oil,if released onto the world market prices would fall.that is why you are in iraq.your presence there has nothing to do with israel. that is also why you have many aircrfat carriers and tens of thousands of troops in the gulf.nothing in the least to with israel.you have been there for decades and will be there for more decades.

As the US continues to fight ever expanding Mid East wars, American lives are lost to the ridiculous & inexorable march of Israeli Expansion. I have watched throughout my lifetime The State of Israel expel Non Jews, confiscate their possessions (lands within Israel), build "settlements" in occupied Palestinian territories, & conduct well oiled PR campaigns through the media. If "Peace" will ever occur, BOTH waring entities MUST have the GUTS to take the needed steps ... I, & growing numbers of the US Public, are questioning fighting wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan & SOON TO BE IRAN for Israel's intransigence of ANY MEANINGFUL steps to establish PEACE. We will insist that Israel can turn to THE OTHER Nations on this planet to finance the Israeli War Machine, and have THEM fight the Middle Eastern Wars that continue AD INFINITUM across YOUR region. If Israel wants to continue to remain the stubborn spoiled child, seek a new Nanny. We Americans have had enough.

he will again start his shenanigans after november until well before the 2012 elections. he must think we have the memory of an amoeba.

Well, that's good news. In these tough times, maybe we can stop we can stop spending our tax money on a one-way friendship. They don't need us, we don't need them. We can just pull out of the madness in the Middle East and let the cats & dogs have at it.

The less Netanyahu has to do with Obama, the better. Obama is no friend!

At the same time when people are asking Obama not to interfere to the poltics of Israel (as to Jerusalem, settlers and so...) they are accuse him not to interfere to the politics of other nations ( as a favor for Israel,too).Only Israel should have the total "freedom" to do what ever she likes, though it may cause the real threat to the peace of the whole world.

s: "go read the armistice agreement" We have both read it. But only one of us understands what it is saying, and that Someone ain't You.

israel has not thought through its relations with president obama.netanyahu rushed into a trap.hopefully israel will be more wary in the coming years.we no longer have a friendly usa.

israel will not argue should america acts in it snational interest.why would we?when our interests are almost identical?

for the right to pressure you" potoboc you pay iraq one hundred billion dollars and they do not listen to you.

of international law." go read the armistice agreement.

or the united nations have no right to interfere. we will in the course of time perhaps have talks with our adversaries.and we may or may not come to an agreement.until then the interference of outsiders delays any understandings that may be reached.

the 1967 lines are the result of the armistice agreement of 1949 the jordanian israel armistice agreement.article 6 section 9 says the following: signed "without prejudice to future settlements or boundary lines" so there is no question of others having rights in east jerusalem.israel now holds the whole region.and possession is nine tenths of the law.

Why are so many Israelis on this site filled with hatred towards Obama? I don't see them rejecting the decades of assistance provided by the American public. Unlike the current Israeli administration, Obama is trying to be fair. If you don't like what he has to say, then stop taking my hard earned money. Americans are tired of right wing nut jobs like Netanyahu taking advantage of our money and causing trouble for us in the international domain. The days are blind American support are over. We finally have a president who is interested in doing what is right. Maybe is it time for Israelis to lead by example and elect someone who is interested in doing the same.

"The USA wants peace and Israel wants war." Israel is not at war with anyone at the moment. unlike the USA which has been occupying Iraq for almost a decade as well as the war waged on the innocent Afgani people, killing women and children. In the last 25 years the USA has waged war on Panama, Grenada, Iraq(1992) Iraq(2002, and finally Afganistan. That does not sound like a country that wants peace.

Of course, nobody in Israel elected Obama, he is not an Israeli president, but USA pays the most of the budget of Israel - maybe then they could say something? Or it is in the meantime normal - Israel is sending a bill and nobody is allowed to say a word? I just hope that some americans would finally ask what they are spending money for? Israel will decide on the attack on Iran itself - will they also pay for that themselves???

UN res 181 became irrelevent when it was rejected by the Arabs and with their subsequent invasion and Jordan's occupation. The proposed international zone was to be temporary pending a future vote by the residents of Jerusalem over sovereignty.

Why ask if Obama is committed to Israel's security for surely Netanyahu is not - a few houses are more important to him and the nudnicks running the place.

Good luck with US support.

SR: "If the quartet roadmap is still a valid document" IF?!?!?!? Obama has been adament that both sides must carry out their committments under the Road Map, and that INCLUDES a complete freeze on all settlement construction. SR: "Where in the document does it state " Core issues" may be discussed out of context." I have no idea what you mean by "out of context", but the Road Map is quite clear on this issue: NO discussion of "final status" UNTIL everyone carries out their Phase I committments, and it is the QUARTET who decides wether to procede from Phase I into Phase II and then through to Phase III.

"Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided." - Barack Hussein Obama (2008) Any questions?

I'm pleased Israelis made the correct choice at the polls and voted for Bibi. Livni, although doing very well with cast lead i fear would not of been strong enough to stand up to Obama and his pressure. Attacking Jews directly, or indirectly through the delegitimisation of Israel is on the up globally. The only way to counter this is through the strength and independence the Israeli right possess.

Well Saul, if you want to adhere to the "Road Map" there should be NO settlement construction after 2001. Israel has consistantly ignored it's obligations under the Road Map. Their signatures on agreements mean nothing. Which is why no country trusts Israel.

How many years has it been since a bus bombing? You are living in the past. How about settler terrorism? THAT happens almost daily! You should talk about tererorists in power. Israel has had several terrorists become PM. The worst was that little creep Begin the former leader of IRGUN, a terrorist org.

And then you expect from us to help you out on Iran...??? Forget it, guys, that is DEFINITELY NOT, how this world of ours is working....

Netanyahu and Obama are free to call it anything they want, a 'freeze' or a 'slush' or a 'crembo,' but whatever solution they come up with will be either yes/no build or don't. If Netanyahu agrees to not build, then it won't matter if he's jumping up and down and declaring Sheikh Jarrah to be Israel. Anybody will see that he's surrendering to Obama's wishes.

since when does the occupier give gestures & confidence building measures. it is up to the occupied to show that is is worthy of the "freedom". if the arabs want a 21st arab state vs. the one jewish state, let it prove that one is needed.

...meet behind the scenes to discuss how to begin again to discuss discussing peace. Let us know when you come up with something.

There's no secret about the peace process - the US has used its veto to ensure the continuation of the Israeli occupation, enabling the illegal settlers to take their pick of the best arable land and water supplies in the Palestinian territories. The only problem the US and Israel have, is how to present that to the world as Palestinian intransigence with regard to the negotiation of a peace solution.

Why should we do more? 1. we left the gaza and got 3000 rockets shot at us, a kidnapped soldier and a war which we won. they destroyed the greenhouses we left behind... 2. we left lebanon ant the terrorists shot 5-7000 rockets at us and war. 3. we allow the terrorists on the WB to visit the temple mount and we offerd them 97 percent of the west bank with land swaps, dismantlement of 63 settlements and they said "NOOO!!!" let's be clear you sill yanks and euros... the terrorists do not want peace they want our destruction and that will not happen.

There's mo secret about the peace process - the US has used its veto to ensure the continuation of the Israeli occupation, enabling the illegal settlers to take their pick of the best arable land and water supplies in the Palestinian territories. The only problem the US and Israel have, is how to present that to the world as Palestinian intransigence with regard to the negotiation of a peace solution.

sadly your problems lead to bus bombings... get a grip on your terrorists. do something positive. remove hamas... romove the PLO put those who did not blow up buses for a living in power and maybe we will repsect you.

Who other than the US will support Israel? Solomon Islands ? Fiji? Guatemala? ( These are the countries that voted with the US vetoing all movement in Security Council of resolutions moved by EU countries that would have solved the problem for good i.e. if returning to the '67 lines is a solution.) Today thanks to Bush's Iraq War, the US is in a much weaker position financially and militarily. And, as Mrs. Clinton told AIPAC, time is not on Israel's side: demographics, technical developments and International opinion that is hardening. In view of this the Jingoism exhibited here since foolish and misplaced. Somebody must save Israel from herself.

1.Only the scientific, Biblical and logical formula of Five Loaves can feed the hungry multitude to the full satisfaction without exception and without objection. 2.Five Loaves captures the devil and the One True God, providing the only exit strategy from all outstanding issues including veils, skull caps and celibacy.

Where in the document does it state " Core issues" may be discussed out of context.If the road map is considered dead and now invalid, which entity came to that conclusion.?

Listen all hardened Zionists, etc., your puffed up talk is getting tiresome. Obama is not your enemy, but your friend. It would suit a growing number of Americans, including Jews, have had it with you. Please by all means, cut the cord, call off AIPAC and all of their money, and go it alone. You will not find a friend in the world.

you are correct on all points. this man has a narcissistic character. he will never be satisfied. those who think that he can be appeased are mistaken. bibi must have very clear red lines. he must not let fear get the better of him. he has his advisors to support him. i most strongly agree that bibi should stay away from him. the harm that has been caused to israel already is incalculable. as ari shavit points out, war with major casualties is nearly inevitable. the terror states and their proxies have been appeased and emboldened. i am glad that you are around. shalom, cipora

1947 UN resolution 181, designated Jerusalem an "international zone". Jordan's occupation of East Jersualem was never recognized by the international community but nobody disputed Jordan's construction/destruction of the city, especially Jewish holy sites or annexations thereof. While I am not a fan of Jerusalem, especially if it can solve the ME problems and lead to peace....I nevertheless am angry at the hypocracy of the world in taking aim at Israel only, and only because Jerusalem is now in Jewish hands. So....to the World.....do with yourselves that which is physically impossible. But you have been very creative, so you will find a way!

if there was ever the slightest hope for a peace process, obama killed it. the day he took active side with the palestinians, he killed the peace process. statesmen do not show favour when they want to bring parties together. obama, however, is not a statesman. he follows his inner feelings without any thought to consequences. never has the middle east been as unstable as today. the entire muslim world has realised that the jewish state has been thrown to the wolves. in the middle east all that counts is strength. no one pays any attention to speeches.

The land for peace formula has been completely misunderstood. The Palestinians made the compromise in 1988 and decided to put an end to the 1948 conflict and settle for a country on 22% of what was theirs before 1948 (i.e. give up the right to the land)...in return, it expected, and still expects, Israel to leave it alone in the 67 borders and give it peace. Therefore, the land for peace formula is in reality about the Palestinians giving up the land in return for peace from Israel, not vice versa.

Of course Israel should do what it thinks best for it, but then don't complain if we do what we think is best for us (whatever it costs you).

What right does he have to pressure you? He pays three billion dollars a year for the right.

Israel is going to learn that America has its own priorities. It is time to cut all aid, stop using our veto in the UN. If Iran wants a nuke so be it. If Hezbollah wants scuds to protect themselves from Israeli aggression, more power to them. Sure Israel can destroy the ME but you can bet 7 more million Jews will die in the process. Good job guys

What these posters don't seem to realize is that the US is still the most supportive country of Israel. The rest of the world is increasingly hostile to Israel's continued expansion into occupied territory. Look at the Irish foreign minister's strong condemnation, Swedish Foreign Minister's plans to deny EU trade agreement with Israel,etc. Israel has a choice-remain a democracy or rule over other people without democratic system. You can do what you want but we don't have to trade with you or give you massive aid as we have been doing.

The problem of the Netanyahu government is that it's supporters will NEVER accept ANY peace with the Palestinians. Netanyahu wanted Obama destroyed by the republipukes and they have failed him. Now Netanyahu has to deal with a man whom he has treated as a mortal enemy for the last 18 months. Israel, with it's chosen government, the Netanyahu government is absolutely dedicated to the destruction of both the Obama government of the United States and any hope for peace. The United States of America needs peace in the mideast to defend it's most essential national security, then Israel has been under Netanyahu, transformed into the most dangerous threat to the United States in the region. The USA needs peace, and Israel hates the concept. Israel has become the biggest threat to the foreign policy of the USA. Is this wise? Netanyahu and Lieberman think it absolutely essential. The USA needs stability, and Israel wants endless instability. The USA wants peace and Israel wants war.

Perhaps there's a misunderstanding on my part but since when have the West Bank (originally Judea and Samaria during ancient Israel era) Palestinians been categorized as Islamic Jihadists? It's a known fact that the Palestinians of the West Bank are predominately moderates, educated and have been polled to accept two states alongside one another, Israel and Palestine. Security is everyone's concern, now especially, but since there's been dialogue of a demilitarized Palestinian state, how could they and for what reason would the Palestinians import Iranian rockets? A peace settlement means an end to conflict with all the adversaries in the Middle East with Israel upon agreement with the Palestinians in place. I don't see how Israel could finally sign a peace settlement without Hamas and its supporters and Fatah reconciling, changing their Charter in acceptance of the Jewish State, recognizing human rights and democracy for its people, etc.

Cutting all aid to Israel will not solve anything in itself. It will work in getting Israels undivided attention. It will tell Israel that they are dealing with an American government that is serious about peace. More importantly, it will set the example for the rest of the world and the UN to follow in regards to Israel. I wonder if Israelis think that they have friends in the world. Without American support Israel will become a virtual outcast until they make a fair and just peace.

Just beneath the surface in the heart of the land of Israel on the west bank of the Jordan River, archeologists find layer upon layer of Jewish civilization that ended with Roman occupation. Arab settlement is relatively recent by all accounts recorded by numerous visitors to the holy land in the 19th century. The only nation ever to exist as an independent nation in this land is the Jewish nation. The Arabs have over twenty nations, but Palestine was never an independent state under Moslem rule. During Israel's War of Independence, an exchange of populations occurred with a Jewish influx evicted from Arab lands that comprised the majority of Israel?s population and the voluntary evacuation of Arabs living in the land of Israel to avoid being slaughtered by Arab armies boasting the imminent destruction of Israel. After '67, Jews began building their homes and gardens on barren hilltops in Judea and Samaria, wheras Arabs are abandoning their homes for economic opportunities in Europe.

Pressure from the U.S. and others is necessary. Israel's pro-settler extremist government will never make peace on its own. Just as the international community imposed the State of Israel on the Arabs, it is time for the international community to impose the State of Palestine on Israel.

s:"has someone asked obama what is his justification in pressuring us.by what right does he do so? " Israeli construction in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem is a grave violation of international law, and the USA is a nation that is pledged - as are all UN member nations - to uphold international law. America is pressuring Israel precisely because it is in the national interest of the USA to ensure that one of its (supposed) allies doesn't go around loudly proclaiming that international law does not apply to it. There are only so many times that Israel can moon the world before the world grows tired of that boorish behaviour. The world has had a gutfull; so much so that even the USA has called you out on the boorishness of you behaviour. And - make no mistake - if you don't get your act together it will take this to the next level i.e. the USA will call you out on the ILLEGALITY of your behaviour, and You Really Don't Want To Go There.

"The Israeli source said Israel would not provide an official response to the American demands in the form of a position paper or even a verbal response, but the parties would try to reach an understanding on a joint approach for furthering the peace process." What that is telling you is that the Americans are trying to find a way that Netanyahu can bow down to Obama's demands without having to publically announce that he is bowing down to those demands. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Netanyahu must make a choice," former US Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk said in an article published in the New York Times titled: "When your best friend gets angry." SNP Comment: How could U.S. be a best friend for Israel and demand from its best friend to take actions that will jeopardize its very existence? Worse, when the action demanded, is just to please the best friend enemies. How stupid you have to be to trust that this demand is coming from a wishing well and caring friend who is angry at Israel for protecting self. Yo in Israel, our banana republic wetbacks, defer announcement of building public toilets in East Jerusalem next time Barry makes a visit. Tying the two issues is more like an insanity litmus test. As said in previous comments, Israel can easily flip the table in the Middle East, One regime down and the domino starts, Israel more than Iran will be the beneficiary of all the cash flow and should Israeli has some common sense, they will just go back to Shah Pahlavi strategy and join the Iranian to reshape a New Middle East, one that New York and London will not be the beneficiary. It is doable, it can happen, all is needed is the will of the shrewd and brave leadership in both countries. It is time for Israeli to recount how many real friends they thought they had, and it is now the time to make new ones that are much more viable and real than those fake ones.

first do not go to see obama again.send molcho or barak or meridor.then tell obama that your red lines are that israel will not be bullied. what would he do?no veto at the un?cut arms money?will that kill us?no it will not. that is the way to start.

netanyahu after his bruising experience with bill clinton may have come to obama thoroughly chastened. that may have encouraged obamas interference.he may have sensed weakness. obama needed a sharon to deal with him.sharon told bush quite openly at the very beginning that israel would do what is best for israel.

we expect to be left alone.we will solve our problems in the course of time.your interference will delay that time.

the only way that is possible is to demolish the knesset.is that on your mind mr president. no one here in israel elected you.do you understand these words or do i have to shove them up your teleprompter?

"i support a united and undivided jerusalem under israeli control" is what he said.the full speech is on youtube.look how far he has deviated from this pledge.he has quite forgotten his words and in addition he has used a sledgehammer on us.

There's a disconnect here that doesn't seem bridgeable. Israel talks, with some sense, about its concern an existential threat it faces--and certainly a nuclear Iran makes that sound at least plausible--and it talks about the Hamas charter not recognizing Israel's right to exist--and that resonates as well--even though Israel hardly recognizes Hamas' right to exist, but let's not get too fair-minded here. But how do these threats justify Israel's continual expulsion of arabs from East Jerusalem, or its continuing building in East Jerusalem or its expansion of settlements in the West Bank? None of this computes.

in pressuring us.by what right does he do so?who in israel elected him?

pressure and lead to a total loss of credibility for both israel and netanyahu.we have to establish red lines and stick to them.netanyahu must tell the americans he is answerable to those who elected him and they are the only ones he is answerable to.

Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe ?Bogie? Ya?alon former kibbutznik, head of Military Intelligence, OC Central Command, and chief of General Staff, said recently ?I also used to think the solution was land for peace, until I became the head of military intelligence, saw things from up close and my thinking underwent an evolution.? If Jews abandon their right to live in their historical homeland of Judea and Samaria out of political expediency, they will be replaced with an Islamic Jihadist government and their Iranian rockets.

to Neogtiations.