With settlement resolution veto, Obama has joined Likud
An America that understands that the settlements are the obstacle should have joined in condemning them.
By Gideon LevyThis weekend, a new member enrolled in Likud - and not just in the ruling party, but in its most hawkish wing. Located somewhere between Tzipi Hotovely and Danny Danon, U.S. President Barack Obama bypassed Dan Meridor and Michael Eitan on the right and weakened their position.
The first veto cast by the United States during Obama's term, a veto he promised in vain not to use as his predecessors did, was a veto against the chance and promise of change, a veto against hope. This is a veto that is not friendly to Israel; it supports the settlers and the Israeli right, and them alone.
The excuses of the American ambassador to the UN won't help, and neither will the words of thanks from the Prime Minister's Office: This is a step that is nothing less than hostile to Israel. America, which Israel depends on more than ever, said yes to settlements. That is the one and only meaning of its decision, and in so doing, it supported the enterprise most damaging to Israel.
Moreover, it did so at a time when winds of change are blowing in the Middle East. A promise of change was heard from America, but instead, it continued with its automatic responses and its blind support of Israel's settlement building. This is not an America that will be able to change its standing among the peoples of the region. And Israel, an international pariah, once again found itself supported only by America.
This should have disturbed every Israeli. Is that what we are? Alone and condemned? And all for the continuation of that worthless enterprise? Is it really worth the price? To hell with the UN and the whole world is against us?
We can't wrap ourselves in this hollow iron dome forever. We must open our eyes and understand that if no country, aside from weakening America, supports this caprice of ours, then something fundamental is wrong here.
Israel, which is condemned by the entire world but continues merrily on its way, is a country that is losing its connection to reality. It is also a country that will ultimately find itself left entirely to its fate. That is why America's decision harmed Israel's interests: It continued to blind and stupefy Israel into thinking it can go on this way forever.
A friendly U.S., concerned for Israel's fate, should have said no. An America that understands that the settlements are the obstacle should have joined in condemning them. A superpower that wants to make peace, at a time when Arab peoples are rising up against their regimes and against the U.S. and Israel, should have understood that it must change the old, bad rules of the game of blanket support for the ally addicted to its settlements.
A friendly America should have mobilized to wean Israel of its addiction Only it can do so, and it should have started, belatedly, at the Security Council on Friday.
But promises of change and of real concern for Israel are one thing, and diplomatic behavior is another: another automatic veto, as if nothing has changed. Obama or George W. Bush, there's no difference. When Ambassador Susan Rice said that the draft resolution risked hardening the positions of both sides and could encourage the parties to refrain from negotiations, she misled. She knows that what prevents negotiations and hardens positions is continued building in the settlements.
And when the Israeli Foreign Ministry said it is "peculiar that the Security Council should choose to consider one single aspect" of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations "while ignoring the wider scope of events in our region," it, too, misled. Do the Foreign Ministry's spokesmen really believe there is a serious party that would agree to Israel creating irreversible facts on the ground without let or hindrance?
And to call this "one single aspect?" Perhaps it is only one, but it is certainly the most destructive. And thus it is the one the world sought to condemn - and rightly so.
Moreover, this veto was not cast during ordinary days. These are days of boiling lava in the region. If there were a responsible government in Israel, it would have stopped settlement building long ago - not only to deflect fire from Israel, but to promote an agreement that has never been more vital for it.
If the U.S. had been a responsible superpower, it would have voted for the resolution on Friday to rouse Israel from its dangerous sleep. Instead, we got a hostile veto from Washington, shouts of joy from Jerusalem and a party that will end very badly for both.
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Don't worry Mr Levy Mr Obama thinks exactly like you he just did not grow a pair to say that - thank God
If Europe wouldn't incite Arab states against Israel, the six days war would have never occurred. During "cast lead" ops., European countries where in much more hurry than Arab states to call the UN, same in Jenin incident in WB in Sharon days. Like Palestinians we are both Semite, and we would go along well without European interference. For this reason, no matter what we do, anti-Israel sentiments will continue in Europe and in the UN. I wish we could go back to the green line "just to show you", but it is more difficult today, so there's really no simple way to prove it. Except to think about the six days war, and Europe's role in it, the expected results, and the embargo.
500,000 evangelical Christians were mobilized last week to be sure Bozo Obama did the right thing supporting our ally Israel. Plus of our entire population of 350 Million 65% support Israel. That is a hell of a lot more than the Jewish vote or the Jewish lobby that #65, Mahmoud Sullivan, is always pontificating about and is always wrong. The majority of Israelis are realistic about their survival and know full well that giving up land for peace has proven to be a disaster...and it has not even been played out yet. I always wonder what the #65 will do when Israel is lost to Islamic hoards. Where are all the Jews that lived in Arab countries? They have all be forced out, most to Israel. So lets talk about that instead of what the Jews don't do for the poor Palies. Look reality in the eye for once dummies!
lived for centuries (albeit as a minority) in the Arab world. Till the WZO started enticing them to immigrate to the newly founded state of Israel. Many " Lavon Affairs" and scare tactics were used for this aim . Many jews moved to Israel freely to improve their economic situation .Some , eventualy were kicked out by Arab regimes in retaliation for Israeli ethnic cleansing the Palestinians for occupied Palestine.Many Tunisian Israelis, Yemenis , Traqis and Egyptians , if they had the choice today will be glad to move back to their country of origin. As opposed to Ashkenazi jews who were masacred in Europe in the Holocaust and suffered for centuries on the hand of the Christian west.
Ha! Trick question.
The world is fed up with Israel's arrogance and utter contempt for international law or opinion. Israel feels it can act with iompunity and will always have the full backing of the US. Susan Rice was painful to watch as she attempted, in vain, to explain the US veto. The world knows that and so do the Palestinians. But Gideon forget to mention why the US vetoed the resolution. Obama knows full well the power, money and organisation of the zionist lobby and their fellow travellers in the US. Walt and Mersheim exposed the overridding inflouence of that lobby on US foreign policy. They are able to make and break political careers, dry up campaign coffers and send out their minions to propagandise the media. That is the white elephant in the room and as long as zionist front groups are successful in intimidating and threatening any challenger, nothing will change. The tragedy is that placating that lobby and its domestic consequences come before the US own national interest in the ME. Susan Rice, or Hilary Clinton, after this debacle in the UN will be able to stand before any Ara nation of the EU for that matter as credible or impatial brokers. They have shown themselves to be in the Likud and worse pocket,and the most racist elements that know there will be no end to settlements as they gobble up what is left of Palestine can sneer and gloat as they bring greater insecurity to their own country and to the entire region.
poof, there goes you long post. Why did the Arabs choose four wars, instead of peace? As for US interests, they are directly aligned with Israel, who contributes immensely. What to the Palestinians contribute, new ways to murder innocent Jews? Name their contribution, that the US should partner with. They have zero to add to anybody, this immature, aggression-filled entity of killers.
Israel is in Palestine, Get it right Miss Braun.
Israel has given very little to the US. We have Pollard and we have secrets that have been stolen and spied upon. So take your line somewhere else. As for killers, look to your own house. Lets face it eva, the national mythology is finished. It has been exposed for what it is. Thanks.
never has been a pale except texas and ill. the brits called the place palle as they could not spout the roman philistina, which was a people the romans defeated. as the romans could not defeat the peoples of ISRAEL as the name was at the time the romans named places after whom they could beat.
Obama is merely following orders from AIPAC. AIPAC owns US politicians. Very, very few stand up to AIPAC as those that do get voted out as contributions flow to their opponents and media tar them with "anti-Semitism".
It kinda stood out, lol.
Obama does not care about Israel, nor the Palestinians. He does not care about peace or justice. His veto is part of his re-election strategy. Bibi does not need to thank him. This historical mistake looks more like the "kiss of death" for Israel. As the Arab world is uprising it looks like what was taken by force will be returned by force. That's the price Israelis and Palestinians will have to pay for Mr Obama bid to an uncertain another 4 years in the White House.
If anything is tried to be taken by force, Israel will respond in kind. Tens of thousands of Palestinian lives will be lost. Are the Arabs willing to sacrifice this loss of life? Are you willing to allow Israel to defend itself, NOT THAT ISRAEL NEEDS YOUR CONSENT. Bring it on.
International law is on the side of the Palestinians. The UK, France, Russia, China and the vast majority of the world recognize that. Yet it is the USA and Obama that abandon the Palestinians for the sake of monied pro-Israel lobbyists that finance congressional and presidential campaigns. But even with this USA capitulation to Israeli illogic, the Israelis look upon the USA and Obama's peace efforts with disdain. Obama can either be a parrrot in a cage repeating Netanyahu's phrases, or he can take a forceful stand for truth and justice. At this point he is nothing but rhetoric.
because of the damage its done to US credibility and influence which has so often worked in Israel's favor. You'll see far fewer, if any, of America's allies automatically aligning themselves with the US in favor of Israel. Those days may be gone forever.
Why is this a bad thing. Most of the UN resolutions that were passed since its creation have been strongly negative towards Israel. The UN is a barrier to peace as it is dictation from a foreign source that is detached from the actual situation. If there is a conflict over settlements or over water, let Israel discuss with the PA. If the PA does not want to discuss after being invited to the table a thousand times, then why should Israel abide by the will of the UN? Its really not their responsibility.
"Sending regular armed forces across an international border, without intention of triggering a full scale war, is a step that distinguishes Israel from all other countries. No other state acts in this way. This might help you understand why Israel is the subject of so many United Nations resolution. BTW why do you care since Israel never accepts anything other than what they wanted in the first place. I would not care but I am tired of being bleed dry. I am retired and I would like to live the good life. I wish you the good life but I do not want to continue to fund your good life while I eat dog food.
This is the picture, Eitan. Israel's toxic ideology, zionism, has two goals which conflict with justice and international law (you know that thing that you continue to disregard except whn you can use it for your own good) 1. amximisation of Palestinian land at any cost and by any means, and 2. demographic superiority by any means. Israel has no intention of discontinuing the settlements. It is the country's top priority. In doing so, Israel has, by its own actions, shown itself to be an agressor for whom peace negotiations are a sham. Carry on, Eitan, with your arrogance and uttter disdain for the rest of the world that you believe is all against you anyway. You are building a bigger unsustainable ghetto, preparing for your own collapse. Good luck to you. What a pity that your ethos of arrogance and contempt has brought this on yourselves.
"If there is a conflict over settlements or over water, let Israel discuss with the PA." Israel has illegally built settlements in the Occupied West Bank for over 30 years, and refuses the Palestinians a quarter of the water that the settlers get.. Get real!
Israel has no worries. The aggressor are the Arabs, who will never, ever reconcile a non-Islamic presence in the ME. The heroic Settlers, who live in utter fear of the Arab mobs, under 24/7 security, stand in the forefront of the unending Arab bloodlust. Arabs could have peace for decades, yet choose to ignore anything that falls short of 100% of their ludicrous demands. They are left with nothing, as Israel will not slit its throat to have an unsustainable peace. The status quo is fine, until the Arabs awake from their fantasies. Preparing for our collapse, hardly. It is the Palestinians ready to collapse. Erekat is the first of many moves that will undo the foundations of the fraudulent PA.
and will ultimately collapse from within. Zionism and its entity are un-natural presence in the ME. Long term, one state with equality for all is the answer. You want zionist colonial project, then take it back to its original habitat and let's see how far you will be let to survive you anti Arab racist.
the pressure is building and you simply will not be able to hold ack the flood. Thye world is simply fed up with the arrogance, the intransigence, the sense of entitlement and exclusivism. We're tired of paying pout billions to a corrupt regime of theives and rapists who use our tax dollars to continue their campaign of land theft, expansionism and dispossession. As the prophets spoke, your own injustice will result in the land vomiting you out.
Obama betrayed those who believed his Cairo speech. Great article, thanks again, Gideon.
The US economy is in the biggest mess since the 1930s. True unemployment is at 17% and experts believe the US will default on its debts within the next few years. So short of a miracle of biblical proportions, the smooth-talking, Chicago conman will be out in less than 2 years.
AIPAC lackeys in the US congress forced Obama to veto the resolution. The Founding Fathers must be rolling in their graves at the way our US congress is so beholden to a foreign country.
about this elephant in the room. Listen to the blather from members of the Congress who threatened retaliation if the US even came out with a statement expressing their continuing opposition to the settlements. The truly amazing thing in this veto is that it so clearly sacrificed our own national interests to the demands of Israel and its settlement policy. Domestic fears of what the zionist lobby could do to thwart the aspirations of the Democrats candidates and Obama himself in 2012.
Mr Levy always right. It is always a pleasure to read you. Thank You.
why Israel believes this idiot obama is beyond me, obama does not care about Israel existing nor whether Jews have a home land of their own and be safe in it. Obama has made alliances with world leaders who are enemies of Israel. He smiles in your face and spues lies and you're dumb enough to believe him. Obama is not a friend of Israel or the Jews. obama is doing everything he can to dismantle America, Israel's only friend. It won't be long before America will be too helpless to help Israel. Israel needs to learn now to stand on their own two feet and not depend on others to bail them out. The clock it ticking, kick obama out of likud, he's a 2 face liar, do not trust him. Instead of trusting this liar, why doesn't Israel and the Jewish people for once in thousands of years begin to put their trust in their G_D??? TRUST G_D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and him alone.
trusting god worked great for 2000 years of exile, huh? i mean, it was definitely god that got the state of israel created, and not human endeavors consisting of a largely secular, self-motivated movement. continuing to rely on god and america for its future is going to lead israel into diaspora part 2. and the settlements are the number one casue for that.
Settlements are not the real issue. The real issue is Temple Mount, the Western Wall and historical Jerusalem. Left-wing Jews trust UN forces to be deployed in historical Jerusalem, will treat Jews in a fair manner. After seeing recent history of Jews in Christian nations, one may at least wonder if letting Jews go to the Western Wall under the guns of a German or Pole UN soldier is desirable. When the UN say "settlements", they don't mean a few hills in Judea and Samaria, they don't even mean Jews had to be deported from Gaza, or should be deported from Ariel, they mean Israel should return to 1947 declaration borders, and like in those times back then, Jews are not allowed to go freely to Jerusalem. This is what they are talking about.
at the al-Aqsa mosque? Besides, half the Jews in Israel aren't free today to worship at the wall, either.
They enjoy much more freedom than in Arabs countries, at least until the revolution.
The world is fed up with your own created myths. You are commited to a mythology that makes it impossible for you to be a good neighbour living in peace with your neighbours because you really do not believe peace with your neighbours is possible. You must live in a continuous state of emnity and conflict. So you perpetuate your own self created mytholgy becuase it is the only justificaton you have left.No one is talking about deporting Jews, going back to '45. The problem is that the rest of the world has moved on including the Arab world and yet you are doing everything in your power to throw us all back to '48 as you carry on with your policy of expansionism and dispossession. The world is sick to their stomach with it and Israel's continuing arrogance and instransigence. That is what we are talking about.
If you really think that going back to the green line would end anti-Israel sentiments in the world, you are a bit naive. We were there in 67'. We were in smaller borders in 47', and we were at the mercy of Europe in 39'-42'. This history was perpetuated by real people, and such animosity cannot end in one or two generations. If you really will get to the bottom of things you'll see that European religious beliefs cannot allow the Jews to have an independent state. Its still the notion of "Le Juif Errant" which is predominant here. If you don't believe me check for yourself: ask your Christians friends bashing Israel, if they believe that Jews living today are in any way guilty of Jesus' crucifixion. They might tell you the whole humanity is guilty or something, but probably not the correct answer "No". You might be surprised.
Kadima, what's difference?
The ultimate resolution of the settlement issue should be resolved through negotiation. Do you really think that this Un resolution would have brought thebPa to the bargaining table? I would suggest, that their current strategy is to create a state without any negotiation and to turn Israel into an international outcast. All you need to do is see what is happening outside of Israel with Israel Appartheid week and the BDS movement. The goal is to wipe Israel off the map. So you need to be aware of how your words are used to undermine the legitacy of the stat.
And just how legitimate is a state without borders?
Obama has shown his true colors as anti Arab and anti Muslim by using veto to perpetuate occupation. Arabs and Muslims must stand up and veto trade with Obama.
for another brilliant analysis. Unfortunately, the Cassandras of this world, who warn against the folly of their leaders, are rarely heard. Too bad! Israel will keep careening down the fatal slope.
This is why we love the Jewish people so much They know the extent of their own corruption, and invite outright destruction at every turn But yet, what is the 'Palestinian Authority?' Where are they incorporated? Do they pay taxes? What bank, or banks plural, oversee their accounts? Do they collect interest against said accounts? Is the 'Palestinian Authority' going to levy taxes from the citizens of 'Palestine?' If so how? Do they intend to sponsor a military? Where are the weapons and equipment going to come from? Where do they find the funds to purchase the 'materiel?' How about a constitution? Are they seeking to draft one? Will they take this step prior, or subsequent to, being handed Gaza and the West Bank piece-meal, hand over fist? I could continue But suffice it to say arbitrarily creating sovereign states is not so easy as the author of this editorial appears to believe
Start with Wikipedia. The are based in Ramallah. They collect taxes from people, as governments do (there is a wikipedia section on PA taxation). They have an army and they get plenty of money from taxation and foreign investment to purchase materials. You can find all the questions you seek from the internet. I suggest you don't try to argue about things you do not understand.
There appears no apprecation as to how few Israelis the US is supporting. Original thinking!
Mr. Levy You should be leaving in Ramallah. R U really Israeli?
Levy is what G-D called my people !!! In contrast you are the one that will evict soon again and again!!
What Obama supported was not Israel as a liberal democratic Zionist state but the settlements and a right wing nationalistic religious agenda. Many of us Jews who live our lives in Israel, raise our families in Israel, love Israel. and serve Israel loyally, but we condemn and oppose this never ending Occupation, precisely because we love the best in our country and not the most repressive. The Occupation of the Palestinians must end. The Palestinians must be given the same rights to self determination, and dignity and security as we demand for ourselves, and they in turn must recognize the full rights of Israel as a sovereign nation. We can't keep settling land in the Occupied West Bank while claiming that we are willing to give it back. And the Palestinians must accept compensation and stop demanding the right of return within the green line as a another way of terminating Israel. Both sides must be honest brokers. Otherwise a thousand UN resolutions will not help. But first an end to all building in the settlements and a serious push forward to peace within the context of a two state solution. We are the stronger side. We can afford to make the first sincere move to end this Occupation and regain our own inalienable right to nationhood. Those who wish to visit holy shrines can do so from both sides of the border. Israel needs Obama's support. The settlements do not.
What planet do you live on? Israel is the stronger party! You have bought the Palestinian victimhood narrative hook line and sinker. The "Palestinians" are in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, etc. The goal as they have clearly stated to anyone who listens to what they actually say, not what we want them to say, is that they do not want a State of Israel to exist. The have the support of all of the Moslem nations. They are in the power position, which is why they refuse to negotiate. You are deluding yourself if you think that granting concessions will bring them to the table. They don't have to negotiate because the Israeli right and left do the negotiations and they just sit back. Have they started to prepare their population for peace by stopping the anti Semitic programming in their state controlled media? No. Have they accepted the right of Israel to exist? No. So let's stop arguing internally and work together to get the PA to the table.
I very much doubt if there is a single political leader from the US or the EU countries who can stand the sight of netanyahu or any in his government. That is not the point. No American politician can express any hint of disfavour toward Israel because the AIPAC lobby will distroy him or her. They will get the media to slander them and contributos will be intimidated to such a degree that the money for campaigns and support will dry up. Look at the respense from Nital Lowy, Howrad Berman and Rohetinen from FL to the mere suggestion that instead of a UN veto the US would issue a statement condemning the settlements. Even that was a off limits action. I am convinced that these same politicians if they were to wtiness the ethnic cleansing plan of lieberman or eldad for Ara citizens of Israel, that they would find cause to support it and demand US support as neccesary for the security of "their only ally in the ME". Rest assured that by this veto, the US has lost whatever little credibility they ever had. Placing themselves and their political careers in the pocket of the zionist lobby hardly will endure such leaders to the rest of the world when it reeks of such duplicity and hypocracy.
there is no difference the only difference is that the author of this article and this paper have lunged so far left with the rest of the world in wanting to condemn Israel and isolate it from the international community
whom we all worked for as 'an agent of change'... instead we get the 'same old same old' from a coward more concerned about Jewish financing of election campaign than either human rights or the future of the US relationship with the Islamic world, dancing as 'step-and-fetch-it' to the tune of The Israel Lobby... as ever.... I/We shed tears of sadness and frustration!
A second term for Obama - and which IS likely - will open the door for unihibited action on his part. It's most unfortunate that his hands, as a politician, are effectively tied during a first term...but it actually was to be expected.
Obama was thanked for the veto by Netanyahu. But Obama didn't do Israel any favor. He only put the pressure where it belongs. He only started taking the bricks out of Israel's tower of power. And due to the unrest of the middle East. Made it a problem for Israel to solve for themselves. We arent having to live there. YOU ARE! Do something for yourself.
At a time when Arab geopolitics in the Middle East are about to change irrevocably, the US chose to be deaf to the entire Arab world. It was almost like the US saying 'Ever since World War 2, it has been US policy to be a leading influence, in the votal region of the Middle East. Now we give up those decades of hard work. We don't care about the Middle East, just little Israel'. And for Israel, this was a possibly last chance to suck out the poison of the settlements before a pro-settlement narrative totally takes control of Israel and makes international action against Israel almost inevitable.
If so, let me reassure you, no matter what Israel will do, international action will come upon us in any case. If returning to the green line would bring peace, I would support it. But look at the peace with Egypt.
You, and your Liberal friends, must be roused from YOUR dangerous sleep. Your liberals almost cost Israel its entire existence, until the Right rescued the Country, Thank G-d. The proof is in the pudding, the Electorate threw the Left to the curb. Labor, Merez, poof. Yet, levy keeps peddling his worn out, anti-Israel diatribe. You've been wrong for years, give it a rest already.
I'm totally in tune with the here and now. I'm afraid that it is you, dear, who live in the land of make believe. If only we give these lovely, peaceful Arabs all they want,,,, love will bloom and all the problems are wiped away. Esther, you are totally deluding yourself. First, they will never, ever recognize Israel's right to live as the only non-Muslim country in the ME. Second, they'll never recognize Israel as a JEWISH country, like Egypt is a Muslim country. That Israel is the jewish nation should not be open to any interpretation, it should be plain fact. Third, and mostimportant, Esther, we are plainly witnessing talk of the cancellation of the Camp David Accords. If this comes to pass or not, is unimportant. The mere suggestion that Israel surrenders land, land acquired after Israel was attacked by the intransigent and unyielding Arabs, for an Accord that can be cancelled on a whim, is a suicidal formula, a formula YOU have no problem repeating. This is pure appeasement, ignoring the inherent dangers, for the sake of "wishing for a good outcome". The track record of the Palestinians, witnessed by the brutality toward the Jews, makes your views totally out of touch with reality. Newarly EVERY Israeli family has been bitten by the Arab bloodlust (maybe not you), and in spite all of us wanting peace, we aren't like you. I, for one, refuse to put my head into the lion's mouth, after the lion has a track record of eating humans. You may be braver and more apt to overlook reality. The Israeli people cannot afford that luxury. It is evident, therefore, that you are not caught up with the here and now. Appeasement is always a losing proposition.
It is the Left, like the Levys, who are totally void of any reason. Just give it all back and everything will be great. EXCEPT, 1948-67, was there peace, was everything great?? The Esthers of the world are totally out of touch with the reality of the Arab mindset. Lets slice and dice Israel, until its all theirs. Seems like the Left has no issue with Israel's disappearance, right Esther?
Very factual and eye opener for all the people who are sleeping in the cabinet under the iron dome
His problem now is he heading into an election season back home and he has alienated the pro Israel voters of the past two and half years through his pro muslim anti Israel actions. If he supported this resolution he would just be accused of more biased against Israel to appease the arabs and muslims. Every politican no matter who they are, their ideology or what country they are in will always put their own career first. Sorry Gideon this is political not ideological. This could have also all been avoided if Abbas & Obama had been more committed to making things work. There can be no denying Abbas has spent the past two and half years acting like a stubborn child having a tantrum in his refusal to talk without pre conditions. It achieves nothing and it doesn't stop the building or anything else all it does is allow Abbas to look like the tough guy. Obama for his part should have been less desperate to be liked by the islamic world and showed more leadership. Yes I know we all like to blame Bibi from everything from the unilateral failure in the so called peace process - global warming but if your interested in facts he is the only man who made any effort. If Obama had been willing to show tough love to Abbas and operating a carrot and stick policy to BOTH SIDES and told Abbas straight I am on your side but if you don't talk I wan't nothing more to do with you ( thats what Carter did when Sadat was ready to walk away from Camp David because he wasn't making progress ). If Obama had been willing to tell Abbas straight and risk making himself unpopular in the muslim world by dictating to Abbas then he would have made real progress. With Obamas help Abbas would have NEGOTIATED the freeze he claims he wants. We would probably by now be attempting to deal with final status issues and we had agreements on alot of subjects. Whatever you think of Bibi its Obama & Abbas who could have done more but didn't.
After all, Obama is just trying to follow through with what Bush began with the 'road map'. I think Obama is no different than many of us in these talkbacks who despise Israeli policy of occupation and settlement building, and the oppression of the Palestinians that result. Try to make the distinction between THAT and despising Israel...unless you're saying the two are fundamentally inseparable...in which case Israel IS worthy of despise. Personally, I don't believe that, and I don't think Obama does either.
Yes Israel has received unwavering support in the UN from the US. The US sees it as a show of support for a friend. North Korea has enjoyed similar support from both the USSR and China for about as long. Tomorrow China will veto a security council resolution authorizing the distribution of a report of nuclear sanctions violations by North Korea. Is China really helping North Korea by allowing them to defy the world? No, of course not. It just makes them more isolated in the world. But just like with Israel and the US China wants to be seen as loyal to its friend.
"But just like with Israel and the US China wants to be seen as loyal to its friend." The thing is Joyce, that a lot of us believe that Obama has done Israel a disservice by using the veto here. Israel will soon be completely isolated, except for the US.
Gideon Levy, an endangered species. Only a minority in Israel would share your views. U.S. -Israel relation It is like raising children : if you really love and care about them you sometimes limit them and punish them to point the right way. But nowadays Israeli children are loud and spoiled, and sometime seem to be in control of their parents in stead of the other way around. Israel will however never grow up and is totally not viable without U.S. support. This is your future.
It is the ficticious Palestinians who are loud and spoiled. They try to shove their worn out claims down the world's throat. The vehicle they use is the over-biased UN. Israel doesn't even bother taking this entity seriously anymore. A total Arab, third-world organization. Time to bring this fraudulent Arab bunch in line with our century. Loud and obnoxious needs to be slapped.
...then chaos and mayhem will come to our doorstep, even to Mr. Levys. The sponsors of all these aggressive bills is not about peace. Abbas should indeed come and negotiate, and stop undermining our legitimacy with his attempts to impose a solution on us. The obsession with every little building on the West Bank is meant to divert attention from the palestinians failure to unite and achieve good things for their own people.
and he is speaking the truth. The only retribution (note Nemesis) will tragically crush Israel.. and later the US. And the only people to save Israel will be Israelis / Jews who speak and write in the vein of Gideon Levi. Note: he is not alone.
You are a Zionist. I know the truth hurts.
This veto by President Obama's UN Ambassador was not in the interest of America and it will backfire against Israel because Iran will exploit this weakness. The veto opened a Pandora's box.
at a time of popular revolutions sweeping the Arab world, this is one vote that the US will not be happy about and will surely miss a good night sleep thinking about it. Voting alone against the resolution vis-a-vis 14 others who voted for it, the US should feel worried that it is turning into a pariah state together with Israel..
And it was a long time ago.
as Israel is not a partner for any reasonable move into the right direction...simply forget Israel for the moment and concentrate on the other countries around her, that ARE moving and bringing change. This veto keeps his back free on CapitolHill, the region is changing to the better and the pressure of these facts might be more efficient in changing Israels attitude in the future to come.
The Ultimate Warcrime.
An excellent article. I was fuming when I heard of the US Veto, which very obviously is against World Opinion , 130 Countries feel the "building" must stop. Your article shows me there is still sensible and liberal thought in Israel. The question is : How much liberality, and how much good sense .. ?
An excellent article. I was fuming when I heard of the US Veto, which very obviously is against World Opinion , 130 Countries feel the "building" must stop. Your article shows me there is still sensible and liberal thought in Israel. The question is : How much liberality, and how much good sense .. ?
And it's a small cup I'm taking about.
is is pure American electoral politics. Don't take it personally.
This is how it works in politics. Obama is entering election season he needs the votes of the jews and the pro Israel swing voters. He has made a name for himself over the past two and half years as being an enemy of Israel who gives unconditional support to muslims. If he wants to get those swing votes he needs an image makeover and that means showing Israel more support especially in the UN. Pro Israel voters don't like to see the president drop Israel in it when its the UN who most of them think is a waste of money anyway so this is a vote winner. Except for extremists like ultra far left or ultra far right name me a politician anywhere in the world that puts an ideology ahead of their own career. From now on Obama's policy will be what he thinks can earn him most voters in November 2012. Nobody ever said politics was for idealists.
and that's when the change begins. He didn't want to veto this, he had to. It's not that he hates Israel, it's that he knows how much American blood and treasure are wasted on this conflict.
Look at this person trying to blame america for not putting pressure on Israel. Admit it you and your APIAC buddies were pressuring the US to support the settlements. Until you are willing to name names and that includes naming the JEW (even if you are one) you will never get anywhere.
has no excuse ... he has responsibility to the end ... obama is not even a president ... just a muppet in a political correct color ...
Wanna buy a bridge? How about a castle...I got plenty of those and can make you a deal!
i mean, i know his comprehension ability is not that far above most high school students...but there is a reason that 242 leaves out the words, "the" and "all" when discussing the territory.....because no one expects israel to give all the land back and when hamas, and other voices in the region, stop calling for the destruction of the state and her people....that is when there will be peace building an addition to a home is not an obstacle
Do you want the UN ----or don,t you????. Or do you just want to cherry pick.
This resolution said something very simple: colonizing occupied territory is illegal, and insisting on doing so is an obstacle to peace. That contradicts nothing that is in Res 242, and what you are trying to argue is this: because Israel EXPECTS TO GET this territory in any peace agreement then Israel is entitled to act AS IF it already owns this territory. In short: you are claiming that Israel has a "right" to put the cart before the horse.
This resolution said something very simple: colonizing occupied territory is illegal, and insisting on doing so is an obstacle to peace. That contradicts nothing that is in Res 242, and what you are trying to argue is this: because Israel insists that it WILL GET this territory in any peace agreement then Israel is already entitled to act as if it ALREADY OWNS this territory. The logical flaw in that argument is so glaring that you can't even see, well, anything.....
by the un ambassador and sec clinton but if obama is ticking off ultraleftist and wannabe dhimmi levy...he must be doing something right
The revolution in Egypt is driven by poverty and injustice. Soon , there will be a tremendous economic boom in Egypt and could drive a similar boom in the entire region as well. My advice to Israel is to see it as an opportunity not as a threat. I believe the new environment can be beneficial to every one. Try to capture the moment, and try to envision peace based on prosperity not based on oppression and supremacy. The era of hawks is gone, the same as the era of Mubarak. You need to change and to adapt to the new reality. You need now economists and business people to formulate a new vision for Israel in the 21 century, a vision focused on the economical development of Israel and the entire region.
I don't see a lot of doves in Israel, so that country doesn't have much of a future
We are cousins. The swords of the crusaders killed both Muslims and Jews. Civilization started in the Middle East, and we can restart from here together and prosper.
American Jews as a whole voted for Obama - and you know what? They're going to do it again - veto or no veto...lol!
Obama already pushed Netanyahu into publicly accepting a 2 state solution and into accepting a freeze. There is no Palestinian-Israeli deal on the horizon so no sense in the US engaging in confrontation with an American ally supported by the US congress. The US understands that it's Netanyahu representing the Israeli people and not the Israeli far-left.
Thanks Mr. Levy.
Thank you, Haaretz. To hear a perspective within Israel that isn't voiced in the US media gives me a sense of hope for peace that wasn't there until now.
As part of my Middle East assignment, I worked w/ PA on health, tech educ, econ development,etc. They do not want peace with Israel. They like the current situation which keeps them in power and feeds their personal wealth. If there was peace, they would be swept aside. "settlement issue "was raised by Obama. Abbas complains this forced him to raise that issue . Give Israel defensible borders; firm and enforceable guarantees of security, recognition and acceptance as a Jewish State&within 30 years borders will be meaningless and economic prosperity will come to the entire region. PA's actions are threatening Israel's survival. Dangers highlighted by Iran, Gaza, Lebanon & Turkey disasters and the possibility of the Muslim Brotherhood from seizing power in Egypt. Nothing Israel does, no gesture, no concession, no discussion, will make a difference. They can sign a peace treaty for a two state solution. Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, Hamas,Iran, the surrounding Arab nations, & most Palestinians want Israel dead.The Muslim Brotherhood wants Israel dead.
1. does the u.s. recognize israel as a 'jewish state'? and, if so, may i see the document. 2. where are these 'borders'?
The natural antipathy towards Israel will abate if it decides to stop treating the Palestinians like shit and ends its apartheid approach. The whole world is naturally against the outright theft of other people's land but there is still huge sympathy and understanding of Israel and appreciation for its achievements….something to build on. There is a startling lack of emotional intelligence in Israel's dealings with the Palestinians and the outside world. Time for Israel to make a move or find itself more isolated in a region yearning for true democracy.
And your post, LT COL HOWARD, is a perfect example of why that is.
But the least effective way to defeat radical islamism is occupying a foreign stateless muslim population, and sowing settlements in its midst, as "irreversible facts on the ground." For 20 years, up to 1987, there was no Hamas, and Israeli leaders could feel free to claim there is no palestinian people. Now look at the facts : Israel is today challenged by an Islamic enclave (Gaza) which it does not know how to eliminate nor live with -- the same country that, in June '67, knew how to crush three arab armies in 6 days. Settlements and occupation only help Muslim Brotherhood advance their cause, and jeopardize Israel's survival.
"Obama is hurting Israel by supporting settlements " Are you insane? There isn't a single American razing Palestinian land and homes and setting up new Jewish-only housing units for the diaspora in East Jerusalem. Just Israeli's. Get the yerida going and you can solve the problem. You blame the American's for not kicking you to the curb on settlements. If we did, you'd blame us for not huddling in the political cold with a creepy, weird, useless ally. Take some responsibility for your situation and ignorance of the disaster you are creating.
Obama does as he is instructed to do. If he pulls the leash a bit in the wrong direction he gets a newspaper across the snout. You know how American politics works. Who holds the leashes for Israel's mangy leaders?
I have been intimately involved with the Islamic world for nearly 30 years.Haaretz, B'tselem and other left-wingers (especially the Jewish NGOs) are regarded by them with contempt as "useful idiots”. The fundamentalist groups I have had exposure to, are dedicated to the goal of the destruction of Israel. Their every waking moment is devoted to plotting and planning. They are now engaged in a coordinated worldwide endeavor to delegitimize Israel. Their literature talks about the day that the streets will run ankle-deep in Jewish blood. Unfortunately,Harretz is helping that day become more probable ,and closer. My Catholic friends classify the foreseeable consequences of such actions as being a" mortal sin". (They regarded it as murder.) One of the Palestinian heroes frequently quoted as being “peace-loving” by left-wing Jews was personally involved in terrorism. Some years ago, when I interviewed him as part of the Time magazine feature story ,he stated that if you kill one Israeli soldier you have a eliminated one Israeli soldier, but if you kill an Israeli woman, you have eliminated five future Israeli soldiers. It is that it mindset that is, unfortunately, very prevalent in the Islamic world that every Israeli should recognize. All Jewish men, women, and children anywhere in the world are regarded as legitimate targets. Possibly, the Jewish liberal NGOs should focus on bringing this terrorist state of mind and the activities are taken as a result of the state of mind to the attention of the world.
as a muslim, i don't go anywhere near those "fundamentalist groups" like most people, so I can believe they are dedicated to your destruction, so waht. they are crazy. that gives you teh right to put 1.6 billion people in teh same basket and call us "rats that needs to be extreminated"? yes, I also came across some jewish fundamentalists literature, they seem lovely. that does not mean i believe "jews" want my head on a stick. deligitimization? same is done by some zionsit groupos abroad trying to sperad hartred between communities, sometimes even attack their own and pin te crime on muslims. yes, 2 recent cases in france. they have been very mediatic but the truth has been discovered by teh authorities so we know what these people are caoable of. so maybe we shoudl agree that there are crazy people on both sides but they are not teh majority. I have many jewish friends and they are not psychatric cases, ok?:-) of course you are right about carzy people, what do you want me to tell you. they are a threat to all, not only jews. I am sorry to tell you this but most people don't even think about harming you, israelis or not. this is crazy thinking. why would we do this? becaue you are israelis, beqacuse your are jews? what is teh reason? if isarel attcks us, that's a different matter but so far, nothing of teh sort. fundamentalist may want your heads, but they also want our heads as we are not fundamentalists;hence " fake" mulsims to them. do you get this ?
Doubtless there is a hardening of attitudes among Palestinians brutalised by the occupaton. When I visited Gaza 30 years ago there were no suicide bombers or Hamas. These exist thanks to Israel policy and complete disrespect for their neighbours' dignity and active pursuit of their humiliation. The reaction can be extreme as it would be anywhere else e.g. the sectarian hatreds of Northern Ireland, Chechnya etc
Your sweeping generalizations really disappoints what I have experienced with other US military officers, who stand and operate with objection and fairness. Obvious, you were busy with the stolen tow missle that went through Israel to Iran for hostages; one of the low points for for US History. As a matter of fact Mr Ollie North also had the rank of Lt Col (an O-5.)
Dear "Col" It is people like you who claim vast Middle East experience with the Intelligence Community who demonstrate the utter folly and stupidity of our so-called intelligence. Fortunately for the Middle East you have been uninvolved in policy making. Perhaps you could lend your great expertise by moving to the occupied territories and living with people who share your cultural and political ignorance. Best of luck
It is Shapira that promotes what you described, and the state of israel is currently paying many rabbies who have supported him or his ilk (or perhaps are themselves his ilk).
With feet of clay, molded in Tel Aviv.
that are way above everyone's heads. noone really knows what the real agenda is for Israel, i even doubt at this point that isarel knows what the agenda is for itself. the only thing that is clear is that certain people within teh US have a specific plan for israel. who is using who and for what purpose? there is always a big difference between what regular citizens want and what some puppeteer plan and unfortunately, the latter tend not to worry so much about human casualties. Israel will suffer isolation and be endangered from those manipulations and my current belief is that some people are trying to push to a world conflict (for economical reasons, war has always been a brilliant business) by using Israel as the trigger in ME, conflict that will spread everywhere. it might sound crazy but I hope people are smarter than that. I prefer to take a shot at trusting regular israelis than their silly govt (who should see further than their noses or electoral agendas)and the outside manipulation. ME should not be manipulated and escalate militarily this situation. Israel has to come to its senses about those settlements before it goes too far and triggers armed conflicts that noone will be able to stop. this is extremely dangerous.
Obama can pronounce nuclear. Bush cannot. But apparently, US foreign policy is still made in Jerusalem. And in two weeks or so, Netanyahu will announce more settlements or expel a hundred or so from East Jerusalem to just convince everybody that Obama is has no control of US policy. Bow Dow Barack before Bibi!
they have allowed lobbies to decide who gets elected so this is what heppens. in atrue democracy, those lobbies are not allowed in teh constitution. any politican who is backed up by such organsitions has to step down in order to stay unbiaised. it is as if I was working for the health ministry and at the same time was getting money from pharmaceutical companies to promote their products that I know might be dangerous. of course it would affect my decisions and it would not go in teh interest oif teh population...what are people expecting. it is not acceptable in any system. it is a corrupt system, not a democracy.
I don't think anyone can say it better than Gideon Levy
Well said, Mr Levy! A golden opportunity is missed. Wake up calls are deafening in the region but sadly no one is listening!
And it certainly does appear that the US and Israel are going to cling to each other all the way down to the bottom of the barrel!
The author writes: "Israel, which is condemned by the entire world but continues merrily on its way, is a country that is losing its connection to reality." The author fails to mention that by wielding this veto, Obama has ensured that America has joined Israel on this merry path. Insanity.
I think Obama has been playing Chess and Bibi has been sleeping. The vote will move to the UNGA where it will pass where US does not have a veto. Israel will love Obama but the UN will pass sanctions on Israel. The US will kind of win and Israel will definitely loose. Obama has check mated Bibi and Bibi deserves it for spitting in Obamas face. . .
when the Security Council is deadlocked because one of the permanent members persistently uses its veto in defiance of the will of the overwhelming majority. The procedure is called Uniting For Peace, and was established during the Korean war to circumvent the Soviet "Nyet". The US veto on Friday means that this procedure will very likely be invoked this year to have the UN recognize a Palestinian state on the 67 borders through overwhelming support of the UNGA. Why do think Abbas has been lobbying so hard for the last 2 years to get universal recognition of the 67 borders by UNGA members? That rush of South American recognition didn't just come from nowhere, the Palestinians know exactly where this is leading.
Don't rule Obama out, folks. This veto wasn't given as a message to the PA. Obama already supported a Palestinian state by September in last year's opening UNGA speech. This was a chess move by Obama. Wait and see...
UNGA resolutions are not enforceable the are only Security Council resolutions can be enforced. Israel has had more General Assembly resolutions passed against it than any country in the entire world but it doesn't matter because nothing can be done to enforce them. The only resolutions that matter is Security Council ones because they can be enforced but in the Security Council the US has a veto which can kill any resolutions before they can be passed. UN recognition of a palestinian state won't change the reality on the ground. Israel will never cooperate if the UN tries to enforce a situation. Israel won't just go pull down the settlements and certainly won't give up Jerusalem. It won't share things like the water which it controls the infastructure over. What happens if Israel refused to grant the palestinians a corridor through Israeli territory allowing them to travel between the two halves of their own state. That would mean transport between each side would be travel overland - Jordan - fly - Egypt - overland - Gaza and vise versa. It will almost be like a vacation to go an area that you could reach within an hours drive or so little Mohammed won't be able to go and visit his sick grandmother after school. It will mean the palestinian state is still born. There is not a company in the world that will invest in a country without secure transport links. Even domestic businesses won't be able to survive. Israel would be entitled to do that if even the Security Council imposed a resolution because the UN cannot obligate any independent state to be used by another so the only way a palestinian state can be created and survive rather must need the blessings of Israel.... the UN can enforce can create a theoretitical solution but only Israel can create a practical one which will work.
" While we agree with our fellow Council members and indeed, with the wider world about the folly and illegitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity, we think it unwise for this Council to attempt to resolve the core issues that divide Israelis and Palestinians". In other words, the U.S. prefers direct talks now to address the core issues and their mediation. It's not new that Israel's position, especially Netanyahu's Likud, is that the UN has been historically biased against Israel - probably not always an accurate assessment. What's more important is what do Israelis think about continuing construction in the West Bank, not the U.S. position. Do they support PM Netanyahu's approach to the peace process? It's not totally a U.S. area of responsibility but rather an internal Israeli issue of concern.
Building on occupied land is not an "internal issue", but an international one. The West Bank does not belong to Israel, so it is strictly forbidden to settle its civilian population on it. This is not up to Israel, nor the US to decide, but to International bodies, such as the UN, or even better, the ICJ. If 14 out of 15 UNSC members vote against Israel, don't you think that it might just be because Israel is grossly on the wrong here, and not some dark islamist conspiracy?
Building on occupied land is not an "internal issue", but an international one. The West Bank does not belong to Israel, so it is strictly forbidden to settle its civilian population on it. This is not up to Israel, nor the US to decide, but to International bodies, such as the UN, or even better, the ICJ. If 14 out of 15 UNSC members vote against Israel, don't you think that it might just be because Israel is grossly on the wrong here, and not some dark islamist conspiracy?
... Obama made the "fashla" (=idiotic mis-step) of his life, and can never again be trusted by the free world... he had the opportunity for "greatness", but messed it up completely... he was a coward... or an idiot (choose whatever your perspective)
Israelis are supporting this Likud government which only two years ago articulated the recognition of two states - it's an internal Israeli problem which has created Israel's pariah image internationally.
I agree with you Gideon. If Israel continues to "lose its connection to reality" this is not helpful. And it wil certainly "ultimately find itself LEFT ENTIRELY TO ITS FATE". Ambassador Susan Rice told an untruth - and she was illogical [it was settlement building that STOPPED the peace-talks in the beginning.] SHAME - SHAME - SHAME! an opportunity wrecked. Unless Israel is made to pay SOMETHING - anything - it will never need to stop the occupation[which will go on indefinitely.] i am [figuratively] tearing my hair out! If wearing sack-cloth and ashes would help, I would do it! Talk about frustration.
America just woke up one morning--and without any organized "coaxing" at all--from any outside (or inside) parties--just decided to "support settlements!" so to speak--and, no doubt about it, Mr. Levy--just because all the "average Joes" in the whole country had been feverishly writing their congressmen to do so? Yes, sir, Mr. Levy, it's mighty, MIGHTY strange.
It wasn't the 'average Joes' that swayed Congress, it was the promise of campaign funds from AIPAC if they supported the Veto, and the treat of said money going to their election rivals if they didn't.
you seem to be what my grandaddy used to refer to as "a literal-minded sort of fellow." (And that, friend, can cause you to not pick up on the sneaky stuff.)