Israel Matzav observes about a recent American criticism of Jewish construction in Gilo – that’s part of Jerusalem.
Obama’s not going to let up on this, but given the broad consensus within Israel, I doubt Israelis are going to yield to Obama on it either. A year from now, if election results favor the Republicans, maybe Obama will be forced to let up, but for now, we Israelis are going to have to live with this criticism without getting all hysterical about it. While Obama may want to make a radical change in US relations with Israel, it’s doubtful that he has the support in Congress or in American public opinion to make it.
He’s right. If Congress changes hands it will probably make a difference. Republicans, in general, are more sympathetic towards Israel. Sarah Palin, in her interview with Barbara Walters, demonstrated that difference. (via memeorandum)
“I disagree with the Obama administration on that,” Palin told Walters. “I believe that the Jewish settlements should be allowed to be expanded upon, because that population of Israel is, is going to grow. More and more Jewish people will be flocking to Israel in the days and weeks and months ahead. And I don’t think that the Obama administration has any right to tell Israel that the Jewish settlements cannot expand.”
It’s true that Palin’s expressed beliefs are quite a bit more supportive of Israel than those of the average American and I doubt that she’d be able to act on those beliefs even she achieved higher office. Still it’s a refreshing contrast to an administration run by someone who used to be close with Rashid Khalidi.
Crossposted on Soccer Dad
I agree with Sarah,it is refreshing hearing someone say what they mean and mean what they say.Wish we had more of that.The pc is old and tiring.
I disagree that the average American is not supportive of Israel. Here in Texas atleast people have a great deal of respect for the fortitude and determination of the Israeli people to survive in a world that is increasingly unsupportive and unfriendly towards them.
If only the Iranians feared us as much as they do Israel. But the apology train with obama as engineer just keeps on rolling down the line Woo, Wooo.
***
Israel is a very small “country”–even if the 1948 borders were in force. Jordan was to have been the “Palestinian homeland”–not Israel. The additional building flap is a phony “issue”–the existence of Israel is the real issue. HAMAS, the PLO, and Hizbollah all work on their “reality” that THE ONLY GOOD JEW IS A DEAD JEW. What “negotiated solution” is possible with terrorists who want an Adolf Hitler style FINAL SOLUTION?
***
Rocketman
***
Sarah Palin in higher office would be able to do many things in support of her views, including:
– move the US Embassy to Jerusalem;
– forge closer relationships between NATO and Israel;
– provide better quality materiel for the defence of Israel; and
– give stronger support in the UN Security Council and other international forums.
Just a thought.
Palin is a friend of Israel! I remember seeing a picture of her office in which she had a small Israeli flag visible. For many of us being a friend of Israel is the litmus test for support, and she certainly qualifies in that regard. I am beginning to believe that a major political shift will occur in 2010, and continue into 2012 in which the neo- dems and their self proclaimed intellectual elite will get tossed out of office. Hopefully, Jews will wake up and not continue to vote blindly for a party that has become increasingly anti-Israel, and pro Muslim fascist.
And her support for Israel is not predicated in the largest part on her religious views. She recognizes Israel as a friend and reliable ally of the United States. Until this administration, one would think that being such would be at least something of a recommendation. Right now it seems to be the opposite; our hand is outstretched and open to countries like Iran that are actively killing American soldiers, but the back of our hand to Britain, Poland, Honduras, and the Czech Republic.
I began my long journey from the (very moderate) left when my thinking was prodded by the left’s attitude towards Israel. However, I’d support Israel even if the Israelis were Vietnamese.
Alex,
Countries like Israel, Britain, Honduras, Colombia, Poland, the Czech Republic, etc., that Obama has given the back of his hand to, are friends and allies of the USA. They are emphatically not countries Obama and his consiglieri are friends with. He is opening to the countries that are his friends, and dissing those that he views as hostile.
For now, the latest Quinnipiac poll shows Obama’s approval among Jews at 75%. Sad, to say the least.