AP Article – US Israel criticism ignites firestorm in Congress

So, I just read the above article. Go ahead and read it. There’s little point in reading my post here unless you have. Have you read it? Okay.

Does it make me naive or a simpleton because I believe that the Obama administration is correct in complaining about Israel’s moves in this instance? Don’t get me wrong, I believe Israel has far and away been the United States’ best ally in the Middle East. But we’ve been a far better ally to them than they have ever been to us. I think it’s about time that we address our allies in the Middle East as we would address our allies elsewhere in the world.

The situation is simply this: Israel has offered to follow the ‘roadmap to peace’ that was drawn up under the previous administration. This roadmap requires that Israel cease construction in lands gained during the 1967 Arab Israeli war. That includes East Jerusalem. Now, Israel does not strictly include East Jerusalem in the agreement. However, whether they wish to include it in the agreement or not, stopping construction there would be the easiest route to show some sort of desire for peace, wouldn’t it? And of all the times to announce further construction in East Jerusalem, upon the arrival of our Vice President, who is there to promote peace talks, is the worst possible time.

Israel was blatant in their disregard for the American approach to the peace process. And when America is their primary, sometimes sole, ally in the peace process, it stands to reason that they should show a bit more restraint. I am shocked at Israel’s error in this issue. I am even more shocked that American politicians would have the audacity to complain at the Obama administrations response to Israel’s utter lack of disregard. The United States has every right to be upset.

If the Vice President was on a trip to Mexico to promote the war against drugs, and the Mexican government announced a decision to legalize the transportation of up to 20lbs of cocaine within Mexico, don’t you think we would be upset? Do you think any senators would be complaining at the administrations obvious response?

The government of our ally has blatantly undermined our attempts. We have every right to be upset. I can think of absolutely no reason why our government shouldn’t condemn Israel’s decision. We shouldn’t simply let this blow over because it might make Iran think we would suddenly allow them to nuke Israel. Obviously we wouldn’t. If there is anyone out there who just might think otherwise, we could release a simple statement making it clear.

The United States stands firmly behind Israel’s sovereignty, and will protect it against foreign attack. However, Israel’s actions relating to construction in the territory occupied during the 1967 war undermines the peace process, and should be immediately halted. Any construction in territory which is currently being discussed as being the possible home of a future Palestinian state should be limited to repairs and the rebuilding of damaged homes. No new construction should commence until the point at which international agreements have been reached between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the United Nations.

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