INDULGING ISRAEL?

The demand by AIPAC "to take immediate steps to defuse the tension with the Jewish State" regarding the Obama Administration's recent statements in light of Israel's announcement of construction of 1600 settlement homes is over the top.  Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, stated the announcement was insulting as it was made during the Vice-Presidential visit to Israel. AIPAC also advised the Administration it "should make a conscious effort to move away from public demands and unilateral deadlines directed at Israel". Further, they "urge the Administration to work closely and privately with our partner Israel, in a manner befitting strategic allies, to address any issues between the two governments".

I find AIPAC's statements insulting to the American public and the International community. Since military aid in the amount of almost 3 billion dollars per year (7 million per day) is given to Israel from the taxpayer’s purse, the Administration should definitely heed public demands. AIPAC’s request to disregard to the public voice is undemocratic. Should the Obama, like the Bush Administration be governed by a well healed lobby group?

It certainly takes chutzpah to plan construction of another 1600 illegal homes in an illegally occupied land. The timing of Israel’s announcement is a minor infraction and deserves the US response it received. This only demonstrates the Israeli government’s complete distain for their rich Uncle Sam, along with their contempt and disregard for International Law, the United Nations, and the global community.

The enormity of Israel’s malfeasance, aside from the criminality of the existence of settlement homes themselves, is the contravention of Israel’s own moratorium on additional construction of settlement homes for ten months. This leads one to believe that Israel had no intention of honouring their guarantee and deliberately misrepresented their intentions. How can one trust Israel’s stated proclamation for a peace solution?

The AIPAC lobby is the overindulging parents of this petulant child. Rather than admonishing the United States for this well deserved rebuke, they should be reminding Israel of the risk of souring the relationship with their benefactor.