The daily Yediot Achronot put is best, “Smiles but no agreement” in its report of the NYC meeting between Defense Minister Ehud Barak and US special Mideast envoy George Mitchell. The photo op was there and the two seasoned politicians were well-aware how to project their image to the media, but it appears Israel and the United States are no closer to reaching agreement on future construction in yishuvim in Yehuda and Shomron than before.
While no one wishes to say it outright, the anti-Israel and pro-Arab policies of President Barak Obama are becoming increasingly clear, and while releasing the standard “Israel is a special ally” statements, the White House has in essence turned its back on Israel interests, opting to become a friend of the Arab nations in the region and the global Islamic community, even compromising America’s interests in the process according to many.
Prime Minister Bibi Netenyahu’s now famous Bar Ilan address, which contained a wealth of ambiguous and non-committal statements sought to dance between the rain drops as it were, and while it appeased the White House temporarily, the American president appears unwilling to permit construction in yishuvim for young couples and the ‘natural growth’, which includes the desperate need for additional school and kindergarten buildings, as well as shuls, medical clinics and community centers.
Truth be said, much of this is the fault of governments of Israel, who during past years have permitted the “settlements are a stumbling block to peace” mantra without a rebuttal, without returning the baseless statement with the fact that there is no peace with the PA because the Palestinian Authority remains a terror-based entity, as is evident to all.
The meeting between Barak and Mitchell lasted for over four hours. During the first two hours aides joined in, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s special emissary, attorney Yitzchak Molcho and Brigadier-General Mike Herzog, who heads the defense minister’s bureau. The second half of the meeting was private, with just the two senior officials.
Barak pushed for flexibility, seeking to compel the White House to permit limited settlement construction, stressing the point that highlighting the non-construction issue is a mistake that will delay progress in negotiations between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority). Barak explained Israel is seeking to complete projects already underway. Aides to the defense minister report Barak did not offer a three-month settlement construction freeze as expected.
Mitchell, as expected, remained steadfast in his refusal to permit construction, highlighting the White House’s zero tolerance policy for construction in the Jewish sector. (One should also be aware that in documents presented to Jerusalem from the Obama administration, reference is made to construction in occupied areas, which includes Ramat Eshkol, Har Choma and other areas of Yerushalayim as well, not just yishuvim).
Mitchell reiterated America’s firm “no” for any construction, including accommodating natural growth.
The two did seek to exhibit an air of cooperation and good atmosphere, releasing a joint message that while both sides are working together, they have not yet reached a common position.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
It seems to me that if all of Israel were united under the mantra that “The Land of Israel was promised to the descendants of Jacob by The Almighty almost 4000 years ago, and it’s written explicitly and repeatedly in the Book which most of the world bases their religons on. It was taken away from us by the Babylonians, then by the Romans, then by the Muslims, then by the Christians. And now we are back to reclaim our inheritance.” This is what Hashem wants the Jewish people to proclaim, and as long as we stake our claims based on “socio-political realities”, mida-kneged-mida the goyim will reject these weak claims.