By now many are questioning just why the White House and Department of State have pushed the Ramat Shlomo incident to its current escalated reality, aware that while the political faux pas resulted in an embarrassment to the American vice president, the incident was a far cry from a major event justifying the diplomatic fallout that resulted. Some accuse the US administration of intentionally pushing towards a crisis atmosphere.
A number of days ago, the White House presented Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu with an ultimatum, listing three demands that would in Israel’s eyes dictate the outcome of final status talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority) before those talks get underway. Israel is expected to announce the cancelation of the planned construction in Ramat Shlomo; agree to discuss major issues in the upcoming round of negotiations, including the future of Jerusalem and final border demarcations; and to make significant confidence-building moves towards the PA.
In the background of this ultimatum, Shas leader Eli Yishai and Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman have warned the prime minister that any step in this direction would lead to a major coalition crisis.
Some feel that the US administration is well aware of the ramifications of the prime minister accepting such an ultimatum, which is exactly what America wants, preferring to see a coalition that includes Likud and Kadima, or simply the collapse of this coalition which permits right-wing parties to yield significant influence on government policy.
American policy makers feel that either of the scenarios will compel rewriting coalition guidelines, hoping next time around, the coalition will more closely resemble the policies of the previous Olmert administration, which already agreed regarding the division of Yerushalayim.
Shas feels that some lawmakers have already signaled the US, indicating in response to a coalition crisis of this magnitude, they would immediately exhibit a willingness to enter a new coalition with the above mentioned platform, mimicking the Olmert agenda. This is keeping Shas in place to some degree, with the knowledge vacant cabinet seats would eventually be handed over to Kadima.
Shas officials do have a red line, and they indicate that if the alternative is the division of Yerushalayim, they will be left with no other alternative but to leave the coalition. Shas leaders explain any talk of dividing the capital is a red line for Maran R’ Ovadia Shlita.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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6 Responses
there is so much happening at the same time that we need to open our eyes and come to one conclusion …. T’SHUVA IS NECESSARY NOW!!!!
#1, and achdus and derech eretz.
2, that’s included. duh! BUT we are allowed to disagree with each other politically.
#3, I prefer you do not disagree with me politically. 🙂
Disagreement on Politics is healthy in general.
Except now we have a very unique and scary situation, the President of US is a Moslem and he is hell bent on destroying Israel.
We as Jews world wide MUST unite and declare “Israel is our becuase G-D says so”.
those who are opposed to the politics of Israel for what ever reason must cease and desist, Jewish lives are at risks, and as such we have to unite. You must remember also Israel is also the name of Yaakov Avinu and it is thru his heirtage that we are Zochar to even exist at all as a people.
SO JEWS OF THE WORLD UNITE AS ONE AS WE DID ON HAR SINAI AND PRAY THAT H”B DELIVERS US FROM OUR ENEMY. IN ADDITON WE SHOULD ALL BE SAYING KAPITAL AYIN FROM TEHILIM
#5, I agree with much of what you say other than the president being bent on destroying Israel. His ignorance is paving the way for that, but no one, other than us (and even then it is not unanimous) cares about Israel. Much in the same way that unless one is proud of your Irish, Italian, or African ancestry, etc. people dont really care or see matters from the perspective of those with a passioned interest.