No freeze, and no preconditions
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's prime minister on Thursday rejected U.S. calls to halt construction in disputed east Jerusalem, clouding a new peace mission by Washington's Mideast envoy.There, that's how to put it. A nation surrounded by hostile forces of Islam cannot afford to do things that could damage it even more.
Benjamin Netanyahu's comments were broadcast on Israel's Channel 2 TV shortly after envoy George Mitchell arrived for his first visit in six weeks. Mitchell's efforts had been on hold due to disagreements over east Jerusalem, the section of the holy city claimed by Israel and the Palestinians.
"I am saying one thing. There will be no freeze in Jerusalem," Netanyahu said. "There should be no preconditions to talks."
See also this entry at Hot Air.
Update: Sen. Charles Schumer, of all people, has slammed Obama for how he's handled Israel (also via Hot Air).
Labels: Israel, Jerusalem, United States
Let's wait and see: this government should be judged not by what it says but by what it does.
Posted by NormanF | 4/22/2010 02:45:00 PM
No freeze in Jerusalem? Hmm...and what is going to happen in Judea and Samaria in September? Bibi has a big face...lots of sides to talk out of...I agree, the proof is in the kugel.
Posted by Shtuey | 4/22/2010 07:31:00 PM
I'm betting the freeze will be extended and will now include Jewish construction in all of Jerusalem.
This is exactly where the Israeli government is heading and for what it is worth - no the Palestinians are not going to talk to Israel and they won't give up their demands.
Posted by NormanF | 4/23/2010 03:20:00 AM
That's what I've been worried about all along...and after that it will be the Golan. I read this and it was like the Twilight Zone. Shas would back a freeze in Jerusalem in order not to damage relations with the US? http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=173752
Posted by Shtuey | 4/23/2010 03:57:00 AM
If this article from Israel National News makes any sense, it's that the reports that Shas would actually do that were falsified by the MSM. It wouldn't surprise me. The left often tried to exploit Shas in the past because they didn't have solid oppositional stances, and were willing to be yes-men. This time, I hope they've changed for the better, but only time will tell.
Posted by Avi Green | 4/23/2010 05:34:00 AM