–updated–
“New construction in East Jerusalem or the West Bank undermines mutual trust and endangers the proximity talks that are the first step toward the full negotiations that both sides want and need,” Clinton said. “It exposes daylight between Israel and the United States that others in the region could hope to exploit. And it undermines America’s unique ability to play a role — an essential role, I might add — in the peace process.” – Clinton says Israel settlements obstacle to peace
AIPAC continues today. J Street is running a full page ad in the New York Times entitled “It’s Time.”
Notes on Sect. Clinton’s speech (full remarks at link), which has now concluded:
“The forces that threaten Israel also threaten the United States… and therefore we firmly believe… when we strengthen Israel’s security, we strengthen America’s security.”
Clinton then said that if you doubt Obama’s resolve, look what Obama got done last night by passing quality health care.
“There must be no gap between the United States on Israel on security. … for Pres. Obama and me and for this entire Administration our commitment to Israel is “rock solid, enduring… and forever.”
Guaranteeing Israel’s security is more than a policy commitment for me, it’s a personal commitment that will never waver.
“I don’t think Rabin ever forgave me for banishing him to the balcony when he wanted to smoke.”
The long-standing U.S. policy on settlements, which must stop. In 2008 I told this conference that Barack Obama would be a friend to Israel, because of his own history… Obama and his family has lived the diaspora experience… “There is always a homeland at the center of our story. As president he has supported Israel in word and in deed.”
“We voted against the deeply flawed Goldstone Report. This Administration will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself.”
For Israel there is no greater threat than a nuclear armed Iran. Clinton calls the regime a “menace.” Clinton invokes Iranian rulers who deny 9/11. People everywhere were horrified by the images of a woman shot dead. Nuclear Iran would “spark an arms race that would spread throughout the region.”
“So let me be clear, the United States is determined to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.”
“Sanctions that will bite” is the purpose of the U.S. “We will not compromise our commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring these weapons.”
Iran isn’t the only threat to Israel. Conflicts with Palestinians and its Arab nations threaten the security of Israel and the Jewish state. “The status quo is unsustainable for all sides. … There is another path.. but it will require all parties, including Israel to make difficult but necessary changes.” What has happened the last decade has not served Israel or the security of the United States.
Democracy and demography threaten the dream of a Jewish homeland. A two-state solution is the only viable path for Israel to remain a Jewish state. “There is today truly a struggle, maybe for the first time, with those in the region and those who reject it and seek only continued violence. The status quo strengthens the rejectionists…”
The evolving reality of war is making it harder to keep Israel secure. “Rockets with better guidance systems and longer range are spreading across the region.” Hezbollah and Hamas has serious military rocket potential threatens Israel in new ways.
“Gilad Shalit must be released immediately and returned to his family.”
Only by choosing a new path can Israel manifest a new piece. Partnership required for the Palestinians as well. “Two states for two people. … Normal relations between Israel and all the Arab states.”
“The parties themselves must solve their differences.”
Jerusalem is a deeply, deeply profound issue. “Both Israelis and Palestinians must refrain from unilateral statements…”
New construction in East Jerusalem endangers process, “exposes daylight between Israel & US that others in region exploit.”
Clinton meeting w/ Netanyahu today; Obama tomorrow.
Stop settlements and acknowledge the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “There is no path without pain. But the path of peace is preferable to war.”
The United States and the American people will stand with you and share the burdens. God Bless the United States and Israel…
Well looks like the Admin is groveling once again to Israel and its forces in the US.
Nothing new here – we are just back to normal. The only difference is that outside of DC opinions are changing. I’m wondering what event will happen to cause the Elites of DC and the brain dead press to notice that the great unwashed masses are rethinking the “special” relationship with Israel.
Mornin’ mwfolsom.
This is about the political entrenchment of the parties, too. The political elite of the country.
To their credit, the Administration has continued to pressure Israel, much more so than happened under GW Bush.
I totally agree but as the ever marvelous spincitysd has pointed out elsewhere when Obama blinked on the settlement issue he created a hole big enough for Netanyahu to drive a bulldozer through.
I see Isreal/Netanyahu as a bolder rolling down a hill and Clinton’s and Obama’s quite council as a insignificant stone along its path. Obama, Clinton and the Palestinian People will be crushed. Until the US is willing to make the settlements cost Israel something and I mean SOMETHING REAL Clinton and Obama might as well hold their breath.
Ophs – my manners – good morning to you to – M.
Clinton is not caving. “The lady is not for turning.”
Good morning Taylor – that was a pretty emotional weekend we just experienced.
I’m afraid that Israel will never compromise. They don’t know how. And I think right now there is a window for compromise. The Palestinians would be receptive to some meaningful dialog with Israel but I think Bibi figures that he can maintain his hard-headed stance regardless because the good ol’ USA will always come to Israel’s defense. I just don’t see anything of substance happening here. While this is my own opinion, I hope I’m wrong.
Heya Jane, well, I’ve been doing this long enough that I don’t let it get to me. It’s just biz as usual, add in move to the right, throw in more sacrifices from women that men could care less about. SOP in American politics.
I ALWAYS believe we’ll get there, because the thought of not having a substantive two-state solution in place is unthinkable for Israel.
A wonderful speech by Sec. Clinton. Two states for two peoples living side by side in peace and security, as both the Israeli and Palestinian people so greatly deserve. Thank you, Hillary!
She was indeed at the top of her game.
“Top of her game” “a wonderful speech?” I thought it was Obama’s game and his speech he being the POTUS and all? Hillary’s part is just to mouth his words like any good ventriloquists dummy would do. Right? Peace
Imhotep, I find that remark insulting toward Secretary Clinton. Of course, I am not surprised that it comes from you.
Hillary’s speech was fantastic; assuring Israel that America is committed to its security, while also discussing the need for gestures for peace in the hopes of furthering negotiations toward a two-state solution in which Israeli children and Palestinian children can live together in peace, as neighbors and the region can prosper.
You are clearly a visitor from Mars. A space traveler with a magic wand. Please read my 1:08 comment at the end of this thread and then get back to me. Peace
Considering I find the Administration’s stand on the Goldstone Report misguided (being nice about it), I wouldn’t say all of the content of the speech was something I’d applaud.
Sect. Clinton, however, was at the top of her game, citing her *personal* commitment to Israel, even beyond that of Obama and her Secretary role. Having heard Hillary on this subject over many years, she added several of her own touches, including the ending. So, yes, she was at the top of her game, though still a far cry from when she was running for the nomination, as she is Secretary of State, no longer a competing politician.
For those who didn’t get to view it, here are the full remarks:
http://blogs.jta.org/politics/article/2010/03/22/1011273/hillary-clintons-aipac-speech
Thanks for posting the speech. I don’t get to use the television even if I want to. Sesame Street, Wiggles, etc. are primary viewing during the day.
heh-heh… Don’t look now but your golden years have been hijacked!
heh-heh but I love it.
Let’s cut to the chase. Netanyahu and the Israelis have a problem. Which is why they really don’t want to make peace with the Palestinians. For the past forty years the Israelis have, with the acquiescence of the United States, persued a policy known as a “greater Israel.” That policy called for the building of hundreds of illegal settlements on the West Bank, Gaza and in East Jerusalem. The result is that now the Israelis find themselves with about 500,000 Jews living on occupied Palestinian territory. If the Palestinians are to have their own state one of two things must happen. Either the Israelis will have to evacuate those 500,000 Jews back behind the pre-1967 borders. Or they must inform these 500,000 Jews that they are soon to become Palestinian citizens. Do you suppose that any Israeli prime minister wants to go down in history as the guy or gal who hung all of those Orthodox Jews out to dry? So the stupid Israelis have painted themselves into a corner from which there is no escape except to continue making war. Fools. Peace
And for the past 40 years, the Arab states and the Palestinians have been all for a Two-State solution…righttt. Only Imhotep would actually believe this, or even pretend to believe this. Both sides in the past have done irresponsible things, it is time to move forward.
What will ultimately happen is a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with agreed upon land swaps which will allow existing settlements to become part of Israel, while existing parts of Israel will be transferred to Palestine.
According to TIME magazine, The Pro-Israel Lobby Plans to Storm Congress.
Should be interesting.
http://2su.de/fVO
Good for them. More citizen grassroots activism and less dominance by shadowy corporate special interests is what our country needs, even if the specific organization goes against your politics.
Somebody still has to explain to me in detail how the US keeps Iran from becoming a nuclear armed state.
Additionally, “crippling sanctions” are going to hurt the people. China won’t go along.
Finally, let’s call these “grass root” activists what they are, instruments of AIPAC.
Oh, and by the way, under the fwiw category…
The passage in the Time mag article about buying F-35s to replace their aging F-16 fighters is outdated, according to a very reliable mil analyst I just emailed. Not to say it won’t happen, with US taxpayers footing the bill, but that right now, according to this military expert, the “Israelis have shown lessened enthusiasm for it.”
Taylor, I agree that there should be some detail on what the U.S. will ultimately do to prevent the Ayatollahs in Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
What is your solution for pressuring the Iranians on the nuclear weapon issue, or is it in your eyes acceptable for them to have a weapon? (serious question, not meant to be sarcastic).
Lastly, I attended the AIPAC conference this morning; the 7,500 people in attendance are not “tools” or “instruments of AIPAC”, but come in earnest support of the U.S.-Israel relationship and peace between Israel and the Palestinians via a two-state solution. There are people of many stripes: Jewish, non-Jewish, African-American, thousands of students, Hispanics, Homosexuals, etc. All in support of the U.S.-Israel relationship and not the monsters that you make them out to be. Shame on you for this statement calling AIPAC conference attendees as “instruments.” AIPAC wouldn’t exist without the passion of these people for the U.S.-Israel relationship and peace.
Taylor,
New to your blog, but here goes. Have to agree Secretary Clinton presented an exceptional speech today at AIPAC. I read her entire speech after being shocked by the title of the article on the Washington Post web site – “Clinton accuses Israel of hurting US credibility” – written by MATTHEW LEE and MATTI FRIEDMAN of AP.
My first reaction was that her comments must have been incredibly self-absorbed and that the true significance of actions or remarks by foreign governments is not about how they makes us look, or if we get our feelings hurt. Sort of like her rebuke of Pakistan for not doing enough to fight the Taliban when they were in the middle of massive offensive against the Taliban that was very unpopular domestically.
However, when I read her remarks, the AP article completely misconstrued the tone and content. The vast majority of the speech expressed absolute solidarity with Isreal . . . more so than the government of Isreal frankly probably deserves. However, she never once used the phrase “hurting US credibility” or “undermining US credibility”. They took what she did say out of context: ” . . .both Israelis and Palestinians must refrain from unilateral statements and actions that undermine the process . .. “; “New construction in East Jerusalem or the West Bank undermines that mutual trust . . . “; and “It undermines America’s unique ability to play a role – an essential role – in the peace process. Our credibility in this process depends in part on our willingness to praise both sides when they are courageous, and when we don’t agree, to say so, and say so unequivocally.”
Honest reporting includes refraining from using misleading or inflamatory headlines that mischaracterize the event being reported on.
HELLO david-in-virginia, and welcome!
Excellent analysis, calling the AP straight out on their assessment, especially the headline. It’s likely why Fred Hiatt of the WashPost picked it up, as they’re hard right when it comes to anything Israel.
You (and others) might find Stephen Walt’s essay today interesting:
http://walt.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/03/22/a_healthier_foreign_policy
Thanks for stepping up and chiming in.
SOS Hillary Rodham Clinton always seems to be on her game. Hillary has always been a supporter of Isreal. I agree that Iran should never have nuclear weapons. I hope for the two state solution between Isreal and Palestine. I am also a major supporter of Isreal, I always have been I just want a peaceful middle east.
If you want a peaceful middle east it might be wise to check some of your “major support” for Israel. It might also be wise to call on Obama to immediately end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as to call on Obama to halt US interference in Yemen and Pakistan. Our foreign policy toward the middle east is what’s driving the terrorists to want to blow up airplanes in Detroit and crash them into the Pentagon. There is no such thing as peace through war anymore than there is in a free lunch. Peace
If Iran has said it once it has said it ten thousand times and that is that it has no desire to develop a nuclear weapon. That pledge has come from every layer of Iranian society for many years, including the religious class which runs the Islamic Republic. As a matter of fact the Ayatollahs have said publicly that the Koran forbids nuclear weapons. The leadership class has repeatedly called for a nuclear free zone from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Bengal. It is not in Iran’s self-interest to have nuclear weapons, but it is in Israel’s (and Saudi Arabia’s) interest to keep lying about Iran’s intentions. Peace
Imhotep, I’m glad you put so much faith into the declarations of the Ayatollahs. Wow.
“We voted against the deeply flawed Goldstone Report. This Administration will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Bollocks. Complete and utter bollocks. The Goldstone Report was amazingly balanced and fair, and Goldstone is an unimpeachable Jewish Jurist, therefore it is not a “deeply flawed” report in the least. To see Secretary of State Clinton groveling and pleading with Bibi Netanyahu and AIPAC by denigrating the Goldstone Report and pointing out that the US will always lie for Israel, is a very sad sight indeed, though certainly not a new one.
And, Oh, Joy. We can look forward to many more such sad sights:
Former Obama Aide New Head of AIPAC:
Lee “Rosy” Rosenberg, a jazz recording industry veteran capitalist who accompanied U.S. President Barack Obama on his campaign trip to Israel two years ago, takes over on Sunday as the new president of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Rosenberg also served on the president’s national campaign finance committee.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/136628
===
Meanwhile, back in the Israeli Apartheid State:
Much beyond loyalty bill and Nakba Law, annual racism report issued by Mossawa Center states 21 bills deemed ‘discriminatory and racist’ laid on legislature’s table in 2009, a 75% increase since previous year
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3865696,00.html
===
Israeli troops kill two more Palestinians:
Bringing the weekend’s total to four
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7070211.ece
===
PA accuses Israel of killing Palestinian teens ‘in cold blood’:
Khatib cited witness accounts that the two had been shot only after being arrested, while Mahmoud al-Aloul, a senior figure in the Fatah party led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said the youth had been killed in “cold blood”.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1157845.html
Thank you, Noogan, for your continued lack of contribution to any peaceful solution for people in the Middle East…