White House decries Israel's plan to build homes in East Jerusalem

[Purveyor]

Source: LA TIMES

Reporting from Jerusalem - An Israeli government plan to build nearly 700 homes for Jewish families in Palestinian-dominated East Jerusalem drew fire Monday from the Obama administration, which called the plan a hindrance to relaunching peace talks.

"The United States opposes new Israeli construction in East Jerusalem," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said, calling on Israelis and Palestinians to return to U.S.-brokered talks. "Neither party should engage in efforts or take actions that could unilaterally preempt, or appear to preempt, negotiations."

Israel's Housing Ministry unveiled plans Monday to expand housing in three mostly Jewish neighborhoods that Israel annexed to Jerusalem after capturing the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East War. Israelis view the neighborhoods as part of Jerusalem, but to Palestinians and most of the international community, the Jewish enclaves are illegal settlements on occupied land.

Israel defended the project, which came on the heels of a similar plan announced last month to construct 900 homes in the Gilo neighborhood, also captured in 1967.

Officials said construction in East Jerusalem is not part of its recent pledge to limit settlement growth in the West Bank. After heavy U.S. lobbying, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed in November to restrict some new construction in the West Bank for 10 months.

"We, however, make a clear distinction between the West Bank and Jerusalem," said Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev. "Jerusalem is Israel's capital and will continue to be so. It's legally part of Israel."

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-israel-building29-2009dec29,0,4929127.story

[damntexdem]

1. Will the Palestinians end up like American Indians?

Or will Israel destroy itself.

Less-draconian outcomes seem to be forestalled by each and every Israeli government. Not to mention Hamas and others like them.

[WriteDown]

8. End up?

What language do the Palestinians have? Name some of their specific cultural customs.

The Palestinians are the Lumbee Indians of the ME.

[Flaneur]

13. What are you trying to say?

[WriteDown]

17. That it's an extremely poor and insulting analogy.

My tribe will be gone someday. The Palestinian population is increasing.

[proteus_lives]

15. Either is unlikely.

Especially since the Palestinian population keeps rising.

[Libertas1776]

2. Ooh, the US said something...

big deal. What is the US gonna do, write a letter? "Dear Israel, shame shame everyone knows your name," as opposed to holding back the umpteen million dollars we give them in aid until they stop fucking around building more illegal settlements. :eyes:

[blackbear79]

3. Obama is no match for Netanyahu

Netanyahu will continue to do what he believes best strengthens and protects Israel. He knows the Jewish power elite in the US support him. The US military needs a strong partner in Israel. The White House is powerless unless they try some more "heavy lobbying" (code for sending cash) and buy a little more time.

[glinda]

5. and don't forget all those American based groups/people that send money off for this

[azurnoir]

6. Why does the US military need a strong partner in Israel?

Israel needs the US much more than the reverse, what has Israel done for us in say Iraq or Afghanistan or in the possibly upcoming war in Yemen? Israel is quite busy with its own problems perhaps the withholding of some that support or support and protection in the UNSC should be forthcoming, however I am not holding my breathe

[gratuitous]

4. Uh oh, this might make Joe Lieberman mad

And then he won't support Democratic initiatives!

[Mari333]

7. well I am glad to see they are angry about it

now, stop sending them money.

[goforit]

9. LOL!!! Obama tells Israel what to do? NOT!! With Emmanuel there, he kisses ass.

[Jefferson23]

10. GAZA SHALL NOT DIE (NEW YORK protest)!

GAZA SHALL NOT DIE (NEW YORK protest)!

Gaza Protest New York City

12.27.2009 | YouTube
http://www.normanfinkelstein.com/gaza-shall-not-die-new-york-protest/




GAZA SHALL NOT DIE (Houston Protest)!

One Year Anniversary Demonstration of Gaza Massacre

12.28.2009 | YouTube
http://www.normanfinkelstein.com/gaza-shall-not-die-houston-protest/



GAZA SHALL NOT DIE (LONDON protest)!

Stop GAZA Siege Protest

12.27.2009 | YouTube
http://www.normanfinkelstein.com/gaza-shall-not-die-london-protest/



GAZA SHALL NOT DIE (TURKEY Protest)!

Protests in Turkey, Commemorating 1st Anniversary of Gaza War

12.28.2009 | YouTube
http://www.normanfinkelstein.com/gaza-shall-not-die-turkey-protest/

[IndianaGreen]

11. I am sure Bibi will be getting a memo from Obama

Business as usual.

[defendandprotect]

12. Will someone please stop right wing Israeli warmongering . . .

PULL THE PLUG ON THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT WE GIVE THEM -- ESPECIALLY FOR WEAPONS!!

[BunkerHill24]

14. US Taxpayers' money hard at work. n/t

[IrishBuckeye]

16. This type of selfish act puts the U.S. and it's troops in danger.

Terror organizations use this type of unjust and illegal action as a recruitment tool and the U.S. has no defense against it as long as the U.S. only uses words instead of real action. It's time to take a look at aid the U.S. sends Israel. I support giving aid to an Israel that wants and works for peace, it's clear that the current Israeli government wants conflict not peace with these actions, why are we awarding them with aid?