Israeli plans to build hundreds more homes in West Bank settlement risk US anger

[oberliner]

Israel today risked provoking fresh US anger when a plan to build 800 new homes in the West Bank settlement of Ariel was revealed hours after the Obama administration expressed "deep disappointment" at the approval of more than 1,300 new Jewish homes in East Jerusalem.

The plan for the new homes, in an area of Ariel close to the Palestinian town of Salfit, was reported to be at an advanced stage, needing only the approval of the local planning and building committee.

The disclosure drew a furious reaction from the Palestinians, who said it was time for the international community to immediately recognise a Palestinian state on the pre-occupation 1967 borders.

Saeb Erekat, the Palestinians' chief negotiator, said: "Once more, at the moment when we expected Prime Minister Netanyahu to announce a full settlement freeze ... he has sent Palestinians and the US administration a clear message that Israel chooses settlements, not peace."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/09/israeli-settlement-homes-ariel-west-bank

[whosinpower]

1. Pushing the boundaries of loyalty

I recently read an article where Tzipi (?spelling) Livni was stating that Israel's leadership lacked vision and a voice to state what that vision was.....we are all waiting, hoping and praying for an alternative to Netanyahu. Perhaps it is time for Livni to step up to the plate and give us her "vision".

For Netanyahu's part, he uses divisive and polarizing concepts to bludgeon any critics. He pushes the boundaries of loyalty to its limits. When Tom Friedman steps up and tells Israel's leadership that they are losing America - as a direct result of their policies - TOM FRIEDMAN no less....but he is right....for jews and non-jews alike...there is a growing apathy.

If you love Israel - you are engaged in the interest of the middle east.
If you hate Israel - you are engaged in the interest of the middle east.
If you grow sick and tired of the circular rhetoric that grows nowhere, costs blood and money, has no positive outcome, or answer - then a person gives up, and becomes disengaged. Israel loses far more when the outside world gives up on the peace process - because they become disinterested, disengaged. 62 years is far too long to drag out a settlement.

If I, being a lowly goyim, mean nothing to Israel - why should Israel mean anything to me? I personally find myself asking that very question.

[Recursion]

2. "goyim" is plural; we're lowly goyim, I am a lowly goy

And her name is spelled ציפי

[whosinpower]

3. Thank you nt

[oberliner]

4. Actually it is an offensive term

It's use ought not to be appropriate here.