The current condemnations of Israel’s planned additions to the Ramat Shlomo neighbourhood demonstrate an appalling ignorance – feigned or real - regarding the accepted status of Jerusalem since Camp David through two American administrations; the context of American criticism in light of similar treatment recently meted out to democratic allies like Poland and the Czech Republic by the Obama administration; and the domestic political infighting in Israel that led to the unfortunate timing of the announcement and Netanyahu’s apology. Though I am by no means supportive of the entire settlement policy, too many politicians and commentators fail to point out the carnage Israel has suffered since its unilateral pullout from Gaza that put the lie to the “land as an obstacle to peace” argument. As Daniel Patrick Moynihan once wrote, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No one is entitled to their own facts.”
The neighborhood where these units may ostensibly be built has been part of Jerusalem since 1995. At Camp David, Israel offered the Palestinian Authority 99% of the West Bank. With the full support of President Clinton this offer excluded any part of Jerusalem as well as the towns of Efrat, Ariel, Ma’aleh Adumin and the Etzion Bloc near Hebron where hundreds of Jews were slaughtered prior to the War of Independence. These territorial percentages followed the outlines of the Allon Plan first proposed after the Six-Day War and accepted by every western government. Land for recognition and peace with minimal annexation by Israel (under 3%) to allow for sustainable defence.
The issue of Jerusalem was to be dealt with as follows. Jerusalem would remain undivided and under Israeli administration but the Palestinian Authority could constitute its government entities within the boundaries of East Jerusalem. The Palestinian's rejection of this offer not only stunned Clinton, but led former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to declare once again that “Arafat never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”
On the broader issue of land for peace, Israel withdrew unilaterally from Gaza under international guarantees of oversight of the terror establishment. Israel supplied Gaza with almost all its utilities, food, supplies, reconstruction efforts and an open job market. Within months, Israeli citizens were being bombarded with Kassam rocket attacks that in the end numbered some 7000. Hamas does not need an excuse to kill Israelis. Until the Palestinian Authority can reign in the terror, Israel is right when it says it has no partner for peace. Building apartments in a district of Jerusalem, accepted since Camp David, can in no way be an impediment.
The timing of the announcement was more than unfortunate. It was a lie. This project still has not even started its three year process of consultation and evaluation. Unfortunately, the Ministry in charge is headed by a member of the right-wing religious Shas party. It just wanted to paint Prime Minister Netanyahu into a corner. As always the religious parties are at loggerheads with any coalition they are in over funding for their schools. That is the problem with allowing faith-based parties in any society. Ireland saw the same tensions.
Vice-President Biden and Secretary of State Clinton are very well briefed on the internal political dynamic of the Israeli coalition government. As allies they should have graciously accepted Netanyahu’s apology for the timing instead of magnifying it into an issue that supposedly affected the ongoing talks. They knew better and they also knew that is no way to treat a vital ally, particularly in light of current tensions with Iran. Israel needs America strategically. America needs Israel just as much tactically. Why then did America blow it so out of proportion?
Events in recent weeks may give us a hint. They have demonstrated a troubling trend in American foreign policy. The State Department’s endorsement of “healthy relations” between Iran and Syria is unfathomable. This is the same alliance that saw Iran running arms through Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon bringing that country to the brink of destruction. Despite this, Syria’s Assad still accused the U.S. of colonialism and got nothing but a slap on the wrist. But perhaps the nadir of Obama’s recent foreign policy has been the public apology to Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi for criticizing him after the butcher of Lockerbie called for “a jihad” against Switzerland.
Too often under this administration friends get squeezed and enemies get pandered to. Several months ago at a NATO meeting in Lisbon, Obama announced the cancellation of the planned placement of missile interceptors in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic.“How could Obama choose such a day?” asked an anguished senior Polish officer. He was referring to the fact that the announcement came on Sept. 17, the 70th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland. Obama had decided to make a gesture to Russia on this date — a “brave” decision said Vladimir Putin. The New York Times characterized it as “the rough equivalent for the Poles of their announcing concessions to a U.S. foe on 9/11.”
There is no question that Obama and Netanyahu and I am sure even Abbas want peace. However, the barriers to it must be attacked with vigour and resolve. President Obama should pay heed to Churchill’s admonition that, “An appeaser is someone who feeds the crocodile hoping he will eat him last.” Neither Israel, nor any free people, should ever acquiesce to such calumny.
