Source: JTA, 5-7-13
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that he would put a hold on construction in West Bank settlements until mid-June….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 7, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/israel-political-brief-may-7-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-promised-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-to-put-hold-on-settlement-construction/
Source: JPost, 4-10-13
Henry Kissinger talks to The Washington Post. Photo: Screenshot
WikiLeaks has published 1.7 million US diplomatic documents ranging from 1973-1976 online. It is their largest release to date and it is named after the former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger because many of the documents were addressed to or written by him.
The Jerusalem Post has uncovered a cable sent from the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia on January 9, 1975, which analyzed the Israeli-Arab conflict. It was concluded that it was Israel’s stubborn position that was holding back peace.
Related:
“Nevertheless, viewed from here, the Israeli pessimism seems largely if not entirely unwarranted. It seems based on an extraordinary lack of understanding of what happened in the Arab world in the last year and a half. Rather than girding their loins for the fifth, sixth, seventh Israeli-Arab wars. The Israelis might examine more carefully than they seem to have done so far the alternative of a peaceful accommodation with the Arabs.”…READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 10, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/israel-political-brief-april-10-2013-wikileaks-us-blamed-israel-for-holding-back-peace-in-1975/
Source: JTA, 4-9-13
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Jerusalem to discuss restarting negotiations with the Palestinians….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 9, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/israel-political-brief-april-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-meet-in-jerusalem-to-discuss-restarting-peace-talks/
Source: State.gov, 4-9-13
Remarks
SECRETARY KERRY: I want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for, first of all, his extraordinary hospitality yet again. We had an extremely friendly, very productive, long discussion last night. I think it’s fair to say that we made progress, that we were pleased with the substance of the discussion and agreed, each of us, to do some homework. And we’re going to do our homework over the course of the next weeks, and today we’re going to continue some of that discussion with a view to seeing how we can really pull all of the pieces together and make some progress here. And I want to thank the Prime Minister for his good-faith efforts here. It’s been serious, it’s been focused, and I would characterize it as very productive.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you. Thank you, John. It’s good to see you again in Jerusalem and to work at our common goal for peace. I am determined to not only to resume the peace process with the Palestinians but to make a serious effort to end this conflict once and for all. This has economic components. We welcome any initiatives that you and others will bring forward in this regard. But it also has a political component, political discussions that will address a myriad of issues. Foremost in our minds are questions of recognition and security. This is a real effort, and we look forward to advance in this effort with you.
We’ve been talking about several other issues, and I’ll only mention two. First, we’ve been talking about Syria and the human tragedy there. But the fragmentation of that country is creating a situation where one of the most dangerous stockpiles of weapons in the world is now becoming accessible to terrorists of every shade and hue. This is of great concern for both of us, for both the United States and Israel, and we are talking about addressing this problem specifically.
And last, and certainly not least, we’ve been talking about Iran. I think everybody understands that Iran has been running out the clock, has been using the talks to continue to advance its nuclear program. You’ve just heard by Iranian state television about a new production facility for nuclear material and two new extraction sites. I think we also understand what it means for the world to have rogue states with nuclear weapons. Iran cannot be allowed to cross into that world. It cannot be allowed to continue its program, its nuclear weapons program, and we must not allow it to continue to do so in defiance of the entire international community.
These are the three most obvious subjects we’ve been talking about. You may not believe it, but we’ve actually talked about a few others as well. It’s good to see you again.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you for everything. Thank you.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Could I just add very quickly one thing? We have been talking about some economic initiative, but I think both of us – and the Prime Minister just said this – we want to make it absolutely clear that whatever steps we take with respect to economics are in no way a substitute but they are in addition to the political track. The political track is first and foremost; other things may happen to supplement it.
Secondly, with respect to Iran, I have reiterated to the Prime Minister, as I did yesterday to the President, President Obama could not be more clear: Iran cannot have and will not have a nuclear weapon. And the United States of America has made clear that we stand not just with Israel but with the entire international community in making it clear that we are serious, we are open to negotiation, but it is not an open-ended, endless negotiation; it cannot be used as an excuse for other efforts to try to break out with respect to a nuclear weapon. And we are well aware and coordinating very, very closely with respect to all of our assessments regarding that. But President Obama doesn’t bluff; he’s made that very clear to me. And we hope the Iranians will come back to the table with a very serious proposal.
Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 9, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/full-text-israel-political-brief-april-9-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-us-secretary-of-john-kerrys-remarks-before-their-meeting/
Source: State.gov, 4-8-13
Remarks
Well, Mr. President, thank you very, very much for an extraordinarily generous and warm welcome. It’s really such an honor to be here today to share in Yom HaShoah and to be there at Yad Vashem to lay a wreath on behalf of the American people, but most importantly to simply share in the uniqueness of that expression of sorrow and honor for this remarkable moment in history that we marked.
I was standing there listening to the siren wail and thinking of the stories people have told me of everybody in Israel stopping. If you’re in a car, you get out and you stand at attention. The whole country freezes. And I know it’s one of only two moments when that happens, for Yom HaShoah and for the fallen in battle in struggles. So that wailing had a profound impact on me. It was impressive. And I think the lesson of today is underscored in your comments about the possibilities for peace, the possibilities for people to live together without hatred, and finding the common ground. I believe in that, and I know you believe in that.
You are correct; we have known each other, I think, more than 30 years now. And I’ve had the privilege of watching you lead as a statesman. I’ve had the privilege of working with you in the different hats you have worn in government. And it’s a great privilege for me to be able to be here now representing President Obama and the American people in this effort to try to get us across the line.
We all know it’s not easy. But as you said yourself, it can be done. And it has been expressed by your leaders and others through years that people believe in the possibility of a two-state solution. I am convinced there is a road forward, and I look forward to the discussions with your leaders and yourself regarding how that road could be sort of reignited, if you will, once again setting out on that path.
I would say to everybody I have no illusions about difficulties. We’ve seen them. But you have to believe in the possibilities to be able to get there, and you and I believe in them, and I am convinced that there is a road ahead.
With respect to Iran and other threats, I am very pleased to confirm to you what I know you know, and what I hope the people of Israel know after the historic visit of President Obama here: You have a friend in President Obama. You have friends in this Administration, in the Congress, and in America. We understand the nature of the threat of Iran. And as the President has said many times – he doesn’t bluff; he is serious – we will stand with Israel against this threat and with the rest of the world, who have underscored that all we are looking for is Iran to live up to its international obligations.
No option is off the table. No option will be taken off the table. And I confirm to you, Mr. President, that we will continue to seek a diplomatic solution. But our eyes are open, and we understand that the clock is moving. And no one will allow the diplomatic process to stand in the way of whatever choices need to be made to protect the world from yet another nuclear weapon in the wrong hands.
So I look forward to our conversation, and I’ll look forward to my subsequent conversations while I’m here. And I’m confident, Mr. President, that we will be working together and seeing more of each other over the course of these next months. And thank you again for a very, very generous welcome.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 8, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/full-text-israel-political-brief-april-8-2013-president-shimon-peres-us-secretary-of-john-kerrys-remarks-before-their-meeting/
Source: JTA, 4-8-13
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Israel said he sees “a road ahead” on the two-state solution for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Read more »
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 8, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/israel-political-brief-april-8-2013-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-tells-president-shimon-peres-he-sees-road-ahead-on-peace/
Source: JTA, 4-8-13
John Kerry then joined Israeli President Shimon Peres for the “Unto Every Person There is a Name” ceremony held each year at the Knesset, where Peres read out the names of his relatives who were victims of the Holocaust….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 8, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/israel-brief-april-8-2013-israel-stops-to-remember-victims-of-holocaust/
Source: Ynetnews, 3-19-13
A poll released on Tuesday by the independent Israel Democracy Institute showed 51% of the Jewish Israeli respondents considered Obama to be neutral in his attitude to Israel, while 53.5% did not trust him to safeguard what they perceived to be Israel….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 19, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/israel-political-brief-march-19-2013-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-in-israel-on-eve-of-president-barack-obama-visit/
Source: JTA, 12-23-12
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the nomination of U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) as the next U.S. secretary of state….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on December 23, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/israel-political-brief-december-23-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-welcomes-john-kerry-us-secretary-of-state-nomination/
Source: PMO, 12-22-12
יום ט’ טבת תשע”ג
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued the following statement on US President Barack Obama’s nomination of US Senator (D-Massachusetts) John Kerry to succeed Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State:
“I welcome the nomination of John Kerry to the post of US Secretary of State. Kerry has considerable experience and is a known supporter of the security of the State of Israel. John Kerry and I have been friends for many years. I very much appreciated the fact that six months ago, after my father passed away, he came to visit me during the week of mourning. I look forward to working together with him.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on December 22, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/full-text-israel-political-brief-december-22-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-welcomes-nomination-of-us-sen-john-kerry-as-next-us-secretary-of-state/
The partial text of the ceasefire agreement as reported by news agencies.
Source: INN, 11-21-12
This is the partial text of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as brokered by Egypt and the U.S. and reported by AFP.
“Israel shall stop all hostilities in the Gaza Strip land sea and air, including incursions and targeting of individuals.
“All Palestinian factions shall stop all hostilities from the Gaza Strip against Israel, including rocket attacks and all attacks along the border.
“Opening the crossings and facilitating the movement of people and transfer of goods and refraining from restricting residents’ free movements and targeting residents in border areas. Procedures of implementation shall be dealt with after 24 hours from the start of the ceasefire.
“Other matters as may be requested shall be addressed.”
“Implementation mechanism.
“Setting up the zero hour understanding to enter into effect.
“Egypt shall receive assurances from each party that the party commits to what was agreed upon.
“Each party shall commit itself not to perform any acts that would breach this understanding. In case of any observations, Egypt as a sponsor of this understanding, shall be informed to follow up.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-21-2012-text-of-ceasefire-agreement-between-israel-hamas/
Source: News One, 11-21-12
President Barack Obama is hailing a ceasefire agreement to end a week of fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-president-barack-obama-hails-ceasefire-agreement/
Source: PMO, 11-21-12
Photo by GPO
“Citizens of Israel,
Eight days ago, Israel embarked on operation Pillar of Defense. The Government decided to launch the operation after the frequency of the terror attacks originating from Gaza increased over the last few months. I announced that we would respond forcibly to these attacks when we see fit. I said that we would exact a heavy price from the terror organizations.
The terror organizations assumed that we would avoid offensive action against them; they were wrong. We hit their senior commanders, we destroyed thousands of rockets which were aimed towards the South and most of those aimed towards central Israel, and we crushed Hamas’ control facilities. I must say that we did this with the strong support of the leading authorities of the international community.
In particular, I wish to thank President Obama for his resolute support for Israel’s actions, for this operation and for Israel’s right to defend itself. I also thank him for supporting the Iron Dome systems. I thank Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and express my gratitude to the Egyptians for their efforts in achieving this cease-fire.
In a phone call I had this evening with President Obama, I agreed with him that we should give the cease-fire a chance in order to enable a lull in the situation and allow for the citizens of Israel to return to routine. However, Israel obviously cannot sit idly while our enemy reinforces itself with weapons of terror. Therefore we decided, President Obama and myself, that the United States and Israel would work together to fight the smuggling of weapons to the terror organizations – weapons, virtually all of which come from Iran.
From the day the State of Israel was established, it has had to deal with complex challenges in the Middle East, and we can all see that these challenges have become even more complex in the last few years. Under these conditions we are required to navigate this ship, the State of Israel, wisely and responsibly while taking into account all considerations – military and political alike. This is what a responsible government does, and it is what we did here: we made use of our military might while applying political considerations.
Now, I realize that there are citizens who expect a harsher military action and we may very well need to do that. But at present, the right thing for the State of Israel is to exhaust this possibility of reaching a long-term cease-fire. As Prime Minister, I have the responsibility, and it is the highest responsibility, to make the right steps to ensure our security. That is what I have done and it is what I will continue to do.
During the last week, Israel has lost several victims. On behalf of the entire population, I send condolences to the families, and wish the wounded a speedy recovery.
I would like to thank my colleagues, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman. We worked together as a team, in full agreement. I also thank the Nine-Member Ministerial Forum, the Cabinet and the Government, for working – each in its field of responsibility – for the citizens of Israel. I also appreciate the factions of the Opposition and the factions in Knesset for standing with us and proclaiming their support.
I thank the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, the Chief of Shin Bet, Yoram Cohen, the Director of the Mossad, Tamir Pardo, and all of their people for their exceptional efforts in reaching our accomplishments in Pillar of Defense. On behalf of the people of Israel, I thank the IDF commanders and soldiers, the pilots, the Iron Dome operators and developers, the members of the intelligence services, all the members of the security services and to the reservists, who left their families and immediately signed up for duty.
I appreciate the mayors and heads of regional councils for displaying leadership and level-headedness at the Home Front, and above all – I salute you, the citizens of Israel. We have a strong army; we have a strong people. I am proud to by your Prime Minister
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-21-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-statement-at-press-conference-with-ministers-of-foreign-affairs-and-defense-operation-pillar-of-defense-cease-f/
Source: ABC News, 11-21-12
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-hillary-clinton-announces-israel-hamas-ceasefire/
Source: State.gov, 11-20-12
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Prime Minister’s Office
Jerusalem
November 20, 2012
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:I want to welcome Secretary Clinton once again to Jerusalem. I want to thank President Obama, you, and the American Government and people for their strong support for Israel in this hour of need. I want to also thank you especially for your support of Iron Dome that’s been saving lives, and we are in a battle to save lives.One of the things that we’re doing is trying to resist and counter a terrorist barrage which is aimed directly at our civilians, and doing so by minimizing civilian casualties, whereas the terrorist enemies of Israel are doing everything in their power to maximize the number of civilian casualties. Obviously, no country can tolerate a wanton attack on its civilians.
Now, if there is a possibility of achieving a long-term solution to this problem through diplomatic means, we prefer that. But if not, I am sure you understand that Israel will have to take whatever action is necessary to defend its people. This is something that I don’t have to explain to Americans. I know that President Obama, you, and the American people understand that perfectly well.
And I thank you once again for your support. Welcome to Jerusalem.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I look forward to a productive discussion this evening at such a critical moment for Israel and the region. President Obama asked me to come to Israel with a very clear message: America’s commitment to Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. That is why we believe it is essential to de-escalate the situation in Gaza.
The rocket attacks from terrorist organizations inside Gaza on Israeli cities and towns must end and a broader calm restored. The goal must be a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security and legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike.
President Obama has emphasized these same points in his multiple conversations with President Morsi of Egypt, and we appreciate President Morsi’s personal leadership and Egypt’s efforts thus far. As a regional leader and neighbor, Egypt has the opportunity and responsibility to continue playing a crucial and constructive role in this process. I will carry this message to Cairo tomorrow. I will also be consulting with President Abbas in Ramallah.
Let me also say, to echo the Prime Minister, I am very pleased that the Iron Dome defense system is performing so well. Our partnership in support of this system represents America’s enduring commitment to the safety and security of the Israeli people and to Israel’s right to defend itself.
But no defense is perfect and our hearts break for the loss of every civilian – Israeli and Palestinian – and for all those who have been wounded or who are living in fear and danger. I know today was a difficult day, and I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who were lost and injured. In the end, there is no substitute for security and for a just and lasting peace, and the current crisis certainly focuses us on the urgency of this broader goal.
So in the days ahead, the United States will work with our partners here in Israel and across the region toward an outcome that bolsters security for the people of Israel, improves conditions for the people of Gaza, and moves toward a comprehensive peace for all people of the region. And I thank you, Prime Minister, for your hospitality and look forward to our discussion.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 20, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-20-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-us-secretary-of-state-hillary-clintons-remarks-speech-before-their-meeting/
Source: JTA, 11-20-12
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will arrive in Israel to discuss plans for a ceasefire. Read more »
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 20, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/israel-political-brief-november-20-2012-us-secretary-of-state-hillary-clinton-scheduled-to-arrive-in-israel/
Israel and the United States sparred on Monday over remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about setting “red lines” for Iran regarding its nuclear program.
Israel was not thrilled with Clinton’s remarks that the Obama administration has no “deadline” for Iran.
She told Bloomberg Radio that negotiations still are “by far the best approach” to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, hours after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said in an interview with Canadian television Sunday night that Iran “doesn’t see a clear red line from the international community.”
In response, a senior official in Jerusalem said, “Without a clear and firm red line, Iran will not stop its nuclear arms race. Such statements do not stop the Iranian centrifuges, but vice versa. Such statements not only do not deter Iran, they calm it down.”…READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on September 10, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/israel-political-brief-september-10-2012-israel-us-spar-over-red-lines-for-iran/
Source: JTA, 6-17-12
The Republican Jewish Coalition campaigned for votes in Israel ahead of the expected visit to the country by presumptive GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, while U.S. officials including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also came to talk about American policy concerns in the Middle East….READ MORE
Source: Israel National News, 7-17-12
Hillary Clinton arrived in Israel Monday for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. This visit precedes an expected visit by Republican Candidate Mitt Romney, who is seeking to unseat President Obama.
This visit has been touted as one where strategic and regional issues will be discussed, yet the timing of the visit is questionable as President Obama is in the midst of a tight reelection campaign. As election season permeates the air and campaigns for the upcoming November elections intensify, both candidates will declare unshakable support for Israel in the hope of luring the necessary extra votes.
While most voters in America vote with their pockets – the main issues are economic- for some, policy towards Israel is important.
What can be expected from each candidate in the foreign policy arena and specifically with regard to Israel?…READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on July 17, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/israel-political-brief-july-17-2012-as-us-officials-descend-on-israel-republicans-rally-for-votes-for-upcoming-elections/
Source: JTA, 7-17-12
Supporters of Jonathan Pollard called Hillary Clinton’s remarks rejecting his possible clemency “a resounding slap in the face” to Israel’s leaders and its people….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on July 17, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/israel-political-brief-july-17-2012-jonathan-pollard-supporters-call-sec-of-state-hillary-clintons-remarks-a-slap-in-the-face/
Source: Israel National News, 7-17-12
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton came and went and nothing changed, not even the hot weather, except that the U.S.-led “peace process” was left behind in lost baggage.
The only question is if it was lost in Washington or Jerusalem.
Clinton arrived for her 24-hour visit to Israel almost at the same time that President Barack Obama admitted that his worst personal failure since being elected president was his inability to achieve the Palestinian Authority’s stated desire to be recognized as a new Arab country within Israel’s current borders.
Two previous presidents also failed….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on July 17, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/israel-political-brief-july-17-2012-us-sec-of-state-hillary-clinton-leaves-israel-with-peace-process-in-lost-baggage/
Source: PMO, 7-16-12
Photo by GPO
PM Benjamin Netanyahu: I want to welcome you, Secretary of State Clinton – Hillary – to Jerusalem once again, and we were just discussing how turbulent and how swiftly changing the world is, in our part of the world in particular. So I look forward to hearing of your impressions from Egypt. That has been an anchor of peace and maintaining the peace treaty between us, I think, is something that is uppermost in both our minds, and I appreciate the efforts that you’re investing to this end.
We’re going to talk about the Palestinians. That is also an anchor of peace, and we have to invest every effort to maintain it, to keep the tranquility and see if we can move the process forward, and third: we have our common effort to make sure that Iran not achieve its ambition of developing nuclear weapons. So that’s a small agenda for this plate and for this dinner and I look forward to discussing all these issues with you. Welcome to Jerusalem.
Sec. of State Clinton: Thank you so much, Bibi. Well, Prime Minister Bibi, it is wonderful to be back in Jerusalem to have a chance to meet with your Government and now for us to have a working dinner to discuss the broad range of issues that you just mentioned. You’re absolutely right; we’re living in a time of unprecedented change with a lot of challenges for us both, and we will continue to consult closely as we have on an almost daily basis between our two governments to chart the best way forward for peace and stability, for Israel, the United States, the region and the world, and we’re all delighted to be here with you. Thank you.
PM Benjamin Netanyahu: Thank you.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on July 16, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/full-text-israel-political-brief-july-16-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-and-us-secretary-of-state-hillary-clintons-statements-at-meeting/
The United States blocked Israel’s participation in the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s (GCTF) first meeting in Istanbul on Friday, despite Israel’s having one of the most extensive counterterrorism experiences in the world.
Israel was excluded from the meeting due to fierce objections by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a Washington-based source told Globes news.
According the State Department’s website, the GCTF, which was established in September 2011, aims at “strengthening the global counterterrorism (CT) architecture in a manner that complements and reinforces the CT work of existing multilateral bodies.”
Twenty-nine countries are participating in the GCTF, ten of which are Arab and/or Muslim countries.
“The GCTF sought from the outset to bridge old and deep divides in the international community between Western donor nations and Muslim majority nations. And it has, I think, done that quite effectively,” a top US official said at the press briefing prior to the opening session.
Republican politicians claim that since one third of the GCTF’s members are Muslim countries, the Obama administration is trying to deepen ties with the Muslim world at Israel’s expense, Globes noted.
“Our idea with the GCTF was to bring together a limited number of traditional donors, front line states, and emerging powers develop a more robust, yet representative, counterterrorism capacity-building platform. A number of our close partners with considerable experience countering and preventing terrorism are not included among the GCTF’s founding members,” a State Department spokesman said in response to questions about Israel’s exclusion from the GCTF.
“We have discussed the GCTF and ways to involve Israel in its activities on a number of occasions, and are committed to making this happen,” he added.
Pro-Israeli sources say that the Obama administration decided to ignore the fact that Turkey, which has a key role in the GCTF, opposes calling Hamas a terrorist organization, even though the State Department lists it as such.
In May, Turkey blocked Israel’s participation in a NATO summit in Chicago and maintained that NATO–Israel relations cannot be restored until Turkey-Israel relations are normalized.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on June 10, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/israel-political-brief-june-10-2012-us-blocks-israel-from-the-global-counterterrorism-forum-due-to-turkeys-objections/
Source: JTA, 6-7-12
The announcement of new settlement construction in the West Bank, following the defeat of a Knesset bill recognizing settlement outposts, draws U.S. rebuke….READ MORE »
Source: JTA, 6-7-12
The Obama administration said it “does not accept the legitimacy” of announced plans for up to 851 new housing units for West Bank settlements….READ MORE »
Source: Israel National News, 6-7-12
The United States condemned Israel on Wednesday, after Prime Minister announced that 300 new homes will be built in Beit El.
“We’re very clear that continued Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank undermines peace efforts and contradicts Israeli commitments and obligations, including the 2003 road map,” U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said, according to the Chinese Xinhua news agency.
Toner told reporters, “Our position on settlements remains unchanged. We do not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity.”
He added, “You know, we want to see these parties — both parties, rather, refrain from these kinds of actions and to get back into negotiations.”
Netanyahu promised to expand construction in Beit El, in a special statement he issued Wednesday, regarding the impending demolition of the Ulpana neighborhood.
“This is not a simple or easy day,” said Netanyahu. “Relocating the houses is certainly not an action that the government is eager to carry out, but the court made a decision and we respect the court system’s decisions. At the same time, the community of Beit El will be widened. The 30 families from the Ulpana Neighborhood will remain in Beit El and they will be joined by 300 new families.”
Netanyahu’s statement was made shortly after the Knesset rejected a bill aimed at circumventing a court order to destroy five residential units in the Ulpana neighborhood.
The vote was 22 for the bill and 69 against. Absent from the vote were all of the ministers and deputy ministers who vowed to test Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s ultimatum to vote against the bill or be fired.
The extreme leftist group Peace Now was not happy at all with the commitment by Netanyahu to build 300 more homes in Beit El, and was quick to start an online petition calling on him to rescind what they called “a collective punishment” that he has meted out against Israel’s citizens.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on June 7, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/israel-political-brief-june-7-2012-us-condemns-israel-over-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-announcing-beit-el-expansion-of-300-new-homes/
Source: PMO, 3-2-6-12
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 6, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/full-text-israel-political-brief-march-6-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-speeches-videos-of-canada-us-trip-aipac-speech-president-obama-white-house-meeting-press-conference-pm-harper/
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 6, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/video-israel-political-brief-march-6-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-meeting-with-us-secretary-of-state-hillary-clinton/
Full Coverage of President Barack Obama's Middle East Tour & Israel Visit from March 20-23, 2013 @ Obama Israel Visit
