Kadima: 'We'd also build in Jerusalem'
The Obama administration may be dreaming of having a Kadima-led government replace Netanyahu. But if they think that it's going to change anything, they're wrong, at least when it comes to building in Jerusalem. Yes, Kadima would build in Ramat Shlomo too. MK Ronit Tirosh (Kadima party) said in response to the tensions with the Obama administration that there were a Kadima led government, it would also be building houses for Jews in Jerusalem.Yes, she's one MK, but I'm sure the rest of her party would agree with her. Did the Obami miss this? Every Israeli government since 1967 has taken the position that Jerusalem will remain united under Israeli control, and has built in Jerusalem accordingly. Every government from Peres' and Rabin's and Olmert's on the Left to Begin's and Shamir's and Netanyahu's on the Right. Jerusalem is one of the very few things in this country on which we nearly all (or at least nearly all the Jews) agree.
If the President of the United States hopes to divide the political map in Israel over the issue of our right to build in Jerusalem, Kadima will not be a partner to such a move," Tirosh said and added that "however unfortunate the timing of the [announcement of the building was], no Israeli government has ever agreed to a freeze on Jewish building in Jerusalem."
That Obama picked a fight over Jerusalem shows that he wanted to pick a fight. It may be the fight he has the least chance of winning. Is he fighting to show his Arab friends that he's willing to pick a fight with Israel? Possibly. But if so, he will pay a heavy price.
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:45 AM
1 Comments:
Like I said Carl - this is a fight Obama is going to lose badly. No Israeli Jew is going to give ground on Jerusalem. This is an issue that crosses ideological divides and party lines and most Israelis see the American humiliation of their Prime Minister as going too far and its not going to win Obama any friends in Israel. Just the reverse and this is not because Israel picked this fight but because the US Administration did.
There are no winners here and a future Middle East peace won't be one of them.
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