Obama calls for direct talks before 'settlement freeze' expiration
Because Israel Radio is pre-occupied with the World Cup semifinal tonight, I have not yet heard the Netanyahu - Obama presser. But according to contacts who have heard it, there are three key points that need to be stressed:1. Obama reaffirmed the 'nuclear ambiguity' policy regarding Israel's alleged nuclear capability.
2. If Obama demanded or asked that Israel apologize to Turkey, there was no sign of it.
3. Obama called for direct talks between Israel and the 'Palestinians' before the 'settlement freeze' expires on September 26.
However, Republican Jewish Coalition Headquarters reports via Twitter that according to former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton, whatever Bibi and Obama say in presser, "behind the scenes, the gloves are off."
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:31 PM
2 Comments:
1. So why did Obama sign a statement at the recent NNTP review that demanded that Israel sign the treaty and open its nuclear facilities to the IAEA? Obama lacks credibility on this. Is he so arrogant that he thinks what he says now, or what he said immediately after the conference, supercedes WHAT HE ACTUALLY DID?
2. I expect that Obama asked and Netanyahu told him to pound sand. Or at least I hope so. Surely Obama cannot expect what is tantamount to an admission of culpability while the inquiry with the international participants Obama demanded is ongoing.
3. I'll be really interested to see what if any pressure Obama brings to bear on Abbas; and what further "confidence building" measures he'll demand from Israel to bring Abbas to the table.
4. Nothing on Iran? Why am I not surprised.
There won't be any direct talks before Sept. 26th. And I will be surprised if the "proximity talks" even last until then.
What could go wrong indeed
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