Israel Matzav

Stupid Jews: Israel backs aid to 'Palestinian Authority' despite rapprochement with Hamas

Politico reports that the Israeli government is backing continued aid to the 'Palestinian Authority' despite the fact that it is more interested in making peace with Hamas than with Israel. Here's a statement that Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Oren provided to Politico.

The Israeli government would welcome the decision to lift the congressional hold on U.S. funding for the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. We appreciate that the hold was placed to demonstrate to the Palestinians the consequences of their attempts to declare statehood unilaterally at the United Nations, without making lasting peace with Israel. The Israeli government's position follows a decision by the Obama administration and Congress to declare specific consequences, including the closure of the PLO office in Washington and the withholding of future funding for the Palestinian Authority, and the fact that the Palestinians have refrained from additional U.N. initiatives.

We view these measures as essential for returning the Palestinians to direct talks without preconditions, as endorsed by the Quartet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands by his commitment to negotiate all core issues leading to a viable and permanent two-state solution.

So on top of everything else, our government has now decided to cut the legs out from under the Republicans who have been supporting us.

What could go wrong?

Labels: Michael Oren, Palestinian Authority, US aid

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:41 AM