Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TELAVIV925
2009-04-27 10:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tel Aviv
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHTV #0925/01 1171026 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 271026Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1529 RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY RUEAHQA/HQ USAF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEADWD/DA WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFIUU/CNO WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI PRIORITY 5332 RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS PRIORITY 1921 RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN PRIORITY 5846 RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA PRIORITY 6142 RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT PRIORITY 5371 RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO PRIORITY 3898 RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS PRIORITY 6187 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 2998 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 1205 RUEHRB/AMEMBASSY RABAT PRIORITY 9910 RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME PRIORITY 7415 RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 2381 RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS PRIORITY 6413 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 8457 RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH PRIORITY 1240 RUEHJM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM PRIORITY 1895 RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY RHMFISS/COMSOCEUR VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY RHMFIUU/COMSIXTHFLT PRIORITY
UNCLAS TEL AVIV 000925
STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IPA, NEA/PPD
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE, SIT ROOM
NSC FOR NEA STAFF
SECDEF WASHDC FOR USDP/ASD-PA/ASD-ISA
HQ USAF FOR XOXX
DA WASHDC FOR SASA
JOINT STAFF WASHDC FOR PA
CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL FOR POLAD/USIA ADVISOR
COMSOCEUR VAIHINGEN GE FOR PAO/POLAD
COMSIXTHFLT FOR 019
JERUSALEM ALSO ICD
LONDON ALSO FOR HKANONA AND POL
PARIS ALSO FOR POL
ROME FOR MFO
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR IS
SUBJECT: ISRAEL MEDIA REACTION
--------------
SUBJECTS COVERED IN THIS REPORT:
--------------
Mideast
--------------
Key stories in the media:
--------------
On Friday leading media reported that Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton warned that Israel risks the loss of Arab support in efforts
directed against Iran if it does not advance talks with the
Palestinians. She reportedly said that the Arab nations stated that
Israel's willingness to renew talks with Palestinians would
strengthen their position in this effort. Media later published
denials of such an American linkage.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe
YaQalon told the newspaper that, without a clear time frame and
clear benchmarks, the dialogue that President Obama plans to hold
with Iran will fail to stop the Islamic Republic from obtaining
nuclear weapons. YaQalon also said that Qthere is nothing to talk
aboutQ with the PA unless it recognizes Israel as a Jewish state.
Czech PM Mirek Topolanek, whose country holds the rotating
presidency of the European Union, told HaQaretz that the EU
Qunderestimates the Iranian threat.Q HaQaretz quoted FM Avigdor
Lieberman as saying in an interview with the Austrian daily Kleine
Zeitung that Israel will not attack Iran even if the international
sanctions against Tehran fail to convince President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad to give up his country's nuclear program. "We are not
talking about a military attack. Israel cannot resolve militarily
the entire world's problem. I propose that the United States, as
the largest power in the world, take responsibility for resolving
the Iranian question," Lieberman told the Austrian paper.
Leading media quoted DM Ehud Barak as saying at SundayQs cabinet
meeting that it is of "crucial strategic interest" for Israel to
reach a settlement with Syria. Lieberman said earlier on Sunday
that he was willing to negotiate peace with Syria, but only if talks
were held without preconditions. Israel Radio quoted a senior
Syrian official as saying that LiebermanQs terms amounted to
unacceptable conditions.
HaQaretz reported that construction has begun on new Jewish housing
near Arab al-Suahara (southeast Jerusalem) with permission from the
Jerusalem Municipality, which is one of the owners of the property.
The media reported that Memorial Day events begin this afternoon
with a ceremony at the Ammunition Hill battlefield in Jerusalem in
the presence of PM Netanyahu. Later in the day, President Shimon
Peres will light a memorial flame at the Western Wall plaza. The
total number of those who have been remembered by this Memorial Day
is 22,570. The dead are counted date from 1860, when Jews first
settled outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
HaQaretz and Israel Radio reported that JordanQs King Abdullah II
urged President Obama to assume a more central role in the
Israeli-Palestinian peace process. He warned that a new war might
break out in the Middle East if significant progress is not made in
the next 18 months.
On Friday HaQaretz reported that NetanyahuQs candidate for the
Washington ambassadorship, Michael Oren, supports a unilateral
Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and an evacuation of most of
the settlements.
The Jerusalem Post and other media reported that the Defense
Ministry has come up with a new route that gives BilQin villagers
back 700 of the 1,700 dunams, or 170 hectares, that were set to be
located on the QIsraeli sideQ of the barrier in the original
proposal.
Leading media quoted the Egyptian newspaper El-Aosboa as saying
yesterday that an Iranian vessel laden with weapons bound for Gaza
was torpedoed off the coast of Sudan last week, allegedly by Israeli
or American forces operating in the area.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Education Minister Gideon SaQar
(Likud) has put on hold a government plan aimed at fostering
coexistence and tolerance between Jewish and Arab children, so he
can further examine the issue. The Jerusalem Post and other media
also reported that an Interior Ministry panel has recommended
unifying the settlement of Kedar with the city of MaQaleh Adumim.
The Jerusalem Post quoted Peace Now as saying that the decision was
aimed at ensuring that Kedar would be included inside the security
barrier.
The media quoted Shin Bet as saying yesterday that Musa Tayet, a
Palestinian apprehended two weeks ago, is responsible for murdering
a 13-year-old boy in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin on April
2.
Leading media reported that today Gilad ShalitQs father Noam will
travel to the U.S. and meet with senior administration leaders and
Jewish community representatives.
The media reported that on Thursday PM Netanyahu and Finance
Minister Yuval Steinitz disclosed the principles of a five-point
economic rescue plan to halt unemployment, cut taxes, and restore
growth in the economy.
The Jerusalem Post reported on the 2009 Greensboro Interfaith Study
Mission.
All media reported that Israel is on alert for the swine flu, as a
young Netanya man returned from Mexico on Friday with minor flu
symptoms. Major media reported that raising the alert level to 4,
one below that of "pandemic," would likely obligate the GOI to
transfer responsibility for containing the disease from the Health
Ministry to the Defense Ministry, the only state body with the
necessary logistical resources to handle a public health emergency
on such a massive scale.
Yediot reported that Tel Aviv University has awarded its prize for
outstanding journalism to the newspaperQs chief economic editor
Sever Plotker.
--------------
Mideast:
--------------
Summary:
--------------
Diplomatic correspondent Ben Caspit wrote in the popular, pluralist
Maariv: Q[At his meeting with the President,] Netanyahu is expected
to accept the two-state solution principle with reservations.
Senior columnist Nahum Barnea wrote in the mass-circulation
pluralist Yediot Aharonot: QI do not believe that Israel is going
towards an overt confrontation with the United States.... But Israel
is losing the special influence that it holds with the U.S.
The independent, left-leaning Ha'aretz editorialized: QAs an
experienced diplomat and statesman, Netanyahu knows there is no free
lunch in politics. He should listen to [Secretary of State Hillary]
Clinton and not come to Washington with empty hands.
Diplomatic correspondent Aluf Benn wrote in Ha'aretz: QDespite their
different approaches, Netanyahu is encouraged by Obama's realism,
and it gives him hope that they will be able to develop a
cooperative and understanding work relationship.
Senior Middle East affairs analyst Zvi Bar'el wrote in Ha'aretz:
QThe Qregional peaceQ as a means to neutralize Iran has a much more
serious competitor. The United States needs Iran on its main front
in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Block Quotes:
--------------
I. "The Race for a Plan"
Diplomatic correspondent Ben Caspit wrote in the popular, pluralist
Maariv (4/24): QPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to present
his new political plan to President Barack Obama in the meeting
scheduled between the two ... on May 18th.... The plan is expected
to contain three sections: a political section, an economic section,
and a security section.... [Foreign Minister] Lieberman plans on
holding an extensive Qbrainstorming sessionQ in the Foreign Ministry
in an effort to formulate new ideas for the peace process. The plan
will be coordinated with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who for his
part hopes to reach a regional peace plan. Both Netanyahu and
Lieberman are interested in including Egypt and Jordan in a future
regional settlement between Israel and its neighbors. Netanyahu is
expected to accept the two-state solution principle with
reservations. In a conversation behind closed doors Netanyahu said
this week that he sees no problem in accepting the principle as long
as it is clear that this means Qtwo states for two peoples,Q i.e.,
that it is evident that Israel accepts the Palestinian state as the
state of the Palestinian people, while the Palestinians, for their
part, accept Israel as a Jewish nation state. Meanwhile, Israel is
formulating security guidelines which it plans to coordinate with
the Americans. These are intended to be limitations placed on the
Palestinian state that are deemed necessary for Israel's security
interests. This discussion is currently being held with the
American representatives, among these representatives of General
Dayton, who currently reside in Israel.... In the meantime, various
press agencies reported that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent
a harsh signal to the Netanyahu government yesterday and warned that
the continued standstill in negotiations with the Palestinians could
severely thwart Israel's efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear
program.
II. "Second Wedding"
Senior columnist Nahum Barnea wrote in the mass-circulation
pluralist Yediot Aharonot (4/24): QThe inflammatory statements of
Lieberman and other ministers are putting Israel into a dangerous
corner. No, I do not believe that Israel is going towards an overt
confrontation with the United States. The headlines on this matter
are exaggerated. From talks I held in Washington last week, I did
not receive the impression that the Obama administration was
interested in such a confrontation. It has enough trouble that have
been imposed upon it, first of all in economic affairs, and then in
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, in that order. Obama will receive
Netanyahu with all the conventional friendly gestures, and may throw
in a clap on the back so that we can announce that there is
chemistry. But Israel is losing the special influence that it holds
with the U.S.... A Palestinian state is not on the horizon. The
Americans also know this. The debate on the two-state solution is
not a burning issue now; it is not relevant. However, those who
reject it should ask themselves honestly: if not two states, what
should it be. What is the opposite of the two-state solution, one
state? Absolutely not, they say. In one state there would not be a
Jewish majority. The opposite of the two-state solution is no
solution. No solution, that is the glue that binds together the
Netanyahu government.
III. "No Such Thing as a Free Lunch"
The independent, left-leaning Ha'aretz editorialized (4/27): QThe
international community, headed by President Obama, expects
Netanyahu to continue to pursue the peace process that he inherited
from Ehud Olmert, to freeze construction in the settlements and to
ease living conditions for Palestinians in the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip. Arab states, which are committed to the Palestinian
issue, will find it difficult to cooperate with an Israeli
government that continues the occupation and opposes an agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said Israel will lose
the support of the West on the Iranian issue if it fails to advance
peace with the Palestinians. As an experienced diplomat and
statesman, Netanyahu knows there is no free lunch in politics. He
should listen to Clinton and not come to Washington with empty
hands. Instead of demands and nay saying, which will be met by
American opposition, he should convey a clear commitment to the
two-state solution, support the Arab peace initiative as the basis
of a regional agreement, halt settlement expansion, and engage in
efforts to strengthen the Palestinian economy. This is the only way
that Netanyahu can mobilize the support of the international
community for his main goal -- stopping the Iranian threat.
IV. "Diplomatic Foreplay"
Diplomatic correspondent Aluf Benn wrote in Ha'aretz (4/24):
QDespite their different approaches, Netanyahu is encouraged by
Obama's realism, and it gives him hope that they will be able to
develop a cooperative and understanding work relationship. The
Prime Minister admires the President's knack for leadership and his
well-honed political instincts. He was especially impressed by
Obama's interest in Israel's coalition politics, in their phone
conversation following the swearing-in of the 18th Knesset, and by
his desire to understand all of Netanyahu's considerations. The
Prime Minister construed this as understanding on Obama's part for
the political constraints faced by a fellow leader, and as a hint
that the President will not try to impose on him moves that would be
too difficult to digest.... Netanyahu's demands are for the most
part reflective of the consensus: saving Israel from the nuclear
holocaust Iran is plotting, and having the Palestinians recognize
Israel as the national homeland of the Jewish people. On these
matters, there is no opposition in Israel, apart from in the Arab
parties, and it will be much easier for members of Congress to back
Netanyahu on such issues. It's easy to see why the Prime Minister
is downplaying his positions on settlement construction, for
instance, telling anyone who asks that the subject is under
discussion.... Netanyahu is assuring people that the expectation
that he'll have terrible relations with Obama will be disappointed.
To realize his ideal scenario, he'll have to do more than present
the president with a list of demands. He'll have to give him
something in return, too -- some verbal gesture in the direction of
the Palestinians and the Arab initiative, or some kind of concrete
step in the field. But that's not something Netanyahu is about to
reveal now, for fear he will be pressed to make further concessions
ahead of the visit. We'll have to wait for the decisions he makes
after a QreassessmentQ of Israel's peace policy.
V. QGood Thing They Invented Iran
Senior Middle East affairs analyst Zvi Bar'el wrote in Ha'aretz
(4/26): QThere is no end to the list of new words and phrases
invented for the diplomatic dictionary. The latest gimmick is
called Qregional peace.Q It is based on the following formula:
Israel and the Arab states have a common enemy called Iran. In
order to neutralize the Iranian threat, Israel will ultimately have
to adopt the Arab peace initiative, and then something wondrous will
happen -- a bloc of states will rally and face down the Iranian
nuclear threat.... But the Qregional peaceQ as a means to neutralize
Iran has a much more serious competitor. The United States needs
Iran on its main front in Afghanistan and Pakistan.... Ideally,
Iran, not Pakistan, should serve as a corridor for supplies
delivered by NATO into Afghanistan. Afghanistan and Iraq are the
dowry Iran is offering to the United States. It's hard to fathom
that the U.S. will agree to halt the thaw in its ties with Iran,
whether regional peace materializes between Israel and the Arab
states or not. The pretext for peace with the Arab world does not
abut [IranQs] Alborz Mountains. Regional peace is vital for Israel
to become a normal country not apprehensive about conventional
threats; this is the same reason it forged peace agreements with
Egypt and Jordan. Even a goal more modest than forming a regional
alliance in the Middle East will be welcomed with open arms. There
is no need to brandish Iran as an excuse.
CUNNINGHAM
STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IPA, NEA/PPD
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE, SIT ROOM
NSC FOR NEA STAFF
SECDEF WASHDC FOR USDP/ASD-PA/ASD-ISA
HQ USAF FOR XOXX
DA WASHDC FOR SASA
JOINT STAFF WASHDC FOR PA
CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL FOR POLAD/USIA ADVISOR
COMSOCEUR VAIHINGEN GE FOR PAO/POLAD
COMSIXTHFLT FOR 019
JERUSALEM ALSO ICD
LONDON ALSO FOR HKANONA AND POL
PARIS ALSO FOR POL
ROME FOR MFO
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR IS
SUBJECT: ISRAEL MEDIA REACTION
--------------
SUBJECTS COVERED IN THIS REPORT:
--------------
Mideast
--------------
Key stories in the media:
--------------
On Friday leading media reported that Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton warned that Israel risks the loss of Arab support in efforts
directed against Iran if it does not advance talks with the
Palestinians. She reportedly said that the Arab nations stated that
Israel's willingness to renew talks with Palestinians would
strengthen their position in this effort. Media later published
denials of such an American linkage.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe
YaQalon told the newspaper that, without a clear time frame and
clear benchmarks, the dialogue that President Obama plans to hold
with Iran will fail to stop the Islamic Republic from obtaining
nuclear weapons. YaQalon also said that Qthere is nothing to talk
aboutQ with the PA unless it recognizes Israel as a Jewish state.
Czech PM Mirek Topolanek, whose country holds the rotating
presidency of the European Union, told HaQaretz that the EU
Qunderestimates the Iranian threat.Q HaQaretz quoted FM Avigdor
Lieberman as saying in an interview with the Austrian daily Kleine
Zeitung that Israel will not attack Iran even if the international
sanctions against Tehran fail to convince President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad to give up his country's nuclear program. "We are not
talking about a military attack. Israel cannot resolve militarily
the entire world's problem. I propose that the United States, as
the largest power in the world, take responsibility for resolving
the Iranian question," Lieberman told the Austrian paper.
Leading media quoted DM Ehud Barak as saying at SundayQs cabinet
meeting that it is of "crucial strategic interest" for Israel to
reach a settlement with Syria. Lieberman said earlier on Sunday
that he was willing to negotiate peace with Syria, but only if talks
were held without preconditions. Israel Radio quoted a senior
Syrian official as saying that LiebermanQs terms amounted to
unacceptable conditions.
HaQaretz reported that construction has begun on new Jewish housing
near Arab al-Suahara (southeast Jerusalem) with permission from the
Jerusalem Municipality, which is one of the owners of the property.
The media reported that Memorial Day events begin this afternoon
with a ceremony at the Ammunition Hill battlefield in Jerusalem in
the presence of PM Netanyahu. Later in the day, President Shimon
Peres will light a memorial flame at the Western Wall plaza. The
total number of those who have been remembered by this Memorial Day
is 22,570. The dead are counted date from 1860, when Jews first
settled outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
HaQaretz and Israel Radio reported that JordanQs King Abdullah II
urged President Obama to assume a more central role in the
Israeli-Palestinian peace process. He warned that a new war might
break out in the Middle East if significant progress is not made in
the next 18 months.
On Friday HaQaretz reported that NetanyahuQs candidate for the
Washington ambassadorship, Michael Oren, supports a unilateral
Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and an evacuation of most of
the settlements.
The Jerusalem Post and other media reported that the Defense
Ministry has come up with a new route that gives BilQin villagers
back 700 of the 1,700 dunams, or 170 hectares, that were set to be
located on the QIsraeli sideQ of the barrier in the original
proposal.
Leading media quoted the Egyptian newspaper El-Aosboa as saying
yesterday that an Iranian vessel laden with weapons bound for Gaza
was torpedoed off the coast of Sudan last week, allegedly by Israeli
or American forces operating in the area.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Education Minister Gideon SaQar
(Likud) has put on hold a government plan aimed at fostering
coexistence and tolerance between Jewish and Arab children, so he
can further examine the issue. The Jerusalem Post and other media
also reported that an Interior Ministry panel has recommended
unifying the settlement of Kedar with the city of MaQaleh Adumim.
The Jerusalem Post quoted Peace Now as saying that the decision was
aimed at ensuring that Kedar would be included inside the security
barrier.
The media quoted Shin Bet as saying yesterday that Musa Tayet, a
Palestinian apprehended two weeks ago, is responsible for murdering
a 13-year-old boy in the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin on April
2.
Leading media reported that today Gilad ShalitQs father Noam will
travel to the U.S. and meet with senior administration leaders and
Jewish community representatives.
The media reported that on Thursday PM Netanyahu and Finance
Minister Yuval Steinitz disclosed the principles of a five-point
economic rescue plan to halt unemployment, cut taxes, and restore
growth in the economy.
The Jerusalem Post reported on the 2009 Greensboro Interfaith Study
Mission.
All media reported that Israel is on alert for the swine flu, as a
young Netanya man returned from Mexico on Friday with minor flu
symptoms. Major media reported that raising the alert level to 4,
one below that of "pandemic," would likely obligate the GOI to
transfer responsibility for containing the disease from the Health
Ministry to the Defense Ministry, the only state body with the
necessary logistical resources to handle a public health emergency
on such a massive scale.
Yediot reported that Tel Aviv University has awarded its prize for
outstanding journalism to the newspaperQs chief economic editor
Sever Plotker.
--------------
Mideast:
--------------
Summary:
--------------
Diplomatic correspondent Ben Caspit wrote in the popular, pluralist
Maariv: Q[At his meeting with the President,] Netanyahu is expected
to accept the two-state solution principle with reservations.
Senior columnist Nahum Barnea wrote in the mass-circulation
pluralist Yediot Aharonot: QI do not believe that Israel is going
towards an overt confrontation with the United States.... But Israel
is losing the special influence that it holds with the U.S.
The independent, left-leaning Ha'aretz editorialized: QAs an
experienced diplomat and statesman, Netanyahu knows there is no free
lunch in politics. He should listen to [Secretary of State Hillary]
Clinton and not come to Washington with empty hands.
Diplomatic correspondent Aluf Benn wrote in Ha'aretz: QDespite their
different approaches, Netanyahu is encouraged by Obama's realism,
and it gives him hope that they will be able to develop a
cooperative and understanding work relationship.
Senior Middle East affairs analyst Zvi Bar'el wrote in Ha'aretz:
QThe Qregional peaceQ as a means to neutralize Iran has a much more
serious competitor. The United States needs Iran on its main front
in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Block Quotes:
--------------
I. "The Race for a Plan"
Diplomatic correspondent Ben Caspit wrote in the popular, pluralist
Maariv (4/24): QPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to present
his new political plan to President Barack Obama in the meeting
scheduled between the two ... on May 18th.... The plan is expected
to contain three sections: a political section, an economic section,
and a security section.... [Foreign Minister] Lieberman plans on
holding an extensive Qbrainstorming sessionQ in the Foreign Ministry
in an effort to formulate new ideas for the peace process. The plan
will be coordinated with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who for his
part hopes to reach a regional peace plan. Both Netanyahu and
Lieberman are interested in including Egypt and Jordan in a future
regional settlement between Israel and its neighbors. Netanyahu is
expected to accept the two-state solution principle with
reservations. In a conversation behind closed doors Netanyahu said
this week that he sees no problem in accepting the principle as long
as it is clear that this means Qtwo states for two peoples,Q i.e.,
that it is evident that Israel accepts the Palestinian state as the
state of the Palestinian people, while the Palestinians, for their
part, accept Israel as a Jewish nation state. Meanwhile, Israel is
formulating security guidelines which it plans to coordinate with
the Americans. These are intended to be limitations placed on the
Palestinian state that are deemed necessary for Israel's security
interests. This discussion is currently being held with the
American representatives, among these representatives of General
Dayton, who currently reside in Israel.... In the meantime, various
press agencies reported that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent
a harsh signal to the Netanyahu government yesterday and warned that
the continued standstill in negotiations with the Palestinians could
severely thwart Israel's efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear
program.
II. "Second Wedding"
Senior columnist Nahum Barnea wrote in the mass-circulation
pluralist Yediot Aharonot (4/24): QThe inflammatory statements of
Lieberman and other ministers are putting Israel into a dangerous
corner. No, I do not believe that Israel is going towards an overt
confrontation with the United States. The headlines on this matter
are exaggerated. From talks I held in Washington last week, I did
not receive the impression that the Obama administration was
interested in such a confrontation. It has enough trouble that have
been imposed upon it, first of all in economic affairs, and then in
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, in that order. Obama will receive
Netanyahu with all the conventional friendly gestures, and may throw
in a clap on the back so that we can announce that there is
chemistry. But Israel is losing the special influence that it holds
with the U.S.... A Palestinian state is not on the horizon. The
Americans also know this. The debate on the two-state solution is
not a burning issue now; it is not relevant. However, those who
reject it should ask themselves honestly: if not two states, what
should it be. What is the opposite of the two-state solution, one
state? Absolutely not, they say. In one state there would not be a
Jewish majority. The opposite of the two-state solution is no
solution. No solution, that is the glue that binds together the
Netanyahu government.
III. "No Such Thing as a Free Lunch"
The independent, left-leaning Ha'aretz editorialized (4/27): QThe
international community, headed by President Obama, expects
Netanyahu to continue to pursue the peace process that he inherited
from Ehud Olmert, to freeze construction in the settlements and to
ease living conditions for Palestinians in the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip. Arab states, which are committed to the Palestinian
issue, will find it difficult to cooperate with an Israeli
government that continues the occupation and opposes an agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said Israel will lose
the support of the West on the Iranian issue if it fails to advance
peace with the Palestinians. As an experienced diplomat and
statesman, Netanyahu knows there is no free lunch in politics. He
should listen to Clinton and not come to Washington with empty
hands. Instead of demands and nay saying, which will be met by
American opposition, he should convey a clear commitment to the
two-state solution, support the Arab peace initiative as the basis
of a regional agreement, halt settlement expansion, and engage in
efforts to strengthen the Palestinian economy. This is the only way
that Netanyahu can mobilize the support of the international
community for his main goal -- stopping the Iranian threat.
IV. "Diplomatic Foreplay"
Diplomatic correspondent Aluf Benn wrote in Ha'aretz (4/24):
QDespite their different approaches, Netanyahu is encouraged by
Obama's realism, and it gives him hope that they will be able to
develop a cooperative and understanding work relationship. The
Prime Minister admires the President's knack for leadership and his
well-honed political instincts. He was especially impressed by
Obama's interest in Israel's coalition politics, in their phone
conversation following the swearing-in of the 18th Knesset, and by
his desire to understand all of Netanyahu's considerations. The
Prime Minister construed this as understanding on Obama's part for
the political constraints faced by a fellow leader, and as a hint
that the President will not try to impose on him moves that would be
too difficult to digest.... Netanyahu's demands are for the most
part reflective of the consensus: saving Israel from the nuclear
holocaust Iran is plotting, and having the Palestinians recognize
Israel as the national homeland of the Jewish people. On these
matters, there is no opposition in Israel, apart from in the Arab
parties, and it will be much easier for members of Congress to back
Netanyahu on such issues. It's easy to see why the Prime Minister
is downplaying his positions on settlement construction, for
instance, telling anyone who asks that the subject is under
discussion.... Netanyahu is assuring people that the expectation
that he'll have terrible relations with Obama will be disappointed.
To realize his ideal scenario, he'll have to do more than present
the president with a list of demands. He'll have to give him
something in return, too -- some verbal gesture in the direction of
the Palestinians and the Arab initiative, or some kind of concrete
step in the field. But that's not something Netanyahu is about to
reveal now, for fear he will be pressed to make further concessions
ahead of the visit. We'll have to wait for the decisions he makes
after a QreassessmentQ of Israel's peace policy.
V. QGood Thing They Invented Iran
Senior Middle East affairs analyst Zvi Bar'el wrote in Ha'aretz
(4/26): QThere is no end to the list of new words and phrases
invented for the diplomatic dictionary. The latest gimmick is
called Qregional peace.Q It is based on the following formula:
Israel and the Arab states have a common enemy called Iran. In
order to neutralize the Iranian threat, Israel will ultimately have
to adopt the Arab peace initiative, and then something wondrous will
happen -- a bloc of states will rally and face down the Iranian
nuclear threat.... But the Qregional peaceQ as a means to neutralize
Iran has a much more serious competitor. The United States needs
Iran on its main front in Afghanistan and Pakistan.... Ideally,
Iran, not Pakistan, should serve as a corridor for supplies
delivered by NATO into Afghanistan. Afghanistan and Iraq are the
dowry Iran is offering to the United States. It's hard to fathom
that the U.S. will agree to halt the thaw in its ties with Iran,
whether regional peace materializes between Israel and the Arab
states or not. The pretext for peace with the Arab world does not
abut [IranQs] Alborz Mountains. Regional peace is vital for Israel
to become a normal country not apprehensive about conventional
threats; this is the same reason it forged peace agreements with
Egypt and Jordan. Even a goal more modest than forming a regional
alliance in the Middle East will be welcomed with open arms. There
is no need to brandish Iran as an excuse.
CUNNINGHAM