If Israel had come to whomever you think is the most pro-Israel president ever Clinton? Bush II? and asked for what President Barack Obama is now offering Israel, we doubt that Israel would even be given the time of day.
Obama wants a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians badly. Very badly. He is asking Israel to freeze settlements for (pardon our French) 60 crummy days a measly two months and for this, Israel will receive:
no request for an additional extension;
a US veto of a unilaterally declared Palestinian state;
acquiescence to Israels demand for a long-term Israeli military presence in the Jordan Valley;
talks with Arab states on Iran;
a second squadron of F-35 fighters and US satellite earning warning systems. Read the related news coverage
We did not support the extension of the settlement freeze until now. We believe the freeze only invited pressure on Israel, and that it was Netanyahus rejection of the US demand for an extension of the freeze that has brought this unprecedented American offer. Grab it!
We are not naive. Some of Obamas stipulations may not be delivered in full; and, if Israel refuses this offer, Obama will show an entirely different side. For he is obsessed with symbols, such as settlements (symbols because in any peace deal both Israel and the Palestinians know that Israel will keep most of them, in land swaps). If Obama doesnt get what he wants, Israel will suffer. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has played a very good hand. Now: Let him take yes for an answer!
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