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Originally Posted by lookout123
Obama's plan for returning to pre-1967 borders is brilliant. Sure, those the expanded borders were the result of a failed attempt by Israel's neighbors to wipe the country off the map, but " hey there little country surrounded by people who want you all dead... it's your fault for existing in the first place".
He took "great pains" to speak to encourage Israel but at the same time took a swipe at something most in that nation consider to be non-negotiable. Obama has made it clear since taking office that his support for Israel is not as set in stone as it was with previous presidents, but I think this really screws them over.
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As a strong supporter of Israel, I would describe it as tough, certainly much tougher than Bush, who leaned too far the other way, but hardly a "Fuck You." In part, it was a result of Netanyahu's insistence on continuing to build settlements in the West Bank, when he and every observer recognized that his actions were not helpful (to put it mildly) to the peace process.
My reading of Israel sentiments is that the country is mixed on the best scenario to pursue peace and a legitimate Palestinian state. The West Bank, is negotiable, as is Gaza, to many, in return for an immediate end of Hamas attacks out of Gaza and a recognition of Israel's security needs.
Israel is still the largest recipient of US aid, to the tune of $3 billion/year and we can, and IMO should, be a little more demanding of Netanyahu.