...I want to focus tonight on the way forward, on America’s continuing engagement in helping the parties achieve a two-state solution that ends the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians once and for all
"Once and for all"? Given the essence of Palestinianism, the nature of the ideological positions of the Arabs, their Hadith-based orientation (no pun), there is no "once and for all". It simply cannot be a target. Assured security is the best that can be hoped for.
The United States will always be there when Israel is threatened. We say it often, but it bears repeating: America’s commitment to Israel’s security and its future is rock solid and unwavering, and that will not change.
Since this is a reference to the aid extended to Israel for the Carmel fire, well, it took the US a bit of a time for that one plane to reach us so, to send a military strikeforce to assist in a surprise attack by a combined enemy - for that is what will be eventually - of US-trained PA units from the East, Hezbollah from the north and Hamas/Iran/Al Qeida from the south, at the least, is a buit of a bold promise - and worthless in a practical sense, ignoring the potential missle attacks from Iran and Syria that will also make up that future battle.
...Our security relationship has grown broader, deeper, and more intense than ever before. And we have not just worked to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge. We have increased it through new advances like the Iron Dome, a short-range rocket defense system that will help protect Israeli homes and cities. And our military continues to work closely with the IDF through exchanges, training, and joint exercises.
That still will not work properly and adequatley in the above scenario.
...let me restate clearly: The United States is determined to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons...Iran’s leaders face a clear choice, one of those tough choices that Strobe mentioned as the theme of this forum: Meet your international responsibilities or face continued isolation and consequences.
Sorry, but the recent past indicates a problem with that. Under Obama's "engagement" policy, nothing has really improved on this front. Iran continues.
...The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians...denies the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and it poses a threat to Israel’s future security. It is at odds also with the interests of the United States.
Hillary, the conflict is, in truth, the "legitimate expression" of the Arabs in the former territory of the Palestine Mandate. Here are the PLO Charter's elements which are relevant even until this day: "Article 7: ...It is a national duty to bring up individual Palestinians in an Arab revolutionary manner...the Palestinian...must be prepared for the armed struggle and ready to sacrifice his wealth and his life in order to win back his homeland and bring about its liberation. Article 8: The phase in their history, through which the Palestinian people are now living, is that of national (watani) struggle for the liberation of Palestine...Article 9: Armed struggle is the only way to liberate Palestine. Thus it is the overall strategy, not merely a tactical phase. The Palestinian Arab people assert their absolute determination and firm resolution to continue their armed struggle and to work for an armed popular revolution for the liberation of their country and their return to it...Article 10: Commando action constitutes the nucleus of the Palestinian popular liberation war.
If, Hillary, you refuse to recognize that aspect, that fundamental truth, we are far from peace.
...The long-term population trends that result from the occupation are endangering the Zionist vision of a Jewish and democratic state in the historic homeland of the Jewish people...
Not really. And basing one's self on demographic prognistications is very dangerous.
We also look at our friends the Palestinians, and we remember the painful history of a people who have never had a state of their own...
Now, that is an important contribution to the propaganda war. Why did they never have a state? Were they always under occupation or - were they never possessed with a distinct nationalist feeling?
Significantly, both sides decided together to pursue a framework agreement that would establish the fundamental compromises on all permanent status issues and pave the way for a final peace treaty.
Er, what compromise originated with the Arab side?
...The United States will not be a passive participant. We will push the parties to lay out their positions on the core issues without delay and with real specificity. We will work to narrow the gaps asking the tough questions and expecting substantive answers. And in the context of our private conversations with the parties, we will offer our own ideas and bridging proposals when appropriate.
How hard does Hillary expect to push?
...let me say a few words about some of the important aspects of these issues we will be discussing. First, on borders and security. The land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean is finite, and both sides must know exactly which parts belong to each. They must agree to a single line drawn on a map that divides Israel from Palestine and to an outcome that implements the two-state solution with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. The Palestinian leaders must be able to show their people that the occupation will be over. Israeli leaders must be able to offer their people internationally recognized borders that protect Israel’s security. And they must be able to demonstrate to their people that the compromises needed to make peace will not leave Israel vulnerable. Security arrangements must prevent any resurgence of terrorism and deal effectively with new and emerging threats. Families on both sides must feel confident in their security and be able to live free from fear.
"Finite"? Sorry, but according to the Medad Mathematical Model, without territory included from Jordan, there is not enough territory to divide between those who term themselves "Palestinians" and citizens of Israel. And, Hillary, can Jews live in "Palestine" no less than Arabs reside in Israel?
...let me be clear: The position of the United States on settlements has not changed and will not change. Like every American administration for decades, we do not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity. We believe their continued expansion is corrosive not only to peace efforts and two-state solution, but to Israel’s future itself.
"Corrosive"? A bit of flaming there, Madam Secretary? Shall we deal with "Arab settlemets" in Israel similarly?
These core issues are woven together...Now, that uis a deep statement.
...Security is one area where the Palestinian Authority has made some of its most dramatic progress...
Fata morgana.
...Palestinians must appreciate Israel’s legitimate security concerns. And Israelis must accept the legitimate territorial aspirations of the Palestinian people. Ignoring the other side’s needs is, in the end, self-defeating.
Like Palestinian Authority-sponsored media incitement? Educational programs encouraging hatred of Jews?
Demonizing the other side will only make it harder to bring each public around to an eventual agreement.
But who is doing the demonization, Hillary?
...Provocative announcements on East Jerusalem are counterproductive. And the United States will not shy away from saying so.
Why is construction in Jerusalem "provocative"?
...Jewish families have just completed the eight days of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, which reminds us that even when the future looks darkest, there is light and hope to be found through perseverance and faith. Muslims around the world also recently celebrated Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which teaches the story of a man whose faith was tested when he was ordered by God to give up his beloved son. Whether we call him Abraham, Avraham, or Ibrahim, this man is the father of all the faiths of the Holy Land. He is a reminder that despite our differences, our histories are deeply entwined. And so too are our futures.
Yes, but who was to be sacrificed, bound on the altar? Ishmael or Yitzhak?
Today we should remember these stories...Thank you and may God bless you in this effort.
Yes, Hillary, remember the story and realize how really far the Arab side is from peace, granting security and willing to accept the finality of an agreement.
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