Rice urges Israel to avoid unilateral steps on Jerusalem

Ha'aretz ^ | 6 February 2005 | Aluf Benn, Haaretz Staff, and Agencies

[Indie]

I meant: It is none of our concern should Israel choose to anihilate them...misstatement on my part.

[Sunsong]

3) Without American aid, the Jews of America would have to reassess their contribution to American society. Would American Jews really want to continue living in such a country? I doubt it. And without that Jewish contribution America would just be another second-rate nation.

4) If America did withdraw its support, my guess is that Israel's next partner would be China.

Go for it. Let Israel tell us to take a hike. I'm honestly willing to risk it. Are you?

[dervish]

How about Europe?

Everyone forgets how much military aid the US gives Europe. NATO dwarfs Israeli aid. Do we tell them what to do while we pay for their universal health care, 30 hour work week, and one month annual vacations? They have no militaries because we are covering their a**es.

If the strings on aid require Israel to go against its national interest which the last time caused the Intifadah and many dead and maimed Israelis, Israel can not go along come what may. Call the bluff.

[Sunsong]

How about Europe?

Everything's changed since 9/11. Don't think that we will automatically defend Europe now.

So I agree - call the bluff. If Israel wants to stick a finger in our eye - let them reap the consequences.

[dervish]

And in what way would putting a bunch of Islamic (Hamas, Hezbollah)and Communist (Fatah) terrorists in charge of a state contribute to stability in the region? It seems to me we just fought a war to rid the region of one of those.

Further, don't underestimate the Israelis. The Brits did that and lost. The Arabs did that and lost several times. They are a 55 year old country and they are the third largest military vendor in the world.

You don't read Huntington much do you.

[dervish]

Don't think that we will automatically defend Europe now.

Of course we will. Don't be naive

So did I miss the reports of how we were defunding the US's 2/3 share of the NATO budget? That gave us a lot of clout with Europe didn't it? France, Germany and now Spain really have been great supporters in the WOT, right?

Israel is much more grateful and mindful of what the US asks. And faces far greater risks for it.

[dervish]

One more thing. This is not about sticking a finger in the eye of the US, or about money (France in Iraq), this is about Israel's survival. Now that may not be your concern but as a sovereign nation Israel has a responsibility to its citizens just like the US does.

[Sunsong]

Israel is much more grateful and mindful of what the US asks. And faces far greater risks for it.

Oh, so now Israel is grateful :-)

I repeat, do not think that we will defend Europe anymore. Times have changed. And if Israel decides to stick a finger in our eye - then as far as I'm concerned - let them reap the consequences.

Israel has had no better friend than America these last four years - but you sure wouldn't know it from the insulting and hostile posts here.

Be careful how arrogant you get...

[sheik yerbouty]

Arab promises are the hope of fools..

[sheik yerbouty]

You are all losing sight of the jihadist enemy..

[Nachum]

Could you imagine Israel telling the U.S. what to do in Washington?

Truthfully, I am only shocked at the open statements of Condi Rice. Maybe I am mistaken, but up until now the US has been careful not to make its thoughts "public" in dealing with Israel.

IMHO, this represents a threat to the actual existence of Israel. I am not sure if Rice represents a new aggressiveness on the part of the administration or if it is her own "style". She is a problem any way you look at her.

[M 91 u2 K]

Israel doesnt need America's aid!

Israel was fine before 1973 when they went on the US welfare roll.

Only 2% of Israel's budget is US Aid. The sooner they get off US welfare the better. And plus the US gives much more to the Muslims and we get Nothing in Return but hate.

[dervish]

No, I'm happy here, thank you. My pro-US bona fides are in no way compromised by making the point that Israel is concerned about its survival. I assumed this site was for thinking conservatives not name calling, but if your only answer in an argument is to say I don't fit your criteria for a conservative maybe you have a problem. Let's stick to issues.

I never questioned what a good friend the US was to Israel. I in no way believe that Pres Bush intentionally wants to undermine Israel's survival. My point was that unlike Europe (and Egypt) it was a two way street.

My second point was that Israel as a sovereign country ultimately has to decide what is best for it. There is a patronizing aspect to this that does not come into play with Europe as I pointed out earlier.

[meema]

bttt