[defconw]

I don't know where we are with Israel at the moment, but it seems to me that they are our best ally over there and their continued silence speaks volumes on the trust that has developed between Israel and the United States. It seems to me that Israel has in fact showed deference to US in helping us get some sort of stabilization over there that benefits both of us. I really don't think Israel sees itself as a step-child, but rather the source of much of our information and unlike many in this country they can be counted on to keep their mouths shut.

[sofaman]

What choice do the Israelis have? We are pretty much their only ally. Who else is there? Yet Condi Rice, on the day that Jews were evicting Jews in Gaza, chose THAT day, to say that "this is just the beginning".

You have no idea the resentment that caused in Israel, the same country that, at the request of the US, did not retaliate against Saddam when he was lobbing SCUDS into Israel, to preserve the Coalition.

What choice has Israel had?

And the UAE has never rebuked or withdrawn their call for Israel to be wiped off the map.