Israel exerts sovereign right to its capital as Biden looks on astounded

Jewish World Review ^ | March 10, 2010 | Paul Richter

[rhema]

In the midst of a high-profile visit by Vice President Joe Biden, Israel on Tuesday unveiled plans for new housing in disputed Jerusalem, a surprise step that embarrassed and angered the highest-ranking Obama administration official yet to visit the country.

Biden, who had come to promote new peace talks and to smooth the Obama administration's strained relations with a longtime ally, instead denounced Israel's plans to build 1,600 new housing units in East Jerusalem as a threat to the search for peace.

"I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem," Biden said, calling it "precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now."

"We must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them," Biden said.

The sharp turn of events abruptly changed the tenor of the trip in its second day, coming just hours after the vice president proclaimed his love for Israel and declared enduring U.S. support. Biden's visit followed a year of tension brought on by Israel's defiance of the Obama administration's admonitions on precisely the same issue: housing settlements in disputed areas.

In Washington, the White House added its own criticism. But it was unclear how deeply the latest step by Israel would affect ties between the two countries, which have been strained by tensions over the Jewish state's hardline security measures.

Aides said Biden raised the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a dinner given in honor of the vice president's visit. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned Israel that such development in Jerusalem would anger Palestinians and further threaten prospects for peace.

Biden is to deliver a major address on U.S.-Israeli relations on Thursday. He will also meet with Palestinian and Jordanian officials.

[DCPatriot]

Glad to know there are some REAL men willing to stand up to these ba$tards.

I love Bibi Netanyahu.

[JerseyHighlander]

From a rumor I heard, Biden’s brother just recently ripped off personal friends of Avigdor Lieberman for the tune of ~US$15-20 million in a Ponzi scheme.

The Biden family is toxic, the entirety of the family.

They are a pox on the American people and American body politic.

[Danae]

This “Administration” is just one cluster f*** after another... Its unbelievable to me that its happening. Either they are profoundly moronically STUPID, or they are doing in on purpose.... and the second thing is what I think they are DOING. That scares the ____ out of me..... I can’t conceive that people at THIS level of international geopolitics could BE that stupid... But it’s either stupid, or stupid and evil.

WTF

[GOPJ]

“Biden, who had come to promote new peace talks...”

Should read;”Biden, who had come to promote a new way to sell out the Israelis...”

BINGO

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Moe Tzadik]

Hey, Biden, whatever religion and government you represent has exactly ZERO relevance to Israel.

Now, FOAD.

[Moe Tzadik]

! LOL

[xzins]

Israel exerts right to Jerusalem. Makes one wonder.

trampled under foot by the Gentiles, until......

[Condor51]

Israel exerts sovereign right to its capital as Biden looks on astounded

[The Comedian]

Introspection? Your magnanimity is showing. I think you're giving Biden waaay too much credit.

Accent on the *burning* part.

When you're all alone in a black, flaming universe of pain for all eternity, introspection is pretty much all you've got left, even if you're a mental doorknob like Biden.

Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.

[Seadog Bytes]

     

[EternalVigilance]

They are a pox on the American people and American body politic.

I think you owe poxes an apology.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks FARS.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Bump.