I’m implying that Netanyahu seemingly slapped Special Envoy George Mitchell in the face when on the eve of one of Mitchell’s visits to Israel, Netanyahu announced that Israel would be EXPANDING settlements. Mitchell had been publicly suggesting that Israel FREEZE new settlements, as a good faith gesture in the peace process. Netanyahu’s announcement and timing were for internal Israel consumption.
Neither Netanyahu’s actions then, nor Obama’s speech yesterday, change anything regarding the very close partnership between the US and Israel. There will never be circumstances under which Israel and the Palistinians agree to a peace treaty. So from a US point of view, gaining a few cred points in the Arab world helps with our intelligence efforts against the people we are really interested in — Iran, Syria, Islamic radicals, etc.
See more: satsuki mitchell.
