Israel Stop Apologizing and Start Building!

Q: When does an ally cease to be an ally? 

This painful question is being asked by many Israelis after another blistering American attack on Israel’s sovereignty in its capital city, Jerusalem.

In a move certain to increase tensions between Israel and the United States, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest publicly criticized Israel for allowing the continuation of the planning process for homes in the Givat Hamatos area in south Jerusalem.

Jen Psaki

Not skipping a beat, State Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki followed suit and sharpened the dagger, saying

“This development will only draw condemnation from the international community, distance Israel from even its closest allies, poison the atmosphere not only with the Palestinians but also with the very Arab governments with which Prime Minister Netanyahu said he wanted to build relations,” Psaki was quoted as having told a briefing.

This very public American disrespect of a reliable ally’s sovereignty is shocking, and it should be condemned by Israeli officials in the strongest language. 

There is absolutely no reason why Israeli officials should feel the need, as they apparently did, to justify their actions with apologetic statements about how the Givat Hamatos project was just a “technical step” taken at the local level on a plan approved at the regional level over two years ago.

Instead, Prime Minister Binyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu should immediately cease being apologetic and defensive in responding to this recurring, blatant assault on Israel’s sovereignty.

Yes, Bibi was correct to complain about the implication by American officials that Israel should discriminate against Jews, but he should also respond forcefully that if President Barack Obama was a true friend of Israel, he wouldn't criticize the granting of building permits for homes for Israeli citizens in Israel’s capital city, Jerusalem. 

Would Obama dare to criticize building approvals in Riyadh, in Amman, or in Cairo? This needs to be stated and stated clearly.

... We Israelis have nothing to apologize for and a lot to be proud of.

“ Let’s start being faithful to our statements about our deep roots in this land.”

“ Let’s take real action to advance the building process in our capital city.”

E-1 would be a very good start.

By David Rubin October 2, 2014
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