Special to WorldTribune.com
JERUSALEM — U.S. President Barack Obama has demanded a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank.
Israeli sources said Obama, scheduled to arrive in Israel on March 20, wants a detailed Israeli withdrawal plan from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the president’s visit. The sources said the Israeli plan would be considered in what could be an imminent U.S. initiative to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank in 2014.
“Obama has made it clear to Netanyahu that his visit is not about photo-ops, but the business of Iran and a Palestinian state,” a source said. “The implication is that if Israel won’t give him something he can work with, then he’ll act on his own.”
The sources said Obama’s demand has sparked concern in the office of the Israeli prime minister. They said Netanyahu has been unable to form a coalition amid a boycott by left-wing parties and an alliance by two new movements — Yesh Atid and Jewish Home — with 31 seats in the 120-member parliament and opposed to major territorial concessions in the West Bank.
“The ties between Yesh Atid and Jewish Home are strengthening,” Uri
Ariel, the No. 2 member in Jewish Home, said.
So far, Netanyahu has been unable to woo any parties except for the
U.S.-supported “The Movement,” led by former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
The prime minister has received a two-week extension from President Shimon
Peres.
“In these past four weeks I tried to form the broadest possible
government,” Netanyahu said. “But the main reason that I have not managed to
complete the task by today is because there is a boycott of a certain
sector.”
Netanyahu was referring to a demand by Yesh Atid to ban ultra-Orthodox
from the next government. The ultra-Orthodox comprise nearly 20 seats in the
Knesset.
On March 1, the Israeli daily Makor Rishon reported that the next
Netanyahu government would destroy numerous Jewish communities in the West
Bank. The newspaper quoted Likud negotiators as saying that the plan
depended on Yesh Atid ending its alliance with Jewish Home, led by Naftali
Bennett.
“We are going to difficult decisions,” a Likud negotiator was quoted as
telling a Yesh Atid parliamentarian. “If you do not break up your pact with
Bennett we won’t be able to uproot communities if there is a need for
difficult decisions. Together we can do it.”
Other Israeli newspapers, quoting Likud sources, carried similar
reports. They said the first step by Netanyahu would be the dismantling of
Jewish communities in the West Bank deemed isolated.
The sources said the White House warned that Obama’s forthcoming visit
could characterize U.S. relations with Israel over the next four years. They
said Obama aides stressed that Congress, which approved $3.1 billion in
military aid to Israel for 2013, supported the establishment of a
Palestinian state as a U.S. priority.
“The Obama people are making this a litmus test of Netanyahu’s
leadership and credibility,” the Israeli source said. “Obama supporters in
Congress have sent Netanyahu a similar message.”
Honey Bee Said:
Hmmmm!!
4@ yamit82:
Nice place for a boy,where does one place a man?
Honey Bee Said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKG6zN_EjWw&list=PL4FE9F28394EC4065
@ yamit82:
si,si senor
@ yamit82:
Peggy Lee,”Is That All There Is”.
@ NormanF:
Absolutely! Delay any compromise on forming a government until 20 March. An Obama visit can only hurt Israel and every effort should be made to “delay” his arrival.
Honey Bee Said:
Just call him Dov.
Honey Bee Said:
Lo haría, si pudiera!!!!
Honey Bee Said:
I’m a traditionalist Water Bagels not only taste good but I can consume them with nothing inside them just plain.
Lefse looks like a lot of work for marginal satisfaction,
@ yamit82:
Mande ud. la La Mujar de Majia Negra a sequestar BB.
steven l Said:
If the pressure works and get desired results why not pressure? BB is a pushover lots of pretended bluster but no spine and no personal or national pride. He sucks.
@ Honey Bee:
Hugo Chavez just died, there goes the oil spot market. C’boy is watching Fox.
@ vivarto:
This will take centuries or even millenniums!
Obama is smart enough not to put pressure on IL! specially not now.
@ yamit82:
Oh Yamit 82, That sounds painfull!!!!!!
@ yamit82:
How about a lefse and lox Jew? I’m,I koser?
Honey Bee Said:
My error should be read circumposition
vivarto Said:
We got enough retards already and you want more? Stupid idea. The only good Arab is one visiting his paradise and I’m for helping him and her to get there.
They have had over a thousand years to prove themselves and for them ethnicity is tied to religious beliefs unlike you. Bagel and Lox Jews like you are more of a burden than an asset and statistically not sustainable past a 3rd generation. There is only one way a convert can join the tribe and that is if they take on the Yoke of heaven. Otherwise why bother, we recognize Bnei Noach as righteous gentiles.
On second thought I know some wonderful Arabs that I have more in common than the likes of you. 😉
@ yamit82:
Don’t you mean proposition? Or is it preposition?
@ catarin:
Start colllecting those bottles you use for defence now,Darlin.
Canuck Frank Said:
Only sometimes, preposition is not a reliable Litmus. Sounds good though.
What does Obama have in mind for the Arabs to give to Israel for making land concessions? And what will the West do if Israel refuses? The American people will see to it that Israel’s security is protected, no matter what. Many feel Israel is our 51st state, because the U.S. and Israel are so closely intermingled, by people, by business, religion, and destiny.
I will be anxious to learn how Obama, the EU and UN will keep Israel safe, because I don’t want to hear the West say a few years from now, Geez, they were right.
@ Canuck Frank:
I though Santanya wrote”Black Madjic Woman”?
Honey Bee Said:
Unfortunately, none of them has ever done or will ever do, Europe quite the contrary. Let’s hope Israel will learn from history, for – as Santanaya wrote: “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
@ Canuck Frank:
True that, the EU, UN,Uk,USA cannot be be arm twisted with guilt into “saving the Jews”.
@ Dr. Fay:
Dr. Fay Said:
God helps those who help themselves.
@ Bear Klein:
Love you name and your comment,usually bees attack bears. Honey theives!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ yamit82:
In the word of the great Texan Dr. Phil,”land for peace, hows that working for you”.
@ Velwer:
G-d sent that message long ago and the world turned a deaf ear to it.
The IDF doesn’t work alone.
Time to listen
Now is the time to approve the Levy report – It will send a clear message to both Obama and the Palestinians that we are here to stay on our land.
the phoenix Said:
The good thing is that musloidism is curable. It is a primitive pride-shame culturue and humiliation is the perfect medicine.
Once cured, Arabs can be perfectly good human beings. They are our relatives and those among them who want to join our Jewish nation should welcome. Both Moroccan and Yemenite Jews are at least partially descending from Arabs and they are perfectly good members of the Jewish nation.
So my vision is that those Arabs who want to cling to their Islam, should leave Israel, those who are willing to denounce Muhammad’s crimes, his inhumanity and especially his antisemitism should be allowed to stay and their children or grandchildren could become a part of the Jewish nation.
vivarto Said:
vivarto i totally agree with your comment with the only exception being this:
i would not give ANY explanations, nor ANY justifications.
the whole goddamn world can ponder about “why”
how about “because!”
sorry shoshannah, i might be reptilian in my thinking, but it is a zero sum game here and as such i wqant to see the musloids down, HUMILIATED and preferably 6′ under…
coming to think about it, didn’t husein talk about ‘his muslim faith’ in an interview?
:}
It is my view that if there is anything to be announced it has already been agreed. I doubt that Obama would go himself to deliver a threat or a demand. If this statement is true then the demand was already made and BB would be scurrying to deliver. Announcements are usually made after the underlings have hammered it out. Presidents take trips to look good not to have problems.
Look at the results.
Pal-Arabs lie, engage in terrorism, have no human rights nor democracy, yet they are winning the diplomatic offensive.
What is the secret?
Very simple, they are unwavering in their lie that all of Israel belongs to them, that they are the indigenous people of Palestine, that Jews are colonists, occupiers and imperialists.
Everything they say is a lie, it is actually the diametrically opposite of the truth. The inversion of the truth, but they are consistent, they never compromise, they never back off.
On the other hand, Jews, as is typical of the intelligent people, can see things from many different angles. Like Teve the Milkman in the “Fiddler on the Roof”: On one hand it is our land, but on the other hand some Arabs have been living here, then on the first hand again, we have been here first, but on the other hand they were here last, etc, etc.
Perhaps this land is ours, or perhaps we should share it with the Arabs, but on the other hand they don’t really want to share, they just want us dead, but then on the other hand we cannot be like them because we are civilized, etc,”
This sort of thinking is not convincing to anyone.
We need to say this is our land and Arabs are occupiers and colonists, not only of our land, but of the entire Middle East except for Arabia. They occupied and destroyed Christian Syria, Egypt, and Zarathustrian Mesopotamia. They destroyed nations civilizations, religions, everything even the language. We, Jews, are the only indigenous people who managed to reclaim our land from Arab occupation. We are not going anywhere, Arabs can go, if they want.
We are going to share Jerusalem with them after they share Mecca and Medina with us.
Basta!
If Netanyahu were to approach Obongo with this line, then he would understand that no amount of pressure is going to move us. And he would not pressure Jews to give up Judea and Sammaria anymore than he’d ever dream of pressuring English to give up London.
We can also make the point that Arabs have 700 times more land then us. Surely they have enough land if they don’t want to live by our laws.
Additionally laws should be changed and no Muslim should be Israeli citizen, unless they are willing to condemn all the antisemitic statements in Quran and in Hadith.
Has anyone truly considered the art of diplomacy?
PM Netanyahu has the opportunity to put this art
into practice, and to accomplish an amazing feat.
In my estimation, the simplistic comments that tell
President Obama “where to get off” are not helpful. It
would be far better if some of the comments laid out
hypothetical strategies for the PM and the President.
There is much to be gained for Israel if our PM will be
the quintessential diplomat; and I am not speaking about
bending over backwards to accommodate what Obama seeks
from Israel. Think about it!
@ Laura:
No he won’t. He will politely but firmly explain why that’s not possible. You don’t go out of your way to antagonize this very hateful, spiteful man who sits atop the strongest country on earth and upon which Israel depends for economic, diplomatic and military aid. It would be wonderful if he could, and just wait out Obama’s second term, but we’ll just get another liberal Democrat in 2016 who will be obsessed with beating down Israel.
It’s nice to think Bibi can do that, but it will just make things worse.
@ Bear Klein:
Very naive view of Obama. He is malevolent and there is no limit to his arrogance. He would actually send troops to confront Israel, I believe. I don’t much stock in Kerry’s statement. It’s BS. These people do not like Netanyahu and are increasingly tired of Israel and are ready to throw it under the bus. It doesn’t help that it’s become a partisan issue but the liberals just don’t like Israel.
The “Palestinian” issue is total bull but Obama cares more about the Palestinians than he does Iran.
@ Laura:
Lara, I am not a fan of Kerry or Obama but I will wager you a friendly shekel that this demand does not happen on Obama’s trip. Obama’s trial baloons to see if he can get away with something are usually done via the NY Times not World Tribune News. If I thought this were remotely true I would also get worked up but I do not think even Mr. arrogant Obama believes he get away with this.
Dr. Fay Said:
Yes, but don’t forget that God needs defeats enemies with our hands to defeat our enemies.
@ Bear Klein:
And we all know how trustworthy Kerry is.
If Bibi has a backbone he will tell Obama and his lackeys in Congress to go f*** themselves.
Netanyahu is a liar and a traitor. Nothing would be more just then if he were unable to form a government and in the ensuing elections he gets reduced to the size that he deserves.
I pray this happens. It would not only thwart BB’s deceptive designs but also Obama’s evil plans.
Praying Psalm 109:8 against Obama. May God defeat Obama’s agenda and raise up a standard against him and against all the enemies of Israel and the U. S. A. It is clear that Obama is a friend of neither. He is slowly destroying the U. S. A. and promotes the enemies of Israel while trying to suppress Israel’s growth in their own land. He also wants to give the land of Judah to the Palestinians, who would be better served by joining other Palestinians in Jordan. May God defeat him!
yamit82 Said:
Netanyahu will NOT be King – this time around. He has kissed off Shas which will now sit in the opposition and he sold them out because he knows he will lose new elections. His new coalition partners will determine how long – the government lasts and not him. Worst of all, from Netanyahu’s standpoint he does not even command a majority of his own Likud caucus. The next three to four years should be fun – if the government he forms will last that long.
Do not believe everything you read. John Kerry has stated that Obama is coming to listen. He is NOT coming with this withdrawl demand.
I do not like Obama but he would be rebuffed and made to look weak and stupid again. He does like the Palestinians so much that he would do this. Otherwise he could have had the US vote for PA state at the UN. These publications print any piece of malarky idea someone thinks of.
In view of the Expected Obama visit BB must have his coalition in place and sworn in before. He will try to wrap everything up this week.
Realpolitik dictates that everything and everyone is expendable except the KING. There will be a coalition by early next week.
Lapid and Bennett will have won the initial round. BB is vindictive though and he will when opportune and possible seek retribution. I am sure both Bennett and Lapid understand this and because of that will probably work closely together to the extent possible to protect each other and blunt the power of BB which is considerable.
Question which portfolio will be offered Lapid? He wants the Foreign Ministry which was promised to Lieberman. Lieberman still wants that Job and is fighting to keep it open for himself that leaves in major portfolios either defense or treasury. A treasury that requires making up a budget shortfall of over 50 billion Shekels is one no ambitious politician wants. DM? doubtful he is totally unqualified especially in the eyes of the public. If he demands foreign ministry and gets it then BB has a problem with Lieberman and his 12 member faction in the Likud. They could bolt the Likud giving them 19-20 mandates. Word was that during the meeting yesterday between BB and Bennett Lieberman joined them and warned Bennett not to demand changes to the agreement with Livni as that would be totally humiliating for BB. He as much as said that Bennett had won and not to push for more. The formation of the coalition and or it’s longevity may yet ride on Lieberman who has not had the last word, yet.
This government has so much bad blood between all of the partners in and without it’s hard to see them working with any cohesion together. Since both Bennett and Lapid stand to win big in coming elections according to current polls both or either migh not be adverse to bringing BB and the Likud down where they would probably run on their own without Lieberman.
BB does have his challenges. Then so does Israel.
First and foremost who the hell died and left him in charge?????
I commented many times “Your friends don’t tell you what they want to do, they ask how can we be of help to you”.
Israel should declare a national emergency put the country on alert, this should cancel the messiahs trip.
Israel has enough on its plate with Hamas, Hezbollah and their crazy Arab neighbors, they don’t need the self declared messiah.
This is the price we pay for playing the cowardly “2-state solution” game.
By now the whole world is convinced that Israel is the “occupier” of “West-Bank”, that “settlements” are “illegal” and and that giving the Arab squatters more land is the way to peace.
may it be the will of the G-d of Israel to foil the plans of the ennemies of Israel and all the traitors. may He uproot of their homes all those who plan to uproot Jews from their homes.
BB should tell Teh O to phuque off. In the nicest way of course.
Its better a government not be formed.
If that gives Obama an excuse not to come so be it.
I think the reports make sense to the effect that the US President is not visiting Israel to admire the scenery or for his health.
When the devil comes to play, there’s always a price.