Obama: Prospect of two-state solution seems distant

[Little Tich]

Source: Times of Israel

US president insists peace vital for Israeli security, though he acknowledges ‘some folks’ in new Israeli cabinet disagree

CAMP DAVID — The United States still believes Israel’s long-term security is best served by reaching an agreement to live alongside a recognized Palestinian state, though such a deal seems a “distant” prospect at the moment, US President Barack Obama said Thursday.

Obama was speaking shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formed a new right-wing ruling coalition seen as likely to further strain already damaged ties with the Palestinians.

“I continue to believe a two-state solution is absolutely vital for not only peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but for the long-term security of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state,” Obama told a Camp David news conference.

Read more: http://www.timesofisrael.com/obama-prospect-of-two-state-solution-seems-distant/

[oberliner]

1. I agree with Obama that a two-state solution is absolutely vital

"That prospect seems distant now, but I think it’s always important for us to keep in mind what’s right and what’s possible.”

Well said.

[Scootaloo]

2. And he will show his commitment by continuing to fund and arm Israel

Because nothing says "peace between Israelis and Palestinian" like arming the side that is disenfranchising and oppressing the other.

[oberliner]

3. U.S. pledges $212 million in additional aid to Palestine (2014)

The U.S. government will provide $212 million in additional aid to fund relief and reconstruction efforts in Palestine after this summer’s war with Israel in the Gaza Strip, the State Department said Sunday.

The money will provide humanitarian relief, repair war-damaged infrastructure, and fund and support hospitals, among other activities. The new commitment doubles the total aid that the U.S. has pledged for Palestinian relief and rebuilding efforts to $414 million total.

http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/us-pledges-212-million-additional-aid-palestine

[Scootaloo]

5. 13% of what we give to Israel. Not counting the free gifts of weapons and military technology

That Israel applies against Palestinians

You will forgive me if I'm not exactly impressed.

[oberliner]

6. Much of the money the US gives to Israel comes back to the US

Specifically the US defense industry.

For instance in 2010, Israel purchased 20 F-35 fighter planes for $2.7 billion. Aid to Israel is basically a roundabout way to funnel more money into the US military industrial complex.

US gives aid to the Palestinians not only by directly providing hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for the PA but also through funding for the UNRWA of which the US is the largest contributor as well as other UN programs which are also predominately funded by US dollars.

The Palestinians also receive significant financial aid from Iran, several Arab League member states and the European Union.

[Scootaloo]

7. I know where it goes

But of course you're struggling really hard to ignore the point.

When you say you want peace, but you happily and unquestioningly arm one side of the conflict, you are lying.

[oberliner]

10. The funding goes up when the sides appear to be making moves towards peace

Case in point, 1979.

Israel signs a peace treaty with Egypt and withdraws completely from the Sinai. Aid to Israel goes up.

Or in 1994 Arafat agrees to recognize Israel. Palestinian aid goes up.

[azurnoir]

8. The US gives Israel 3+ billion a year for arms and gives the a fraction of that to Palestinians

in part to heal what is done with those same armaments

[oberliner]

9. Israel uses much of that money to buy said arms from the US

Hence it's basically a racket by the US Defense Dept.

How is it that Palestinians in Gaza have rockets to launch at Israel? Isn't there a blockade?

[azurnoir]

11. a free bullet or bomb is a free bullet or bomb isn't it?

except they aren't free for US taxpayers

and where do the rockets in Gaza come from some are home made, some from other sources possily Iran

[Gothmog]

4. There will be no two state solution so long as Bibi is PM

[Donald Ian Rankin]

12. It would be easy for America to achieve a two-state solution if it had the political will.

The obstacle to a two-state solution is very simple - the Israeli electorate prefer the status quo.

It would be the easiest thing in the world for America to change that, by cutting off aid to Israel and imposing sanctions instead. This is the one occupation on earth America could end, not by doing more, but by doing less.

But, obviously, that's not going to happen.

[geek tragedy]

14. Even those who are ostensibly, subjectively favoring the two state solution

objectively opposing it. Because when you ask them what consequences Israel should face for its refusal to stop settlement expansion etc, the answer is always "nothing" in the case of the more honest Republicans or "everything is the Palestinians' fault" in the case of mainstream supporters of Israel.

There is no pro-Israel movement that calls for Israel to face consequences for undermining the possibility of a Palestinian state. Not Clinton, not Obama, certainly no one of importance in Congress thinks we should do anything but do as much as we can to enable the occupation.

[geek tragedy]

13. It is distant--in the rear view mirror.

The facts of today and tomorrow mean a second state will never exist. The entanglements are too great. The settlements have archieved and will continue to achieve their purpose--creating one, single "Greater Israel" between the river and the sea.

The only question is when it will switch from Jewish supremacist apartheid state to binational state for both Jews and Arabs.

Israel will cease to be a Jewish and democratic. First it will lose the latter at the expense of the former, then vice versa.