© Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets US Ambassador Dan Shapiro
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets US Ambassador Dan Shapiro
Shapiro also raised "questions about Israel's long-term intentions" in the occupied West Bank, saying the US administration is "concerned and perplexed" by Tel Aviv's settlement policy in the area. "This government and previous Israeli governments have repeatedly expressed support for a negotiated settlement that would involve mutual recognition and separation," he said. "Yet separation will become more and more difficult" if Israel continues its settlement activities.
The prime minister's office rejected Shapiro's unprecedented criticism, calling his remarks "unacceptable and wrong." "Israel enforces the law on Israelis and Palestinians. The onus for the stalemate in the diplomatic process is [on] the Palestinian Authority, which continues to incite and refuses negotiations," it said.
Comment: Yes, Israel enforces the law on Israelis and Palestinians. But take the occupied West Bank for example. There, Israeli settlers largely fall under civilian rule, while Palestinians are subject to Israeli military law. It's a total double standard, and when one looks at the situation through the lens of Palestinians living under armed military occupation, who can blame them for fighting back against their oppressors?
Comment: Israel picks the US president, and likely the US ambassador to Israel as well. Shapiro is playing a role and his recent public candor may be nothing more than the US/Israel 'dog and pony.' Regardless, nothing is going to change any time soon unless the US gains a truth perspective on how thoroughly it has been, and continues to be, manipulated by Israel.