Defiant Israel to boost settlements after U.N.'s Palestine vote

Israel has never intended to allow a 2 state solution to pass. That’s why they’ve worked at every opportunity to keep the situation in limbo through their one-sided agreements. These agreements have allowed Israel to impose their will on Palestine with little risk of international repercussions. Perhaps with UN recognition, Israel will accept that if Israel has a right to exist, so does Palestine. Doubtful, though. Israeli aggression is far more likely.

And why does my tax money and my Government’s resources go to pay for this aggressive and provocative housing move?

Do not tell me I’m not forced to pay for it. That would be a false statement intended to deceive for financial gain, commonly called a fraud. US elections are a joke! Vote against the Israeli candidate and win and what do you get? Another Israeli candidate. We are a colony, pure and simple, and our political parties have both been purchased for money.

All of this will end up with Israel being nuked. Is that the plan?

And when the issue is dragged before the UN Security Council obama will have any action against the Zionists vetoed. Democracy and Law mean absolutely nothing to the Americans and the Zionists, they will do whatever they want. They will draw their line in the sand and like the bullies they are will simply say ‘What you going to do about it?’.

Well world, what ARE you going to do about it? How much longer will the world citizenry allow the USA and Israel to continue like rogue nations working against the global good?

Dear Dan Williams, I have just a small linguistic question: why you guys at Reuters never use the name “Six Day War”? Is this rule in your manual?

Israel – you are insane.

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

For all their arrogance and “smarts,” politicians and “leaders” cannot see far enough out of their own radiance to recognize the unintended consequences of the things they put in motion…

The UN is too fine for the junk it tries to serve.

Hope all the pro-Israeli fanatics remember this–and don’t complain about all those rockets coming from Gaza. Now we know why! Israeli land thieves!

Oh geez, let’s take a parallel. Imagine if Mexico started (yes ignore the US army) building across the border into Texas, expelling Texans and claiming that it’s Mexican land. How would Americans react? How would the world react?

Oh geez, let’s take a parallel. Imagine if Mexico started (yes ignore the US army) building across the border into Texas, expelling Texans and claiming that it’s Mexican land. How would Americans react? How would the world react?

Building new houses on stolen Palestinian lands is the beginning and the end of Israeli’s objective, anything in between is a mere ruse. The United Nations was created, in part, to prevent the atrocities inflicted on the poor Israelis–of which the World has not been the same, and rightfully so, and for Israel to thumb their nose at this same Organizations demonstrates that evil has no color, race or identity.

Brazilian1
‘ Israel has withdrawn from Gaza and yet Hamas is still firing rockets.’

True, they withdrew 10.000 but left behind 600.000 living in settlements illegal under international law and 4th Geneva convention.
Were you dropped on your head when you were a baby as that level of stupidity cannot be inflicted by mother nature alone.

Brazilian1 – exactly!

How can there be a Palestinian state when it has two parts – West Bank and Gaza? There can be no one government as both parts have different situations and needs and politics. This is reminiscent of the partition of India into a ‘Pakistan’ made of two parts -which later went their seperate ways – as Pakistan and Bangladesh. The only solution for a real Palestinian State is to have one cohesive entity. This would require a population exchange where Gazan’s would move to the West Bank and Jewish settlers in the West Bank would move to Gaza – and it would thus become part of Israel proper.

Let us face it, Israelis have no intention of making peace. They deserve what Hamas is doing to them. After sixty years the world recognized the rights of Palestinians to have their own country.

Approving the construction of 3,000 new illegal settlements on occupied land after the UN vote…..not helpful.
Is this the current Israeli government’s way of moving forward to a two-state solution?

Yeah, that will help to ease the tensions, Israel. Expand your borders further out into Bumfuq Egypt.

The Nazis called it “Lebansraum” or living space. Israelis call it ‘natural growth’. Sounds like a tumor.

The way to peace, of course, is to economically strangle Zionism in Israel. (Somehow I get the idea that this approach will be much faster and more productive, than the West’s economic attack on Iran. More like in South Africa, but faster.)

Peace with Zionism, is not possible.

Actually, the Israeli Zionist settler program, in its hubris, is un-wittingly hastening the end of the Jews-only, apartheid, racist “-ism”, and thank our lucky stars!

Get BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) going, and we’ll see how all those European Jewish interlopers stick together: I’d wager they’ll be heading for the exits pretty fast. Biggest problem: how to get the remainder to give up their nukes.

A fraction of the world could simply buy out Israeli Zionist interests. We (the UN, along with weak-kneed UK and US) created this problem, and it is time to step up and fix it. The cost could be a small portion of Western present ME spending ($300-500B per year by the West?). The result: a dwindling terrorist movement, respect of Western smarts (instead of blood-thirsty stupidity), regaining our Western self-respect as democracies, and room for the world to address real global problems such as global warming, population control, and sustained food production.

In many ways, Israeli Zionism seems to be nothing much more than a world distraction, similar to gender and religious issues: Just another trick of the 0.01 percent to keep money flowing to them.

I swear to god, nothing has changed in this stalemate for two generations. Meanwhile, the whole world is held hostage by TWO countries when combined are smaller than New York City. In twenty years we’ll all be back here reading the same articles, about the same impasses, and the same cease fires. Would somebody solve this thing for God’s sake.

I lived in the middle east (Iraq, Egypt, Kuwait, UAE, Israel, Jordan) from 2003 to 2005 helping the US Govt build water plants. Getting to know the Israeli side and the Arab side helped me quite a bit. I think Israel treats the Palestinians the way we treated the American Indians. When you shut people out of their homeland, limit their mobility, and give them little hope for progress while degrading and humiliating them – they start to act more and more violently.
Both sides need a lot more “turn the other cheek” and lot less “eye for an eye.” Here’s hoping they can work it out and that hopefully we help them find lasting peace instead of warfare. I met so many good, normal parents who only want what you and I want – a chance for progress, freedom, and respect. Best of luck to both sides.

This is a childish but deadly game.

screw the world – we have god on our side. has a familiar ring to it.

The poor, defenseless, victimized, helpless, entitlement ‘Start-up State’ of Israel, in a vast sea of Arabs and Muslims just trying to get along and be a loving neighbor. How long until the Jet bombers, white phospherous, and cluster grenades will be employed (endless stores, as America re-arms through in real-time as the IDF unloads) to ‘soften up’ the unarmed Palestinians until the tanks and IDF infantry attacks, with close support by American made Apache Helicopters?

The poor, defenseless, victimized, helpless, entitlement ‘Start-up State’ of Israel, in a vast sea of Arabs and Muslims just trying to get along and be a loving neighbor. How long until the Jet bombers, white phospherous, and cluster grenades will be employed (endless stores, as America re-arms through in real-time as the IDF unloads) to ‘soften up’ the unarmed Palestinians until the tanks and IDF infantry attacks, with close support by American made Apache Helicopters?

The first place to look for cuts in our budget crisis should be our billions in yearly financial and military aid to Israel. That is not to mention the additional billions we spent aiding them with the construction and implementation of their ‘Iron Dome’ missile defense.

Romney and Obama stumbling over each other to pledge greater fealty to Israel during the third campaign debate now seems comical given the way they the Israelis have rubbed our noses in the dirt on the issue of settlements.

Anyone with an objective view of this situation must see Israel as the greatest obstacle to lasting peace in the region. Their actions make the expectation of our unconditional support regarding Iran comical.

Israel’s constant undermining of U.S. efforts toward the establishment of permanent peace in the region should make us question our loyalty. How should the Palestinians interpret these decisions?

Moreover, how long will we continue to buy the ‘innocent victim’ shtick of the pro-Israeli media every time violence occurs in the region?

Congress’ failure to condemn Israel’s actions here clearly demonstrates how completely it is controlled by AIPAC and pro-Israeli influences.

Israel insists it has the right to defend itself against attack. It is difficult for me to agree when its borders are constantly expanding into areas from which they are banned.

Who is the real aggressor in the region – and when are Gaza and the West Bank able to ‘defend’ themselves without the condemnation of the U.S?

And the Israeli’s wonder why people sometimes feel animosity towards them ? Have they forgotten that their entire country was gifted to them as part of international action after WW2? Why sabotage the peace process and then complain that there is no peace??? This is typical arrogant Israeli behavior and it does not serve Israeli or any other country well. I vote for rescinding ALL of the US’s foreign aid to Israel IMMEDIATELY….

Not only is this counter to a two state solution these settlements will encourage more militancy and terrorism. Settlers will no doubt be killed because of this de facto invasion of Palistinean territory. Israel will label it as terrorism but they now label all military action by the Palistineans as terrorism.

Jews have not wanted peace since they blew up the King David Hotel in the areas first terrorist attack. They have never stopped the settlements and they will willnot until they are forced to do so. They have never entered into good faith negotiations and throughout history have only undestood one thing.

Jews have not wanted peace since they blew up the King David Hotel in the areas first terrorist attack. They have never stopped the settlements and they will willnot until they are forced to do so. They have never entered into good faith negotiations and throughout history have only undestood one thing.

Historically, what have been the consequences of war? Territory is lost by the conquered. It is how the USA, China, Russia, Turkey and other modern states were all created. The Arabs were given a state in Palestine in 1948, refused to accept the creation of Israel, fought 3 battles to destroy Israel in 1948, 1967 & 1973 and LOST all 3. Now that want a do-over and have Israel give it back. And for what? Hamas’ charter swears to destroy Israel, to never make peace. The Arabs want the right to return millions of refugees to Israel, a roll back by Israel to 1967 borders and to re-divide Jerusalem. This is never going to happen. When will the Arab leaders ever tell this truth to their people?

As for all of my fellow Americans who are bashing Israel in these comments, the Arab Islamists of Hamas are not our friends. President Obama was just elected by claiming the Republicans had a war on women, wanted to overturn Roe v Wade, not support equal pay for women etc. etc. Well guess what? That’s the Islamists proud political platform! No abortion. No birth control. No equal pay/equal jobs for women. Oh, and no gays, no religious freedom. No nothing that is the bedrock of the Western progressive political thought. America would never accept a militant state as a neighbor that preached this backwards and hostile ideology. Why should the Israelis?

Build everywhere that you conquered, Israel. Just like America did in Texas California and the Great Plains after being victorious in war. This is Israel’s Manifest Destiny. Prove to the world it’s hypocrisy by asking Israel to do something that no other country in world history has done—surrender conquered land to an ideological enemy that will never rest until it is destroyed. I am an American citizen, non-jewish and a racial minority.

I found the US reaction to the UN debate on Palestine (incl Ms. Rice’s protestations) , almost laughable if it wasn’t so tragic. We are continually getting caught with our proverbial trousers down around our ankles when it come to Middle East matters. In Egypt, we dumped a largely pro US President Mubarak and we ended up with the Muslim Brotherhood; in Gaza, we proclaimed the need for full and fair elections and we ended up with Hamas; In Iraq, we fought a costly war, deposed Sadam Hussein and ended up with a Shiite government heavily aligned with Iran and heading into a civil war once we leave. The poorly trained and ill-advised members of our State Dept need to go back to college and learn a little bit about the Middle East before they stick their noses back again into the Middle East cauldron.

A huge disappointment.

This move proves once again that Israel is essentially a lawless country, determined to defy international law and the will of the international community.

The article should have stated explicitly that settlement in occupied territory is a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Article 49. This is not just an opinion of some. It is the solid legal consensus, affirmed by the International Court of Justice in a ruling in July 2004. UN Security Council Resolution 242 also states that it is inadmissible to acquire territory by war.

The State of Israel plays by its own rules and acts in a way that is making the prospect of a peaceful two-state compromise virtually impossible.

It is all well and good for the US to say that settlement expansion is “counterproductive”. Everyone knows that the US will do nothing about it. Last year it vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the settlements, even though its wording was nearly identical to the Administration’s own pronouncements on the issue.

Israel is fundamentally an irresponsible country. It acts in a way that makes violence inevitable, then complains when violence breaks out. It acts in a blatantly offensive way, and then whines that it is being persecuted. Above all, it comes running to us and pulls stings in Congress and the Administration to get still more US military aid and diplomatic protection, to cope with trouble which is largely of its own making.

We always look the other way on its bad behavior. But if we are really interested in peace, we have got to stop this destructive, co-dependent relationship. For Israel’s own sake, we have got to stop letting her jerk us around.

The late historian, Tony Judt, once described Israel as the country that “never grew up”. Those words certainly ring true today.

Historian Tony Judt was also a strong one-state-solution proponent.

Basic problem: Zionism is immoral and offensive to almost anyone who thinks about it. It point blank aims for a Jews-only, therefore racist, apartheid or racially cleansed state, in a land with many millions of the “other”. This can never lead to peace.

For the well-being of everybody, including Jews, Zionism needs to be expunged from the world, just as has been done with other totally failed “ism”s: Nazism and Fascism.

The Germans got passed their Nazi episode; so the Jews can get passed its fallout, Zionism.

Expanding settlements and enlarging borders in the absence of treaties is not defense. It is an act of provocation, and the Israeli government brings trouble upon itself every time they do this.

Hi BlackJackBro
You are correct in your comparison.
If the world applied to Brazil the same criteria it applies to Israel, we would have to give back all our land to the Indians.

@Brazilian1:

The difference between Israel and the Palestinians, and all those other countries who usurped the indigenous people, is that there are lots more Palestinians, they have billions of friends, and the world is different.

Sorry, but no matter how much the Israelis, and other credible people, believe or say the situation is like America or Australia or Brazil, or wherever, actually, the situation is radically different. Zionism is doomed.

It is very easy to imagine a world without Zionism. Just think about it. Almost nobody is going to care, and it really will make no difference except that we will be able to move on to more important things. Moreover, this result is inevitable. 0.1 percent of the world population cannot rule the world with their stupid “ism” for long.

xcanada2 says it very well.

And I want to add to it. Zionism has been a throwback of religious traditions just as Nazism was a throwback to nearly ancient world political practices. It plays on the blind spots and ignorance of fundamentalist Christians just as Sharia law plays on the ignorance of Muslims. And that is why it has succeeded with it’s program in Israel at the expense of the indigenous population. The Old Testament was the more popular book of the Bible in the westward expansion of this country. It’s almost funny that in pioneers culture there were more children named for old testament profits than for Christian “saints”. and yet the pioneers tended to be rabid anti-Semites. I tend to think Old testament stories let one build “empires” and reflected the world of the times when the stories were written. It’s harder to do it with the New Testament stories, obviously. The later part of the Bible isn’t about “feathering one’s nest”, but in many ways letting it go. Christians always kept the first part to make sure they didn’t neglect the nuts and bolts issues of life. The second part tends to “cramp one’s style”.

One has to turn the clock back so far to embrace the philosophy of Zionism without intellectual (and even emotional) discomfort and displacement of a great many better present day values, that it can’t succeed any more than Nazism (socialized fascism) could. The Nazi’s forgot they weren’t living in the Roman World and the Third Reich was as obnoxious as the creation of dinosaurs in “Jurassic Park”.

As a senior citizen now, I’m not likely to see the end of any of this conflict and I am not at all optimistic the results will be good for the survivors. I am certain that the heart of the Zionist movement was never full of warm sentiments towards the people’s of the earth. How could they be? It knows that the earth could turn murderous, mechanized and blind. And perhaps it’s mistake was to try to ensure that a state could be made to resist that tendency without drinking from the same cup of poisonous ideology and statecraft.

Present day context means a lot and the right wing of Israel, like right wing political philosophy anywhere, sooner or later has to recognize that not even “God” can turn back time without destroying it’s own creation. Liberals tend to forget that the nuts and bolts issues keep them alive.

For political “isms” to work well, they can’t afford to make people think too much about what is going on or what they are doing. They can never afford to attract too much attention. They substitute propaganda for facts and ideology for reasons.

I’m still not optimistic that the Israeli/Palestinian issue will come out well. In “The perils of the Palestine” the damsel is going to get run over by the Israel locomotive and propaganda will kick into high gear to make sure “we the sheeple” think God’s in his heaven and all’s right with the world. It’s worked before and always seems to work for a majority of voters. They tend not to want to suffer emotional or intellectual discomfort. I know I never did. They will put up with physical discomfort before they will attempt to change their minds, actually. And that’s a good thing or not depending on what happens with that fortitude. It’s not going to be pretty.

excuse me again – prophets not “profits”: but then again, maybe I had the right word after all? It’s always about the money! And there is a mistaken “it’s” instead of “its”. I do that every time and spellcheck can’t see it always or I don’t see those faint green lines, especially for the little words?

I’d feel worse about this but spelling wasn’t regularized until the 18th century and I can’t understand any common sense to English spelling. Not that I mean to suggest that I lived in the 18th century. An English teacher once told me there are over 860 exceptions to rules of English spelling and I told her that sounded like a list of exceptions and the “rules” were the exception.