Analysis: Israel fears US wants to impose peace

[bemildred]

Mostly for the headline, you can't make this stuff up.

JERUSALEM — Israel's hardline government is deeply worried that the U.S. will try to impose a Mideast peace deal, that the Palestinians might declare statehood unilaterally and that Washington could be moving to end tensions with Syria.

These fears underscore how the current differences between the U.S. and Israel go far beyond a still unresolved diplomatic row over Israeli settlement building. Instead, there is a deepening chasm between the visions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Barack Obama, raising questions about the strength of the U.S.-Israeli alliance despite mutual pronouncements that the bond is unshakable. JRL117

Netanyahu fears Israel could be forced into unwanted concessions and its enemies' hands will be strengthened. His government is pushing to keep the focus firmly on threats from Hezbollah, Hamas and — particularly — Iran and its disputed nuclear program.

Obama, in contrast, is speaking about the promises of peace and has taken a new unusual step, publicly characterizing Israeli-Arab strife as harmful to U.S. interests — which many interpreted as a prelude to taking action to push through a peace.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iI9UoZxZuzvEUbrlCg7JD_Emr7EgD9F48UB84

[classysassy]

1. Its about time

someone stood up to BiBi bulshit.

[PDJane]

2. I would like to see that happen...........

if it included an end to the occupation and an end to the settlements. It would be a Very Good Thing.

I don't believe it will happen.

[Chulanowa]

3. That's always been the fear of the Israeli government

It's why they've actively opposed, undermined, and destroyed any attempts at progression towards peace.

[Heywood J]

4. Indeed, God forbid they have peace.

Then they wouldn't be able to justify weapons production or any of the other things that are being perpetrated over there.

[LeftishBrit]

5. The horror!

[shira]

6. If peace must be imposed by a 3rd party, what kind of 'peace' are we expecting?

[LeftishBrit]

9. Not as good as completely voluntary peace, but better than none.

Of course there is a degree of de facto colonialism involved; but America *is* at present very influential in the world, so if it uses its influence for peace rather than war, I can only applaud. Perhaps an imposed peace might lead in time to a real peace.

[shira]

10. The result wouldn't be any better than the Lebanon 2000 or Gaza 2005 pullout

How'd those peaceful overtures turn out?

[Eg-ptiangirl]

7. I can't understand why are they avoiding peace

It is delusional to think the situation will remain the same forever, They should be hoping for peace not avoiding it. Same with us, I am not blaming any one I am just stating the fact that for both nations and for the coming generations fair peace is the best option unless there are people from any side that are delusional enough to think the other side will just suddenly surrender and leave.

Another thing is that peace is the only way for them to be a part of this area, they have no real friends here, they have no people that look at them as a part of us, But some how their government are delusional enough to think that having a strong friend in another continent is more important than making a real peace that can solve the problem.

If they are afraid the peace option is not worth taking, if it fails to make peace other options still exist, so why not take the chance unless you just want to occupy more lands and deepens the situation more.

I really hope US wants fair peace and not like every time. OR at least cause I am reading they are forcing the US and controlling the congress no more wars in our area by your help or cover, I am tired of all these wars when no one can say a word or he is a terrorist. Why is Hamas treated as a terrorist group in US and not Israeli government for occupying lands, building settlements and refusing peace.

[Ken Burch]

8. Of course the current Israeli political elite doesn't want peace

If there was peace, nobody there would vote for parties like Beitenyu, Likud, Kadima, or Shas(and few would vote for Barak's pitiful remnant of Labor). And Israel wouldn't matter in international terms.

Border tensions and war are the only reason that country gets any global attention.