Soccer Dad

Palin on "settlements"

Israel Matzav observes about a recent American criticism of Jewish construction in Gilo - that's part of Jerusalem.

Obama's not going to let up on this, but given the broad consensus within Israel, I doubt Israelis are going to yield to Obama on it either. A year from now, if election results favor the Republicans, maybe Obama will be forced to let up, but for now, we Israelis are going to have to live with this criticism without getting all hysterical about it. While Obama may want to make a radical change in US relations with Israel, it's doubtful that he has the support in Congress or in American public opinion to make it.

He's right. If Congress changes hands it will probably make a difference. Republicans, in general, are more sympathetic towards Israel. Sarah Palin, in her interview with Barbara Walters, demonstrated that difference. (via memeorandum)

"I disagree with the Obama administration on that," Palin told Walters. "I believe that the Jewish settlements should be allowed to be expanded upon, because that population of Israel is, is going to grow. More and more Jewish people will be flocking to Israel in the days and weeks and months ahead. And I don't think that the Obama administration has any right to tell Israel that the Jewish settlements cannot expand."

It's true that Palin's expressed beliefs are quite a bit more supportive of Israel than those of the average American and I doubt that she'd be able to act on those beliefs even she achieved higher office. Still it's a refreshing contrast to an administration run by someone who used to be close with Rashid Khalidi.

Crossposted on Yourish.