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December 10, 2009
3 questions about the freeze
A few weeks ago when Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced a freeze on construction in Judea and Samaria, there were a couple of points in his favor. According to Evelyn Gordon it helped Netanyahu shore up his political support. Israel Matzav, though skeptical, thought it helped Netanyahu focus on the Iranian threat. More recently Ambassador Michael Oren emphasized that the freeze demonstrated Netanyahu's commitment to peace.
But there are potential pitfalls. What if President Obama has concluded that he can live with a nuclear Iran? What if the freeze instead of building confidence, actually encourages terror? And finally when the ten months are up, will Israel see (American) pressure to maintain the freeze?
Crossposted on Yourish.
Posted by SoccerDad at December 10, 2009 6:15 AM
Hezbollah in passive voice
A cynical and mistrusted offer
Wapo: peace process succeeding because of the great work of the administration
Council speak 100610
Nyt: peace process failing despite the great work of the administration
Do we have enough regulations yet?
Iranian General: "US, Mossad played roles in 9/11 event"
Absolving arafat, ten years later
Rahm can't run? antisemites!
The politics of peace
The downside is the US wants the "freeze" made permanent. In fact the Israeli government doesn't even have to extend it; it just can keep it in place without making the necessary announcement to lift it. That's why its important for the revanants not to take Netanyahu's assurances at face value but to try to get it revoked even before the ten months are up.
Posted by: NormanF at December 10, 2009 3:46 PM