Obama and the Settlers' Children

"Israel and U.S. Can't Close Split on Settlements"
A1, Tuesday 6/2/09
By Isabel Kershner

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"Obama Talks of Being 'Honest' With Israel"
A8, Tuesday, 6/2/09
By Helene Cooper

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This is more of the near daily coverage of the U.S.-Israel "split" over settlements.

Kershner implies that "building within the confines of established settlements" is "expanding settlements" and then goes on to cite the population growth of Jews living in settlements in the West Bank, without specifying whether they live in blocs. The distinction is key, since the settlement blocs would not preclude the viability of a Palestinian state.

Kershner, citing "many critics," takes to task "the notion that settlers' children have an absolute right to continue living in their parents' settlement." She quotes activist Dror Etkes, who embarassingly takes literal the word "children". "A newborn does not need a house," says Etkes. "It is a game the Israeli government is playing."

"Settlers' children" more likely refers to a young couple wanting to live close to their family. With housing in some larger settlements in short supply, they would be forced to live elsewhere. This is not only hardly a "game," but it is not a fringe notion. As Netanyahu recently stated, but which the Times is loathe to even explore, "the will of the public" is behind preserving the major settlement blocs.

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Meanwhile, Helene Cooper follows up her article just yesterday with new material from President Obama. "Part of being a good friend is being honest," explains the President.

There is some positive in Obama's interview with the BBC in which he states "I think we have not seen a set of potential gestures from other Arab states, or from the Palestinians, that might deal with some Israeli concerns." Nevertheless, Arab states have remained defiant that overtures to Israel will not precede a finalized peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, which is nowhere near to happening.

The President should understand that to be honest with a friend, you have to fully understand your friend's predicament.