Obama Administration Affirms ‘Commitment’ to Israel Amid Criticism

Congressmen Chastise Obama for Criticism of Settlements

by Jason Ditz, March 16, 2010

The Obama Administration, perhaps predictably, seems to be backing off a week of angry criticism of the Israeli government for the settlement expansion announced last week. The expansion, effectively destroying the US-brokered indirect peace talks, was “insulting,” according to administration officials.

With Israelis protesting Obama as an “agent of the PLO,” Congressmen are now piling on to demand that the president back down, claiming that he is “aiding the enemy” by criticizing Israel publicly.

A similar drama played out last summer, when the administration was trying to get Israel to halt settlement developments. As with the last time, Obama looks to be slinking back to the default position, and his officials are now declaring that they have an unshakeable commitment to Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, perhaps sensing the impending “win” in the latest clash with the Obama Administration, lashed out at them, declaring that the call to abandon the construction was “unreasonable” and predicting that the US would soon let the issue “blow over.”

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