Secretary of State John Kerry criticized Israel’s latest round of settlement expansions today, saying that it was the position of the US government that “all of the settlements are illegitimate.”
At the same time, Kerry sought to downplay the significance of the announcements, saying they “were to some degree expected” and warning the Palestinians not to allow the announcements to get in the way of the peace talks.
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly split on the idea of continuing the talks this week after the expansions, with officials saying the final decision will likely depend on Israel making good on pledged prisoner releases.
Kerry may be correct that the announcements were no real surprise, as Israeli media was reporting weeks ago that a secret deal had been made between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jewish Home to allow huge expansions.
At the same time, Israel came to the table with an “unofficial” promise to enforce a limited settlement expansion freeze, and with only a single preliminary meeting held yet they have already shot well beyond that claim.
Once again, this is fine to hear, but you just can't listen to rhetoric. Obama and his people have made statements like this in the past, then in 2011, continuing the US policy, they vetoed UN resolutions calling the settlements illegal and calling for their end.
Rhetoric means ZERO. This administration's actions have been the opposite of this rhetoric. Hitler's rhetoric was also quite nice when he wanted it to be – all about protecting Germany (and the countries it planned to invade) from terrorist threats. Then we all know what he did under that pretext. Good thing no one else does anything like that.
The US and Israel do not respect the PA because they do not respect their own people and are only too willing to sell themselves exactly like a cheap prostitute.
There you go catchup man, finally showing what you are made of.One is busy with surveillance the other is working for Israel to steal more of Palestinians land, grate.., this is the real democracy acted by the America democratic party. No wonder they don't have time for American people or what they promised to do before they were elected.
they are making an ass of America the world knows it except the yanks.
You said it! And as an American, this is what burns me the most.
I don´t care for Kerry, but his statement about the settlements is an outstanding reminder of the truth behind international law.
So the Palestinians should announce the starting point for territorial disputes back to the 1948 borders, where it belongs. At the same time the Palestinians should claim that all construction on "their" territory belongs to the Palestinian people, who are the rightful owners – the land was illegally taken and no building permits were issued by the owners.
Kerry, in effect, is asking the PA to keep a civil tongue in their head whilst an Israeli hand is grabbing their wallet. In a way, I feel sorry for people like Kerry, who can have absolutely nothing to feel good about themselves – total sell-outs.
The Palestinians have the opportunity to significantly change the game that is being played by the Israelis and by default, the USG. When the UN General Assembly convenes in September, the Palestinians need to officially request recognition as a member state. Based on the vote when they requested an upgraded status to non-member observer, they should be able to win an overwhelming majority of the members, except the US and Israel, of course. It's time the Palestinians improved the hand they have been handed over the years and force the Israelis to begin playing by the rules they agreed to in 1948.
Wow! Kerry says the settlements are illegitimate and then warns the Palestinians not to let that get in the way of peace talks. Makes one wonder if he can hear what he's saying.
Drunk with greed and power addictions. Uncle Sam chooses demented bedfellows.
Secretary of State John Kerry criticized Israel’s latest round of settlement expansions today, saying that it was the position of the US government that “all of the settlements are illegitimate.”
So what will you do about it, Lurch? Nothing. Hot air is not the equivalent of doing something.
After a slip of the tongue I wonder if John Kerry will still be on the payroll of AIPAC.?
And these settlements are supported by US tax-exempt organizations. So in a way Kerry's government is supporting them. Must revoke the tax-exempt status of those who are funding the illegal settlements.
Let the settlements continue. It will then be impossible to unscramble the omelet leading to a one state which the Arabs will eventually dominate. The Zionist dream of owning the entire fertile crescent as promised to them by God will vanish once and for all.