Your Email:

Friend's Email:

Note: (optional)

Subject:

Message: <br /><br /> If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view this article online at: http://www.jweekly.com/57371/full/57371/timing-is-everything-with-peace-in-balance/ <br /><br /> <b>Timing is everything with peace in balance</b> <br /> Friday, March 12, 2010 | by <br /><br /><p>Last week our editorial criticized the Israeli government over the timing of its an-nouncement that it would commence renovations on a number of Jewish heritage sites, including two in the West Bank.</p> <p>This week, we regretfully take Israel to task once again for another error of timing: the announcement that it will begin construction of 1,600 apartment units in East Jerusalem.</p> <p>To those who scolded us over last week’s editorial, we call your attention to the fact that we have long supported — and continue to support — Jewish provenance over both contested West Bank heritage sites, the Cave of the Patriarchs and Rachel’s Tomb.</p> <p>Our criticism was based strictly on the prime minister’s timing in making the announcement just as proposed U.S.-mediated peace talks were being planned.</p> <p>This week, Israeli government bureaucrats did something even more egregious.</p> <p>With Vice President Joe Biden in Israel to reaffirm the administration’s support for Israel and its security, the announcement for those new housing units was made, erasing the good feelings of the Biden visit. Israel even apologized for the gaffe the next day.</p> <p>Just so there is no misunderstanding of our position: We affirm Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem and its right to build housing there. Despite the Palestinian Authority’s claim that East Jerusalem must be the capital of any future Palestinian state, we do not support any plan that calls for a single inch of the Old City or its environs to revert back to Arab dominion.</p> <p>Nevertheless, Israel was remiss in announcing the housing development during Biden’s visit, especially because the Palestinians one day earlier agreed to enter into those indirect peace talks with Israel. Insincere as many Jews believe the Palestinians to be when it comes to negotiations, Israel should not be relieved of its obligation to enter into peace talks in good faith.</p> <p>The status of those talks is now up in the air, with news reports indicating that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told Arab League chief Amr Moussa he will not enter those negotiations.</p> <p>The housing announcement not only angered Biden, but also was condemned by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the French government and Egypt, among others. Israel’s own Kadima Party said it would attempt a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over this.</p> <p>We urge the Israeli government to consider the consequences of poorly timing such important announcements. More artful diplomacy is needed.</p>

Please enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below: