Barry and Bibbi met today for the first of what shall be a long series of talks and attempts at negotiation. The question for me is simple: Will Obama be forceful with Netanyahu about the Palestinian issue?
If one believes the rhetoric, it appears that Obama is taking a strong stance. The President was quite clear with Mr. Netanyahu that there MUST be a two-state solution, there can be no more Israeli settlements, and a viable Palestinian state must be created. I have no doubt that the President means what he says here: he is truly committed to peace and justice.
The Prime Minister of Israel, however, was far more disturbing. Though he gave lip-service to peace and to a two state solution, Netanyahu very clearly has no intention of ceasing the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. Even worse, the Prime Minster was clearly oppossed to President Obama's desire for diplomacy with Iran. These attitudes were only very thinly concealed by Netanyahu's rhetoric of agreement. His tone, body language and carefully crafted language (not to mention all his previous policy and public statements) made his position crystal clear.
Let us make no mistake: Netanyahu and his government have NO desire to make peace with the Palestinians and will do NOTHING to foster peace unless the Obama administration is very foreful and flexes all their muscle to make peace happen.
Obama's words were good, and I believe his goals are for peace and justice. But words and goals without relevant actions will accomplish nothing. Unless Obama works hard to pressure Israel, the Palestinians will continue to suffer ... Mr. Obama must not let that happen. Now that the words have been said, let's see what Obama and his people actually do.
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