Israeli leaders have condemned the nascent Palestinian reconciliation, considering the possible participation of Hamas members in any government to be unacceptable because of the party’s history of terrorism. To the great surprise of no one, American politicians have been competing for press attention to parrot the same line. What if Palestinian leaders, and our own Congress, did likewise, and demanded that Israel bar from elective office any member of a political party with a history of engaging in or supporting terrorism?
Of course, a full recital of Israeli attacks on civilians would fill a multi-volume treatise, but let’s content ourselves with a thumbnail sketch. First, consider Labor, the most liberal/left of Israel’s major parties. Anyone who supported the great peacemaker and Nobel laureate Yitzhak Rabin would be barred.
Rabin proudly boasted that as a young army officer in July, 1948, he executed Ben-Gurion’s order to ethnically cleanse the villages of Lydda and Ramle, forcing tens of thousands to march many miles in stifling summer heat to areas Israel did not (yet) claim as its own territory. A significant number did not survive. In 1987-88, as Defense Minister, Rabin ordered his troops to break the bones of children caught hurling stones toward well-protected soldiers who were defending Israel’s “right” to violate international law. In 1993, as Prime Minister, Rabin launched Operation Accountability, indiscriminately bombing civilians in southern Lebanon with the intent of killing enough of them to cause hundreds of thousands to flee northward in panic to send a signal to the Lebanese government.
Co-Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, as Prime Minister in 1996, implemented a very similar operation, Grapes of Wrath. As long time leaders of the Labor Party, Rabin and Peres’s history of attacking civilians disqualifies all of their supporters from public office.
What about Kadima? The party was founded by Ariel Sharon, who commanded the 1953 massacre of scores of innocent civilians in the Jordanian village of Qibya (on the orders of the god-like Ben-Gurion). In 1982, Sharon, as Defense Minister, personally commanded Israeli troops on their rampage through Lebanon, slaughtering up to 20,000 civilians, apparently setting the Israeli record for personal responsibility for mass murder. His role in smiling benignly on the Sabra/Shattila massacres was merely bloody icing on his blood-soaked cake.
Then there’s Likud, whose founding members included Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir, unapologetic and unashamed practitioners of terrorism for many decades, rewarded for their efforts with election to the highest office in the land.
How long must we wait before we hear Gary Ackerman or Ileana Ros-Lehtinen articulate their actual position, which is that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East that is free to elect terrorists? If Israel were to implement the same standards of disqualification-for-terrorism on its own politicians that it demands of the Palestinians, there would be virtually no one left to run the government.
Wait a minute, what about MK’s Ahmed Tibi and Hanin Zouabi?
“If Israel were to implement the same standards of disqualification-for-terrorism on its own politicians that it demands of the Palestinians, there would be virtually no one left to run the government.”
You’ve certainly made your case to me, David. Let’s hope we live to see the day when this logic prevails.
Some Israeli politicians, however, seem to have been discommoded by the prospect of being arrested under the universal jurisdiction laws of various European countries. At the moment, Israel seems more intent on non-recognition of its own war-crimes (and, I suppose, “terrorism”, whatever that may be when a state does it) that it seems to be interested in confessing and disqualifying its politicians from further service. Begin and Shamir were both called “terrorists” by the British before 1948 and both later became prime ministers. Begin, indeed, was responsible for the massacre at Deir Yassin — and very proud of it.
Re the base of Samel’s article: “Israeli leaders have condemned the nascent Palestinian reconciliation, considering the possible participation of Hamas members in any government to be unacceptable because of the party’s history of terrorism. To the great surprise of no one, American politicians have been competing for press attention to parrot the same line.”
Yes, for example, CSPAN2 just reran its live broadcast yesterday of a panel discussion yesterday, the topic, “US Foreign Policy & The ME.”
The Panel: Elliot Abrams (A) and Rober Wexler (two arch Zionists claiming to be American Firsters).
And so the show commenced:
A: The Hamas charter remains violently anti-Semitic. (note the conflation of anti-Israel with the mental disease of jew hatred).
W: Israel should not give up its “bargaining chips” for anything but a US/EU solid security agreement. So how can Bibi “better position himself?” By stating publically what is in Israel’s best interest: Israel wants ’67 borders with absolute underwriting by the US/EU of 80% of Israeli settlements within the final borders of Israel. Thus Israel is not giving away anything, and is gaining much. And this undercuts efforts at the UN for recognition of anything but a (leftover) Palestinian state. Tehran, Hamas et al will “tremble” as the numbers won’t be there for a single-state solution. “We” (US citizens and Israeli citizens) all agree that the Jewish people have had a presence in the area for 3 thousand years.
Re: What should be the US policy in the ME? How do we promote Arab democratic reform goals and yet advance towards an I-P peace?
A: We (ostensibly the US) are leading from behind. The US must lead up front; as M Albright told us (after she discovered she had Jewish ancestors?), we are the indispensable nation, so why did we call for the end of Muburak in Egypt, but we do not for the end of Assad in Syria? The US needs to reconcile with Israel. The US should NOT support “an American plan” because neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians will accept it. And this would make the US look weak, hence it would not lead to peace in the region. The US needs to aid the current Palestinian goverment in the WB build a Palestinian state. And the Arab nations should help us.
W: The Arab rebels don’t care about my constituency in Boca Ratan (sic), Fl. USA. They care about the lack of jobs and gas prices at the pump where they are. Obama is pressured by the dismal US economy, jobs, gas prices, yet some courageous fellows demand his attention to solve the I-P conflict.
I and my friend, Elliot, say, if events go against Syria’s Assad regime, Iran will be greatly harmed. Yes, Abbas is weak, but the US should set down principles whereby Uncle Sam can hold his head high and will not allow the UN to enhance the notion that a one state solution to the I-P problem is viable. (So many Zionist contortions here, feel free to bring them all out in the open).
Question from the audience: Why don’t you two discuss what USA should do, rather than discuss Israel’s best strategy policy? (Hah!)
A: We must say to the Arab freedom fighters that the key turning point is Syria. And that the Arab rebels need to ditch the Arab countries official policy of anti-semitism. (Sorry, no Arab Americans, or even any non-Jewish Americans on this important discussion in America, and directed to an American audience, 98% non-Jewish. So, what’s new?).
W: People talk about a modern day Marshall Plan for the ME. We shoud work in that direction; we already have some tools, e.g., the 1.2 billion dollars we send to Egypt; many Egyptians depend on this for their job. If the new Egypt does not abide by our wishes, we can cut off all this foreign aid. Not to worry, the US-Israel military enmeshment has never been stronger, e.g., when Turkey cut Israel, the US cut Turkey. We sent a thousand uniformed Americans to Haifa to enhance and protect ballistics work there. (Good news for those young goy grunts from rural farms and trailer camps and city McDonald’s hiring spots). The point is, NO Concessions by Israel should be the opening ACT of this play. The US/EU must provide Israel with international security protection. The unbendable and unbreakable bond remains, as always, between Uncle Sam and Uncle Hymie.
Single audience question: How do we promote Arab democracy and Israel security together?
A: The Arab regimes use Israel to throw red meat at their streets. Our experience with Latin America is relevant. We need to help the Arabs economically, and remind the oil regimes of their responsibilities, including via the IMF & WB. (Gee, I thought the Arab Street, and the Latin America Street, for that matter, were enraged at how little US aid to their government trickled down to them in any shape or form. And that goes double for everyday life of the masses in any country under IMF/WB power; I guess I live on Mars, where there is no international banking system). The US must support foreign trade, not foreign aid. Remember, the US’s Arab partner regimes don’t want war with the Jews, even though they hate the Jews.
W: The notion that Israel’s security conflicts with Arab democracy in spurious. This notion is dangerous to Israeli and US security (in that order, as spoken). If democracy works the way it’s suppose to work, there’s hope in the coming second, rather than the coming first free Arab elections. (Seems Wexler already reads the tea leaves on an initial free Arab voice on Israel’s proclivities, and is betting once the US threatens cut of aid to Egypt and united Pals, they will see the only green dollar light).
Wexler goes on to say, although we usualy think of only one democracy in the ME, there is another one: Turkey. Watch their latest election. “We” need to work re-establish good Turkey-Israel relations. And, as to the recent Hamas-Fatah unity: How can anyone declare a 1 state when its a 2 state solution? (Logic?) How can there be a unity with terrorist Hamas? (Ah, I see the spurious logic now–never underestimate the power of code talking to the converted). Ergo: Uncle Sam cannot support a state with a terrorist group as part of it. (Naw, the US has never done that.) Palestinian unity is a “huge complication.” Duh. So the issue is…what is the difference between a terrorist group and a terrorist state? Or a terrorist enabling state? Naw. The issue is: How does Bibi write a nice speech addressing such questions? Wexler answers obliquely: Fatah must choose between the US and HAMAS, with on the record kudos to Bibi et al. Yes, agreed. So what can Uncle Sam do to help both himself and Uncle Hymie overseas?
And, as an afterthought, also help Palestinian dignity and respect? Again, Wexler’s answer is oblique: Great Peril. Respecting Jerusalem (get the logical sequence?): How do we draw Jerusalem as included in the final borders and control of Israel? (And, you thought this subject was about America’s best interests?) Let’s put the Israel embassy to any new Palestinian state on the Mount of Olives garden.
Additionally, Abrams continued to target Syria as the key to the ME future. He looked at the ME as mirroring the AXIS powers of old in Europe. Iran, Syria, Hamas, Hexbullah, most especially. He urged over and over that Uncle Sam must do all it can to rip down the current Syrian regime. He says, without explaining, this downfall is crucial to US security. He’s concerned that the US diplomatic relationship with Israel is not nearly as secure as the US military-Israel enmeshment. He says the US must make it clear to the Arabs that the US/EU/Israel special relationship is unbreakable.
Wexler says the strength of democracy in the US and Israel weathers all storms. And we should respect the quest of the Arabs for democracy sans violence. He also says its prudent to be wary of this same quest, this Arab Spring, and so we are at a historical moment; Obama must be forthright in behalf of doing what is best for Israel.
Further on this general topic of the rain of incessant Israeli hasbara from all established US msm sources onto the psyches of everyday Americans, I just turned on talk radio, and what’s there” Dennis Prager crooning in his faux folksy heimat American way how the Egyptian Spring has already morphed into the dark age of radial Islam, into yet another regiment for the forces of darkness against the American Dream, which is identical to the Jewish Israeli dream, the very one MLK fought for. Dennis says, I told you so. So what’s not to like about the humble American patriot, defender of America’s highest aspirations? Gee, he even shows empathy for all of us who are watching the royal brit wedding because it’s a romantic escape from the horrors of anti-semitism come to life in the new Egypt. Can’t we ever just get along? Let’s talk about the royal wedding and the subject of happiness. Why even God is invoked in this Christian wedding! Why wouldn’t you just revel in this simple happiness? From the ME, to Russia to China, the battle for the soul of Uncle Sam is relentless, and then something beautiful comes along like the royal wedding. How the little things in life come along to give us happiness! Let’s discuss the bride’s dress. Easy to dismiss as trivial. Dennis thinks it’s great because… he was thrilled because they talked about it around the world. If you are not thrilled by this, that’s a gap in your perception. For the MTV generation, a 2 second peck on the lips doesn’t allow such vicarious happiness. A once in a generation event that increases happines on this earth? It’s nicer to digest this wedding than the natural storm horror in Japan or the horror in the Middle East. Who could disagree? Dennis never discusses the details of the Israel govenments “democratic” state, except to say it’s better than any other in the region, and he never discusses the Palestinian POV, except to dismiss it as anti-American, as aboriginal, uncivilized. Dennis is taking, today, the royal wedding as an example, on his life-changing Happiness Hour, of the kill-joys amongst us. It’s always good to enjoy any small happiness afforded or documented, as is the royal wedding. You need to allow yourself to smile. If you don’t smile to that, you refuse, are offended, and don’t smile. Your mind dictates more than you think. God bless this couple. (and god bless Israel right or wrong.)
That Israeli politicians make this laughable argument is bad enough. But what I find really disgusting is how virtually every newspaper takes this argument and runs it, without mentioning how fucked up it is. This is a classic case were the medias should not only state the opinions of competing sides (like “the Israeli government is shocked by this”), but offer some context and human rights-oriented opinion (like “we can’t understand why the Israeli government is shocked by this and we frankly think it’s rather helpful that Palestinian infighting ends”).
Oh my, is it February 32nd today?
Your suggestion is admirable indeed; alas, it would hold Israell to the same standard to which all other countries are expected to conform. And we know that’s not allowable. So you are merely preeching to the converted.
From “The Light Unto The Nations” to “A Law Unto Itself.”
What’s the next stop on the Zionist Self-Destruction Express?
There is strong circumstantial evidence that Israel supported the attack by PKK Kurdish rebels on the Turkish naval base of Iskenderun, killing 6 Turkish servicemen, two hours before the Israeli attack on the Gaza freedom flotilla.
Had Turkey sent naval assistance to the Freedom Flotilla, it would have come from the Iskenderun base near the Syrian border.
The PKK is one of the two terrorist groups that was directly at issue in the Supreme Court’s Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project decision that greatly expanded what constitutes “material support” of terrorist groups.
Hopefully, by the time new flotilla sails, Egypt will open Rafah for good, and the flotilla will unload in El Arish, and it will end as a solidarity convoy.
Once Egypt flexes diplomatic muscles, Israel will be forced to change. It will not be “the only democracy in the Middle East” anymore. One can ignore hapless Lebanon (at least as democratic as Israel), and Turkey (too far?), but together, Turkey, Lebanon and newly democratic Arab state will exercise considerable diplomatic power. And with Iran no longer conveniently isolated, Israeli will have to move from complacent paranoia to actual paranoia.
Currently, complacent paranoia means fear of peace and the wish to maintain the war forever.
Actual paranoia will be a fear of war, or barring war, an isolation.
Turkey would like to play a more decisive role, but it’s close alliance with the US and Europe, both militarily and economically, as well as it’s membership in NATO, prevent it from taking substantive steps against US/Israeli policies in the region. But, that alliance is on the decline as China, Iran and Russia are shaping up to replace the US sphere of influence in the region. A dollar in decline and a Western economy in crisis, both help expedite the process.
yes, ban israeli politicians for supporting terrorism
and put them on trial for their crimes against humanity
along with their accomplices in congress and the white house
not to mention all those israeli-firsters in the israel lobby -
“Members of the jury, in the case of the settler entity israel’s prime minister benjamin netanyahu, on the charge of having commited crimes against humanity, what is your verdict?”
“Guilty as charged, your honor”
Meanwhile, major Jewish American institutions remain busy as the proverbial beavers trying to ban free speech in our universities, formerly the homes of free speech: link to paltelegraph.com