Earlier today we asked how Obama will respond to an Israeli government that includes a fascist party that ran on a racist anti-democratic platform. The answer in one word – favorably. From Ha'aretz:
U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters that the U.S. was looking forward to working with whatever new government is formed in Israel.
At a Washington press conference, Wood said that the Obama administration will not speculate on what kind of government will be formed. Wood called Israel a thriving democracy and said the administration intends to pursue a robust agenda once the new Israeli leadership is established.
"The government needs to be formed. We will hold discussions with the government once it's in place. The important thing is we're looking forward to working with whoever heads it. It's up to the Israeli people, not the Israeli government, who will be in it," he said.
Referring to the possible inclusion of anti-Arab right wing Yisrael Beiteinu in the future coalition, Wood said "It's not for the U.S. to make this kind of characterization, it's the choice the Israeli people made.
And just as a reminder, here's what the US had to say after Hamas was elected by the Palestinian people in a transparent and democratic election:
Yes, Hamas was elected, but Hamas was also elected to act responsibly,
and Hamas has not acted responsibly,” says Secretary Rice. “They have
refused important international agreements that Palestinians signed and
have held to for more than a decade. They have refused to renounce
violence. It’s very hard to imagine a partner for peace that refuses to
renounce violence and refuses to recognize the right of the other
partner to even exist.
Lieberman ran on a platform that openly threatened to expel over 20% of Israel's citizens based on a loyalty oath. I honestly wonder what Lieberman would have to do before a US administration accused him of "not acting responsibly." I wonder what any Israeli politician needs to do to not be considered a "partner for peace." (Adam Horowitz)
