israel can no longer hide its true colours

International opinion is finally waking up to the more unpleasant realities of the Jewish state. The change in people’s perceptions may be subtle but it is happening. Its carefully orchestrated ‘poor little Israel’ narrative no longer holds water. Inconvenient truths keep getting in the way.

For instance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is known to have no interest in pursuing an equitable two-state solution that involves relinquishing occupied territory for peace. But like a succession of Israeli leaders before him, he had attempted, albeit halfheartedly, to put on a show for the sake of Washington while blaming the Palestinian National Authority for placing obstacles in the way.

This tried and not-so-true piece of theatre has worked like a dream for his predecessors but, last week, Netanyahu failed to rein in one of his actors. No sooner had US Vice President Joe Biden succeeded in persuading Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to restart negotiations, Israel’s Interior Ministry announced a plan to construct 1,600 Jewish homes in Occupied East Jerusalem.

It’s little wonder that Biden interpreted this step as a slap in the face. The surprise was his reaction. Not only did he strongly condemn the decision as undermining trust, he reaffirmed America’s commitment to a Palestinian state and warned both sides that they would be held accountable for any statements or actions that will inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of talks. His warm praise of Abbas was also telling.

As if that wasn’t jaw-dropping enough coming from a high-level US official, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton backed it, saying, “The United States considered the announcement a deeply negative signal about Israel’s approach to the bilateral relationship.” Then, to cap it all, the Israeli daily Maariv reported dissatisfaction among members of Congress and quoted American officials as saying, “Israel has stabbed Obama in the back.” US President Barack Obama is said to be “incandescent with anger.” Ouch!

Europe is not amused, either. The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has threatened that the bloc could use its trade ties with Israel as leverage to force it back to the table. She also believes the timing of the announcement was intentional and says there are “no guarantees” that Israel seeks peace.

Suddenly, Israel faces condemnation and potential consequences, which has to be a first. America’s seeming about-turn has shocked Israelis, who believed their country could do whatever it liked with impunity, and it has dazed the US pro-Israel lobby. More