Israel - The puppet becomes the master

The current Israeli government has a strategy in place, which needs to be understood in order to be able to propose specific changes and realistic demands. The approval of another 1600 settlement units in East Jerusalem made a lot of people raise an eyebrow in astonishment, especially because the announcement came right as the US Vice President Joe Biden was to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to mediate indirect peace talks between Palestinians and the Jews.

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This move is seen by the US as a slap in the face. This also brings the Israel-Palestine question into the spotlight once again. Some may argue it is a good thing, some may argue that it is nothing unusual. The reasons for the Israeli government’s brash actions and its defiance to be responsible leaders of all people living in Israel can be attributed to the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s weak government and a weakened US government’s inability to exert its voice over Israel’s actions.

Strengthening Netanyahu’s government

Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is currently weak and their reelection chances are very hurt. Israelis could swing towards other candidates and the current ruling party could lose the majority. So, what is the best plan of action? The Prime Minister has to make a loud, pro-Israeli statement. He has to show his constituency that he is fighting for Jewish interests and will push through the settlements and other interests regardless of what anyone else says. Being able to defy some of the strongest and most influential governments in the world shows the Israeli Jews that their government is as strong as, or stronger than other nations. Even if it is an illusion, it is a powerful tool to use to consolidate public opinion when needed. It worked for George W. Bush when he went into Afghanistan and Iraq.

So, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government picked the best moment to slap their former dominant “parent” in the face. Joe Biden earlier this month admitted to having the easiest job on Earth. He said in a statement that being the Vice President is like being a grandparent – you are a parent without the everyday responsibilities. Thus, when this weak politician was visiting Israel, the announcement was made. It brought a lot more power to Netanyahu’s government sooner than the “indirect talks” with Palestine would have.

Now the puppet is the master

The United States is currently in a weakened state - weaker than it has been in a very long time. Joe Biden is admitting to basically doing nothing. Obama is having a hard time gaining support from Congress on a single issue for a year now. He is proving to be quite an ineffective president. The US economy is still struggling, and there are a lot of internal problems. What a perfect opportunity for Israel to step up their game and take up the reigns of their own affairs (http://rt.com/Politics/2010-02-01/palestine-abbas-israel-talks.html).

The United States is very loyal to the Israeli constituency that has proven to be a quite influential voting group in most Democratic states. Thus, the Obama administration and the Democratic Party have to cater to the interests of one of their most important constituencies in the domestic sphere, in the UN, and in any other foreign affairs. America will keep on supporting Israel in the UN by blocking any unfavorable resolutions and other attempts to influence Israel.

In addition, the US will have to do nothing other than issue statements to Israel if something that they disagree on is implemented. The settlement process is one most recent example. The other recent example is Israel’s offensive operation “Cast Lead” in Gaza. In both instances, the United States issued angry statements and even attempted to make it look like they are doing something to prevent such occurrences from happening again. Realistically, though, Washington has lost its power over Israel and Tel Aviv calls the shots now.

Conclusion

Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is in a weak state and needed to do something that will show their voters that they are strong and are able to push through their constituency’s interests. This was done by announcing that another 1,600 settlement units are to be built in East Jerusalem as US Vice President Joe Biden was to visit to mediate indirect talks between official Israeli government and the Palestinians. This action will bring about strengthening support for the Israeli PM’s government.

America’s weakened state is allowing Israel to play it as it wants with regard to the Palestinians. If Tel Aviv needs the US to veto a UN resolution or implement a pro-Israeli foreign policy, Washington will do it. The current government is simply obligated to because of its weakened state and the current ruling party. The question remains – for how long will the rest of the world be willing to take this disregard for international laws?

http://rt.com/About_Us/Blogs/With_words_we_govern_men___Disraeli.html