U.S.-Israel Relations | The American Task Force on Palestine

U.S. General Visits Israel for Discussions on Iran
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Ethan Bronner - January 19, 2012 - 1:00am

JERUSALEM — Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Israel on Thursday for a 24-hour visit with the country’s top leaders that is expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program as well as the challenges posed by the past year’s regional upheavals and the American military exit from Iraq.

Obama vs. Netanyahu vs. Ahmadinejad
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from CNN
by Trita Parsi - (Opinion) January 19, 2012 - 1:00am

U.S.-Israeli relations are in a crisis over Iran. It has been in the making for quite some time – arguably since the early 1990s – and edging closer to climax by the minute. The personal chemistry between the leaders is abysmal – Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy recently discussed how they can’t stand Benjamin Netanyahu – and disagreements abound on the Arab uprisings, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and on how to deal with Iran.

The media consensus on Israel is collapsing
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Arab News
by Jordan Michael Smith - (Opinion) January 19, 2012 - 1:00am

With Hamas and Fatah meeting in Cairo, reconciliation between the rival Palestinian political parties is likely only a matter of time. Official US policy holds that Hamas is only a terrorist entity, and any agreement between the two factions jeopardizes continued US aid. There is reason to believe, however, that more flexible, productive positions will be expressed in the US media. Slowly but unmistakably, space is opening up among the commentariat for new, critical ideas about Israel and its relationship to the United States.

The Israel Lobby Finds a New Face: Black College Students
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Color Lines
by Seth Freed Wessler - January 18, 2012 - 1:00am

When Vincent Evans arrived as a bright-eyed first-year at Florida A&M, the country’s largest historically black university, he knew he wanted to get involved in politics. So when an older student leader approached him one afternoon after a student government meeting to ask if he wanted an all expenses paid trip to D.C., Evans jumped at the opportunity.

Don't do it, Bibi
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Roger Cohen - (Opinion) January 16, 2012 - 1:00am

PARIS — A U.S. ambassador in Europe was recently asked by an Israeli ambassador what could be done to improve the lousy relations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Obama. He replied: “Every once in a while, say thank you.” The American ambassador added a couple of other thoughts. “Maybe, once in a while, ask the president if there’s anything you can do for him. And above all stay out of our election-year politics.”

Washington’s Ultimatum to Israel
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Natasha Mozgovaya - (Book Review) January 12, 2012 - 1:00am

The President of the United States, haunted by troubles home and abroad, finally decides to forge a breakthrough on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict - at any price. He separately summons Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and presents them with an ultimatum: for Israel, lack of agreement means no more aid and no more vetoes at the UN Security Council.

A Year for Elections, Not Mideast Peace
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Wall Street Journal
by Elliott Abrams - (Opinion) January 12, 2012 - 1:00am

Last week Israelis and Palestinians held talks for the first time since September 2010. Back then, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met at the White House, under bright lights and with great expectations, along with Jordanian King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. In a matter of weeks the talks failed—and Mr. Mubarak didn't last much longer himself. What to expect this time?

Obama, Netayahu Talk After Peace Contacts Resume
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
January 12, 2012 - 1:00am

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed recent Israeli-Palestinian talks on Thursday as U.S. officials signaled that a January 26 target date for the two sides to exchange proposals could slide. Obama and Netanyahu, who have at times appeared out of sync on Middle East peace efforts, spoke after two rounds of diplomatic contacts between Israeli and Palestinian officials in Jordan's capital in recent weeks.

Israel Subsidizes West Bank Housing, Breaking Promise to U.S.
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Chaim Levinson - January 11, 2012 - 1:00am

Despite the government's promise to Washington to stop giving financial incentives for construction in West Bank settlements, the Housing Ministry recently published a tender for 213 new housing units in Efrat under a program that offers substantial discounts on the land.

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