U.S. President Barack Obama said ahead of his trip to the Middle East, that his country would not automatically agree to Israel’s policies and has taken a stricter definition of a freeze on settling towns in Judea and Samaria than his predecessor.
"I don't think we have to change strong support for Israel," Obama said in an interview with National Public Radio on Monday. "We do have to retain a constant belief in the possibilities of negotiations that will lead to peace," Obama said. "And that's going to require, from my view, a two-state solution."
Obama reiterated that no settlement expansion also includes “natural growth,” an allowance made by his predecessor. Obama said that the peace process would require a freeze on settling Judea and Samaria, including expansion to accommodate successive generations of Jews living there, and for the Arab side to end "the incitement that understandably makes Israelis so concerned."
Jerusalem feels that the Obama administration has backtracked from previous agreements made under Bush’s tenure allowing for “natural growth” in Jewish towns within Judea and Samaria.
The definition of “natural growth” was left vague in the past, and could be interpreted by Israel to allow for expanding existing homes for one’s growing family or to allow new housing for one’s married children. However, both Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have taken the stricter definition, upsetting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who prefers the lenient definition.
Obama feels that his "tough love" stance with Israel will restore American credibility in the Muslim world, that sometimes accuses the U.S. of playing favorites with Israel. “Obviously we are deeply sympathetic to Israel,” the U.S. President responded. “Given past statements that Israel should be driven to the sea, annihilated, you could see why the U.S. would back Israel.”
Nevertheless, Obama said that the U.S. wouldn’t treat Israel with kid gloves: “It is important for us to be clear about what we believe to lead to peace. This is unequivocal and there will be compromise on both sides,” Obama said, "Part of being a good friend is being honest. And I think there have been times where we are not as honest as we should be about the fact that the current direction, the current trajectory, in the region is profoundly negative, not only for Israeli interests but also U.S. interests. And that's part of a new dialogue that I'd like to see encouraged in the region."
US Denies Linkage with Support for Israel in UN
When asked what Washington would do if Netanyahu does not accede to U.S. demands, Obama stated, “It’s still early in the process. We’re going to have a series of conversations.”
State Department spokesman Robert Wood denies allegations made in the New York Times on Monday that the U.S. would withhold its support in the United Nations should Israel continue to expand towns within Judea and Samaria. "As you know, we've long worked to ensure that Israel is treated fairly at the United Nations. That will continue. And as you know, Israel is a close friend and ally. And we remain committed to its security. And as I said, that will continue," he said.