American-Israeli relations expert Yoram Ettinger was asked today how it is that the current American administration, which has accepted Israel's position that Arafat is no longer relevant, is "forcing" Israel to renew the transfer of monies to the PA. His response:
"This happens, unfortunately, because the State Department formulates policy, the Administration passes it on to Israel, and then Israel, in a most schlemiel-like manner, accepts it as if it's a real dictate. Before 1993, Israel knew how to say no to the U.S., and the current Administration itself is amazed at the ease with which the State Department demands are accepted by Israel. I have no doubt that if Israel would say that under no circumstances will we transfer money that will be used to finance suicide bombers and explosives vests and car bombs, just as the U.S. would never do so to Al-Qaeda, I have no doubt that the U.S. would accept this... Similarly, I have no doubt that the U.S. would accept a firm Israeli position stating that there is no connection at all between loan guarantees and the settlements in Yesha - [in keeping with] the American position itself that it will not force an agreement on the sides."
"This happens, unfortunately, because the State Department formulates policy, the Administration passes it on to Israel, and then Israel, in a most schlemiel-like manner, accepts it as if it's a real dictate. Before 1993, Israel knew how to say no to the U.S., and the current Administration itself is amazed at the ease with which the State Department demands are accepted by Israel. I have no doubt that if Israel would say that under no circumstances will we transfer money that will be used to finance suicide bombers and explosives vests and car bombs, just as the U.S. would never do so to Al-Qaeda, I have no doubt that the U.S. would accept this... Similarly, I have no doubt that the U.S. would accept a firm Israeli position stating that there is no connection at all between loan guarantees and the settlements in Yesha - [in keeping with] the American position itself that it will not force an agreement on the sides."