Israel's religious-Zionist daily newspaper HaTzofeh writes in its editorial this past Friday, "One of [Sharon's] voices is directed inwards, towards the residents of the State of Israel, while the other is pointed at the United States, the State Department and the White House."
The paper noted the Prime Minister's recent announcement of the planned construction of 3,500 housing units between Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim, which strengthens the territorial contiguity between the areas and which will strengthen the entire Jerusalem region. "However," the paper continues, "Sharon was quick to make clear to the Administration officials in Washington that the declarations were for 'internal use only,' merely to calm down his right-wing opponents, and that there really are no such construction plans."
Associate Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and Housing Minister Yitzchak Herzog have similarly clarified to American officials in recent days that there are no concrete plans for construction in the area.
"This is another proof of Sharon's forked-tongue policy that shakes confidence not only in his declarations, but also in his commitments," HaTzofeh writes.
Secretary Rice said last week that the future of all the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria will be determined in peace negotiations. She thus effectively belied Prime Minister Sharon's long-time boast that Bush had promised him that the large settlement blocs would remain Israeli.
"As it stands now," concludes HaTzofeh, "Washington is dictating Jerusalem's policy, even if Sharon tries to show some muscle vis-a-vis his Israeli public."