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Clinton Pledges 'Unshakeable Bond' with Israel

15
Joo-LiZ3/16/2010 10:52:55 am PDT

Ha’aretz article quoting the same speech:

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that Israel must prove it is committed to the Middle East peace process, but brushed
aside suggestions that U.S.-Israeli relations are in crisis.

U.S. and Israeli officials are in intense talks over “steps that we think would demonstrate the requisite commitment to the process,” said Clinton.

She added that the Obama administration was awaiting a response from Israel to suggestions on how to repair damage caused by last week’s announcement of new housing in East Jerusalem.

At the same time, Clinton said she did not think ties between the U.S. and Israel were in danger. She said the United States and Israel have a “close, unshakable bond” and that Washington remained absolutely committed to Israeli security.

According to a report in The Washington Post on Tuesday, U.S. officials say that Mitchell’s visit will remain on hold until the White House receives an Israeli response to key demands.

Israel must reverse its approval for construction in Ramat Shlomo, make a “substantial gesture” towards the Palestinians and publicly declare that all of the “core issues” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the status of Jerusalem, be included in upcoming talks.

The three conditions, set by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a 43-minute telephone call to Netanyahu on Friday, have not been publicized by the U.S. - but Israel is expected to provide a formal answer on Tuesday, the Post reported.

Clinton and Obama are trying to wring more concessions from Israel, whilst simultaneously ignoring the PA dedication of a square to honor terrorists (it was postponed but has now happened). Countless statements of incitement for rioting in Jerusalem, and a “Day of Rage” that occurred today.