Russian-born Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman gave his first major interview since taking office to Russia’s Moskovskiy Komosolets, and spelled out his rather unique foreign policy position, in addition to making some rather bold assertions.
In particular, Lieberman insisted that despite America’s support for the “two-state solution” which the Israeli administration has rejected, President Obama will not put forth any new peace initiatives unless Israel wants them to. “Believe me,” Lieberman declared, “American accepts all our decisions.”
He also, rather surprisingly, said that Iran is not the Israel’s biggest strategic threat. Instead, Lieberman bestowed that honor collectively on Afghanistan and Pakistan. He said that Pakistan and Afghanistan could fall, forming “a contiguous area of radicalism ruled in the spirit of Osama bin Laden.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned Lieberman’s comments as “unwarranted,” and said “any efforts to malign or isolate Pakistan will not succeed.” So far US officials have not commented on Lieberman’s assertion that Pakistan imperils Israel or the claims that America will accept whatever decisions the Netanyahu government makes.
Peace and Justice Post 
West Bank Settlers Top 300,000 as Growth Continues
July 28, 200911 New Outposts Set Up in Past Two Days
According to the Israeli military, the population of settlers in the West Bank passed 300,000 for the first time this year, and sits at 304,569 as of the end of June, an increase of 2.3% in the past six months. Usually growth rates are even higher in the second half of the year. The number does not include some 200,000 more settlers living in East Jerusalem.
The Netanyahu government has resisted the calls however, and insists growth will continue. The settlers have considerable sway in Israel’s right-wing government and today held a massive anti-US rally in Jerusalem condemning President Obama’s criticism of the settlements.
The government has tried to salve international criticism with the promise to dismantle the smaller, illegal outposts in the West Bank, but over the past two days it is reported that 11 new outposts were set up by the militant “Youth for Israel” movement, which seemed to consist of little more than a handful of huts set up by teenagers. The Israeli military, however, declined to stop the construction of the new outposts.
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Tags:East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers, Netanyahu government, new outposts, West Bank
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