Bill Clinton: Netanyahu Speech Is Just Opening Act

UNITED NATIONS — Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tough terms for a Palestinian peace deal are just the opening moves in a drama that will have a few more acts.

Clinton said it was a good thing that Netanyahu, who leads a hardline coalition, went on the record in support of "any sort of two-state solution."

A week after President Barack Obama addressed the Muslim world and strongly reiterated U.S. backing for independent Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side in peace, Netanyahu endorsed Sunday an independent Palestinian state beside Israel for the first time.

Netanyahu had previously refused to agree to negotiate a two-state solution, reversing the position of the previous Israeli government, which backed the road map to Mideast peace unveiled by the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Russia in 2003.

But Netanyahu attached conditions that were immediately rejected by the Palestinians _ including recognition of Israel as the Jewish state, essentially means Palestinians refugees must give up their goal of returning to Israel. He insisted that a Palestinian state be demilitarized, and demanded that Jerusalem remain the capital of Israel. He also refused to freeze Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as the U.S. is demanding.

"Based on my experience with Mr. Netanyahu, he did what he thought he had to do to keep the ball rolling and not completely alienate the United States initiative," Clinton told reporters at the end of a news conference on his new role as the U.N. special advisor on Haiti.

"This is the opening play," he said. "This is his response to the Obama administration's first move."

"It's just the beginning, and it's a drama that will have a few more acts," Clinton said.

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Reporters burst into laughter when Clinton said he hadn't gotten his talking points from the U.S. State Department and was speaking only for himself. His wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is secretary of state.

Clinton, as president, brokered Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in Maryland in 1998, at Camp David in July 2000, and in Taba, Egypt, in January 2001 _ all to no avail.

He said Netanyahu's proposal on Sunday was "completely unacceptable" to the Fatah-led Palestinian government, which controls the West Bank and would not lead the rival Hamas faction, which controls the Gaza Strip, "to give up violence and try to join the coalition government."

Israeli and Palestinian politics are also "more fractured" than they were during his presidency from 1993 to 2001, Clinton said. "So we're a long way from where we need to be," he said.

On the other hand, the Saudi peace initiative proposed by King Abdullah in 2002 and relaunched in 2007 "has the support of the entire Arab world _ save Syria _ and other Muslim countries."

It offers pan-Arab recognition of Israel in exchange for the return of Arab lands captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war.

Clinton said Obama, his secretary of state, and Mideast envoy George Mitchell "are basically taking the right position in trying to work through this in the right way."

"What would have been a disaster is if Netanyahu had not endorsed the possibility of a two-state solution," Clinton said.

Comments

[mattyd123]

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&client=firefox-a&channel=s&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=6vi&ei=ovs2SqKfMtqntgfB9-nYDA&resnum=0&q=redemption+song&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=qfs2SveWLdnBtwexxvDWDA&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#

[jmad]

Please Pres O. Stop the expansion of Zionist building on Palestine land.

[Lyr]

Wow he's president of Israel too?

[who38]

How about this: Please Pres. O, Stop all funding to Israel. It may stop the expansion of Zionist building on Palestine land. Also please remove all tax write-offs for monies given to charity groups that directly benefit Israel.

Please remove tax-writeoffs for all religious groups as well.

[sokolof]

He is indirectly involved. He can decide to stop aid so that Israel stops committing crime.

[who38]

How about this---Please Pres. O stop sending money to Israel. It may stop the expansion of Zionist building on Palestine land.

[Sentientbeing09]

How about Please Pres O, please stop the US taxpayer from providing 20% of Israels yearly defence budget.

[Americafirst2008]

For the past forty or more years, the achievement of a peace that could secure the future of Israel has been a core objective of U.S. foreign policy.

To this end, over this period, the United States has transferred more than $100 billion directly to Israel and as much as another $100 billion indirectly. We have also spent well over a trillion dollars and thousands of lives on wars that relate at least in part to the objective of securing peace for Israel.

There has never been a review of either the impact of the US-Israeli strategic partnership on our relations with the Arab or Islamic worlds or the role that Arab and Muslim perceptions of it may play in stimulating anti-American terrorism. There has been no independent evaluation of the perpetually unsuccessful “peace process” despite repeated charges from the peace movement in Israel that their government gives lip service to peace while acting to stall it so as to wrest ever more land from Palestinians. Our understanding of events in the Holy Land has been left to be defined by AIPAC and other American supporters of the settler movement in Israeli-occupied Arab lands. They have brazenly – and quite successfully – insisted that the Likud Party and related right-wing factions in Israeli politics should have the right to decide U.S. policy as well as the policy of Israel.

[gladys46]

That sums it ... actually most americans have no idea or little knowledge of a "Likud Party" or the miserable Zio nist background of such a person as Bibi or the actual history of "The Iron Wall" :
:

http://www.marxists.de/middleast/schoenman/ch02.htm

[gladys46]

For those who may dismiss Ralph Schoenman as some whatever ... this is his Bio:

http://www.marxists.org/history/etol/document/mideast/hidden/author.htm

[sokolof]

The U.S is expected to be the most conscious, cautious, efficient, economical, logical, name it. However its foreign policy has always been the opposite of many positives as above that damages its economy, image, etc..for example, fighting and supporting unnecessary wars. Really, as popular as U.S is it can have the most benefit in the world because it was supposed to be a good example and leader of the world. For instance, knowing that they support 2 state solution, there is no point to beat around the bush and cause unnecessary lives and money. Implement it by giving ultimatum to the parties involved. No need to invade Iraq, instead cause coup on Saddam Hussein. Why is this happening is because I believe by extreme destruction, money is being made selling arms. Even though, is that helping Americans benefit from it? I s till don't see it. One group that benefit from it are the corporations and basically the functioning, and existence of America is really for corporations and the rich. That has always been the goal.

[isi]

Bill Clinton needs to refrain from discussing the middle east situation. He is just jealous that all of his efforts at middle east peace failed. Bill, stay out of this, it is in Obama's and Hillary's hands.

[patrickgarret]

He made allot of progress. Do you read?

[partyofone]

isi, I agree. Bill Clinton is only serving his ego by pontificating, and could do some real damage.

[zaz33]

Agreeing to negotiate a two state solution and continueing to build settlements deep inside the WB is contradictory.

[gladys46]

A petition sponsored by J-Street states "freeze means freeze" of settlement expansion .. help stop the madness :


http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/2747/t/3251/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=593

[propaganda must die]

Israel, and its powerful lobby and supporters have really taken control of the writing of history. It is sad that any truth that is detrimental to the Zionist regime is suppressed almost willingly. The news media has been well trained. What a shame.

I think in the broader society, people are tiered of the one-sided support. Perhaps we will see a more just approach in that region. If we really wanted democracy in the middle east, we would lean on Israel pretty hard since they are very reliant on the US

[dteg]

exactly it worked with South Africa. Their old regime were our allies to. Not much budged there until the US followed the rest of the World in no longer supporting apartheid. To much feel good talk from Bill Clinton. Play more hard ball and get serious negotiations going so there will really be a two state solution.

[Brett575]

It had only a marginal effect in South Africa. If there was still a Soviet Union, Mandela would not have been released!

[gladys46]

Then do something .. join J-Street and help push back against this Zio nist regime of Bibi's !!


http://blogs.jta.org/politics/article/2009/06/09/1005776/j-streets-jackpot-for-donna-edwards


http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0609/Jewish_left_fundraises_for_Edwards.html

[Tzimisce]

Problem is that the most powerful Jewish lobby in the U.S. is run by hard-line right wing extremists.
AIPAC has all the money in the world to spend, promoting their agenda [which is bad for both Israel AND the U.S.], but they don't represent the mainstream of Jewish, or even Israeli opinion.

Remember, Bibi didn't even get the most votes in the recent Israeli election.

[northstar11]

the money goes from US taxpayers to israel to aipac to the buy influence in the congress---
money to get jewish members elected, money to help secure non jews votes, money to the media for supportive stories.
of course if israel needs an enemy taken out (sadam or iran)- all the support pieces are in place.

[CarlyHope]

All minorities have the right to organize themselves politically, this should not trouble you one the basis of their Jewishness, or desire to get Jewish members elected

[PresidentRobertBooth]

***Bill Clinton: Netanyahu Speech Is Just Opening Act***

Yes, of a war.

[LAThinker]

yes, if Palestinians will chose to continue on this path

[arle]

Who chooses war?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nancy-kanwisher/reigniting-violence-how-d_b_155611.html

[renatam]

The LESS said by Bil Clinton in this matter, the better.

[renatam]

...about ANYTHING.

[apduncan1]

Where is Monica when we need her?

[partyofone]

applause

[nowarpleez]

Did anyone else see the embarrassing report on CBS Evening News on Monday night. It was completely biased and one sided. They gave Netanyahu an open forum to spread garbage with no alternative point of view from the Palestinians. I am boycotting the CBS Evening News and I recommend that everyone else do the same.

[gladys46]

This is the way it's been .... little and no rebuttal from those that are being discussed so negatively ... Palestinians !!! That alone should make people wonder ! I don't hate our Jewish people ... who I do loathe are those people who speak for them ... after all they are all we hear from ... they are not honest !!

[arle]

And they don't even represent what Jewish Americans, by and large, really stand for. American Judaism has a long tradition of academic respect, liberalism and socialism. The war hawks at AIPAC and the shills at the ADL don't represent any of that.

[arle]

I've been boycotting the MSM for a while now -- they're worthless and they're complicit in both the Iraq War and in Guantanamo Bay. If you want /real/ news, I'd look at PBS, NPR, BBC and Democracy Now. Heck, even al-Jazeera is more balanced and genuinely journalistic, from what I've heard, than any US-based outlet. My own exposure is admittedly limited but I've had other people I respect vouch for it.

[renatam]

You don't have to worry. These dinasaurs - really fused with NYC-PR apparatus - and has lost its advertising and subscriber base (newspaper­s/magazine­s). TV is next. Soon, consumers will be able to create their OWN personalized network(s) - which will prevent mass distribution of propaganda and allow consumers to personalize view/reading experiences based upon WHO they trust/respect, etc.

The Israeli and NYC propaganda machine - very costly and toxic - helped BREAK the NYC-centric media model. The Internet allows free-er and independent flow. Consequently, one can see CBS' bias clearly when contrasted to what you see on the Internet. Iran just saw the power of Twitter, etc.

So, the end of mass media/propaganda is on the horizon. Not a minute too soon. Israel will be isolated in the media as well - when NOBODY chooses syndicatio­ns/outlets that even mention their name, let along feature right-winged racists such as Netenyahu and his sidekick, Lieberman.

WHO would subscribe for the KKK Channel?

[dteg]

Agreed Al-Jazeera is more balanced. Thats why Bush hated them so much because they could would not fall in like the ducks at ABC,CBS and NBC. Al-Jazeera was a lot more balanced than MSM yet the MSM was patting themselves on the backs and giving themselves awards when the world press was more correct in the Bush area.

[dteg]

I have given up on CBS, ABC, newspapers they are going the way of the dinosaur. I am tired of waiting for them to change. Just the web, Dailey Show and MSNBC for me. Power to the people and hope the young can turn things around like the young are trying to do in Iran. TV is controlled by the corportation and change may only come through the web.

[renatam]

Nobody is buying or subscribing. STILL they continue to propagandize, so desperate to SERVE Israeli interests they would rather DIE than honor the unique Constituti­onally-pro­tected press freedoms and the overwhelming majority of the citizens of the US who deserve better for our Democracy.

NYC-centric media is dying. They know it and are just kicking the can until retirements. Israel knows it, which is why Lieberman, the Foreign Minister is looking for new SUCKERS to replace the American support/largesse - because the majority of Americans can't afford and don't understand this setup, or HOW our Government allowed itself to get hijacked along w/our treasure to serve 3mil people in Israel - for more than 40 years.

[sokolof]

That is where the end of democracy begins. The beginning of 1984 by Orson Wells

[Pupadup4oBama]

YES!! I'm glad to know that I was correct in my assessments.

[arle]

I love Bill Clinton. Yeah, I disapprove of much of his behavior and a fair number of the policy choices forwarded under his Administration, but you have to admit the guy knows what he's talking about. And he can see /right/ through Netanyahu. Check out this article by MJ Rosenburg where he describes a conversation he had with Clinton about Netanyahu:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/18/israelis_just_dont/

[traveler501]

are you really hung up over his "behavior?" really?

[mainemomma]

I'll admit.. I didn't like the Monica thing.. didn't like our POTUS acting line a horn'dog. And, NOW said nada when this was all going on.. and if it was a repub president.­. there would have been heck to pay.

[stell]

To a right-winger like Bill, sure it's an "opening act". No justice no peace. Bill just has too many conflicting political interests to protect. If Bibi, and the people he represents aren't extremists, I don't know what is. Bill thinks that because he endorsed "any" kind of two-state solution he should be praised? That's a pretty low bar, even for Bill.

[super]

A low bar is all we'll get for the likes of Bibi, Ahmedinejad and Hamas. We do not inhabit a world of great statesmen.

[traveler501]

"Bill" is a Right Winger?? Do you mean the Other Right Wing??

[mainemomma]

I thought is swung left..

[Sentientbeing09]

I think the first 'Bill' should read 'Bibi'

Right Stell?

[julianne]

Israel has been talking about this same two-state solution for decades. Now we're going to (begin) the long process of "talking" about it again. Israel will try to talk about this until they have colonized as much of Palestine as they possbily can. Obama is their new talker.

[lainey]

And what are you hearing on the other side that makes you want to support them? This should be interestin­g....

[CarlyHope]

Which is why they left Gaza right?

[arle]

According to the Israeli government (when talking to their own media, anyway), the Gaza pull out was all about stalling the peace process indefinitely.

"The disengagement is actually formaldehyde. It supplies the amount of formaldehyde that's necessary so that there will not be a political process with the Palestinia­ns."

Go ahead and read the whole interview.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=485929

[Americafirst2008]

Maybe the Palestinians could counter by Asking Israel to become a real democracy, give up it's nuclear weapons and sign the NPT, and give equal rights to all citizens, not just the jewish ones.

[who38]

And if Palestine does not; the US should.

[MaxCohen]

Everyone on this sight loves to bring up the fact that Israel is a large recipient of foregin aid from the United States. Do all those same people think that that means the Palestinians get none? Ask Arafat's wife from her palace in France or the hundreds of millions that corupted government the PLO kept for themselves in the 90s. Then we can talka bout the billions ear marked to rebuild gaza when they take the first steps to reconciling with Fatah. Everyone calling for the end of aid to Israel, do you think that will bring peace or more war? Do you call for the end of foreign aid to the Palestinians when they use it to launch attacks on innocent Israelis or buy Iranian rockets to send indiscriminately into civilian population centers? If you don't maybe you should start asking yourself why.

[Americafirst2008]

Israel is a first world country, so why do we pay billions to a country that spies on us and makes friends with countries with interest different than ours?

Why don't we pay other first world countries with our tax dollars. Maybe a few billion for Canada and another billion for France.

if Israel is such an advanced and innovative country why do we pay so their citizens have a better standard of living than ours?

It's ridiculous and outrageous.

[arle]

This site is useful in quickly comparing what we give Israelis versus what we give Palestinians:
http://www.ifamericansknew.org/stats/usaid.html

The figures for non-military aid are farther down the page.

[TimDanMick]

Would you accept an announcement that the US was a Christian country.

[lainey]

This country of ours was built under the premise of no religion due to British intolerance, however, since the Jewish faith and culture has been persecuted for centuries, experienced diaspora since Biblical days and lived through the Holocaust, it is warranted that they ensure that they have a safe place to live and thrive. You are comparing apples to oranges, especially when this Jewish state has Christians and Muslims living in their land and openly practicing their faith. Ask the refugees of Darfur. Thousands live in Israel--all practicing their Muslim faith and all treated well. These same Muslims are killed and tortured in their own predominantly Muslim nation and the Muslim nation of Egypt.

[AkiraBergman]

Why don't you mention Israel's nuclear arsenal built by the USA?

[lainey]

Bravo. Very well said. The people of Palestine have suffered under the leadership for decades because the elected officials have taken any money given and saved it for themselves. Their government has failed to build commerce or treat them with any respect. The last thing the good people of Palestine need is support for Hamas or any other hate group that runs their government. It is embarrassing to read "recognize the Jewish state" as a condition. How can you blame Israel when they don't even exist? The same old tired lines of hating Israel and blaming her is not liberal at all. In fact, it is just the opposite.

[arle]

Everything you say applies to Palestine two-fold. It's a bit hard to build a commercial infrastructure when the IDF alternates between blockading it with naval ships and military checkpoints, or bombing and razing it outright with air strikes, tanks shells and armored bulldozers.

[traveler501]

personally I find the "recognize the Jewish State" thing as pretty odd. Jews originally biased the political situation by buying land in predomintly Arab Palestine, now they want to prohibit Palestinians from buying back in. Israel existing as a "Jewish" state...is quirky at best, racist at worst. now, let's talk about the holocaust again *sigh*

[traveler501]

of course the Palestinians get aid as well, what's your point??