I wonder if Hillary Clinton has ever been to Ma’ale Adumim. The Jerusalem suburb, considered a “settlement”, is as close to being outside of Jerusalem as Brooklyn is outside of New York. They are the same city.
I wonder if Clinton has ever been to Gush Etzion. I have made two trips to Israel’s largest settlement bloc. It does not feel like a settlement to me, it feels like an established Jewish town.
I wonder if Clinton has ever been to Gush Katif. Ever since the Jews were forced out, it has become quite a sh*thole.
I suspect the answer to those questions is no. For the first time, Obama’s administration has done something I disagree with to the core. Obama wants to see all settlement growth end. That includes natural growth.
I understand, though I disagree with, the drive to shut down settlement outposts. These small communities generally sit on hilltops and were not approved by the government. While I would rather they stay, I can see his point on those.
Settlement growth, there I am on the fence for logic. I can understand a drive to keep new settlements from forming, but you can’t stop people from moving in. I have friends in Efrat. If I wanted to move there, under Clinton’s plan, I would be turned away. Efrat is a city, not an illegal settlement.
Stopping natural growth? That is just going too far. They can stop me from moving in, but they can’t stop people from having children and families. Imagine if the United States government made natural growth illegal in all cities in the New England area. That just would not happen and would not work. People will have kids. Those kids grow up. You can’t just make them move to the West Coast when they turn 18. They will want to get their own place to live near their family. So, they move into a new apartment across town. That is what the new US plan makes illegal.
You know what I say to that? (Skip this line if you are easily offended) Fuck off.
Jewish families will continue to have kids. Fortunately, Netanyahu does not agree with the US drive to end settlement growth. My friends in Efrat are safe, for now. Stick to your guns Mr. Netanyahu. I hope the Israeli government sticks with you.
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Eric – who has written 1527 posts on The Israel Situation.
Eric is the founder and editor of IsraelSituation.com. You can follow him on Twitter as @DenverEric and read his personal blog at EricJRosenberg.com
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