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Tensions High During Biden's Visit To Israel

Lindy Tolbert |
March 11, 2010 | 10:55 a.m. PST

Staff Reporter

Biden's efforts to promote peace in the Middle East is hindered by Israeli
development project. (Creative Commons)
Vice President Joe Biden praised the close alliance between Israel and the U.S. in a speech at Tel Aviv University Thursday in an effort to glass over a statement made by Israel's government that was seen as a slap in the face to Biden.
This speech comes on the tail of an announcement by Israel's interior minister of a building project of 1,600 new homes in East Jerusalem.
The timing of the newly publicized housing development is seen by many as undermining U.S. efforts, since the point of Biden's five-day trip to the region was to mediate peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. 
"I, at the request of President Obama, condemned it immediately and unequivocally [...] Quite frankly, folks, sometimes only a friend can deliver the hardest truth," Biden said.
However, the vice president chose to instead smooth over the perceived diplomatic gaffe. In his speech, he gave glowing praise to the nation, saying that the U.S. has "no better friend" than Israel and that the U.S. "stands resolutely beside Israel against the scourge of terrorism." 
The reference to terrorism refers to one of Israel's main issues with the U.S., which is U.S.'s commitment to halting Iran's plans to create nuclear program. 
U.S. envoy George Mitchell had just managed the previous day to convince Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas not to demand that all settlement efforts halt before entering peace talks with Israel. 
This is the first time the sides have agreed to meet in more than a year. Israel had previously agreed to a moratorium on housing construction for 10 months, with the exception of the West Bank.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized for the poor timing, but has not retracted the statement or canceled the plans. 
"Yesterday, the decision by the Israeli government to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem undermines that very trust - the trust that we need right now in order to begin as well as produce profitable negotiations," Biden said.
Abbas has also agreed that the announcement has stunted the peace process and is currently refusing direct talks with Israel, but affirmed his desire for peace between the two warring groups.
"The time is right for peace based on two states - an Israeli state living in peace and security alongside a Palestinian state," said Abbas, addressing the Israeli people.


 

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