Barack Obama, Israel and American Jews
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The Obama Administration has revved up efforts at Middle East Peace, but relations are strained with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We get a progress report.
Banner image: An Israeli settler raises an Israeli flag over a makeshift structure on the illegal outpost of Givat Tzuria, north of the West Bank Palestinian city of Tulkarem. Photo: David Furst/AFP/Getty Images
Making News
Robert Gates and George Mitchell in the Middle East ()
Special envoy George Mitchell is shuttling around the Middle East this week with visits to Syria, Egypt and Israel. Today, Defense Secretary Robert Gates was in Israel to talk about Iran. Josh Mitnick is a correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor in Tel Aviv.
Guests:
- Joshua Mitnick: Correspondent, Christian Science Monitor
Main Topic
Settlements Strain Relations between the US and Israel ()
During the Bush Administration, the US and Israel worked hand in glove, but President Obama has outraged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Obama demands a "freeze" on settlements in the West Bank and that a Jewish housing development in East Jerusalem not be permitted. Former diplomats say Obama's reneging on promises made by President Bush. Most American Jews still support the President, but even left-wing Israelis want reassurances that the US is still a friend. As the US tries to restart the peace process, we try to sort this all out.
Guests:
- Elliott Abrams: former Deputy Advisor for Middle East Affairs, National Security Council
- Ori Nir: Spokesman, Americans for Peace Now
- Jonathan Tobin: Executive Editor, Commentary magazine, @TobinCommentary
- Gerald Steinberg: Professor of Political Studies, Bar Ilan University, @GeraldNGOM
- Ron Kampeas: Washington Bureau Chief, JTA
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