US Condemns Israeli Settlement (legislation, conventions)

[Radio Frequency X]

US Condemns Israeli Settlement in West Bank

I'm interested in a couple of things here:

1. Does it really matter what the US approves or condemns in Israel? Or for anywhere else?

2. Does Israel owe the United States for US protection?

3. Does Israel feel like they have more ground now that Palestine is suffering from division between Hamas and Fatah?

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by Radio Frequency X

US Condemns Israeli Settlement in West Bank

I'm interested in a couple of things here:

1. Does it really matter what the US approves or condemns in Israel? Or for anywhere else?

2. Does Israel owe the United States for US protection?

3. Does Israel feel like they have more ground now that Palestine is suffering from division between Hamas and Fatah?

1. To the situation on the ground, no. To world opinion of the United States, yes. When you don't condemn a systematic process that goes against the Geneva Conventions and international human rights legislation, you're looking for trouble.

2 & 3. I don't really care.

[standing_on_one_foot]

1. Yes, I think it matters. And I think the settlement is an incredibly foolish thing to be doing. But the US is one of Israel's strongest allies. Potentially there is influence, and it would be wrong not to point out when you think someone is doing something wrong.

2. No, I'm not sure I'd put it that way. I think they do owe the US a certain amount of respect in listening to criticism, though.

3. Hmm. No. I think Israel's just doing it, and would do it one way or another.