Chomsky: Netanyahu’s “Insulting Manner” Is Real Cause Of US-Israel Impasse

by Thomas Wellborn

World renowned scholar Noam Chomsky alleged in an interview with Raw Story that the real reason Obama officials have taken issue with new, permanent Israeli settlements has to do with Netanyahu’s hawkish disposition.

In a speech this month at Tel Aviv University, Joe Biden warned Netanyahu’s plans would “inflame” peace talks with Palestine.  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated Monday that new Israeli settlements in the West Bank were jeopardizing the negotiation progress.

Chomsky: “President Obama, like every American president, has said that he’s opposed to settlement expansion, but his administration has made it clear that the position is purely symbolic. They would not undertake even very mild steps toward sanctions.

Their main problem, Chomsky purported, is Netanyahu’s “insulting” posturing. Supporting an Israeli prime minister perceived as reluctant to meaningfully recognize a Palestinian state could damage America’s credibility as a mediator for peace.

US foreign policy leaders “want to put in someone who’s more accommodating, who will carry out the same programs but not in an arrogant and insulting fashion,” Chomsky said. “It’s the manner – not the facts – that they’re objecting to.”

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