March 19, 2010
Did we really condemn Hamas for their call to violence
The administration certainly had a lot to say about 1600 houses that would have been built in East Jerusalem. But what about the call to violence by Hamas that resulted in riots in the streets of Jerusalem? Did the US government, as Obama claimed in his Fox News interview, actually condemn the Palestinians?
Commentary's Jennifer Rubin:
On March 16 (the day to which the president refers), the State Department spokesman had this to say: "As we said yesterday, we are concerned about statements that could potentially risk incitement because we recognize that there's a great deal of tension in the region right now. Today, you had Hamas say ‘Call for a day of rage.' This is irresponsible." No use of the word condemn. At the White House, Robert Gibbs had this to say: "Well, again, as I said earlier today and as I said last week when asked about this, there are actions that each side takes that hurt the trust needed to bring these two sides together. The State Department reiterated - or I will reiterate what the State Department said yesterday about the deep concern that we have around inflammatory rhetoric around the rededication of a synagogue in Jerusalem. That's not helpful on that side of the ledger."This fits the pattern of the administration in their "balanced" approach to the peace process. The Palestinians can do just about anything and not draw so much as a whisper from Obama. But an honest mistake by Israel is treated as a crisis that almost leads to a rupture in relations.
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So where has the U.S. "condemned" the Palestinian violence? Not in any public briefing or statement so far.
What's wrong with that picture?
Hat Tip: Ed Lasky