Obama “incandescent with rage” as Israel gives Biden the finger...

The strength and political influence of the country’s settler faction became apparent as soon as US Vice-President Joe Biden arrived in Jerusalem to attempt to reopen the stalled peace talks with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

There was well-founded optimism that the reawakened US interest would conclude a diplomatic charm offensive which had already achieved new proximity talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

But it was not to be. In a move which reportedly made President Barack Obama “incandescent with rage” the Israeli government announced plans to open 112 new housing units in the West Bank and gave planning permission for the creation of 1,600 new housing units in the Ramat Shlomo area of East Jerusalem.

As this news was revealed on the day of Biden’s arrival it was clear that the Israelis were signalling that they would not be bullied by the US into giving way on the question of building Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. More...

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