Hillary Clinton: US, Israel must preserve 'special' ties

[cali]

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talked about the importance of US-Israel relations on Monday, amid tensions between the White House and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a host of issues – from policy differences towards settlements in the West Bank to nuclear negotiations between world powers and Iran to comments made by the Israeli premier both before a joint session of Congress in March and in the final days of his re-election campaign.

“We need to all work together to return the special US-Israel relationship to constructive footing," Clinton said during a phone conversation with Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, "to get back to basic shared concerns and interests.”

Israel can "never" become a partisan issue, said the presumed front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination who also urged Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace talks. "We must ensure that."

Hoenlein, who, according to a statement by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, had called Clinton on Monday, said her comments were of "special importance and timeliness" in light of "recent issues in the US-Israel relationship."

<snip>

http://www.jpost.com/International/Hillary-Clinton-says-US-Israel-ties-must-return-to-normal-395547

Hillary will be just as much "Israel right or wrong" as the repuke candidates.

Here's a blast from the recent past:

Hillary Clinton: Hamas responsible for civilian deaths in Gaza

http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Hillary-Clinton-Hamas-responsible-for-civilian-deaths-in-Gaza-370637

Hillary supports the occupation. You Hillaryites can deny that, but it's true.

[Fumesucker]

1. So Hillary was cool with the Repubs inviting Bibi to sandbag Obama in Congress

That's good to know.

[cali]

2. I wouldn't go that far, but now you've got me curious

did she say anything about that revolting episode? Off to find out.

[jakeXT]

8. "She has said nothing about the controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s congressional speech"

She has said nothing about the controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s congressional speech but is on the record as strongly supporting the Obama administration’s approach to negotiating with Iran.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/for-hillary-and-bibi-a-long-and-sometimes-fraught-relationship/2015/03/01/fe6c7a26-bea9-11e4-b274-e5209a3bc9a9_story.html?hpid=z1

[mylye2222]

9. Sounds like she is playing double game.

[Helen Borg]

21. She is pulling a Biden there!

[leveymg]

30. HRC is on record as holding the same "maximalist" no enrichment position as Netanyahu and KSA

While she says she supports negotiations, she has taken a position that is so extremely at variance with the other parties in the 5+1 group that it all but guarantees the failure of talks.

[geek tragedy]

32. Netanyahu was attacking the negotiations she began with Iran.

And she blasted the #47traitors

But, gotta walk the line between supporting the President and offending the delicate flowers within the party who can't abide by criticism of Israel.

[Ichingcarpenter]

3. she hedges her opinions

like a hedgefund manager... and then Israel sucker punches us again and again and again.

[cali]

4. I don't think she's hedged her opinions on Israel all that much

she's always been an Israel right or wrong pol.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

20. "Hillary supports the occupation. You Hillaryites can deny that, but it's true..."

So does this gentleman:

S. Res. 185: (-) reaffirming the commitment of the US to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calling for a US veto of any UN resolution on Palestinian statehood without a settlement.
S. Con. Res. 23: (-) supporting Israel in maintaining defensible borders, and against Israel returning to the armistice lines that existed on June 4, 1967

[Helen Borg]

5. All the US needs is

Independence from oil. That would solve the ME problem.

[HereSince1628]

11. 8% of global sea trade passes through the Suez Canal... oil & other trade too

It's ancient history now, but the Suez Canal Crisis of the mid-1950s and invasion of Egypt by European militaries to seize the canal and overturn government there isn't forgotten and every time Egypt and it's neighbors get into crisis we are reminded t.

The 6000 mile short-cut between western Europe and the Indian ocean is still considered important.

[Demeter]

12. All the US needs is independence from Israel

a good parasite-purge....

[cali]

14. referring to jews as parasites or vermin has very ugly historical roots

and no, saying that you were referring to Israel, doesn't make it much better.

[Demeter]

15. Israel is a parasite--and thank you, I'm Jewish

So, too are the Saudis parasites, if that makes you feel any less sullied by existing on the same planet with me.

American interests and Israel's do not mesh, and guilt is no basis upon which to build a functional relationship.

[bowens43]

6. Yet another reason to refuse to vote for hillary

[still_one]

26. Really. Saying effectively that the U.S. need to push a 2 state solution back on track is a bad

thing? There is not one potential Democratic or progressive candidate, including Bernie Sanders who would not agree with that. Even though Elizabeth Warren is not a prospective candidate she agrees with that. President Obama agrees with that.

So i guess that implies you are voting for some other party

[leveymg]

31. HRC has stated that she sees Hamas as fully responsible for Gaza casualties and that Israel was

merely defending itself. She refused to acknowledge that Netanyahu had used disproportionate force.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

37. ...

"But when Hamas puts its rocket launchers next to hospitals, next to schools, they're using their civilian population to protect their military assets. And I believe Israel has a right, at that point, to defend itself."

-Elizabeth Warren

[leveymg]

45. Elizabeth has a cup of Kool-aid in her hand. Not sure if she drank a lethal dose.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

50. There is no daylight between HRC's , Bernie's, and Warren's position on Israel ...

I don't know what the point of this thread was beyond holding out one Democratic leader for censure for holding a position that is common to her party.


Truf!

[democrank]

7. I`m curious if Hillary Clinton

has a position on whether or not Palestinians` would have liked to preserve "special" ties with their bulldozed olive trees.

[PADemD]

10. +1000

[Nye Bevan]

13. Elizabeth Warren Defends Israeli Shelling of Gaza Schools, Hospitals

The Israeli military has the right to attack Palestinian hospitals and schools in self defense if Hamas has put rocket launchers next to them, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said last week at a local town hall, according to the Cape Cod Times.

Warren, in defending her vote to send funds to Israel in the middle of its war with Hamas, said she thinks civilian casualties are the "last thing Israel wants."

"But when Hamas puts its rocket launchers next to hospitals, next to schools, they're using their civilian population to protect their military assets. And I believe Israel has a right, at that point, to defend itself," she said.

Israeli tanks shelled schools and hospitals during the most recent conflict in Gaza. The Israeli government claimed at the time that rockets and militants had been located nearby. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency condemned militants for hiding rockets in two schools, and also sharply criticized Israeli attacks on other schools.

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5733164

I suspect that whoever the candidate is, their views on Israel will not be popular here.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

22. She also supports the "occupation"

Since its founding more than 60 years ago, Israel and the United States have been steadfast, trusted, and reliable allies. I unequivocally support the right of a Jewish, democratic state of Israel to exist, safe and secure. I believe that it is a moral imperative to support and defend its existence.

For generations, the United States and Israel have shared a commitment to a stable, secure, and peaceful Middle East. But our alliance runs far deeper: it is a natural partnership resting on our mutual commitment to democracy and freedom and on our shared values. Both our countries have been sustained by our commitment to liberty, pluralism, and the rule of law. These values transcend time, and they are the basis of our unbreakable bond.

As a United States Senator, I will work to ensure Israel’s security and success. I believe Israel must maintain a qualitative military edge and defensible borders. The United States must continue to ensure that Israel can defend itself from terrorist organizations and hostile states, including Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and others. I also believe firmly that a two-state solution is in the interest of Israel and the United States. Lasting peace, however, requires negotiations between the parties themselves, and although the United States can and should aid in this process, we cannot dictate the terms. Unilateral actions, such as the Palestinians’ membership efforts before the United Nations, are unhelpful, and I would support vetoing a membership application.

-Elizabeth Warren

[Chathamization]

24. I remember Greenwald being attacked pretty harshly for bringing that up. N/T

[DemocratSinceBirth]

25. No major Democratic candidate is going to favor severing ties with Israel.

That's an empirical observation and not a normative one.

[still_one]

27. and all potential Democratic candidates are for a two state solution. Her statements are pretty

non-controversial on this

[DemocratSinceBirth]

29. She is well within the mainstream of Democratic thought on this issue...

She is well within the mainstream of Democratic thought on this issue as I proved beyond a reasonable doubt in posts #20 and #22...

[Donald Ian Rankin]

51. No, that's absolutely not true.

All potential democratic candidates say they are for a two-state solution.

Few if any of them are actually in favour of bringing one about.

[still_one]

53. No, your view is absolutely NOT true. Every administration since Eisenhower, except the bush W

administration have tried for it. Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton the closest to reach the goal.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

63. Any US government (although not "any US president") that wanted a 2-state solution could easily

achieve one.

All it would take would be economic and cultural sanctions on Israel.

The problem is that it would be electoral suicide (and that most US presidents haven't supported doing so).

[OKNancy]

16. let's look at another source

“Secretary Clinton thinks we need to all work together to return the special U.S.-Israel relationship to constructive footing, to get back to basic shared concerns and interests, including a two-state solution pursued through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. We must ensure that Israel never becomes a partisan issue,"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/29/hillary-clinton-israel-relationship_n_6965938.html

So, let me get this straight... there is something horrible about this. She states exactly what Obama has said and supports and this is a bad thing.

A two-state solution is the only way things will resolve in my opinion and in most rational peoples thinking.

[leftofcool]

19. Thank you for posting the rest of the quote which the OP did not.

[still_one]

28. Absolutely. I have no doubt if Hillary came out and said the color blue is blue some folks on DU

would be offended

[JaneyVee]

33. Good job.

[stonecutter357]

17. .

[Scrabbleddie]

18. Money+Power=Hillary

The only difference between Hillary
and the typical Republican, is on issues
that Israel, the banks and corporate oligarchs
don't care about. Its not just Hillary though--
all federal officials are forced into this mold.
Look at the recent re-arming vote. You'd think
that at least one would have voted against it.
Federal politics is all about money.
If it stinks-- follow the money.

[Orsino]

23. Our relationship with Israel is indispensable...

...if only as a fig leaf for the next war they're going to sell us.

[L0oniX]

34. "constructive footing" LOL

[Autumn]

35. There's not a politician in our government that will take a stand against Israel.

Not a one. Sad but true.

[mylye2222]

38. Apart John Kerry who last year didnt hold his breath re.

Re. Netanyahus peace obstruction . He also aknowledged the Palestinian were humiliated. Unfortunely he could only spoke as a person.

[tritsofme]

36. Hillary has always been a good friend to the Jewish state.

Kudos to her.

I'm not sure why you think Clinton's backers here would in any way deny her strong support of Israel. It is something I am very proud of, and in no way ashamed.

[former9thward]

40. There are people who think Israel is the source of all evil on the planet.

So if you don't walk in step with Hamas and attack Israel for everything imaginable then you must be on the dark side.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

58. I empathize with you.

That being said how I can I oppose right wing leaders in the United Stares and support right wing leaders in Israel ? My support is of the state and not the Likud party.

I don't necessarily believe the Bible is a history book or a predictive tool but it seems to be spot on when predicting there will never be peace in that area. Regardless, it is incumbent upon us to try.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

39. Why? What is so "special" about our ties with Israel?

Or, any other nation for that matter?

[former9thward]

41. Israel has been our only ally in the Middle East.

We have historically supported the right of Jewish people to build their own state. You may not consider that special but most do. We also have special ties to one other nation, the UK. Not only were they our 'mother country' but our legal traditions and structure comes from them as well as much of our government structures. For 200 years they have been our military and political ally.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

43. It seems like Saudi Arabia and Egypt have been pretty steadfast allies in the M.E.

And, some of the other nations in the area. We even protected Egypt from Israel in 1956.

Our "Special Ties" to Britain included 2 wars with them.

What makes our "special" ties with Israel beneficial to us?

[former9thward]

44. I said our ties to the UK as military and political ties

go for 200 years. We have not fought each other in that period. Saudi Arabia and Egypt have never been American allies in the sense that Israel has been.

[Bluenorthwest]

52. I would offer that our wars with Britain are part of what makes the relationship special.

The word 'special' can mean 'greater' or 'better' but it also means simply 'unusual'. Former colonies who become opponents in war then forge alliances beyond those historic animosities do in fact have a relationship that is distinct from their relationships with other countries, for the good and the bad, the past and the present.

It's important to remain literate in the face of agenda.

[karynnj]

48. What about Canada?

The longest peaceful border in the world.

What about France, which helped us get our independence and which was home to some of the philosophers/writers whose ideas were used by our forefathers in designing our government (Montesquieu for one)?

What about the Philippines, once a colony of the US?

What of Liberia - a country founded by US African Americans who returned?

What about South Sudan - where the US was one country that backed their creation?

I suspect there are several countries where we speak of a special relation - especially when that country is hit by something bad. I listed these, because I remembered some American official or other referencing a "special relation".

[former9thward]

55. Most Americans would say we have special relations with Israel and the UK.

They would not say that about those other countries except possibly Canada. Canada does not have much influence in the greater world because of their small population so their value as a political or military ally is limited.

[karynnj]

64. Canada has 4 times as many people as Israel and the relationship with France is real

Last edited Mon Mar 30, 2015, 03:33 PM - Edit history (1)

Presidents, Republican and Democratic, have said so - When the US soldiers reached France in WWII - the general referred back to the help Lafayette gave.

My point is that the phrase is over used -- and it does extend far beyond just the UK and Israel. Of course, there is a special relationship with Israel that has increased over the years. Whether based in Holocaust guilt or the fact that the land is the land of both the Torah and the Bible, it is undeniable.

I HOPE that it will be based on shared values going forward, but worry that they might drift further apart. I do think that Israel itself often overstates its own value to the US -- and minimizes where lock step support of Israel has hurt US credibility.

[former9thward]

65. I am not trying to diss Canada or France.

Been to both, wonderful countries. And I agree with the rest of your post.

[Chathamization]

56. 200 years? Eh, you may want to take a look at that history...n/t

[former9thward]

57. Eh, maybe you should.

[Chathamization]

61. The 1800s had plenty of flare-ups that verged on war (Trent Affair, Oregon Dispute, etc.)

Your statement just isn't true.

[former9thward]

62. "verged on war"

Your viewpoint. You can quibble on the exact number of years but it is a fact that since the end of the War of 1812 Britain and the U.S. have been political and military allies in almost all world events where countries took sides. Continue your attack on history.

[MineralMan]

42. That's a standard position held by every President, frankly.

If you think it will hurt Hillary's chances, you couldn't be more wrong.

We do have a "special relationship" with Israel. We have had one since Israel was created. That's not going to end. The goal is to create some sort of peace in the immediate area. We haven't done so well with that. Our fault? Not really.

[joeybee12]

46. And this differs from Liz...how?

It doesn't...you people are ridiculous.

[Comrade Grumpy]

47. I want a presidential candidate who will stand up to Israel, not kow-tow to it.

[Bluenorthwest]

49. Martin O'Malley, September 2014, a few weeks after the Gaza war

"Israel, I believe, has a right to defend itself. The number of rockets that have been fired at Israel, the tunnels used to attack Israel, all of these things, the basics of border security, need to be addressed here and I hope our country can be a broker for peace and help bring about a resolution."
http://ballotpedia.org/Martin_O%27Malley_possible_presidential_campaign,_2016

A few days ago he was saying 'our relationship is strong and must remain strong'.

I have a real problem with the tactic of criticizing one person for what others do without any criticism. The sense of double standards really bothers me.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

54. As do I

I have a real problem with the tactic of criticizing one person for what others do without any criticism. The sense of double standards really bothers me.

There is no daylight between Senator Sanders, Senator Warren, Governor O'Malley, former Senator Webb, and Secretary Of State Clinton when it comes to Israel.

[Comrade Grumpy]

59. That's one reason why a Democrat will probably not get my presidential vote.

Nor a Republican.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

60. That's your prerogative ... I am here to discuss and not command...

But Bluenorthwest makes a great point.