US OK with EU labeling rule for settlement goods

[geek tragedy]

Bibi's charm offensive, not such a triumph


http://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-ok-with-eu-labeling-rule-for-settlement-goods/

The Obama administration says it doesn’t consider a new European Union rule outlawing “Made in Israel” tags on goods from the West Bank as a boycott of the Jewish state, only a technical guideline for consumers.

The US clarification of its position comes a day after the decision by the EU, which applies to goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

“We do not believe that labeling the origin of products is equivalent to a boycott,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner says. “And as you know, we do not consider settlements to be part of Israel. We do not view labeling the origin of products as being from the settlements as a boycott of Israel.”

[Jefferson23]

1. He warned Bibi, I can try and find the interview, but he essentially said..we, the US will

not be able to shield Israeli policy forever. Remember the Kerry.." poof" comment?

“And as you know, we do not consider settlements to be part of Israel. lol


I doubt the Palestinians expect much to come from this, but it is
good of Obama to say it..very good.

[geek tragedy]

2. US disengagement re: the occupation means more than "we're going to leave you alone."

It means "you're on your own."

The Israelis have made it pretty clear they don't want Uncle Sam's paternalism. Okay, no listening to lectures from Uncle Sam, but no protection from Uncle Sam either.

(Note: this applies to diplomatic/moral support, not military aid)

[Jefferson23]

3. He may be going there and staying there, yes. This warning came awhile ago

directly from the EU too before the last round of negotiations..they blew it off, its
what they do.

[geek tragedy]

4. The EU and UNSC are replacing the US as the main players in the I/P dispute.

That's a win for the US, a win for the Palestinians, and a loss for Israel, and probably the EU.

I also don't see Clinton or Rubio reclaiming that role. No one will trust either to be anything more than a cheerleader for Israel.

[Mosby]

5. a lot of Palestinians work for israelis in judea and samaria

Your OK with hurting their livelihood?

It's a win?

[geek tragedy]

6. this is an accuracy in labeling issue, not a boycott

same argument re "you're only going to hurt the oppressed class" was used against sanctions re: South Africa

[Mosby]

7. OK, thx

Your OK with Palestinians losing jobs.

It's a shame that Palestinians continue to suffer because their leaders suck big time.

[geek tragedy]

8. NIIF. And, again, you're recycling the same argument the Boers used in the 1980s

not a terribly persuasive role model to follow

and, accurate labeling information is completely inoffensive to anyone without a nefarious agenda