Israel: 'This land is ours. All of it.'

[Irbis]

Israel's new deputy foreign minister: 'This land is ours. All of it is ours'

Tzipi Hotovely gives speech to Israeli diplomats in which she says she will try to achieve global recognition for West Bank settlements

Israel’s new deputy foreign minister on Thursday delivered a defiant message to the international community, saying that Israel owes no apologies for its policies in the Holy Land and citing religious texts to back her belief that it belongs to the Jewish people.

The speech by Tzipi Hotovely illustrated the influence of hardliners in Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s new government, and the challenges he will face as he tries to persuade the world that he is serious about pursuing peace with the Palestinians.

Hotovely, 36, is among a generation of young hardliners in Netanyahu’s Likud party who support West Bank settlement construction and oppose ceding captured land to the Palestinians. Since Netanyahu has a slim one-seat majority in parliament, these lawmakers could complicate any attempt to revive peace talks.

With Netanyahu also serving as the acting foreign minister, Hotovely is currently the country’s top full-time diplomat.

In an inaugural address to Israeli diplomats, Hotovely said Israel has tried too hard to appease the world and must stand up for itself.

“We need to return to the basic truth of our rights to this country,” she said. “This land is ours. All of it is ours. We did not come here to apologise for that.”

Hotovely, an Orthodox Jew, laced her speech with biblical commentaries in which God promised the land of Israel to the Jews. Speaking later in English, she signalled that she would try to rally global recognition for West Bank settlements, which are widely opposed.

“We expect as a matter of principle of the international community to recognise Israel’s right to build homes for Jews in their homeland, everywhere,” she said.

Hotovely will manage the ministry’s day-to-day functions, but Netanyahu will remain in charge of foreign policy.

During the recent election campaign, Netanyahu angered his western allies by saying he would not permit the establishment of a Palestinian state on his watch. On Wednesday he told the visiting EU foreign policy chief that he remains committed to a two-state solution.

Netanyahu’s spokesman, Mark Regev, declined comment on Hotovely’s speech, but said Netanyahu’s statements Wednesday reflected his policy.

Another wonderful right wing government, with a dose of extra lies and twofacedness. There's no way this could backfire, eh? By, say, more volunteers to that certain new state next border over?

[Thanas]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

[Zaune]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

A lot of good that will do if the US won't play ball. Though why they haven't thrown the Israelis under a bus yet I have no idea, they outlived their usefulness a long time ago.

[Ace Pace]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

A lot of good that will do if the US won't play ball. Though why they haven't thrown the Israelis under a bus yet I have no idea, they outlived their usefulness a long time ago.

Looking at what Obama is saying over the last month, it seems that the recent elections in Israel have given him enough political capital to say some harsh things (relatively speaking) about the Israeli political situation.

[Simon_Jester]

Dear God these people have gotten fuckwit-ful in the past generation...

[Flagg]

Dear God these people have gotten fuckwit-ful in the past generation...

Dude, like almost all of my old Israeli friends from the late 90's, early '00's that were cool and laid back, didn't want war, didn't hate anyone, are fucking rightwing lunatics practically frothing at the mouth to do a lot more "lawn mowing", whether there are bottle rockets being fired at them or not, and want to just bulldoze everything in their way to build settlements all the way to the Jordanian border. It makes me sad.

[The Romulan Republic]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

A lot of good that will do if the US won't play ball. Though why they haven't thrown the Israelis under a bus yet I have no idea, they outlived their usefulness a long time ago.

A militarily capable, at least theoretically democratic ally in the Middle East? The shadow of the Holocaust making criticism of Israel politically taboo? The Jewish/Conservative Christian vote (remember, those assholes have Israel as part of their doomsday prophecies)?

[Channel72]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

A lot of good that will do if the US won't play ball. Though why they haven't thrown the Israelis under a bus yet I have no idea, they outlived their usefulness a long time ago.

A militarily capable, at least theoretically democratic ally in the Middle East? The shadow of the Holocaust making criticism of Israel politically taboo? The Jewish/Conservative Christian vote (remember, those assholes have Israel as part of their doomsday prophecies)?

Nah.... American Jews overwhelmingly vote Democrat and only care about Israel in theory. It's the Evangelicals that are more of a problem.

[The Romulan Republic]

The evangelicals are in any case a much larger voting block.

[Channel72]

That's true. But Evangelical political mindshare is heavily Republican oriented anyway, with or without crazy doomsday eschatology. The average Evangelical is pro-Israel because ... something something my church friends and pastor told me Israel is awesome or whatever and Jesus is Jewish, right? ..., whereas the average Tel Aviv teenager is pro-Israel because tribalism fuck-yeah, and also the reality of Hezbollah rockets in the background. The average American Jew is vaguely pro-Israel because like... oh my cousin visited Jerusalem and it was beautiful you should go sometime, whatever - but still, Hillary 2016, right?. Oy vey.

[Starglider]

Another wonderful right wing government, with a dose of extra lies and twofacedness.

Actually they seem quite straightforward. They believe they can and should conquer and occupy more Palestinian land. Many other nations have the same expansionist world-view; fortunately most of them lack the opportunity.

[Vendetta]

Looking at what Obama is saying over the last month, it seems that the recent elections in Israel have given him enough political capital to say some harsh things (relatively speaking) about the Israeli political situation.

"Saying harsh things" and "cutting off military aid" are different things though.

Israel accounts for something like 54% of the USA's military aid budget, as long as that money keeps flowing the government of Israel will do whatever the fuck it wants.

[The Romulan Republic]

I doubt outright cutting it would be politically acceptable, but maybe its time for a reduction (perhaps wrapped in terms of reducing the budget/debt).

[Channel72]

Israel is a non-Muslim, pro-Western ally, with nuclear weapons no less, located strategically between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Of course the US will continue to support it. Israel is also the location of various US military bases and anti-ballistic missile radar towers. Regardless of the domestic politics, Israel is of strategic significance. So Bibi and his cronies can pretty much mouth off as much as they want.

[mr friendly guy]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

A lot of good that will do if the US won't play ball. Though why they haven't thrown the Israelis under a bus yet I have no idea, they outlived their usefulness a long time ago.

Looking at Israel's trade stats (if you add imports + exports) its number one partner is the US. Next comes China, although the EU combined will surpass China. I think Israel still has a lot of options if the EU gives them the finger. Namely the US as mentioned who for some reason keeps them around, and China, who will trade with almost anybody.

Amazing thing is, some Israelis have even set up a Jewish lobby in China. Its almost like they want the second biggest power on their side as well just in case.

[AniThyng]

aren't they also working out deals with India as well

[Irbis]

Actually they seem quite straightforward. They believe they can and should conquer and occupy more Palestinian land. Many other nations have the same expansionist world-view; fortunately most of them lack the opportunity.

Didn't Netanyahu at the end tried to claim something different for Western public consumption, not that he actually tried hard to sound like he meant it. Though, yes, unlike say Cameron or Abbott, you can actually guess what he is intending to do and what is just piling on some populism so in that way he is really more straightforward.

[Flagg]

Actually they seem quite straightforward. They believe they can and should conquer and occupy more Palestinian land. Many other nations have the same expansionist world-view; fortunately most of them lack the opportunity.

Didn't Netanyahu at the end tried to claim something different for Western public consumption, not that he actually tried hard to sound like he meant it. Though, yes, unlike say Cameron or Abbott, you can actually guess what he is intending to do and what is just piling on some populism so in that way he is really more straightforward.

Are you saying that because he's a bad liar he's more straightforward? Because that's pretty awesome.

And that's not directed at you in any way shape or form as an insult, it's just the concept of a politician being more honest (well, honest isn't the right word, you hit the nail on the head by using "straightforward" since lying is dishonest by definition) by being a bad liar had never really occurred to me and that is an amazing observation.

[cmdrjones]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

Being that ending Apartheid worked out so well for those who held power in South Africa, I can see why Israel will tell the UN and EU to shove it up their collective asses.

I agree though, it's nice to see the ethno-nationalists being honest about it for a change. Kinda refreshing.

[cmdrjones]

That's true. But Evangelical political mindshare is heavily Republican oriented anyway, with or without crazy doomsday eschatology. The average Evangelical is pro-Israel because ... something something my church friends and pastor told me Israel is awesome or whatever and Jesus is Jewish, right? ..., whereas the average Tel Aviv teenager is pro-Israel because tribalism fuck-yeah, and also the reality of Hezbollah rockets in the background. The average American Jew is vaguely pro-Israel because like... oh my cousin visited Jerusalem and it was beautiful you should go sometime, whatever - but still, Hillary 2016, right?. Oy vey.

I find that attitude rather funny as well.... there is NO need to immanetize the Eschaton, but.... Churchians gonna Church yo!

Israel should be left to their own devices, immediately. The sooner they learn to live withing thier means the better for all concerned. If private individuals want to send money, go there on vacation, volunteer for the IDF... Go right the hell ahead, but we shouldn't be giving them OR the Saudis a DIME of foreign aid.

[Spice Runner]

aren't they also working out deals with India as well

India is the 8th largest trading partner of Israel in the world and the 3rd largest in Asia behind China and Hong Kong. Trade ties have been growing rapidly in the last two decades and now with the new right leaning BJP government in India, trade and diplomatic ties are expanding faster.

Also Israel is the third largest military hardware supplier to India after the U.S. and Russia.

[Thanas]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

Being that ending Apartheid worked out so well for those who held power in South Africa, I can see why Israel will tell the UN and EU to shove it up their collective asses.

Sure, but Israel will have to adjust if Europe bans trade.

[Irbis]

Are you saying that because he's a bad liar he's more straightforward? Because that's pretty awesome

More like he isn't even trying anymore. But, of course, this doesn't contradict him being bad liar, so maybe.

Sure, but Israel will have to adjust if Europe bans trade.

So, how is that sixth half-free submarine coming? Will it be frozen like Mistrals, or bow-tied and hand-delivered before schedule?

[Thanas]

So, how is that sixth half-free submarine coming? Will it be frozen like Mistrals, or bow-tied and hand-delivered before schedule?

You know as well as I do what will be happening-

[Flagg]

Well, at least they are honest about their aims now, instead of Netanyahoos blatant race-baiting and settlement increase.

The EU and UN should immediately start apartheid penalties against Israel. Turn them into another South Africa.

Being that ending Apartheid worked out so well for those who held power in South Africa, I can see why Israel will tell the UN and EU to shove it up their collective asses.

Yes, those poor minority of whites, who are former brutal oppressive segregationists who colonized a country and kept a boot heel on the necks of the natives they conquered, treated as second class citizens (to put it kindly), and forced to labor in gold and diamond mines rulers who lost power simply by no longer treating the native people as a cheap force of labor at best or as cockroaches in the way at worst. How I weep for them.