JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised yesterday to work with the incoming Israeli government, but delivered a clear message that could put her at odds with the country’s next leader: Movement toward the establishment of a Palestinian state is “inescapable.” At the same time, Clinton said she would not dictate orders to Israel, saying the Jewish state would determine its interests. She also pledged “unrelenting” support for Israel's security.
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu opposes Palestinian statehood and has been critical of peace talks. But after meeting Clinton in Jerusalem, he said the two had “found a common language.”
Speaking at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni earlier in the day, Clinton said the US would soon send two envoys to Syria for “preliminary conversations.” It was the most significant sign yet that the Obama administration is ready to mend relations with Damascus. “We have no way to predict what the future with our relations concerning Syria might be,” Clinton said. “There has to be some perceived benefit of doing so for the United States and our allies and our shared values. But I think it is a worthwhile effort to go and begin these preliminary conversations.” Clinton lamented that President Barack Obama’s attempts to reach out to Iran have so far been unsuccessful. Clinton, seeking to calm her Israeli hosts, said the diplomatic approach should not be confused with softness.
“When we talk about engagement with Iran, do not be in any way confused, our goal remains the same: to dissuade and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and continuing to fund terrorism,” she said. “Whatever we do will be done thoughtfully in consultation with our friends and Israel, most particularly Israel.” Senior Israeli officials including Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Clinton that Israel does not oppose Washington’s overtures to Iran. However, they said they were skeptical about Iran's intentions and urged the US to set a deadline for Iran to respond positively.
Asked about Netanyahu, Clinton acknowledged the possibility of disagreements with any Israeli government and made clear the US would push forward with its efforts to forge a peace deal that includes the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
“The United States will be vigorously engaged in the pursuit of a two-state solution every step of the way,” she said. “The inevitability of working toward a two-state solution is inescapable. We happen to believe that moving toward the two-state solution, step by step, is in Israel’s best interests. But obviously it’s up to the people and the government of Israel to decide how to define your interests,” she said. Netanyahu characterized his talks with Clinton as “deep and important and good” and said the two agreed to meet again once a new Israeli government is formed.
Clinton also stressed the “unrelenting” US commitment to Israel's security, specifically criticizing Hamas for rocket attacks.
Hamas officials reacted harshly to Clinton's criticism. “We haven't seen anything good,” said Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza. “She approves of occupation and its crimes and interferes in Palestinian internal affairs.”
Hamas accused some in the international community of using the donors’ conference in Egypt to “blackmail” the group into changing its policies.
— With input from Hisham Abu Taha in Gaza and agencies
