US Ambassador Shapiro doesn’t act as friend

Nathan Cheiman

He said that at times it appeared that Israel had a standard of adherence to a law for Jews and one for Palestinians.

In light of the present “intifada” by Palestinians, this comment by Shapiro is unfortunate and also unhelpful. He goes on to say that the ” United States is concerned and perplexed” by recent Israeli government actions on settlements “which raise questions about Israeli intentions”.

Perhaps the US is perplexed, but not as perplexed as Israelis who continue to read daily about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s e-mails from a former US ambassador to Israel – Thomas Pickering’s – suggestions to Clinton to incite Palestinians to “non violent” demonstrations against Israel, in order to re energise stalled peace talks.

The US State Department has also apparently expressed concern over Israel’s controversial NGO bill, requiring registration of foreign-funded NGOs.

However, this legislation must be seen in the light of Israel protecting itself against nefarious schemes and ideas from “deeply concerned” organisations.

Pickering, in one of the e-mails to Clinton, wrote: “Most of all, the United States in my view, cannot be seen to have stimulated, encouraged or be the power behind it (the protests) for reasons you will understand better than anyone. I believe third parties and a number of NGOs on both sides would help.”

Pickering is used to siding with Israel’s (and America’s) enemies. In 2009 he held a secret meeting with two senior Hamas officials in Switzerland.

It seems clear that Shapiro is talking from the Obama administration’s standpoint and not as a Jew. American-Israeli relations have been frosty since Barack Obama took office and are likely to continue until he leaves the scene.

With so much underhanded activity from Israel’s so-called “allies”, is it any wonder that Vladimir Putin has extended a helping hand to Europe’s Jews? 

And consider the fact that Netanyahu recently met with Putin in Moscow to discuss Russia’s intended foray into the Syrian turmoil, and co-operation with regard to Israeli air space.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office was correct in condemning Shapiro’s remarks. In fact, such statements from an ambassador of any country, would be deemed disgraceful, let alone from one of Israel’s allies.

Northcliff, Johannesburg