BBC: Israel approves a NEW West Bank settlement, 1st since 1992

[Nothing Without Hope]

To me, the Israeli government is saying to the world and to the new US Congress: "In your face! What do you think you can do to stop us?" Just in case the move to MORE MidEast violence isn't going fast enough, they throw this in now.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6210721.stm
Last Updated: Tuesday, 26 December 2006, 20:01 GMT

Israel approves W Bank settlement

Israel has approved the construction of a new settlement in the occupied West Bank, Israeli officials have said.

The defence ministry said 30 houses would be built in the settlement for families moved from the Gaza Strip.

It marks the first time since 1992 that Israel has approved a new settlement, rather than expanding existing ones, an Israeli settlement watchdog said.

Settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, although Israel rejects this.

(snip)

[Nothing Without Hope]

1. I hope others see this move as significant. n/t

[Tom Joad]

2. What business is it of ours how Israel spends US taxpayers money anyway?

I don't need to add the sarcasm thingee here, do i? But, yes, it is US taxpayers money.

[Nothing Without Hope]

3. This is a top BBC headline, world news. But it has been moved to a

forum where it will be seen by very few and cannot be voted to the greatest page.

Disturbing and depressing.

[Nothing Without Hope]

4. No interest, and now it's buried in the closet - er- P/I forum.

Depressing.

Why doesn't anybody else think the planning of a NEW West Bank settlement, the first since 1992, at this time is highly significant and should be a focus of news coverage and discussion?

It's a top BBC topic - but then, their press is somewhat more independent of bias than in this country. Even DU has its censorship.

[breakaleg]

5. I love reading threads that managed to stay in GD for longer than a few minutes.

It's so refreshing to see opinions other than the few regulars over here.

[Nothing Without Hope]

6. The only reason it wasn't grabbed and buried faster is that there was

so little response. If it had grabbed some attention and - horrors - even gotten some recommendations (which, of course, the censorship rules now prevent it from getting even if someone wanted to bestow them), it would have been zoomed under the I/P forum rug instantly.

Very, very depressing in a site supposedly dedicated to free and open discussion of important news. The bias is built in by the rules.

[breakaleg]

7. Well, people like you have to come here more and post.

There are some of us here regularly and we'd appreciate the extra traffic.

[Nothing Without Hope]

8. Yes, it must be a lonely place. That's the point, I'm afraid - there are

some topics which are hidden where the majority of readers never see them, because they don't think to come to this more obscure forum away from the big GD, GD-P, and Latest Forums. I find this deliberate hiding of important information extremely disturbing.

I used to try more often to get out world-affecting news about Israel, but it was always moved here or simply deleted, even when it was from a major news source. I see this as censorship and I deplore it.

Doubtless, this comment and my others expressing my despair at DU censorship will be deleted too.

My best to you.

[Tom Joad]

15. More people see them than we might expect.

a topic might get hundreds of views. Many might be repeat views by the same person, but still, it is significant.

[snappyturtle]

12. Speaking of which, rules i.e., where are they?

I read these "debates" about General Discussion or Forum issues and it's confusing. I would like to know where to read the "rules" and also I would like to know which websites are considered unreliable for posting as a resource? Anyone? Thanks.

[breakaleg]

13. They are the first post in the I/P forum page.

[snappyturtle]

17. Dah! Thank you. n/t

[dubeskin]

9. Interesting

So now I'm thinking Bushco is getting his friends ready to humiliate the new Congress. But since this is illegal under international law, is the U.S. or U.N. going to do anything about it? This seems pretty significant. Wonder what Congress is going to do about it, if they even notice it :eyes:

[Nothing Without Hope]

10. That's what I think too. This is deliberate, a provocation for more

violence. The first new settlement since 1992, expressly against international law, not to mention all sanity or ethics. Even if the US corporate press and governernment ignores it, the nations of the Middle East will not. They will see it as defiance and fresh evidence that Israel is totally out of control with the blessing of the US, new Congress or not. I fear there will be more violence as a result, and that the whole situation will worsen. Surely this is part of the plan - why else do it, other than pandering to the far-right Israeli voter segment?

It's a top headline at the BBC, but even at DU it's been buried where few will read about it.

[dubeskin]

11. Yes, more violence

More violence will come with this. Why would Israel try this? They know Paletstine will be outraged, and just keep using suicide bombers. But this is sort of like the scenario with the brother and sister. The brother will keep poking the sister until the sister can't take it anymore, just to see how long it will take. But still, why invest all this money into something that might not even be completed? And what plan? Make Palestine go crazy? And maybe you could sneak a repost of this tomorrow morning or afternoon ;)

[Nothing Without Hope]

14. ***UPDATE: Surprisingly, the US has CRITICIZED about this new settlement:

(not that they'll actually DO anything, of course)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6213193.stm
Last Updated: Thursday, 28 December 2006, 09:50 GMT

Israel settlement plan angers US

The United States has criticised Israel's decision to approve the construction of a new Jewish settlement in the West Bank.

In a rare rebuke of its close ally, the State Department said such a construction would violate the peace plan known as the roadmap.

(snip)

State Department spokesman Gonzo Gallegos urged Israel to comply with the internationally-backed blueprint for peace.

(snip)

"The US calls on Israel to meet its roadmap obligations and avoid taking steps that could be viewed as predetermining the outcome of final-status negotiations ." Earlier the European Union also expressed its "deep concern" at Israel's decision.

(snip)

[Tom Joad]

16. NWH, it is not that surprising, it is the US mo on these matters...

Although with W. Bush, it is a little surprise.

But almost every administration has said that the settlements are illegal... or at least "an obstacle to peace" or some such... but then...

Nothing happens. More money sent to Israel, to build up more illegal settlements. No end of the cash flow, the flow of military hardware.

While a people under occupation suffer under brutal sanctions that cause hunger.

[msmcghee]

18. I would note that this thread is one of about 6 that have . .

. . been posted in the last 3 days on this same topic. Basically just different newspapers picking up the same story.