US Tells Israel To End Its Self Imposed Isolation
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U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned on Sunday that Israel is increasingly isolated from the Middle East, and that continuing turmoil in the region makes it crucial that Israel finds ways to communicate with its neighbours if it is ever going to enjoy peace and stability.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned on Sunday that Israel is increasingly isolated from the Middle East, and that continuing turmoil in the region makes it crucial that Israel finds ways to communicate with its neighbours if it is ever going to enjoy peace and stability.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday as he traveled to the Middle East and Europe, Panetta urged the Jewish homeland to restart negotiations with the Palestinians and work to restore relations with Egypt and Turkey.
[quote] “It is pretty clear that at this dramatic time in the Middle East, when there have been so many changes, that it is not a good situation for Israel to become increasingly isolated. And that is what’s happening. [The most important thing for Israel] is to try to develop better relationships so in the very least they can communicate with each other rather than taking these issues to the streets,” Panetta said. [/quote]
However, in a rare and blunt assessment, Panetta also warned that Israel relying on its ability to project military might was not the way to establish peace, given the lack of soft power in the region.
[quote]”There is not much question in my mind that they (Israel) maintain that military edge. But the question you have to ask: Is it enough to maintain a military edge if you’re isolating yourself in the diplomatic arena? Real security can only be achieved by both a strong diplomatic effort as well as a strong effort to project your military strength,” Panetta warned. [/quote]
His statement also comes at a critical and fragile time.
The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has asked the UN Security council to recognize an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, areas captured by Israel in the 1967 war. The United States has opposed the UN bid, saying there is no substitute for direct peace talks.
But with Israel continuing to build settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, Abbas says there is no point in talking.
