Jerusalem on the Boil

by Stephen Lendman

London's Guardian published what US major media won't touch - a leaked EU report discussing a "vicious cycle of violence…increasingly threatening the viability of the two-state solution."

It blames collapsed peace talks, settlement construction in "sensitive" Jerusalem areas, Al-Aqsa Mosque provocations, home demolitions and dispossessing Palestinians from their land.

The report is prepared annually by EU nations' Jerusalem-based heads of mission. It suggests policy measures in light of Israeli actions.

Netanyahu pledged continued settlement construction and no Palestinian state on his watch if reelected.

His post-election statehood flip-flop rings as hollow as all other promises he makes. He's a serial liar. Nothing he says has credibility.

In defiance of international law, he calls Jerusalem Israel's exclusive "undivided capital."

He wants Palestinians entirely excluded - forcefully removed if necessary.

Past EU reports critical of Israel accomplished nothing in the way of policy changes. Don't bet on anything substantive this time.

The Guardian cited "well-informed European sources" favoring policy changes against Israel in the wake of a potentially more extremist government post-election than before.

They include voluntary guidelines only, not tough measures needed to address longstanding Israeli abuses. Examples include:

"(F)urther and coordinated steps to ensure that consumers in the EU are able to exercise their right to an informed choice in respect to settlement products in conformity with existing EU rules of origin and labeling, including other possible future measures."

"Possible measures against known violent settlers and those calling for acts of violence as regards immigration regulations in EU member states."

"Strengthen efforts to raise awareness amongst EU citizens and businesses on the risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, including financial transactions, investments, purchases, procurements and services."

"Advance voluntary guidelines for EU tour operators to prevent support for settlement business in East Jerusalem."

The Guardian said speculation mounts on whether Washington and EU countries will reassess how they treat Israel.

A previous article said don't bet on US changes. Policies toward Israel are longstanding.

They're hard-wired in place. They remain largely constant under all Israeli regimes. All are hardline. None are left-of-center.

Apartheid worse than South Africa's remains official Israeli policy. Washington and EU nations largely ignored Israel's worst crimes for decades.

Don't expect sudden change now. Expect continued support for business as usual. Expect rhetoric and policies diverging markedly.

Expect Palestinian persecution to continue unabated. Expect no relief for besieged Gazans.

Expect expanding settlements on stolen Palestinian land. Expect continued theft of their resources.

Expect systematic violation of their fundamental rights everyone deserves. Expect no change in ruthless Israeli treatment. Expect no reassessment of Western policy toward Israel.

Claims otherwise reflect fantasy. Talk is cheap. Policies alone matter. Nothing fundamentally changed toward Israel since 1948. Expect nothing significantly different ahead.

The Guardian cited various high-profile violent incidents last year. It failed to explain Palestinians face Kristallnacht conditions daily.

It cited the EU report calling Jerusalem "one of the most emotive and problematic issues" in peace process discussions.

It omitted explaining longstanding peace process hypocrisy - the greatest scam in modern memory. Dead on arrival every time initiated.

The EU report cited "tensions, mistrust and violence which have accompanied developments in the city in the course of the year (at) extremely high levels."

"These developments are increasingly threatening the viability of the two-state solution and, in turn, risk precipitating further levels of polarisation and violence."

It said "2014 (was) distinguished by a number of specific, disturbing and often violent developments" - largely Israeli initiated.

It noted failure to address abuses will lead to "further escalation and extreme polarisation."

"These incidents have occurred against the background of the systematic increase in settlement activity, tensions over the Haram al-Sharif and rising levels of tensions and acts of violence" largely by Israel.

"The expansion of settlements has continued, including in highly sensitive areas, (and was) followed in force by waves of demolitions and evictions."

"Almost on a daily basis settlers and national religious activists have ascended on to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount under the protection of Israeli forces."

Abusive security force practices were highlighted - Israeli instigated violence "le(ading) to more than 1,300 arrests (with 40% of he detainees being minors)."

Coverup, denial and whitewash reflect official Israeli policy. A regime spokesman response didn't surprise.

It lied calling the EU report "so extremely one-sided…that it distorts reality beyond comprehension."

Israel is a rogue terror state. It commits regular high crimes against peace unaccountably.

It wages dirty wars of aggression without mercy at its discretion.

It mass-murders countless numbers of defenseless Palestinians with impunity.

It imprisons thousands for wanting to live free on their own land in their own country.

Torture is official policy. So are other forms of abuse and ill-treatment. Institutionalized racism is longstanding.

Israeli children are taught to hate Arabs. Apartheid conditions worse than South Africa's persist.

EU and US rhetorical criticism belie longstanding support for Israel's worst crimes.

Expect no significant changes ahead. Expect same old business as usual like always.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.

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