Further short thread on the move of the US Embassy to Jerusalem:
1. As I've said, I support the move on its own merits. It's the right thing to do. Used effectively, it can advance our strategic objective, which is the end of the conflict in 2 states. But a few other thoughts:
1. As I've said, I support the move on its own merits. It's the right thing to do. Used effectively, it can advance our strategic objective, which is the end of the conflict in 2 states. But a few other thoughts:
2. First, since December, I've said that the Jerusalem recognition/embassy announcements were correct, but Trump missed a big opportunity to cast them in the broader context of the a plan for 2 states, in which Pals could also achieve their goals, including a capital in E. J'lem.
3. Such elements would have made it easier for the Pals to absorb the move. Trump still hasn't done it, contributing to the total breakdown of contacts w/he Pals. (Abbas also bears responsibility.) It's still not too late , but if the Admin won't say those things, others should.
4. Second, holding the ceremony on May 14 was a bad decision. It coincided with some of the most emotional days on the calendar for Palestinians ("Nakba" Day, Ramadan). Israeli Ind. Day was a month ago on the Hebrew calendar. The event should have been 2 weeks earlier or later.
5. Third, I was asked why no Dem Members of Congress attended. The Admin had the ability to assemble a strong bipartisan delegation. Many Dems support the move. It chose not to. Either you care about bipartisanship in the US-Israel relationship or you don't.
6. Fourth, I'm with Mitt Romney: Inviting Pastor Robert Jeffress, who has made vicious slurs against Jews, Mormons, Muslims, &gays, to offer a prayer at the ceremony, was outrageous. That embassy belongs to all Americans. Israelis should be embarrassed he spoke in their presence.
7. Finally, the images coming out of Gaza, where some 50 Palestinians died today, alongside the festive ceremony, were jarring. I accept that Hamas bears the lion's share of responsibility for the deaths. They are a terror group that fights embedded in civilian populations.
8.Having squandered huge resources on rockets, which Israel can intercept, &tunnels, which Israel can detect &destroy, Hamas has nothing left to prove its relevance &try to relieve pressure, including crushing humanitarian conditions, than to throw its own people into harm's way.
9. The IDF struggles with this issue, as the US military has in Iraq and Afghanistan. In chaotic situations, where violent people are mixed in with unarmed civilians, how do you minimize civilian loss of life?
10. It is not always avoidable, but, as the US military and policymakers have learned, every possible effort needs to be made to avoid such casualties. And the IDF takes seriously its obligation to investigates incidents of civilian casualties.
11. US &Israeli officials must not be uncaring. No one should be dismissive when unarmed civilians are killed, especially children, even when Hamas bears responsibility. It is always terrible.
12. Democratic nations bear that burden, because terrorist groups welcome civilian deaths as valuable propaganda. End.
