JustASC

Over at JPost, Shmuel Rosner, no lefty, has some strong words about the Israeli Interior Ministry’s decision, in the midst of Joe Biden’s visit,  to announce approval of plans for some 1,600 housing units in northeast Jerusalem. (Eli Yishai, of the Orthodox Shas Party, is the Interior Minister): 

1. This latest brouhaha will surely become yet another right-left debate on building in east Jerusalem. It should not – because it’s not about building, and not about Jerusalem: It is about the competence of the Netanyahu government.

2. If fact, there’s no debate to be having. All people, left and right, should be concerned by this show of stupidity.

3. Either one believes Netanyahu and his friends in government (saying it is all misunderstanding and bad timing). In such case, one should be concerned by Israel’s chaotic decision-making process on delicate matters. Or – one might choose not to believe. One might think Netanyahu isn’t telling the truth, or that Yishai is bluffing. If it’s the former, one will conclude that Netanyahu has no intention of seriously exploring the just-announced peace negotiations. If it’s the latter one will realize that Shas and Yishai are strong enough to toy with Netanyahu as much as they want – as much as embarrassing the American VP! – without paying a price. Not an encouraging thought.