(Israelmatzav).If Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe ("Boogie") Yaalon can be presumed to speak on behalf of Israel's government, that government gave American President Obama a Bronx cheer on Israel's Channel 2 on Saturday night.
"Settlements are not the reason that the peace process is failing, they were never an obstacle, not at any stage," Ya'alon told Channel 2 News. "Even when Israel pulled out of [Palestinian] territory, the terror continued. Even when we uprooted [Jewish] communities, we got 'Hamastan.' That is why I propose that we think about it - not in slogans and not with decrees."
According to Ayalon, "we will not halt the construction in the settlements within the framework of natural growth. There are people here who are living their lives, raising children. Housing is required ? it wasn't housing that has prevented peace."
Unfortunately, this does not mean that the government will create new Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria, nor does it mean that the government will not remove existing 'illegal outposts.'
In reference to the illegal West Bank outposts, which Israel has vowed to evacuate and has begun to do so, Ya'alon stressed that "the government will not permit illegal settlement, as we've proven with our actions this week."
But Yaalon made it clear that Israel will not be cowtowed by the change administration in Washington:
"[U.S. envoy to the Middle East George] Mitchell will come, and we'll talk to him. I suggest that Israel and the U.S. don't set a timetable. We won't let them threaten us," Ya'alon added.
"From the banks of the Potomac in Washington it is not always clear what the real situation here is," Ya'alon concluded. "This is where Israel must step in and help her ally understand the situation."
