The former Mayor of Shiloh discusses Blinken’s decision, and what kind of effect it could have on relations between the U.S. and Israel.
Following the news by the Israeli government late last week that it plans to expand its settlements in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), Secretary of State Antony Blinken has responded.
He noted that Israel’s planned expansion is “inconsistent with international law,” which, in turn, reverses a Trump-era decision, the “Pompeo doctrine”, surrounding the issue.
“We are disappointed with the announcement [of new settlements]. It has been a long-standing policy of both Democratic and Republican administrations that new settlements are counterproductive to achieving enduring peace. They are also inconsistent with international law,” Blinken said in a statement on Friday.
“Our administration maintains firm opposition to settlement expansion. In our judgment it only weakens, not strengthens, Israel’s security.”
National Security spokesperson John Kirby noted that this decision “isn’t about the previous administration.”
He noted, “We are simply reaffirming the fundamental conclusion that these settlements are inconsistent with international law. That is a position that has been consistent over a range of Republican and Democratic administrations.”
So what does this mean with the relationship between the U.S. and Israel going forward? Joining us to discuss this further is David Rubin, former mayor of Shiloh, Israel, and Founder of the Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund. Welcome, Mayor Rubin.
Q&A:
- What do you personally think about Israel’s previous announcement to expanding the settlements in the West Bank region, especially with what’s going on in its battle with Hamas?
- And, in turn, what do you think about Blinken’s response to the matter?
- Does the United States even have a place to speak about these settlements at this point in time?
- Why do you believe Blinken would make a statement such as this, especially with everything that’s happening right now?
- So what do you think will happen next? Will Israel proceed as planned?
- What kind of impact will the Israel/Hamas war have when it comes to the 2024 Presidential Election?
- Tell us more about the Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, and where people can go to support those in need.
- The official website is http://www.israelchildren.org.
- Where can we learn more about you and the books you have written about your experience in Israel?
- You can visit my official website at http://www.davidrubinisrael.com.
About David Rubin…
David Rubin, former Mayor of Shiloh Israel, is the author of seven books, including his latest, Confronting Radicals: What America Can Learn from Israel, which has recently been made into a movie. Rubin is the founder and president of Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, established after he and his then three-year-old son were wounded in a terror attack.
Websites:
www.IsraelChildren.org (treating the victims of terror)
www.DavidRubinIsrael.com (to find out more about David’s many books)
www.ConfrontingRadicals.com (the movie)
MEDIA CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin 919-437-0001 or geraldmcg@outlook.com.
