WASHINGTON (JTA) -- President Obama said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being held back by his coalition in trying to make peace moves.
Obama, speaking at a town hall meeting Jan. 28 in Tampa, Fla., was asked why his administration continues to support Israel and Egypt despite their "human rights violations against the occupied Palestinian people."
Obama started his answer by describing Israel as "one of our strongest allies" and a "vibrant democracy," and said "we will never waver from ensuring Israel's security and helping them secure themselves in what is a very hostile region."
However, he said attention must be paid to "the plight of the Palestinians" and that "Israel has to acknowledge legitimate grievances and interests of the Palestinians." Of both Israel and the Palestinians, Obama said the politics are "difficult."
"The Israel government came in based on the support of a lot of folks who don't want to make a lot of concessions," the U.S. leader said. "I think Prime Minister Netanyahu is actually making some effort to try to move a little bit further than his coalition wants him to go."
While Netanyahu's government has acceded to some internal pressure to add housing in parts of the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem, he has frozen building in other areas.
The Palestinian Authority does not want to return to talks without a total freeze on settlement building.
Obama also said that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas "genuinely wants peace, has to deal with Hamas, an organization that has not recognized Israel and has not disavowed violence."
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Ron Kampeas is JTA's Washington bureau chief.
Note: I posted another article from other news sources, quoting Obama's comments about his concern for the "Palestinian plight" within the last two days. Many comments to that article asked, "What plight?" The one the Palestinians have chosen, rather than peace?! The plight that Abbas has chosen, as he says he will NOT negotiate peace with Israel. The plight Hamas/PA's have chosen, which is to bomb Israel! Obama has a way of twisting the truth to make it appear that his words are NOT MISLEADING; well, how about this one, Obama, you lie to the American people by implying the Palestinians whom you have armed to the teeth with American weapons and military training, are in a "plight" that is not of their own choosing! BeeSting
