Israel must protect its independence

Bob Jack, North Las Vegas

Friday, July 3, 2009 | 2:04 a.m.

Regarding Brian Greenspun’s column in Sunday’s Las Vegas Sun headlined, “U.S. can’t squander the trust of Israelis”:

Israel must remain independent and secure in its territory. The Obama administration, by calling for a freeze in the Israeli settlements and a two-state solution, has leaned in the direction of appeasing Arab interests in the region.

Israel must look first to protecting its own independence, security and survival. Any real movement by Israel to meet the stated U.S. goals for Israel in the Middle East will weaken Israel’s independence and security.

America has only one real ally in the Middle East — Israel. Any U.S. foreign policy in the region should recognize that Israeli interests must come first. But this is not the case. The Obama administration has singled out goals for Israel to meet that will clearly weaken Israel’s independence and security.

Fortunately, Israel is pushing back and demanding conditions that will assure it remains independent and secure. Israel must continue to stand firm, and not cave in to U.S. demands. This is essential for the long-term viability and security of Israel.