Meretz chair: Netanyahu itching for a fight with the U.S.

The Israeli cabinet decided on Sunday to pump money into illegal West Bank settlements, which undermines the notion than anyone could believe Netanyahu is serious about achieving a two state solution.

The Israeli left wing have said that this is the proof that Netanyahu seeks a battle with Obama rather than a two state solution.

"The cabinet decision teaches us that the political process is not on the national list of priorities, and that Netanyahu and his cronies are itching for a fight with the American government and the international community," said Meretz Chairman Haim Oron. The left-wing Meretz faction submitted a motion of no-confidence in response to the plan. The opposition Kadima party on Sunday lashed out at the cabinet for approving the plan, saying it in effect "canceled out any declaration made by Netanyahu regarding two states for two peoples."

The plan to widen Israel's map of 'national priority' areas was approved after Netanyahu decided to review the list of communities for which funds were earmarked.

All of the ministers from the Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu and Shas parties voted in favor, following a five-hour debate on the matter at the weekly cabinet meeting; Labor's five ministers opposed.

I don't know what Obama will do here as, for some reason, he seems very reluctant to take Netanyahu on.

But it really is impossible to believe that Netanyahu has any intention of doing anything other than that which he has done all of his life: fight for and protect the settlements.

You simply can't do that whilst simultaneously promoting a two state solution as the two things are complete opposites.

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Tags: Netenyahu, Obama, settlements, Israel, Palestine