Clinton Takes Issue with Israel over East Jerusalem Demolition

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was critical of Israel yesterday over that country's plans to demolish a block of homes in East Jerusalem, a portion of the city that is populated almost entirely of Palestinians. Over 80 homes are to be demolished and Clinton, in an understated tone, noted that the move was "unhelpful." Said Clinton, It is an issue that we intend to raise with government of Israel and the government at the municipal level in Jerusalem."

While Israel has noted that the homes to be demolished were built without permits, the heart of the issue is likely the fact that Israel considers Jerusalem, in its entirety, to be the "united and eternal" capital of their country. Such grandiose sentiment is not shared or acknowledged by the remainder of the world, and The Palestinian Authority would like East Jerusalem to be the capital of a Palestinian state. Clinton expounded on her intentions, noting, "We will be looking for a way to put it on the table along with all the other issues that need to be discussed and resolved. I think at this time, we should wait until we have a new Israeli government. That will be soon and then we will look at whatever tools are available."

Speaking of the possibility of creating a Palestinian state, Clinton noted, "at the end of the day, no one can make a decision on whether or not there will be two states or a comprehensive peace settlement except those that are directly involved."