Moment in Israel is `fragile,’ White House says

(RNS) Calling the moment “fragile”, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel told Jewish leaders Tuesday (Nov. 10) that the United States would continue to play an active role in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Speaking to the Jewish Federations of North America, Emanuel defended the Obama administration’s engagement against criticism that the White […]

(RNS) Calling the moment “fragile”, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel told Jewish leaders Tuesday (Nov. 10) that the United States would continue to play an active role in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Speaking to the Jewish Federations of North America, Emanuel defended the Obama administration’s engagement against criticism that the White House has diminished support for the Jewish state.

“That is not the intent and that is not the case and never will be,” Emanuel said to applause.


“The truth is just the opposite, for it is only through dialogue that we can achieve lasting peace that Israel seeks,” he said. He added Obama was in a unique position to “bridge divides that have proven over decades to be very treacherous.”

Emanuel also said the Obama administration’s position on settlement development in the West Bank was consistent with the position of previous administrations.

Emanuel stood in for Obama, who cancelled his appearance to attend a memorial service for the victims of the shooting at Fort Hood Army base. Obama met instead Monday evening with a small group of leaders from JFNA.

Emanuel spoke of how his father was born in Jerusalem, and his family took the name Emanuel after an uncle was killed serving in the Israeli army. The former congressman said his family returned to Israel nearly every year “so we would always know the importance of Israel.” Emanuel also said he would take his son and nephew to Israel this year to be bar mitzvahed.

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