As Obama shows his pro-Arabist credentials by pushing Israel to give up its own territory, the BBC has an interesting take on these matters. This morning BBC correspondent Katja Alder referred to East Jerusalem as “occupied” territory as is “the rest of the West Bank” – under “International law”. Her point was that unless Israel can accept East Jerusalem as a future capital of a Palestinian State there may not be the sort of progress Obama wants. The meme is always the same – Israel is the barrier to achieving “peace”.
Well, for the benefit of Ms Alder, East Jerusalem is NOT “occupied” territory. Nor, for that matter, is there any such place as “the West Bank”. I think she may be referring to Judea and Samaria. In which case she is right, it is indeed “occupied” by Palestinians. Shouldn’t they leave now?
We all know that when it comes to portraying the Palestinians as poor oppressed unfortunates, the BBC truly excels. As Obama brings US political power to bear on Israel, I trust that Netanyahu shows some steel and does not accept the outrageous demands being thrust upon Israel this week.