Vice President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Israel shed light on a different side of the country; one that exhibits more independence from foreign powers. The most telling sign is the plans of Israeli authorities to build housing complexes that protrude into sites where the Palestinians hope to build their future capital. President Benjamin Netanyahu apologized for the ill-timing of such announcements, but left it at that.
The building plans almost seem like an affront to the Obama administration. President Barack Obama has been calling for Israel to begin motion toward building a peace policy with its Palestinian neighbors. The building plans must have been slap in the face for Biden.
All of this seems analogous to St. Augustine’s”Confessions,” a philosophical piece that examines human virtues. He states that though one may steal purely for the sake of stealing (an action that stands in defiance of God’s law), one discovers something much more important during the process: free will to do whatever it is one wants to do, regardless of God’s laws.
Israel, through the recent actions witnessed by Biden, is exercising its will. Though the United States has repeatedly pressed for an Israeli-Palestinian peace treaty, Israel does not pay serious attention to such pressures.
But Israel must be careful of how it exercises its will. The United States is its most supportive ally. England does have the diplomatic ties, but definitely does not provide nearly as much as the United States does in terms of monetary and weapons aid. Israel must not bite the hand that feeds it.
Unless an affront from Israel greatly harms the United States, it is doubtful that the two countries’ political ties will cease. Throughout the 20th century, the United States has been an invaluable friend to Israel. By providing the munitions, arms and international recognition to Israel, the United States has developed a father-son relationship which cannot be broken.
Furthermore, it is unlikely that Israel will upset a close ally &- at least the United States. It may want to stretch its wings and become more independent, but, I stress again: Do not be so independent as to upset your supporter. Israel cannot be self-sufficient, no matter what Zionists proclaim. The region is too volatile and Israel lacks the means to support itself.
Israel could look to countries like China or India for support, but such an action would greatly upset the United States, much more than slowing any attempt at a peace treaty. Unless Israel is extremely desperate to separate itself from the United States, such an event will not occur.
It seems as if Israel cannot break free from the United States just yet. However, if Israel wishes to increase its support from other countries, it should work toward developing an internal peace, not telling Biden about building a new home on disputed lands.
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