There was an Op-Ed today in the NY Times that says that Obama needs to come and talk to Israel like he has with other Middle East countries. I think that this would be a good idea. It wouldn't hurt to make sure that Israelis understand him. Here is what he should say:
1. US is committed to the security of Israel
Obama should make it clear that he understand Israel's need for security and that he would do nothing to jeopardize it. Israel and the United States have long been allies and will continue to be so.
2. Israel is going to have to make compromises, but so are the Arabs
The US is going to avoid setting forth specific proposals for peace. This should generally be negotiated by the parties. America's job is to make sure it is a fair deal that both sides can accept. Such a process will not happen overnight but it is important that there is progress. It is also important that both sides realize they are going to have to make concessions (ie Jerusalem for Israel and right of return for Palestine). Other Arab nations are also going to have to come around to the idea of normalizing relations with Israel. It would also help if Israel could act in a way to help promote moderate Palestinian leaders.
3. Settlements
It is important that Israel freezes all settlement growth. Settlements are a one-sided land grab by the Israelis (though I wouldn't use such strong language). Settlements are also counter to international law. They are an attempt by the Israeli right to upset the status quo and ensure that the West Bank can never be given up in a peace deal. Obama needs to make sure that Israeli's understand that this cannot happen. If Israel were to absorb the West Bank and Gaza, they would be left to decide whether they want to apartheid state (though I wouldn't use this language) or if they want to give up their Jewish character. This is because there will soon be more Palestinians than Israelis within the entire territory. The only option is for the Israelis to pursue a two state solution. And this state requires all the trappings of a true state, unlike the vision of Netanyahu. Continuing to build settlements stands in the way of a viable Jewish state.
Obama shouldn't say this in his speech but he should start to send feelers that he is thinking about cutting off aid if Israel does not freeze settlements. This could be a risky move and it is up to Obama to decide if he wants to pursue this path. But it could be the only way of getting Israel to stop building settlements. It could also have the added benefit of getting Netanyahu out of office and replacing him with someone better.
4. Iran
Israel has done a lot of fear mongering on the Iran front. Clearly it would be damaging to the entire Middle East if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon. This could be a great area for the Israelis to work with their Arab neighbors. But Iran is not the imminent threat that Israel makes them out to be.
The US strategy of engagement needs a chance to try and work. Any military strike by Israel would probably not be enough to stop the nuclear program. The only way of doing so would be to invade Iran. And this is not a viable option for either the United States and Israel. The US should have a chance to negotiate and if that does not work, then they will move from there.
More important than anything, the Iranian political situation continues to evolve. This could require drastic changes in strategy. Both the US and Israel have to adjust to the constantly changing situation. Obama should make it clear that it is his top priority to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. But he should also say that moving towards peace would help defang the Iranian rhetoric and make it easier for Arab states to work with Israel.
Here is the Obama administrations answer to the idea that they should give a speech in Israel
http://jeffreygoldberg.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/0/the_white_house_reacts_to_aluf.php
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