If you remember, Obama’s Chief of Staff said the other day in front of J Street “An occupation that has lasted more than 50 years must end”, referring to Judea and Samaria (West Bank) being ‘occupied’ by Israel.
That’s a significant statement, one that I’m sure Netanyahu and most of Israel would patently disagree with. So I’ve been waiting this week to see how the White House would respond to the question. But no one will ask them the question. I haven’t seen today’s transcript, but I read the one from yesterday and not a single question was uttered about his ‘occupation’ remark.
On the other hand, the question was raised on Tuesday at the State Department:
QUESTION: Now – about the two-state solution and the renunciation of that two-state solution. Yesterday, the White House chief of staff said that the 50-year-old occupation must end. Now, I ask you if you consider the West Bank to be occupied territory last week. So is that now a word that can be used —
MS. PSAKI: I think as I said last week, we’ve had a position on this for quite a long time. It’s not new; it’s been a longstanding position of the United States Government these are occupied territories.
QUESTION: Okay. So these are occupied territories and that occupation must end, must be brought to an end?
MS. PSAKI: I think the chief of staff speaks for the Administration, but —
QUESTION: Okay. Excellent. Now, in the absence of direct negotiations, would you support a Palestinian effort at the United Nations to pursue the end of this occupation that has gone on for 50 years?
MS. PSAKI: Well, as we discussed last week, Said – and I don’t have a new update for you – obviously, we have a range of options. I’m not going to prejudge what position the United States would take if – with any UN Security Council action.
Interesting that she won’t even touch the statement that the occupation must end and throws it back to the administration.
So when will an intrepid reporter ask about this?