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Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/03/17/2010-03-17_how_to_heal_the_usisrael_rift.html
How to Heal the U.S.-Israel Rift
(New York Daily News) Aaron David Miller - The current crisis over Israeli housing construction in east Jerusalem has escalated into a perfect storm driven by Israeli ineptness and American overkill. If it's not corrected, this could lead to real damage in the U.S.-Israeli relationship at the worst possible time. No Israeli government will freeze all settlement activity or want to appear to be caving to U.S. demands. The elephant in the room is this reality: Right now, a conflict-ending agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians on Jerusalem, refugees, security and borders is just not possible. The gaps are too big. Israel and the U.S. need to get a grip. Israel can often drive America to distraction, but it is not some banana republic that can be pushed around. Israelis live on the knife's edge; Obama must understand the existential realities that affect their politics and attitudes. The essence of the relationship, America's commitment to Israel's identity and security, must not be compromised.