Obama was right to chastise Israel

Supporters of Israel always want the U.S. to ignore their wrongdoing and focus on the Palestinians. And the supporters of the Palestinians are quick to deflect criticism when they do something dumb and demand that the U.S. decry Israeli actions. We see it in Israel and here in the U.S.

This is utter nonsense.

In order for the United States to be seen as an honest broker for peace, we can’t be seen as favoring one nation over the other. Our moral authority to lead is based on our credibility with both sides…

At the end of the day, America has spent years and years trying to broker peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. Generations in both countries have grown up weary of constant friction, battles and death. It’s time both sides do all they can to set aside their differences and co-exist peacefully.

And the only way to get there is if America speaks forcefully when one or both sides do something that will endanger a peace accord. In this case, Israel’s actions aren’t helpful. And we were right to call them on it.