A former Israel Supreme Court Justice believes that the Jewish state is more successful than the US in protecting human rights – this is not exactly something to be proud of, considering the abomination of the Bush years and the endorsement of torture, pre-emptive war etc – and other Israelis are worried about left-wing Israeli groups undermining the Zionist ideals of the country.
Meanwhile, Israel’s illegal occupation continues to grow:
Israel announced plans Tuesday to build more than 300 new homes in a disputed east Jerusalem neighborhood, drawing quick Palestinian condemnation that the move will undermine newly revived peace talks.
The new housing would expand Har Homa, a Jewish neighborhood in an area Palestinians claim as capital of a future state. Palestinian officials appealed to the U.S. to block the project, but Israel says a pledge to halt settlement activity does not apply anywhere in the holy city.
The plan focuses attention on one of the most difficult issues facing Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in peace talks that are supposed to resume this month – the future of Jerusalem.