Israeli-Palestinian Tensions Now a National Security Issue

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a serious strategic problem for the United States throughout the Arab and Islamic worlds, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. It makes any progress in negotiations with Iran extremely difficult. The Obama Administration’s immediate priority is to foster discussion between Israelis and Palestinians, the conflict between them now considered a national security issue.

The US is concerned that relations with Israel are growing cold. This became apparent when the Israeli authorities announced plans for new Jewish housing in Jerusalem during a visit from Vice President Biden, despite objections by the US and the Palestinian authority. In response, President Obama gave Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a list of demands, yet emphasized unwavering support for Israel.

While Palestinians are furthering their tactics through nonviolent protests, the Israeli government continues to create disputes by pushing for new housing settlements in Jerusalem. The Obama Administration inherits decades of failed attempts to resolve this conflict that affects all of our international diplomatic efforts.

Analysts predict that the Obama Administration will release a peace plan for Israel and Palestine that will give the Palestinians the West Bank territories they lost during the 1967 war. Israel will also have to compensate Palestine refugees who lost their homes in the take-over of the West Bank. The plan is also expected to include a system for both Israel and Palestine to share Jerusalem. A poll of Israeli Public and Government Officials from January of 2010 indicates that 67% of the general Israeli public agree with this peace plan, however 84% said they can think of a few improvements.

President Obama states that resolving the conflict is a "vital national interest of the United States," and that such conflicts are "costing us significantly in terms of blood and treasure."

What will it take to bring peace to the Middle East? Will the new housing settlements create renewed conflict? If so, where will the US stand?