Since Obama's speech to the Middle Eastern world outlying his support for peace negotiations to be based on the pre-1967 borders of Israel and Palestine, much has changed throughout the international community.
With Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the U.S, he voiced his devout opposition to Obama's plans, with those close to the matter even describing him as 'furious'. As he had eventually cooled down, he had changed his tone and reiterated his want for peace in the region: with certain conditions, however. It is these conditions (refusal to give up any part of Jerusalem, continued military presence along the Jordan River, and keeping parts of the West Bank) that had made their Palestinian counterparts unhappy, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas calling these conditions a 'declaration of war' against the Palestinian people.
With Netanyahu's goals seemingly forced, the cards may not be in Israel's favor. Israel's goal is to make peace by direct talks with the Palestinians, and concessions will be have to be made to achieve this. The reason for this is that if direct talks don't achieve goals for both parties, the Palestinian Authority will then go to the United Nations in September for an international vote proclaiming Palestine an official state, laying groundwork for peace with lmited Israeli say. With strong lobbying power for Israel in Congress, and a crucial minority vote by many pro-Israeli Jews, Obama will support Israeli interests, should this UN vote come about; but it is here that the Americans will stop, with Obama refusing to put pressure on other Security Council members to vote in Israel's favor; Russia, Britain, and Germany have already voiced approval of Obama's plan to negotiate based on the pre-1967 borders, and with this sentiment they are likely to vote for a Palestinian state in September, should the vote ever be enacted.
In my opinion, I understand Netanyahu's actions this week based on pressure from his conservative base in Isreal. However the concessions he's offering and the demands he's making in return are extremely lopsided, and are simply not rational for lasting peace. We've supported Israel unconditionally for far too long, which has been a direct obstacle for peace in the region. I'm sick and tired of some pro-Israelites branding those who disagree with Israel's policies as anti-Semetic and ignorant; this has nothing to do with religion, and everything to do with practical politics. There's no doubt Israel remains one of our most important allies, but as a hegemonic power we must realize that Israel doesn't have an incentive to act in a peaceful manner due to our unconditional support. Israel takes advantage of our strong relationship to make expansionist demands, and with this, peace can not last.
Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/abbas-aide-netanyahus-speech-to-us-congress-is-declaration-of-war-against-palestinians/2011/05/24/AFjDgYAH_story.html?wprss=rss_world
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2011/May-21/UN-EU-Russia-back-Obamas-Mideast-vision.ashx#axzz1N7nNiDCr
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/7387324.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/post/obama-double-downs-at-aipac/2011/03/29/AFhx9C9G_blog.html?wprss=right-turn
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