It's a tricky matter to draw the distinction between criticism of Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment.  One reason that it's tricky is because often they ARE the same, despite the reluctance of many on the left to realize/accept/understand/a dmit that.  When there is an issue involving Israel, the intensity of the invective increases noticeably.  A critic of Israel may even be 100% correct on the analysis, but the perverted pleasure that critic gets from being able to stick it to Israel is the anti-Jewish part, not the criticism of the factual matter at hand.

In the current flap, it is incorrect to say that "Israel" or even "the Israeli government" insulted the US or proverbially punched the US in the face or whatever the accusation is.  The Israeli government has in the governing coalition a few "right-wing, ultra jewish" ministers who indeed ARE (probably) racist and war mongers and hate Arabs/Palestinians/muslims.  It was one of these assholes who made the announcement of the housing construction when Biden was visiting.  Although these guys are ministers with portfolios, they are kind of rogue operators in the government, and I don't think it's fair to equate their words and actions with those of "Israel".

David

by yturks on 03/16/2010 12:58:54 AM EST