The following is a memorandum to AIFL Board of Directors from AIFL Chairman Kenneth J. Bialkin and AIFL President Harley Lippman. March 22, 2010

The U.S. - Israel Relationship

The America-Israel Friendship League is committed to strengthening the common U.S./Israel commitment to the advancement of freedom and human rights in the world. Working together for the advancement of freedom and democracy does not require that both countries agree at all times on all issues. It does require that when disagreements arise, they be addressed in a spirit of friendship, respect and mutual affection.

The timing of Israel's announcement by the Ministry of the Interior apparently without Netanyahu’s knowledge of authorization for 1,600 additional housing units in Jerusalem disturbed Vice President Biden. Prime Minister Netanyahu apologized for the gaffe and instituted an investigation and efforts to avoid future misunderstandings of that sort. The United States was apparently concerned that the event would cause or permit the Palestinians to cancel their decision to participate in the proximity talks, which the United States has been trying to promote. The U.S. attack on Israel's announcement reflects the apprehension that the Arabs (predictably) might walk away from the talks. The vehemence of that response probably provided a greater excuse for the Palestinians to walk away from the talks than a more measured reaction would have done.

Eastern Jerusalem is in the part of Jerusalem which was occupied by Jordan since 1948 (until 1967) and was annexed by Israel in 1980 to join with western Jerusalem, which has been part of Israel since its establishment in 1948. Israel had earlier advised the United States that any settlement freeze would not apply to any part of Jerusalem and the proposed construction could not have come as any surprise. The refusal of the United States to simply accept the apology and go back to the conduct of the real business at hand is hard to comprehend.

Hopefully, a time will come when the status of Jerusalem becomes a subject for negotiation in the context of an end of conflict, but that hallowed time has not yet arrived, and there is no indication from the Arab world that such a time is imminent. The event should not be a cause of any breach or worsening in the relationship between the United States and Israel. Both sides have made it clear that the essential interests of Israel and the United States remain aligned. The United States has no closer friend or ally than Israel, nor does Israel have any better friend and supporter than the United States. Especially today, with the need to confront the threat of Iran and the growing militancy of Islamic extremism, there is no reason for that to change. Any contrary view would serve only the interests of those who wish to drive us apart.

Respectfully,

Kenneth J. Bialkin, Chairman

Harley Lippman, President