American provocation

The Middle East conflict has taken a dramatic -- and destructive -- turn. It involves the proposal of the American Senate to move the country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The Senate's move, which was made by unanimous decision, will probably be followed by a similar move by the House of Representatives. President Bill Clinton could of course veto it, but -- unlike his veto on the Congress proposal to lift the arms embargo against Bosnia -- he is almost certain to go along with it.

Israel's recognition of Jerusalem as an international city was an important condition for the admittance of Israel as a member of the UN in 1949. In reality, however, Israel has always taken a contradictory attitude by claiming that city as the "eternal capital" of Israel. Just a few months after Israel became a member of the UN, the Israeli leader David Ben-Gurion stated that "Jerusalem is the heart of Israel's heart."

In 1980, in contradiction to all UN resolutions, Israel officially laid claim to the city, proclaiming that "Jerusalem -- in its entirety -- is the capital city of Israel." The seat of government was moved from Tel Aviv to that city -- a step which had actually been furtively in preparation since 1950.

Israel is moving ahead due to the support of the U.S. With that kind of inordinate support it appears that indeed the U.S. does not want to see peace. It is choosing provocation instead.

-- Republika, Jakarta