Even though Israeli/United States relations have been rocky — extremely rocky — as of late, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton today affirmed the US’ commitment to the nation and it’s interests.  As Joe Biden was visiting the Israel/Palestine region last week in an effort to once again get peace talks rolling, Israel announced it’s plans for a new settlement in East Jerusalem of 16,000 homes for its people.  Then yesterday, Israel’s ambassador to the US — Michael Oren — was quoted by Israeli media saying that ties between the US and Israel were at their lowest point since 1975.  Clinton responded swiftly today: “I don’t buy that”, she told press.  She did admit that the US was “disappointed” with Israel’s actions last week; that term quite a step down from what she said last week, calling the new settlements during proposed peace talks “insulting”.  You might think, what’s the big deal about new homes?  Well, East Jerusalem is ripe for outbursts of religious violence with large amounts of both Palestinians and Israelis living and working there.  Palestinian protesters have been clashing with Israel police since the announcement, and Israel has deployed an extra 3000 officers to the area.  Israel has also rebuilt a synagogue — which had previously been destroyed twice — on ground which many Palestinians see as a future spot for their capitol building.  In the Gaza Strip, thousands of people came out to protest the opening of the synagogue.  Those protests thus far have been relatively peaceful.  Clinton says the US will still try to move forward in moderating peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel, but the settlement and reopening certainly won’t help matters.  We’ll keep you posted.

-D