Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama that many hope will be more relaxed than that held in March. On the agenda there is the issue of Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
On the eve of the meeting Israel made new signs of easing its blockade on Gaza, allowing consumer goods into the Strip, but not materials that can be used for military purposes. Israel says the blockade of Gaza is necessary to stop the military activities of Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, against Israeli cities. But the ban has caused problems for the entire Palestinian population of Gaza, estimated at 1.5 million inhabitants.
Israel has been subjected to strong international pressure against the blockade of Gaza after its military raid on the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the population of the Strip, in violation of the embargo. The clash led to the deaths of nine people from Turkey.
Ankara demands apology from Tel Aviv, but Israel refuses to do so. Yesterday, Turkey threatened to break diplomatic relations and close Turkish airspace for all Israeli warplanes.
Israel is also accused of having undermined the peace process with the Palestinians. Direct dialogue was disrupted after the operation Cast Lead launched by Tel Aviv against Gaza in the winter 2008-2009. Even indirect dialogue, desired by the White House has failed because of the continued construction of Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem. Obama himself had first called for a total stop of settlements, then an temporary stop, but Israel has rejected both requests. In March, when Netanyahu went even in Washington, Obama did not even want to be photographed with the Israeli premier.
The Israeli people and the government are also concerned by Iran’s nuclear escalation, and Tehran’s promises to eliminate Israel. According to analysts, the U.S. could give the go ahead for a Tel Aviv attack against Iran only if it improves relations with the Arab world and therefore progress in peace talks with the Palestinians.
