Israel Attempts to Extort US Government

Just a few hours ago, Ynetnews published the following story: 

Senior Likud officials have told Ynet that they would support a two-month extension of the settlement construction freeze in exchange for guarantees from the United States.

Likud sources noted that a "significant" incentive package would help the prime minister receive the approval of the cabinet or any other forum. (Attila Somfalvi)

Could Israeli thuggery be any more evident? "We will stop breaking international law, undermining Palestinian statehood and violating human rights, temporarily, IF and only if the United States makes it worth our while."

This stands in the face of the fact that according to a 2010 congressional report, "Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. From 1976-2004, Israel was the largest annual recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, having been supplanted by Iraq. Since 1985, the United States has provided nearly $3 billion in grants annually to Israel."

The same report indicates:

"In August 2007, the Bush Administration announced that it would increase U.S. military assistance to Israel by $6 billion over the next decade. The agreement calls for incremental annual increases in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Israel, reaching $3 billion a year by FY2012. For FY2010, the Obama Administration requested $2.775 billion in FMF to Israel. Congress provided $555 million of Israel's total FY2010 FMF appropriation in P.L. 111-32, the FY2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act."

What's more:

Almost all U.S. bilateral aid to Israel is in the form of military assistance. In the past, Israel also had received significant economic assistance. Strong congressional support for Israel has resulted in Israel’s receiving benefits not available to other countries. For example, Israel can use some U.S. military assistance both for research and development in the United States and for military purchases from Israeli manufacturers. In addition, all U.S. foreign assistance earmarked for Israel is delivered in the first 30 days of the fiscal year. Most other recipients normally receive aid in installments. Congress also appropriates funds for joint U.S.-Israeli missile defense programs.

Really, Israel? REALLY? You want to extort my wallet to pay for your brutalization of Palestinians, on top of the mountains of aid and arms I and my fellow taxpayers are forced to hand you so promptly? Government-subsidized donations to your settlement projects aren't good enough? No, you'd like to play mob boss now?

The Israeli government is nothing but a gang of ungrateful, petulant brats. Clearly, the spoiling has gone to their heads and rotted their brains. The most frightening thing is, I don't think any American has the confidence to assert that Obama will reject this idea wholesale.