Thoughts 5: 10/6

President Obama's press secretary, Josh Earnest recently condemned Israel's plan to illegally construct 300 more housing units in the Palestinian controlled West Bank. The Guardian wrote an article explaining how President Obama has pressured Israel to adhere to international norms, which has led to an antagonistic relationship between him and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Democrats verbally expressed their disapproval of Israel's actions, yet by their own legislative action, continue to reward our ally in the Middle East.

As one of the only two democracies in the region, Israel should be considered an ideological ally. Yet it is a lesser partner, and since it receives the aid of the United States, but offers little in return, it should adhere to United States policy. And if it does not, the United States should use its influence to circumscribe unwanted behaviors.

This year the United States approved its largest military aid package to Israel: 38 billion over 10 years. (Up from 30 billion over the last 10 years). In one particular method, this new deal does aim to tie Israel more concretely to its patron. The new deal requires the money to be spent almost entirely through United States companies, in contrast to past agreements which allowed 25 percent to be spent internally. This may hamper Israeli defense contractors as they see the production of war materials flowing to the United States.

And yet, while the United States condemns Israel for its rogue actions in the West Bank, it delivers more money than ever before. To break this down: 38 billion over ten years can also be: 10 million a day, or $500 per Israeli per year. The United States provides 0 in defense funding for Palestine. Clearly, if the Untied States ever wants to actually condemn Israel (instead of the slap on the wrist, followed by a wink and a nod), it must withhold some of the funding under the condition that Israel acts as the United States wishes. And if the citizens of Israel don't care to have their illegal activities curtailed by their ally, then they can do without the support.

As a closing thought, as long as the United States tacitly supports Israel building illegal housing settlements in the West Bank, it's impossible to condemn China for illegally building islands and bases in the South China Sea.