Empowering extremists, and escalating.

The never-ending story...

JERUSALEM – The Israeli Cabinet voted Sunday to pour millions of dollars of new funding into Jewish settlements in the West Bank, including several hardline communities that have put up fierce resistance to government-imposed construction restrictions.

The vote caused an uncharacteristic rift in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet, with centrist members accusing the Israeli leader of caving in to pressure from Israeli extremists.

Netanyahu announced his spending plan last week, saying it would grant funds for transportation, education and health care to distressed areas throughout the country.

But the inclusion of some Jewish settlements, particularly isolated communities known for their hardline populations, drew accusations that he is trying to buy off settlers who are furious over the new limits on construction in their communities.

I suspect the recent Nobel speech has placated the wrong people.

But then I'd like to someday see an independent Israel, one not forever dependent on the United States for protection from the consequences of ill-advised actions.

And I kinda liked it better when the tribe was known more for their pursuit of right, not might. You'll never kill/bully/steal your way to a satisfactory solution amongst neighbors, this much I know.