"As long as in this territory, west of the Jordan River, there is only one political entity called Israel. It is going to be either non-Jewish or non-Democratic. If this block of millions of Palestinians cannot vote that will be an apartheid state.” Prime Minister Ehud Barak (as Minister of Defense) at National Security Conference, Feb 2, 2010 in Herzilya, Israel.
Secretary of State John Kerry, who was probably only expressing his disappointment at the failure of peace talks and concern for Israel's future when he warned Israelis and used the "A" word. Kerry faced a withering storm of vituperation after his speech in which he warned that if the Netanyahu government does not follow through on peace negotiations leading to a two state solution the result may be an apartheid state. Kerry's words caused a great stir in the pro-Israel US press, with knee jerk Republicans, cowardly Democrats and with the far right. Poor Mr. Kerry had to bend his tall angular frame down in abject obeisance and beg forgiveness as the Republican press, right wing radio and other attack machines went into full swing. The American Israeli Public Affairs Committee called the remarks "deeply troubling". "Any suggestion that Israel is, or is at risk of becoming, an apartheid state is offensive and inappropriate," they stated, also adding, "The Jewish state is a shining light for freedom and opportunity in a region plagued by terror, hate and oppression." While Abe Foxman of the ADA, called Kerry's remarks "startling" and "repugnant language".
A little bit of research regarding the term "apartheid" turned up the fact that Secretary Kerry was not the first to use the "A" which suggests the worrisome concept ( for the Israeli's) that they are morphing into South Africa and like that nation might be forced to the bargaining table where they would have to make unwanted compromises with the Palestinians as a result of unfavorable international public opinion. The first was Ehud Barak a distinguished Israeli decorated war hero, and former Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Ehud Barak is no shrinking violet, he has had a distinguished military career. He joined the military in 1959 and served in the IDF for 35 years rising to position Lt. General and Chief of General Staff. He was awarded many medals and decorations for his heroic service as a commando and military officer in the too numerous battles and conflicts of his nation. He is frequently noted as the most highly decorated military man in Israeli history. He served as Prime Minister and again as Defense Minister. If war hero and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak can use the "A" word to point out the dangers of the present policy of the Netanyahu government for Israeli future and claim that Israel may become an "apartheid state" in that future, certainly others who are equally concerned about the Israel and peace in the Middle East can too.
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