Opinions strong on American-Israeli relations

Is President Barack Obama seriously considering alienating our biggest friend in the Middle East? ["Reassuring words on Israel," News, May 23]. In the Six-Day War, Israel launched a first strike against an enemy literally parked on its borders.

Starting the negotiations with the 1967 borders is already binding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hands. Bringing the Palestinians into it is a nonstarter. I don't know what Obama thinks he's doing, but alienating Israel while Iran is going nuclear seems like a really bad idea.

John K. Konecsni, Jamaica
 

I have always believed that the basic human need for a safe and secure home could serve as the cornerstone of a foundation for peace between Israel and Palestine. Despite this belief and hope, I found President Obama's suggestion that Israel and its neighbors return to the borders as they existed before 1967 both disturbing and frightening.

The president might have the best of intentions, but his suggestion is reminiscent of the policies that were endorsed by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Put succinctly, the president's suggestion represents nothing more than appeasement in the new millennium.

Lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis must be founded upon common needs and a rejection of the violence that has taken so many lives on both sides.

Charles R. Cronin Jr., Lawrence
 

Newsday unfortunately follows most of the American media in repeating the untruths that have been spread by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and Israel's Netanyahu. If only we could read the views of the many people who have spoken out, both here and in Israel, for the Palestinians who have tried to create a viable peace plan.

President Obama (and Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton, for that matter) all know where the truth lies. There is a partner, there is willingness to see that Israel is secure, and Hamas is perfectly willing to recognize the state, but there must be a willingness on the part of Israel to stop committing itself to endless war.

There are many Jews in the United States who recognize this, and their numbers are growing. But their voices are never heard, nor are the voices of the brave Israelis who have stood up for the rights of the native population and risked their lives for them.

If only the American people knew the truth, there would be peace tomorrow, and Obama would not always be threatened by the loss of the "Jewish vote."

Silvia Tennenbaum, East Hampton
 

I was aghast when I read President Obama's "offering" that Israel return to the pre-1967 borders as a peace proposition. I thought our mantra was, "we do not negotiate with terrorists."

Is Obama really that naive to believe that Hamas and Hezbollah will settle for anything less than the annihilation of Israel?

Claude Kasman, Nesconset