Observation: Secretary Blinken's 3 Monkeys Salute to Abbas
Dr. Aaron Lerner 31 January 2023

Excerpts from
REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
RAMALLAH
JANUARY 31, 2023
https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-and-palestinian-authority-president-mahmoud-abbas-after-their-meeting-2/

SECRETARY BLINKEN: ...I also appreciate, Mr. President, your consistent and
resolute stance against terrorism.
[AL: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil: not a word about the
"consistent and resolute stance" of Mr. Abbas to PAY terrorists and their
families in accordance with how successful they are in their attacks. And
this is regardless of the target or circumstances.

Meanwhile, we oppose any action by either side that makes that goal more
difficult to achieve, more distant. And we've been clear that this includes
things like:

{AL Israel side]

- settlement expansion
- the legalization of outposts
- demolitions and evictions [AL: not a word AGAINST illegal Palestinian
construction in Area C - apparently Mr. Blinken thinks they cannot be
demolished]
- disruptions to the historic status quo of the holy sites

[AL: amorphous list]

- and of course incitement and acquiescence to violence.

- We look to both sides to unequivocally condemn any acts of violence
regardless of the victim or the perpetrator. [AL: Press releases? What
about acting AGAINST violence?]

So we discussed all of these vitally important and urgent matters. In
addition, we talked about the importance of the Palestinian Authority itself
continuing to improve its governance and accountability, strengthening the
institutions of the PA. That too will improve the lives of the Palestinian
people and also lay the groundwork for a democratic Palestinian state. [AL:
Again not a word about acting AGAINST violence]
...
This is a challenging time. I appreciate the president's determination to
try to work through it in a responsible way that looks out for the lives of
everyone, of Palestinians and Israelis alike. [AL: A three monkey solute to
Mr. Abbas]

AL: In contrast this is the only positive thing Mr. Blinken can say about
Mr. Netanyahu:

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
After Their Meeting
REMARKS
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
JERUSALEM
JANUARY 30, 2023
https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-and-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-after-their-meeting/

SECRETARY BLINKEN: ... We continue to support upholding the historic status
quo at Jerusalem's holy places, including the Temple Mount Haram al-Sharif.
We're grateful to the prime minister for his repeated expressions of support
for that position....
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