Kerry’s Swan Song Hits Sour Note

John Kerry’s one-hour and 13-minute rant on Israeli settlements might have ranked as a filibuster had Israeli annexation of Judea and Samaria been on the secretary of state’s — and former senator’s — agenda.

While Israel need not worry about Kerry after high noon on January 20th Israel is facing a tipping point in 2017 the 50th anniversary of the recapture of its Biblical heartland.

How does a responsible Israeli government proceed lacking both a credible Palestinian negotiating partner and the capacity to defy the international community especially in the wake of UN Security Council Resolution 2334?

One proposal under Knesset consideration would extend Israel’s sovereignty to 60% of Judea and Samaria where 90% of the Jewish settlements are located and where Jews outnumber Arabs by a four-to-one margin. The other 40% would remain under military control.