Israeli journalist: 'A day of celebration for Netanyahu' - and a green-light to continue his policies

Israeli journalist and MEE contributor Meron Rapoport says today is "supposed to be a day of celebration for Netanyahu and his government and maybe for many Israelis".

"Moving the American embassy to Jerusalem was perceived by Netanyahu and his government not only as a recognition of Israel as the sole sovereign over Jerusalem, east and west, including the holy places but, above all, as an international legitimisation of the unilateral way in which Israel conducts its conflict with the Palestinians," Rapoport writes.

"A recognition that, despite the international consensus against the settlements and the slow yet steady annexation of the West Bank, Israel can continue its policy unhindered and be confident that eventually the Americans and, after them, the rest of the international community, will follow, openly or tacitly. 

"The fact that the status quo with the Palestinians seemed resilient even to the transfer of the embassy to Jerusalem was proof that Israel and Netanyahu are doing the right thing."