Mixed Messages

The United States, in many ways, can be viewed as Israel’s father. It gives Israel money, stands beside it even when it fucks up, and jumps to its defense. But being a father isn’t always easy, especially when you have a father like the United States. If there’s one thing the United States sucks as it’s keeping a consistent message. Recently Israel’s father decided to scold Israel:

The US has said the shelling of a UN shelter in Gaza is “totally unacceptable and totally indefensible”.

In its strongest criticism yet of Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian territory, the US – Israel’s closest ally – urged Israel to do more to protect civilian life.

This scolding has upset may of Israel’s friends. There are a lot of calls for Obama’s head being made over this. Yet I’m left believing that Israel is very confused at the moment. While it’s receiving a tongue lashing from its father one moment it’s being sold munitions the next:

The United States, meanwhile, agreed to Israel’s request to resupply it with several types of ammunition.

It’s not an emergency sale, a U.S. defense official told CNN.

Among the items being bought are 120mm mortar rounds and 40mm ammunition for grenade launchers, officials said. Those will come from a stockpile the United States keeps in Israel, which is worth more than $1 billion.

You can’t scold and reward a child at the same time. It creates confusion that makes it difficult for them to know whether or not what they did was right or wrong. The United States really needs to be a better father is either reward or punish Israel. Doing both is just silly and inconsistent.