Americans can disagree on many things, but agreement on how we would like to be treated by Israel is likely common: America's Vice President and the Peace Process ought to have been afforded more respect.
The announcement of settlement expansion during Joe Biden's Peace Process visit was designed to throw cold water on overtures of peace and friendship. And by golly did it ever work. The only question now is how cool and calculating America should be - towards Israel of course.
America sacrifices much for the State of Israel in tangible and intangible ways. A quick accounting shows $3 billion in annual military aid to Israel, and the hostility that the aid buys from their enemies.
However, what do we have to show for our dedication to Israel? Do Israeli actions assure us that we are acting on the side of morality? Certainly practicality suggests that America would be better off by not being Israel's backer.
After all, if this is how Israel treats their allies, can such a country be expected to make rational and moral decisions when confronted by enemies? Put another way, who are the real belligerent hotheads with nukes?
Unfortunately, the passive-aggressive stance of the Israeli government towards America and the peace process is continual - even after initial insult. Was the official Israeli response of 'we didn't know about the settlements' a real explanation? Furthermore, does that weak reply suffice for a constructive apology? The answer to both questions is a resounding 'No'.
Israel must make right by apologizing to Biden, America, and the world for a stab in the back that was executed with Mossad-like precision. The question to be pondered is whether America should accept the apology - or demand actions that speak far louder than words.
The latest mishap illustrates well a confounding issue: Israel has existed since ancient times, but conservative elements often demonstrate a political immaturity. That foolish petulance is a significant barrier to a sustained friendship - from America and the rest of the world.