Leon Panetta: Israel is isolating itself
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta speaks to the media at the Pentagon on September 30, 2011, in Arlington, Virginia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned Sunday that Israel could become isolated and more vulnerable if it did not take steps to improve relations with the Palestinians and neighboring countries, the Wall Street Journal reports.
"It is pretty clear at this dramatic time in the Middle East when there have been so many changes that it is not a good situation for Israel to become increasingly isolated. And that is what has happened," Panetta reportedly said while traveling to Israel.
More from GlobalPost: Israel approves construction of 1,100 new settler homes
"The question you have to ask is: 'Is it enough to maintain a military edge if you are isolating yourself in the diplomatic arena?' Real security can only be achieved by a strong diplomatic efforts as well as a strong effort to protect your military strength."
He also said the United States remains committed to helping Israel maintain its military edge in the region.
Panetta started a trip to the Middle East Sunday that will take him to regional powers Israel and Egypt, CNN reports.
Panetta's trip to Israel comes amid mounting tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The Palestinian Authority, arguing that efforts to achieve peace have failed, recently appealed to the United Nations for statehood, and Israel pushed forward plans to build 1,100 new homes on land the Palestinians hope will be part of their future state.
While in Israel, the defense secretary and former CIA director will try to restart direct negotiations between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, the Wall Street Journal states.
After Israel, Panetta will visit Egypt, where there are frustrations among pro-reform activists that a military-led council, which took over after former president Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February, has failed to implement reforms.
Panetta said he will try to help communication between Cairo and Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, Israel said Sunday it supports the Middle East Quartet's call for direct talks with Palestinian leaders to resume this month.
The story you just read is accessible and free to all because thousands of listeners and readers contribute to our nonprofit newsroom. We go deep to bring you the human-centered international reporting that you know you can trust. To do this work and to do it well, we rely on the support of our listeners. If you appreciated our coverage this year, if there was a story that made you pause or a song that moved you, would you consider making a gift to sustain our work through 2024 and beyond?