As you know, the U.S. is currently collaborating with other Security Council countries on the question of imposing some kind of sanctions on Iran over the nuclear issue. In international affairs, sanctions are most often imposed on countries that are antagonistic, which is why this report from the Voice of American stands out as noting an exception to that rule. According to the report:
Israel reacted angrily to a threat by the United States to impose sanctions on the Jewish state. In an American TV interview, Middle East envoy George Mitchell said the United States could withhold loan guarantees if Israel fails to advance the peace process.
It’s rare for the U.S. to impose sanctions on allies and it would be a surprising turn of events. I wonder if the U.S. will at at least be evenhanded and impose sanctions on the Palestinians as well? Those rocket attacks on Israel can’t be doing much to advance the peace process.
Photo Credit: ABC News
Update Jan. 12, 2010: US says no plan to cut Israel loan guarantees, but it’s been tried before – CSM
This report notes that the State Department has denied that the U.S. is about to impose sanctions on Israel and goes on to consider how effective sanctions have been in the past.