A few days ago, Israel's Prime Minister asked Jerusalem's Mayor Barkat to delay granting building permits to Jews interested in developing property in Jerusalem. The Prime Minister reportedly told the Mayor that the issuance of building permits at this time would cause an international stir.

Undoubtedly, the Prime Minister had received "advice" from Washington as the Obama Administration was preparing for Vice President Biden's trip to Israel.

Israel's consent to the request appears like a small matter in the overall picture in the region, but it has much larger consequences than one may imagine. Every time Israel takes its marching orders from Washington or the international community, it reinforces the belief that Jerusalem and all of Israel is less than a self-governing sovereign state. Legal and policy decisions in Israel seem to be final unless they conflict with the wishes of the United States and other international players.

If Israel does not set policy over its capital, if it changes course because Washington wants it, is it any wonder that Israel's enemies do not believe that a united Jerusalem is not necessarily a settled matter. Israel is feeding the belief that in the end of the day it will capitulate in dividing the city if the United States demands it.