Regarding the reports that the Israeli Embassy in Cairo will not be opening for a number of months, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israel Radio on Wednesday morning, 5 Cheshvan, that the current diplomatic staff was in line for reassignment, especially after the incident that occurred. He explained to radio host Yoram Dekel that the ministry is maintaining diplomatic relations with Egypt, but it appears the embassy will change location and the process take a bit of time, unwilling to state if we are dealing with weeks or months.

What do you think over reports of a possible Israeli assault against Iran?

I don’t intend to get involved in the speculation that is taking place in Israel. The very mention of the topic is damaging and the entire matter is best removed from the news, regarding Iran and its nuclear program. Too much damage has already occurred. I will say that we are leaving all options open. There is much talk and speculation but I will say that fortunately, most of what I hear and read has no basis in fact.

He emphasized the magnitude of the Iranian threat, one that should and must concern the entire free world.

Lieberman added that the public’s right to knowledge and information does not supersede national security concerns and it does not need we should commit suicide, referring to comments and statements from former senior officials such as a former director of the Mossad, Meir Dagan.

Military correspondent Carmella Menashe added that there is confirmation from military sources that a test missile launch took place in the Palmachim base, seeking to connect this to the Iranian issue. Lieberman did not comment. He added the military establishment has its own mechanism and its own reasons, ambitions and speculations, and if officials released a statement regarding a missile test, it is for the military to address, not the diplomatic corps.

Do you think the international community has an ability to do something towards stopping Iran’s nuclear program?

Yes, including the upcoming release of the report, the price of oil, the refineries and other measures. The international community can still play a major role in stopping Iran and as it know how to impose sanctions on banks in Libya and elsewhere, it must come to realize the extent of the Iranian threat, not just against us, but the world agenda as well know it.

On the PA front, you are not in favor of the current restraint being exhibited in response to rocket attacks?

I am one who prefers to address facts, and now we must look at the ongoing smuggling of weapons and ammunition into Gaza. We look at Hizbullah and we must make decisions if we want Gaza to continue on its current path, realizing the threat to half of the country. Should we wait until the next terror attack, the next kidnapping of a soldier or should we act now, realizing it is inevitable and avoid the next attack. They are already working on the next kidnapping and now, we have the upper hand so that is the way we should respond. Israel knows how to initiate and not just respond, and this includes military actions.

You realize that if we order a military action we may not enjoy support from the international community. Our position in the international community is somewhat isolated today.

I wish to correct you. I feel our position in the international community is significantly better than some care to admit. I also know that the first priority of a government is to protect its citizens and that is exactly what we must do here in the case of Gaza.

Regarding our position in the international community, he feels the recent vote to include the PA (Palestinian Authority) in UNESCO and the reaction of Israel’s allies shows we are not alone.

Liberman added that timing is critical, but we must call on our own politicians to stop with the meaningless clichés and begin to address hard facts, the fact that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has done absolutely nothing to advance peace and to stop incitement and anti-Israeli sentiment in the PA. There are no negotiations he explains, and Israel is not planning to speak with terrorists, and we must begin acting to protect our interests.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)