In an appearance before the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman explained that the PA (Palestinian Authority) is responsible for much of the ongoing international effort to de-legitimize Israel, and part of the funds for this effort come from money transferred to the PA by Israel.
The foreign minister stressed that most lawsuits brought against Israel trace back to the PA, questioning just who the PA in Ramallah represents, stating it is clear that Abu Mazen does not speak for residents and leaders in Hamas-controlled Gaza. He warned that it is absurd to expect the PA to cooperate, to move ahead in diplomatic talks while it is filing lawsuits against Israel around the world. He also feels that Abu Mazen is weak, and as such, has pushed off elections three times, explaining that even if he wanted to, he is unable to deliver the goods since he lacks significant backing.
Lieberman feels he cannot place his trust in someone who charges former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni with war crimes, questioning the legitimacy of the entire process with the current PA leadership.
The senior minister tactfully pointed out that for 16 years under the leadership of centrist and leftist administrations, Israeli leaders willing to make concessions for peace with the PA were unable to move ahead and close a deal. He views the dispute as a religious one, and that he explains is why no deal was reached in Camp David, Camp David II, Annapolis or elsewhere and that is why simple territorial compromise will not achieve peace.
He reminded committee members that his party favors land exchanges, but this process is not simple. He explained that he follows the government’s policy guidelines but the analysis presented is his view of current realities.
In a related matter, the Tel Aviv based Reut Institute reports that Israel must brace for an international smear campaign. The report states the campaign is being spearheaded by private individuals and organizations.
In its executive summary, Reut writes “In the past year Israel has been subjected to harsh global criticism, which reached its peak with the Goldstone report that investigated Operation Cast Lead. The erosion in Israel’s diplomatic status following the report has become, in some places, a call undermining its right to exist.”
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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One Response
i love lieberman. this is a facinating article. “brace for an international smear campain”!
ive never seen the left achieve a single thing since old russia.
liebermans exactly right, its a religious dispute to its core, nobody cares about anything else there. give lieberman the helm, (kahane the 2nd)
its time to do something.