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Ignorant in local customs, Livni offends Druze activists in Maghar By Yoav Stern Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, the main speaker in a Kadima campaign gathering in Maghar Tuesday, inadvertently offended dozens of Druze dignitaries and activists when she told children bearing refreshments they were disturbing her. The gathering was in the yard of the Darsh family's house in the mixed Druze, Muslim and Christian village in the lower Galilee. Livni sat at the dignitaries' table beside her deputy Majali Wahabi, flanked by the Israeli and Druze flags. Advertisement Livni, who dedicated most of her speech to security and political issues, was concentrating on conveying her messages and convincing the activists to support her. She promised to fight against the extremists in the Middle East. At this point four of the family's children came out of the house bearing trays of sweet cakes and dried fruit. They approached the first row of guests facing the dignitaries' table and offered the refreshments. This was the hosts' way of honoring their guests. But their activity distracted Livni. Before the children had reached the end of the first row, she scolded them: "Please stop. It's disturbing me." The children lowered their heads and hurried off. The activists shifted uneasily in their seats. The organizer, Wahabi, swallowed and stared at the ground in embarrassment. In an effort to save the day, Livni said, "I'm sorry. Come back later, okay?" Beyond the impoliteness and ignorance of local customs that the incident reflected, it exposed Livni's tension. She is scheduled to visit several Druze towns and villages on Friday. Druze sources were reluctant to comment. One of the participants would only say: "It was a disappointment." Bookmark to del.icio.us   Staying out Rice on possible IDF Iran strike: U.S. has no veto over Israeli military operations. Ganei Tallywood Hamas transforms former Gaza settlement into movie lot.

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