• Published 00:00 24.12.07
  • Latest update 00:00 24.12.07

Foreign Ministry: Syria feels peace must wait for next U.S. president

Intelligence assessment says Damascus waiting out Bush term for peace talks with Israel to begin.

By Barak Ravid and Haaretz Service Tags: smuggling tunnel Egypt Gaza

The Syrian administration is waiting out the Bush presidency, and only intends to enter a serious diplomatic process with Israel when the next United States administration takes over in 2009, according to the Foreign Ministry's intelligence assessment.

"Damascus is interested in an agreement with Israel, but only according to Syria's conditions and with American involvement," Nimrod Barkan, who heads the ministry's political research department, told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday.

"The Syrian surface-to-surface missile threat has increased in the past year," he added. "Israel's deterrence against Syria and Hezbollah still exists and even increased during 2007, but we must watch closely for the possibility that the deterrence could weaken."

Barkan added that the U.S. twice tried to "open a door for Syria" in 2007, but Damascus failed to meet the administration's demands regarding its continued involvement in Lebanon.

According to Barkan, Syria does not believe it can make progress in negotiations with Israel as long as Bush is in the White House, and therefore wants to wait until the end of his term, in hopes that the next administration will be willing to reengage Damascus and give the peace process its blessing.

FM: Egypt doing an 'awful' job of halting arms transfer into Gaza

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Monday that Egypt is doing an "awful" job of blocking arms smuggling into the Gaza Strip, thus hampering Israeli efforts at proceeding with the political process.

Speaking to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Livni said the activity of Egyptian forces guarding the border is "awful and problematic."

She added that makes it more difficult for moderate Palestinian forces in the Gaza Strip to gain control of their area.

Livni reiterated that Israel would not sign an agreement with the Palestinians until strong and responsible authority took control in Gaza."

During the meeting, MK Yuval Steinitz (Likud) charged that Israel had caved in to pressure from the U.S. State Department by not giving Congress videotapes that document cooperation between Egyptian soldiers and Hamas operatives. The Israel Defense Forces "have videotaped proof that the Egyptians are helping the smugglers bring arms and terrorist operatives into the Gaza Strip," he said, adding that the tapes "could help convince Congress and the Senate to freeze some aid funds to Egypt."

Livni confirmed that the defense establishment had given the Israeli embassy in Washington an "incriminating" video, and said that it had been shown to Bush Administration officials. However, she added, "the debate in Congress ended before the tape arrived," so "there was no reason to give the material to Congress, and it would have upset the Egyptians for nothing."

Ultimately, Congress decided to freeze $100 million of Egypt's $1.3 billion military aid allocation, she noted.

Meanwhile, the United States is examining the possibility of helping Egypt build a physical barrier to foil the weapons-smuggling tunnels that run from Sinai to Gaza.

The Americans plan to send a delegation of officers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and engineers from the Department of Defense to Sinai in the near future to conduct an initial feasibility study and discuss the issue with the Egyptians.

Public Security Minister Avi Dichter said in October that Egypt could halt the flow of weapons from the Sinai Peninsula into the Gaza Strip in a single day.

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (AP)

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  • 86. 0 0
    #83-3 Arie Rief - I call YOU a liar
    • * BEN JABO
    • 02.01.08
    • 17:43

    You made a claim and refuse to give your source, which leads us to think, that YOU are the liar--Prove me wrong, you're still ducking a response== "U.S. envoy calls Israeli leaders liars !!!!and states that "The Bush administration has given Israel permission to discuss the future of the Golan Heights, security arrangements and Israeli-Syrian peace accords if it agrees to talks with Syria"Mr. ambassador :Israel does not need your permission or your lame duck president to negotiate with Syria !!!

  • 85. 0 0
    #82-2 Arie Rief - Let's start the New Year right
    • * BEN JABO
    • 31.12.07
    • 15:54

    by finishing up the old one with some accurate information--Here's a refresher, time to ante up--- "#83 Arie Rief - Which U.S. Envoy - His Name?? Name: * BEN JABO City: USA State: And just where can I find his actual statement--?? Without the links, your words are worthless-- "U.S. envoy calls Israeli leaders liars !!!!"

  • 84. 0 0
    #83 Arie Rief - Which U.S. Envoy - His Name??
    • * BEN JABO
    • 31.12.07
    • 05:12

    And just where can I find his actual statement--?? Without the links, your words are worthless-- "U.S. envoy calls Israeli leaders liars !!!!"

  • 83. 0 0
    U.S. envoy calls Israeli leaders liars !!!!
    • Arie Raif
    • 30.12.07
    • 05:33

    U.S. envoy calls Israeli leaders liars !!!!and states that "The Bush administration has given Israel permission to discuss the future of the Golan Heights, security arrangements and Israeli-Syrian peace accords if it agrees to talks with Syria"Mr. ambassador :Israel does not need your permission or your lame duck president to negotiate with Syria !!! HERE IS WHAT ISRAELI LEADERS SAID IN THE NOT SO DISTANT PAST,,,,, ON THE SYRIAN ISSUE: In past closed meetings, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has argued that U.S. President George Bush opposes talks between Israel and Damascus. Military intelligence leaders including former Military Intelligence chief, Major General (res.) Aharon Ze'evi-Farkash, and his successor, Major General Amos Yadlin, Former chief of staff Moshe Ya'alon were in favor. Ambassador we are not stupid neither are we ignorant !!!! Prof. Rabinovich is the president of Tel Aviv University, and in the past served as the Israeli ambassador in Washington and the head of the negotiating team with Syria. "Washington is signaling to Jerusalem that it does not want Israeli-Syrian negotiations to begin, but what about the opposite? " Yossi Sarid- FORMER MINISTER IN RABIN`S GOV. "Washington`s ridiculous policy, which it dictates to Israel,,,, Duty and responsibility, however, call for very serious consideration of the Syrian president`s talk of wanting a peace settlement; It is not fair for Washington to hitch Jerusalem to its faltering war machine...... " Former member of the Israeli team that negotiated with Syria in 1999 and in 2000 and cabinet press chief for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak,Gadi Baltiansky, calls on the need for urgent dialogue saying that citizens are prepared for change, but their leaders arent.,,,,,,,,,"Death is known ahead"if we do not negotiate with Syria now. Syria and Israel have a common interest in avoiding the establishment of another Islamic republic to replace the present Syrian regime. The world doesn't need another Iraq or Afghanistan. . Israeli General Amos Gilad, (Israeli Army Intelligence) warned Israel in November 1998 that without Syria?s involvement, a unilateral exit from Lebanon would be a failure. Israeli General Uri Sagi, (Israel Intelligence), repeated the same on July 18, 2006. A peace process with Syria could draw Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the Palestinians and other Arab and Muslim countries into a new dynamic of reconciliation with Israel. Israel should negotiate with Syria as it has an impact on the second Israeli front - the Palestinian Hamas. One should not forget that Chaled Mashal of Hamas is based in Damascus. Israel cannot ever reach an agreement with Hamas without Syria's blessing!! Israel should negotiate with Syria as it has an impact on the second Israeli front - the Palestinian Hamas. One should not forget that Chaled Mashal of Hamas is based in Damascus. Israel cannot ever reach an agreement with Hamas without Syria's blessing!! THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION IS DICTATING , AND FORBIDS ISRAEL, TO NEGOTIATE WITH SYRIA, BUT IF IT SERVES THEIR OWN INTEREST,,THAN THE U.S WILL NEGOTIATE WITH THE AXIS ...OF DEVIL HIMSELF,,,,,, During a recent visit to Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice responded forcefully when the issue of Assad's call for a resumption of negotiations with Israel was raised. "It is best that you avoid even exploring this possibility," she said... So Mr. ambassador talk to your boss,,,and make sure Israel does not follow your ridiculous policy,if you have any !!!! Israel must not be seen as refusing peace. It makes sense to respond in a positive tone to Assad`s peace signals , to determine his intent.

  • 82. 0 0
    The next President will the "the worse of the worse"
    • cristo
    • 28.12.07
    • 05:24

    Bush is much better.

  • 81. 0 0
    #32-2 POP you fool
    • * BEN JABO
    • 27.12.07
    • 18:20

    Israel has already turned over films to the U.S., showing the Egyptian Border Guards facilitating the transfer of arms from Egypt into Gaza--No room for conjecture, duly recorded for all to see--

  • 80. 0 0
    # 79 Dutch. Ms. Nancy Pelosi..!!
    • Stephen.
    • 26.12.07
    • 12:07

    RE; Nancy Pelosi, knew all about the waterboarding and shenenigans of the covert operations regarding extraordinary renditions. She aint no lady.! Guess she is just one of the boys.Whether GWB et Cie will be impeached for lying to the U.S. Congress is a question for "The Lady of the Crystal Ball" at the local fairground.Merry Christmas from the Swiss Alps:

  • 79. 0 0
    I don't blame Syria
    • Dutch
    • 26.12.07
    • 08:24

    I don't blame Syria. Who wants to deal with the bullies and tyrants in the the Bush administration and their friends in Israel. As it is most Americans want them out and everyday the cry gets louder to impeach them. Bush & Cheney may not know it but Nancy Pelosi is their Guardian Angel today. She is guarding the door. Dutch

  • 78. 0 0
    What hypcrisy from the FM, poor Israel
    • Dutch
    • 26.12.07
    • 08:15

    America is doing an awful job suppying Israel with arms in light of its appaling Human Rights violations & occcupation. What hypocrisy from the FM, Poor Israel Dutch

  • 77. 0 0
    George Bush and the Middle East
    • US CITIZEN
    • 26.12.07
    • 06:56

    To Ephraim and other "Bush bashers": GW Bush has been a consistently strong supporter of Israel; so much so that the Arab allies of the US have become disaffected. As for his influence on Iraq, Iran and Syria, that remains to be seen. One fact is certain: Bush's polices caused Lybia to give up their nuclear program and their terrorist ways. With one year left in office, Bush has nothing to lose in the US politically right now. That's why this would be a good time for the Syrians to make a deal with him, unless of course they can't meet the opening bid that Condi Rice has already announced. But if they think they can get a better deal from a brand new US president, then they just do not understand US politics. Personally, I'm in no hurry. I've been to the Golan. It's a beautiful and peaceful place. So, if the Syrians don't want it back anytime soon, that's OK with me.

  • 76. 0 0
  • 75. 0 0
    Syria is correct of course (again)
    • Tosefta
    • 26.12.07
    • 05:55

    just wanted to see it again. I like to read my posts over and over again. I also like to look in the mirror for hours.

  • 74. 0 0
    INRARAT has awaken from fall hibernation
    • Genuine Tosefta
    • 26.12.07
    • 04:07

    and is ready for more mischief.

  • 73. 0 0
    Right Bashar Al Wahsh! Let's wait until you are deposed!
    • Genuine Tosefta
    • 26.12.07
    • 04:05

    You are a minority Alawi heretic ruling over the majority Sunnis in Syria. Your tyrannic regime is getting weaker by the day, your days are numbered, even your Iranian friends won't be able to help, only threaten in vain. When your day comes the Syrian people will wash all of your small clan in a bloodbath.

  • 72. 0 0
    POP, Clicky and others looking for ways to excuse despotic regime
    • Marwan مروان خوري
    • 26.12.07
    • 03:00

    How can you engage Syrian despots who are murdering people in Lebanon, allow terrorists and weapons into Iraq, support Hamas and Islamic Jihad? How about the Iranians with their anti-Semtic, Hollocaust-denying Hitler-admiring monster and his cloak-clad clerics of apocalypse. Is that a good idea to appease these irrational creatures so that they, maybe help US in Iraq. Why would they help us at all? THEY HATE THE WEST and ISRAEL. No amount of cajoling or appeasement will help. Remember Neville Chamberlain and his policy of appeasing Hitler. How did that end?

  • 71. 0 0
    Nat. #42
    • Neal
    • 25.12.07
    • 23:55

    Anyone that tried to invade my country wouldn't get Jack S---. Peace.

  • 70. 0 0
    I love Clickfool...thanks him now enjoying Israel
    • olim
    • 25.12.07
    • 22:30

    ...there are lovers that can kill you. pd: Be Happy,Boca Juniors and Maradona love you.As always improving my English.Thanks for help.

  • 69. 0 0
    ENTIRE CONFLICT EXPLAINED IN LESS THAN 20 LINES
    • G. Marcus
    • 25.12.07
    • 22:07

    According to Shariah law, waging Holy War of Extermination (Jihad) against Infidel nations is every Muslim's command, with Infidels given 3 choices: (a) Embrace Islam; (b) Submit to Islamic rule as oppressed Dhimmi minority (so-called "Binational State"); (c) Death and destruction. Any Arab ruler who breaks above rules faces "fatwa" of certain death. See Abdullah I of Jordan, Anwar Sadat, fate Arafat faced at Camp David II, and Assad, etc faces today. There are only 3 ways to prevent this: (a) Decisively defeat and expel Jihadists beyond insurmountable boundaries (happened in history only in Iberia, Sicily, Malta, Tsarist Russia, Ottoman Europe); (b) Sign Truce (Hudna), which Jihadists may for up to 10 years, until able to restage same 3 threats more lethally; (c) Evacuate and emigrate to another land. There you have it: Entire foundation of Arab-Israel conflict (and 14 centuries of Arab Imperialism) in a nutshell... Everything else is empty words!

  • 68. 0 0
    Syria is correct of course
    • Tosefta
    • 25.12.07
    • 21:47

    Syria wants peace with Israel so that it can get the Golan back. Syria has decided on this direction years ago, already in the days of Hafez Assad (d. 2000). We can take it as a given that this is a real desire by Syria. The problem for Syria today in achieving this goal is that Syria is being threatened by the US. According to Bush, the Syrian Baath government is "evil". It even supports terror groups such as Hizballah and Hamas. (Bush does not distinguish between al-Qaida and national liberation movements. Too fine a distinction for Dumbya.) Under the American threat, Syria must seek friends, and it has one in Iran. Without the US threat, Syria will be very delighted to distance itself from Iran. A friend such as the US is much richer and better than the Iranians. And of course as part of a peace deal with Israel Syria will also stop supporting Hamas and military Hizballah. There will be no need for them to make trouble for Israel once Syria has the Golan. Very simply, the way to approach the Syrian track is first to go to Dumbya Bush and convince him that peace with Syria will also benefit the US greatly, since it will cut off Iran`s northern arm. (Jim Baker made this case already, but perhaps Israel`s Evangelical friends can be more persuasive.) Once Bush sees the light, a peace deal can be negotiated with Syria in a matter of weeks. It is a shame for Israel that it takes such a long time for the dummies in Jerusalem to understand the obvious.

  • 67. 0 0
    the US believed it could
    • Kris
    • 25.12.07
    • 21:33

    solve the ME problems without adressing Israel/Palestinians. Only recently have they realized this error and are trying to fix it now in record time. Because as it is the US needs arab support in their conflict with iran, the only obstacle left for the US in the ME. Israel has gotten under pressure by the US and still is, only, i consider it their own fault, because if they would have made peace with the palestinians prior to this talks, they could have made a deal by dictating their own conditions, now they are getting those served by the US.

  • 66. 0 0
    Syria is correct of course
    • Tosefta
    • 25.12.07
    • 20:26

    Syria wants peace with Israel so that it can get the Golan back. Syria has decided on this direction years ago, already in the days of Hafez Assad (d. 2000). We can take it as a given that this is a real desire by Syria. The problem for Syria today in achieving this goal is that Syria is being threatened by the US. According to Bush, the Syrian Baath government is "evil". It even supports terror groups such as Hizballah and Hamas. (Bush does not distinguish between al-Qaida and national liberation movements. Too fine a distinction for Dumbya.) Under the American threat, Syria must seek friends, and it has one in Iran. Without the US threat, Syria will be very delighted to distance itself from Iran. A friend such as the US is much richer and better than the Iranians. And of course as part of a peace deal with Israel Syria will also stop supporting Hamas and military Hizballah. There will be no need for them to make trouble for Israel once Syria has the Golan. Very simply, the way to approach the Syrian track is first to go to Dumbya Bush and convince him that peace with Syria will also benefit the US greatly, since it will cut off Iran`s northern arm. (Jim Baker made this case already, but perhaps Israel`s Evangelical friends can be more persuasive.) Once Bush sees the light, a peace deal can be negotiated with Syria in a matter of weeks. It is a shame for Israel that it takes such a long time for the dummies in Jerusalem to understand the obvious.

  • 65. 0 0
    #58 Yosemite
    • Ephraim
    • 25.12.07
    • 17:33

    It is approprite that you are from Hollywood. The fairy tale you are spinning is typical garbage coming from your city. I thought the writers were on strike.

  • 64. 0 0
    crossing # 9 zippy will butt out and well take our money with us,
    • terrornator
    • 25.12.07
    • 17:30

    then you will be right,we won't have the right to tell egypt how to do anything,but as long as they keep taking their whore money,well tell them how to act,got it?so typical of you muslim idiots,taking money with one hand and stab those giving you the money with the other hand.

  • 63. 0 0
    #60 US Citizen
    • Ephraim
    • 25.12.07
    • 17:26

    Bush has spent the past seven years leaving legacies. I don't believe the world can indure any more of his fine work.

  • 62. 0 0
    those prevaricating syrians,infuriatingly slow
    • golda faidson
    • 25.12.07
    • 17:03

    we run after them,but we're not so young anymore,what to do?and they suddenly turn so much faster,it's unbelievable!

  • 61. 0 0
    Syria is Playing with America and Iran
    • Ronnie Wolman
    • 25.12.07
    • 16:37

    Yes there is a fence in Israel,but none as big as the fence that Syria sits on,and why not? Its buddy buddy with Iran and it courts israel and America occasionally playing the game and looking for the best deals. For me they can have the Golan in return for peace.Israel will always have the capability of taking it back easily if there were problems. Meanwhile I think it is just making noise and playing games.Im not sure if it actually restricting hizbullah receiving armaments or if its helping one side or another in the Iraqi/Shiite/Sunni divide but right now it seems to be sitting smug,protected somehow by the politics around it.

  • 60. 0 0
    PEACE NOW!!
    • US Citizen
    • 25.12.07
    • 13:49

    The Syrians are making a mistake by waiting for a new US president. Bush wants to leave a legacy in his last year in office and so this would be a good time for them to approach him with something that he could support. Moreover, a new president will not be in a position to make any concessions to Syria until he or she gets established, and that could take several years.

  • 59. 0 0
    IF REALLY SO
    • indrajaya
    • 25.12.07
    • 12:37

    ...Syria feels peace must wait for next U.S. president... If really so, why should they went to Annapolis and risk their good relations with Iran because of that? Was Annapolis only as a transit to their summer villas in Florida or to watch some babes walked in Miami's Beach?.

  • 58. 0 0
    Every Jew Should Read This
    • Yosemite
    • 25.12.07
    • 11:01

    Every Jew who has bashed Bush ought to read this and see the truth. The truth is that Bush is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House. When you see a bunch of terrorist thugs like the Syrian Bathists cowering in fear of going into negotiations just on account of Bush in the White House, you better clear out all that yap about Bush not being good for Jewish People and Israel. I just hope I don't hear any of you Bush Haters from now on! Especially the Jewish ones wouldn't stick up for Israel even if it was 1967 or 1973!

  • 57. 0 0
    Egyptian brethern
    • Gregor
    • 25.12.07
    • 06:04

    Israel will get no help from Egypt, Mubarak, or his masters, the Moslem Brotherhood. Since this org is lousy with patsies to act as suicide bombers, one wonders why Sadat's successor hasn't been gotten to. These Egyptians are the origin of all the Islamist rhetoric and destruction which the world has had to endure through their involvement in the education of moslem youth and teachers throughout the Arab world. Even Yessir Airafart was radicalized in Egypt. What kind of help will they give Israel?

  • 56. 0 0
    preconditions to negotiations == no negotiations
    • Pablo B
    • 25.12.07
    • 05:50

    Gee, the "Foreign Ministry's intelligence assessment" has finally caught up with the collective statements of a bunch of Haaretz talkback posters. (including myself) Israel should be proud. We've been saying for the better part of the year that Bush/Rice are making their choice NOT to have any say or influence on talks with Syria and Iran when they demand pre-conditions before talks. They have made themselves irrelivant by policy. They have removed any chance to have their political viewpoints enter into negotiations by chosing not to negotiate. As long as Bush/Rice chooses not to talk, they will not be heard. They will not be able to lock in US policy by making agreements with Syria or Iran. How dumb can you be, with such low chances of winning the next presidency? IF they had been talking all this time, they could be locking the US, Syria, and Iran into THEIR policy choices. Bush/Rice will have NO influence, they pissed their opportunity away and achieved zero

  • 55. 0 0
    This makes sense
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 25.12.07
    • 04:44

    The Bush junta has clearly shifted it's target for the war to save the republican party in 2008 from Iran to Syria. Thus Livni is correct that there can be no peace. Here leader, Ehud Olmert would never think of offending his master George Bush and thus Israel cannot consider peace with Syria while Bush has it as the target for the spring 'save the republicans' war. That what serves the needs of the republican party and george bush might not serve the interest of Israel does not seem to matter to Livni or Olmert. Has peace with Egypt ill served Israel? Has peace with Jordan ill served Israel? It seems, however, that as long as Bush is the Decider in Chief, what ever might be good for Israel must be deferred to serve Olmert's Master in Chief. The irony is that if the Master in Chief actually wanted peace in the middle east with such a subservient slave as Omert he could have it at the flick of a finger.

  • 54. 0 0
    Clickfool honey, u used to post your city and state.
    • aliza
    • 25.12.07
    • 04:23

    are u now "stateless" for real ?

  • 53. 0 0
    re:28
    • zionist forever
    • 25.12.07
    • 03:46

    The only reason that Israel did so badly in Lebanon was not because Hizbollah were a superior force. it was because the people running the show in Israel were making all the wrong decisions. Olmert rushed into the war with no clear aims or objectives and then he pulled out before achiving anything. Dan Halutz a former air force general believed that the airforce could win this war allmost single handly and by the time he realised he had neglected infantry and sent more troops in it was to late. Peretz the defense minister had never even served in the army and didnt know the first thing about running a war. If Israel had a compitent leadership then Lebanon would have been won and Hizbollah smashed. A compitent leadership would also have avoided getting involved in a fight in Lebanon instead they would have gone to Hizbollahs paymasters in Dammascuss. Drop a few cluster bombs on Assads palace, send tanks into Syria that would have had an effect and it would have brought results.

  • 52. 0 0
    Lets hope Israel has strong leadership by the time Bush leaves
    • zionist forever
    • 25.12.07
    • 03:22

    Certainly Assad wont be getting the Golan while Bush is in power all we can hope is that by the time Bush goes Israel will have a new and strong leadership interested in Israels interests and wont sell the Golan certainly not based on the demands of the Syrians. As for the Egyptians they could stop the weapons smuggling overnight if they really wanted to but they dont we get some ocasional succeses so they can say we are doing their best but they dont love Israel anymore tham the palestians do and if the palestians are using these weaopons to try kill Israelis great. Also as long as they attack Israel then Israel will respond in some form and the Egyptians can lead the world in conodemnations and use it to try incerease arab influence in western policy making because they are pretending to be the peacemakers which makes them popular abroad and amongst Israels loony left.

  • 51. 0 0
    #32 POP - you fool
    • * BEN JABO
    • 25.12.07
    • 02:50

    You missed the pertinent point of the article, it flew over your head--"Egyptians" are saying it--That has as much worth as their play acting in preventing smuggling--Of course, the won't admit it, they're making too much money by allowing it--Don't you know that when Egypt utters 10 words, eleven are lies?? "Egypt: IDF soldiers are aiding arms smuggling to Gaza Strip By Shmuel Rosner, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: U.S. congress, Gaza smuggling Egyptian document distributed in U.S. Congress asserts Israeli soldiers cooperate with smugglers. An Egyptian document distributed in Congress asserts that Israeli soldiers cooperate with smugglers in allowing arms and military equipment into the Gaza Strip. The document was relayed to senior Israeli officials where it has served to intensify concerns in Jerusalem about Egypt's willingness to stem the flow of weapons from its territory into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Srip.

  • 50. 0 0
    Haaretz
    • MR
    • 25.12.07
    • 02:15

    Haaretz aren't you tired of censoring my post while allowing very offensive anti-semitic ones? At least tell Ronnbo that i've sent him my blessing.

  • 49. 0 0
    Wait for the US period.
    • Paulo
    • 25.12.07
    • 02:06

    The US is in absolutely serious economic troubles - how can a country survive on such a debt whilst it continues some serious outlays in Iraq and Israel. Economically China and Russia are coming to the fore and we all know there positions when it comes to the Middle East.

  • 48. 0 0
    Ronnbo #21
    • MR
    • 25.12.07
    • 01:18

    I thought there was nothing to add after your post but that scum has a different opinion. God bless you and your brother's memory.

  • 47. 0 0
    US Army Corps of Engineers???
    • Jim
    • 25.12.07
    • 01:17

    So the US Army Corps of Engineers conducts a feasanility study on helping Egypt build a wall to protect Israel from those nasty smugglers and the incompetant Egyptian guards who are too stupid to stop them.! Wow! Why doesn't Israel build her own wall? She has had enough practice at wall building to make Egypt and the USA Corps of Engineers look silly if they try it. hmmmm......... Ah! Of course! Next is for the Congress to shovel out the money to pay for it! I see now! And, oh yes, musn't forget the American contractors who will be paid for raising the price after a year or two of footdrgging at the work sites. The only real solution is for Israel to re-take the Sinai. This year she should claim all the land at least as far as the River Of Egypt. Next year, the Nile! Ho, hum.

  • 46. 0 0
    Same as Egypt smuggling so does Syria want & con $Bs/year from US
    • Joseph E .
    • 25.12.07
    • 01:08

    Tunnels Traffic World Trade Organisation. TTWTO , In Light of Syria crimes , You'll never hear leftists apology to Right Wing , about leftists prostitution policies to Syria

  • 45. 0 0
  • 44. 0 0
    Hamas Charges $3,000 a Day for Each Smuggling-Tunnel
    • Joseph E .
    • 25.12.07
    • 00:40

    (IsraelNN.com) Hamas has taken over the estimated 150 smuggling-tunnels from Egypt into Gaza, and charges the owners $3,000 each per day. Five tunnels were blown up by Hamas because their owners didn't agree to pay the fee. The other digger/owners quickly agreed to pay the requested fee, enabling Hamas to attain a monopoly on the tunnels. Correspondent H.H reports that while the 150 tunnels bring in a total of some $150 million annually, the value of men, weapons and other merchandise smuggled in each year total more than three times that amount - close to a half-billion dollars. The tunnels are run in a systematic manner, with compensation being paid to the family of a tunnel-digger who dies during the work, and with judges who mediate in various disputes that arise. The tunnels are categorized according to the goods that pass through them. Some specialize in weapons, cash, and - of late - Hamas military commanders who seek to return to Gaza. Others carry food, medicine, computer equipment, and other day-to-day items. Still others - dug next to IDF positions so as to keep Hamas inspectors far away - carry dangerous drugs. The London-based Economist quoted last month a tunnel worker who lamented that the increase in the number of tunnels, as well as the high taxation rate imposed by Hamas, has eaten significantly into tunnel-smuggling profits. Tunnels Supply Hamas Army Former IDF Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yom Tov Samia recently wrote a paper for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, in which he stated, "The Palestinians have brought into Gaza more than 30,000 rifles during the past two years, more than six million rounds of ammunition, more than 230 tons of explosives, and scores of anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles. These are the weapons Israel will face next time. The next round in Gaza will look more like Lebanon than what Israel faced in Operation Defensive Shield in Judea and Samaria in 2002, or in previous rounds in Gaza." Egyptian Involvement Egypt announced last week that its forces had discovered two smuggling-tunnels. It has long been Israel`s position that Egypt is not doing nearly enough to stop the smuggling into Gaza. In the fall of 2005, just weeks after the last Jew was forcibly removed from Gush Katif and other areas in Gaza, Israel transferred control of the Gaza-Egyptian border to Egypt. The agreement stipulated a 750-man Egyptian border force patrolling the border line known as the Philadelphi Route. This was contrary to the Israeli-Eyptian peace treaty of 1979, which banned any armed Egyptian presence in the Sinai Desert. Israel has videotaped evidence of Egyptian assistance in smuggling Hamas terrorists through a fence, as well as proof of aid in tunnel-smuggling of arms. Israeli officials recently decided not to show US Congressmen videotapes of Egyptian policemen helping nearly 80 Hamas terrorists cross illegally into Gaza through a hole in the border fence. This, in order not to raise tensions between Israel and Egypt. Instead, apparently, Defense Minister Ehud Barak will raise the arms-smuggling issue with his Egyptian counterparts when he visits Cairo later this week.

  • 43. 0 0
    The US made a deal that must be kept. Israel has other options
    • Jason
    • 25.12.07
    • 00:38

    If Israel is not happy with it, then the IDF can establish an additional crossing a few hundred meters within Gaza. Then the flow might slow. Certainly Mubarak, the pharaoh himself, is aware of the transfer of arms. He is a man that must be challenged out in the open using the media.

  • 42. 0 0
    Give Syria the Israeli special
    • Natallie Durson
    • 25.12.07
    • 00:28

    Since Syria wants nothing from Israel except the return of the Golan and Israel is not prepared to return the Golan, then there will be no peace with Syria. Actually, the Israeli government does have one particular deal ready for Syrias signature. The deal is Syria immediately stops support of Hizbollah and Hamas and any other anti-Israel group, and Syria stops exerting influence in Lebanon, and Syria cancels their mutual defense treaty with Iran. In exchange, if all these measures are completed by Syria to Israels satisfaction, then Israel will return part of the Golan in 10 years time. There is no person in the world stupid enough to make such a deal with Israel, let alone Assad. It's the usual Israeli special in which Israel gets everything they want up front and ends up paying nothing. America knows this type of deal well.

  • 41. 0 0
    # 35 Is the POP'S creation...
    • Misha
    • 24.12.07
    • 23:54

    ...POP's always use illigal ways to prove something, which can't be proved. I would ban the POP'S from this site for employing illegal methods. Just fyi for the censor: POP is using other posters names to pollute this site...

  • 40. 0 0
    Translation.......Part 2
    • Larry
    • 24.12.07
    • 23:43

    Syria is empowered by what it might foolishly perceive to be a victory for Hizballah. That victory was only one over stupid Olmert whose Bush Whacking Lollygagging cost too many Israeli soldiers their lives. Israel did have problems in Lebanon years ago, but the cost outweighed the benefit. Syria would be foolish to trip a wire and start a war with Israel thinking that their thugs, Hamas, Jihad Islami, Al Qaeda would stir up enough trouble on other fronts to tax the IDF to the point of surrender. When Israel's back is to the wall it would launch whatever it takes to defend its people. Syria knows this, and no amount of Iranian cash would protect Asad from the fallout....literally.

  • 39. 0 0
    Translation......
    • Larry
    • 24.12.07
    • 23:40

    Syria doesnt like George W. George W. labelled them, rightfully so, part of his "Axis of Evil". Now down by one, The Axis is down to Syria and Iran, but that too is changing. Bushie thinks his magic wand will create peace in the Middle East. He needs to go back to Church to pray more for that one. However to translate Syria's remarks, Bush is holding his ground on what Syria needs to do to get all that nice U.S. cash for peace with Israel. Lets face reality, its not about land, its not about liking Jews, or liking Israel. Their hatred runs too deep, and they will never really make true peace. But to the tune of 2 billion or more per year, Syria wants some of that famous U.S. Dinero!!! Bushie isn't forthcoming unless his conditions are met. He plays poker well. So Assad is throwing in with Iran. But now Iran might be working a deal with the U.S. also, so would Syria be far behind?? This statement would all but assure that the U.S. would leave Syria alone to its own devices. Part 2

  • 38. 0 0
    come and stop smuggling
    • belal
    • 24.12.07
    • 22:24

    come and stop smuggling arms by yourselves. sieze the rafah border crossing and do the whole job well rather than criticizing egypt.

  • 37. 0 0
    to 10, G-D?
    • yamama
    • 24.12.07
    • 21:10

    No actually i am a secularist. But my experience, living in the civilized west, is that some cultures and religions are more violent to others than others.

  • 36. 0 0
  • 35. 0 0
    i have always been a genocidal racist barnyard animal
    • Misha
    • 24.12.07
    • 20:53

    its in my genes

  • 34. 0 0
  • 33. 0 0
  • 32. 0 0
    LOL @ the dummy ben jabo
    • POP
    • 24.12.07
    • 20:03

    IDF Smugglers: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/914200.html

  • 31. 0 0
    #23 BenJabo - IDF Smuggling weapons into gaza
    • POP
    • 24.12.07
    • 20:01

    you really are dumb. here's where I am getting my info from: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/914200.html hey look, those are your bigoted rants on that page too.

  • 30. 0 0
    29. george? you right
    • take it further
    • 24.12.07
    • 19:59

    both cowards both lawyers but livni is not only stupid and ugly but has master terrorist blood in her veins, so think she can abush egypt by tell knesset on them.... Olmert is kosher notra don...a liar and a theif who is in it for the money.... both not to bright but cover for whoever is really running zion....if anyone... but sorry you dont have a lot to choose from

  • 29. 0 0
    livni and arms smuggling
    • geroge
    • 24.12.07
    • 19:48

    Olmert and livni, both lawyers, one is a big coward, the other is slightly less. Olmert bows to the US. Livni tells hte knesset Egypt is doing an awful job on gaza smuggling, but she would not tell Egypt to its face. Classic cowards. No lawyer should ever hold the PM position unless they have had other careers.

  • 28. 0 0
    25. all the flattened tanks in lebanon were zion's
    • hahahah :)
    • 24.12.07
    • 19:47

    you lost big time

  • 27. 0 0
    #3 mossad plot
    • Nobody's fool
    • 24.12.07
    • 19:31

    Clickheels, the Almighty-like powers you routinely attribute to the Mossad just might be paying off. I've heard that as a token of their appreciation, they'd like to send you a Starbucks card. All they need is your address ...

  • 26. 0 0
    24. yeah benny boy they should be do it for nothing
    • shame on them
    • 24.12.07
    • 19:20

    you a real kick bennie

  • 25. 0 0
    Let Arabs bring tanks
    • NO 6
    • 24.12.07
    • 19:15

    It will bring Gaza closer to being flat. As seen in Lebanon.

  • 24. 0 0
    Some of those Egyptian Border Guards
    • * BEN JABO
    • 24.12.07
    • 19:11

    and their officers, HAVE BECOME WEALTHY MEN, all the Baksheesh being passed under the table by the terrorists in Gaza--

  • 23. 0 0
    #4 POP goes the weasel
    • * BEN JABO
    • 24.12.07
    • 19:09

    Your usual nonsensical one liner--Just where did you get that pathetic bit of misinformation from??--"Are the IDF still smuggling weapons into Gaza?"

  • 22. 0 0
  • 21. 0 0
    re #7,Dual loyalties
    • Ronnbo
    • 24.12.07
    • 18:47

    re armchair zionist. Having lost my brother to a suicide bomber in Jerusalem perpetrated by a fatah policeman, I think I have the right to have dual loyalties. And considering our PM Harper is staunchly for FIGHTING Terror, my loyalies are in harmony with Canada's national policy.

  • 20. 0 0
    "don't step on the grass"
    • Sam
    • 24.12.07
    • 18:28

    If Jewish lives are at stake, it's the business of all Jews. In these cases, we don't care what you or anyone else thinks.

  • 19. 0 0
    ITS X-MASS
    • Iskander
    • 24.12.07
    • 18:16

    People go to church. And no one is protecting churches at least in Europe. Only Synagoges must be protected. Because muhammedanians are trying to bomb or kill jews.

  • 18. 0 0
    dickfool
    • erez
    • 24.12.07
    • 18:08

    i bet you blame the mossad when it rains they are amazing they can can do it all. come on fool get a gripo!!!!!!!i think you should lay off the beers

  • 17. 0 0
    14. dont step on the grass sam
    • clue
    • 24.12.07
    • 18:06

    for clueless its the gaza/egypt border and crossings izzy and you need to butt out

  • 16. 0 0
    Dickfool
    • Clickfoolier
    • 24.12.07
    • 17:57

    My dear sir, you are so obviously an english neo nazi that it is a waste of time to even respond to your posts. I will still send you my warmest regards on this joyous ocassion of our Saviour's birth, have a Merry Xmas, and may Christ Lord Jesus forgive your miserable soul.

  • 15. 0 0
    Dickfool
    • Clickfoolier
    • 24.12.07
    • 17:57

    My dear sir, you are so obviously an english neo nazi that it is a waste of time to even respond to your posts. I will still send you my warmest regards on this joyous ocassion of our Saviour's birth, have a Merry Xmas, and may Christ Lord Jesus forgive your miserable soul.

  • 14. 0 0
    Egypt,Pals and other Arabs afraid of peace agreement
    • Sam
    • 24.12.07
    • 17:49

    Egypt and the other Arabs have to make a show of wanting peace to the Western world to get their money.They don't want an actual agreement because if that issue was out of the way, their people would hold them accountable for good governance. So, Egypt makes half-hearted attempts to stop the smuggling while mostly looking the other way. The wonder is that Israeli officials were so incredibly naive to hand the responsibility over to the Egyptians.

  • 13. 0 0
    question vs. answer
    • small stick big mout
    • 24.12.07
    • 17:21

    question: What are you going to do about it? answer: Nothing Business as usual

  • 12. 0 0
    Take control.
    • Vital
    • 24.12.07
    • 17:17

    Take control of Egypt-Gaza border instead talking to Egypt. Enough is enough. Watch for development of events in Russia - take control of the border soon as possible. Do not be stupid!

  • 11. 0 0
  • 10. 0 0
    8. yamama ha ha must be a zionist
    • G-d?
    • 24.12.07
    • 17:14

    and worships himself

  • 9. 0 0
    neither zippy nor zion have the right to tell egypt how to run
    • crossing
    • 24.12.07
    • 17:13

    its boarder crossing with gaza zippi needs to butt out

  • 8. 0 0
    thats the whole point, #1...
    • Yamama
    • 24.12.07
    • 16:26

    As despicable as the Egyptians are, they are not complete morons. You obviously are. I feel sorry for your sheep.

  • 7. 0 0
    5. armchair zionist Ronnbo in canada
    • dual loyalties
    • 24.12.07
    • 16:23

    who is the 'we' you refer to?

  • 6. 0 0
    FM: Egyptian neglect at Gaza border
    • sirius
    • 24.12.07
    • 16:14

    And who insisted to put us in this sh..y situation, if it was not Tsipi Livni to please C.Rice?

  • 5. 0 0
    Egyptian neglect?
    • Ronnbo
    • 24.12.07
    • 16:08

    Negelect is political speak for "aiding and abetting the enemy" Some peace deal we have with our egyptian brothers!

  • 4. 0 0
  • 3. 0 0
    Its a mossad plot to make Israel look helpless.
    • Clickfool
    • 24.12.07
    • 15:42

    I know this for a fact. The little men whisper it to me every evening. Wheeeeeeeeeee....

  • 2. 0 0
    Really? Oh, I am sorry
    • Detached
    • 24.12.07
    • 15:25

    But of course there is no need to control the "smuggling" of arms into Israel, to be put to the purposes we all know! In fact, the don't even have to smuggle nuclear arms there. They can do so in full daylight.

  • 1. 0 0
    if Egypt were truely muslim they would open gaza gates
    • muslim
    • 24.12.07
    • 15:25

    ..and feed the hungry in gaza.. ..zion can boycott hamas all it wants...who cares?.. egypt has no right to help zion murder gazans... ...mubasrak is a coward and a parasite bought by uncle sugar to be zions protector..