Lieberman to Ban: Don't let Goldstone report gain ground in UN

The UN Seems preoccupied w/ only Israel. The Saudi oil bribes must be working well for them.

There is no mandate in the Goldstone commission to investigate Lieberman's political agenda.

perhaps there would be more info on what happened during cast lead if the Israeli government did not censor all media in the gaza strip.

Ah B Gold. Keep it up, Man, keep it up.

I thought Turkey was backing away from close relations with Israel.

" But where is support after 8,000 rockets, Israel had to defend itself. Instead of support, the Jew bashing world condemned Israel`s defensive action." This issue is not about Israel defending itself, nobody is questioning that right. Goldstone's criticism is about the war-fighting METHODS it used, specifically regarding CIVILIANS. A major strand running through the rules of war, the Geneva Conventions, is that soldiers do not fight, endanger, punish, indiscriminately target or starve civilians, who should be given safe passage from the battlefield and maximum protection possible. That is second nature to a soldier anyway, we're not there to fight women, children and non-combatants. Israel looks to have ignored the rules and the evidence in Goldstone is of repeated violations. One of his conclusions is that this was a deliberate punitive campaign against the people of Gaza - i.e. the civilians. That is the issue at the heart of the report that Israel needs to answer or disprove.

"The entire Goldstone report is invalid and morally tainted." I was taught that when someone said Everything or entire, they were usually hiding something. Seldom is an entire report worth writing off. B Gold (any bias in the name you use?) take the report point by point and then refer to International law. Take the killing of 31,000 chickens and the total destruction of the farm they were in. A stupid little example you may suggest. The problem is that the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure in a conflict is a what? Look it Mr B Gold. You will find that is a War Crime". Now. The total destruction of a civilian concrete factory. Bulldozing it down to the floor. What is it Mr B Gold? Nice guess and you are right. It is a War Crime. Now don't get me started on killing civilians (especially over 300 terrorist children), White Phosphorus, Bombing hospitals. Have a guess Mr B Gold. Moving on from War Crimes towards Crimes Against Humanity. Good day to you sir.

The evidence, as Goldstone stated, was based almost entirely on UNVERIFIABLE PALESTINIAN CLAIMS and publications from politicized pro-Palestinian NGOs ? the report cites B'tselem and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights each more than 70 times, Al-Haq allegations get more 30 mentions, and there are many more NGO co-authors. The methodology used in the 36 incidents examined by the committee will give critics of the report and the commission the strongest basis for rejecting its conclusions. As to the dangers to the democracies : http://xrl.us/bfq4r7

I admire Goldstone for 2 reasons: - Goldstone is a jew who doen not afraid to talk against Israel. - Goldstone is a very professional lawyer and judge, who handed down numerious civil rights desicions while serving as a Supreme Court Judge in South Africa.

Because we all know how dedicated Lieberman (and his boss Bibi) is to the peace process. What a joke.

Goldstone needs to respond by adding an Appendix to his report that details all of the violations of international law in Lieberman's campaign planks. Lieberman is the LAST person Israel needs talking about this issue. Every time he opens his mouth, it makes things worse for Israe. Which of course is a disaster, since it is his job to speak for Israel on topics like this.

Israel has been a gangster state since 1947 and now a fellow Jew has finally told the truth about it. Thank you Mr. Goldstone. You deserve a Nobel Peace Prize for your courage and honesty. As an Irish American, you have restored my faith in the Jewish people.

then what are you Israelis all geared up about? If the report is full of untruths, then let the report go forward, have a good inside investigation, prove the accusations are false, and the world will honor Israel again. Failing that, you are just covering up something that you know in your heart of hearts is true and which you don't want to come to light. The world is becoming increasingly distrustful of Israel, and the latter is becoming more and more isolated. Is the demise of the ill-advised Zionist project coming to an end?

" ... states with poor human rights records made the international system into one characterized by hypocrisy and one which acts according to prejudices." anti-semitism, they hate us, poor us, no one likes us... stop whining. with all the atrocities you committed against the palestinian people, your continued oppression of pals, the theft of pals land, the killing of pals, the imprisonment of all of pals in open air prison that you call judea and samaria. don't you get it? you can end it all overnight. but the truth is you want the land and the peace but without the people. we gave you 78% and have agreed to 22% but you said no, no, no. fat chance bucko..... time is up!!! justice will be done... you lose!!

Lieberman and Israel have fallen into a pit of their own making....and they don't like it.

Israelis are prepared to take risks for peace, But where is support after 8,000 rockets Israel had to defend itself. Instead of support, the Jew bashing world condemned Israel`s defensive action. How can they go ahead and take more risks - that would be crazy END FOR PEACE

Did you know that the panishment of death for adultery is death in judiasm too!!

This is a joke

"The Goldstone Report leaves much to be desired. Its tantamount to allowing the proliferation of terrorism." Criticising war crimes will promote terrorism. Therefore, permitting war crimes will prevent terrorism. Therefore, war crimes are good. Ah, the moral values of Lieberman World! No wonder isolation by the rest of the world is proceeding rapidly.

No doubt a "credible and balanced international system" would support the Israeli army as the world's most moral armed forces. The idea is truly horrifying, which is why all those hypocrites at the UN have it in their best interests to support the Goldstone report, lest one day they find an inhuman force of aggression passing itself off as a force of protection in their own backyards. The precedent set by this report as a legal basis for limiting military excesses cannot be emphasized enough. Nor can the implications of its rejection.

"Lieberman reiterated his stance that bringing the report for vote in the Security Council or at a General Assembly would harm Middle East peace talks." Big deal! The talks have no real substance, and lead nowhere.

let's face it. Israel today stands accused of war crimes and even crimes against humanity, period. It has been given 6 months to undertake a serious and complete investigation as to what its IDF did to innocent Palestinian civilians. Ehud, Bibi and their ilk refuse to accept their responsibility. No matter what happens, Israel is now a member of the group of butchers, and killers of civilian innocent people. What a shame that after all of these years Israel ends up just like those ugly societies that have no moral precepts. It serves her right.

So the crimes you cite justify Israel's crimes? Gimme a break. No justification whatsoever! Get real. mmmmm! Light unto the nations? Think again, think carefully!

He will declare the entire UN and international body of anti-semites out to get the Jews. He will then announce that Israel is withdrawing from the UN and demand that US, EU follow by withdrawing or they risk being lumped together with anti-semitees. he will call upon Foxman and dershowitz to petition the US government to act according to Israel's bidding.

Lieberman's comments are clearly extortion. If the UN conducts its business per its charter and Israel doesnt like the result, Israel won't even pretend to try to make peace or comply with International law. Since Israel is already preventing meaningful peace efforts by continuing to brutalize and steal from Palestinians, who cares? Israel will never agree to a just peace until it is forced to do so by world divestment, boycotts and sanctions. Only by threatening its economy will anything be accomplished. All countries have the right to self defense, but that never jusifies deliberately brutalizing civilians.

Israel says that if the Palestinian Authority seeks embarrassing it internationally by using Goldestone Report, then there will be no point in negotiating with Mr Abbas and keeping him as a political partner. Israeli in this argument reflects its real relationship with the PA; the latter is not a side that represents the Palestinians;it is a contracted occupation-services agency that is payed by Israel (in the form of employees' salaries and access to tax revenues and international aids). If the PA violates any of the contact articles, Israel will have the right to sack it.

mr Ban Ki Moon is a respective member of this world organization

and relak,Israel is not the only one have to face the music. Juastice must be seen to be done, in order to stop the next WARS.

a long time ago, May it R I P.

Lieberman's discussion with Ban Ki-moon and how the Goldstone Report if not buried somewhere could spell the end of any peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis is the first time that I have considered Lieberman's position on anything as hypocritical as it was not so long ago that he made it abundantly clear to an eager Obama Administration that he does not foresee peace between the two countries for many years to come. That was quite a public humiliation for the Obama administration considering Lieberman is well aware of Obama?s position but he calls them as he sees them. Lieberman can be accused of many things but not a hypocrite. The Palestinians he feels are inferior to the Jews and the only rights that they should have are those that are dictated by the Israeli State. And the only terms of any peace agreement will be under Israel's terms alone. And by the way I agree with him, Israel is not ready for peace not now, maybe never.

Let me get this straight: Avigdor Lieberman, he of driving the Palestinians into the sea (only the ones that can't swim), wants the head of the UN to dismiss a UN report... all because Israel says to? What does he think the UN is -- the White House?

...Visiting ladies of the night or even going to a Football match. You appear to find ultimate satisfaction from uttering the words, "Nightclub bouncer from Moldovia" No wonder you spend so much time here. The UN is completely corrupt. You think they are not?

Every Israeli soldier over the age of 18 dresses as a civilian

If the concept of war crimes and crimes against humanity are to be retroactively dropped from international law - as Ben, Stephen and others seem to be suggesting, this might have some unintended consequences: for example, all reparations paid by Germany to victims of war crimes have to be repaid. Do you think Israel and some Eastern European countries could face the fiscal burden?

Yariv the point of Goldstone was Did eccess force was used in Gaza! Not if other country in their way of life restrict their citenzen. Now if that what you want to persue then have Israle ask the UN to investigate this. totaly different problem. I am tired of people keep putting thing out there that has nothing to do with this. Open a new UN investigation but stop trying to saying thing that dont pertain to this!!Was eccess force used intentionally??? This was the report made about, and Hamas need to investigate itself is well!NO ONE saying Israel cannot defend itself! Now if Israel is a true democratic country then it need to Investigate itself not only for them to learn what not to do next time, but to see if their self defense was right.. period!

You always get to do whatever you want and the US steps up and saves your Butts. You will pay someday though, nothing is free int his world.

"Mentioning by name Cuba, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, he also charged that the automatic condemnations of Israel by states with poor human rights records made "the international system into one characterized by hypocrisy and one which acts according to prejudices".. Lieberman is right on with this statement which is the main crux of Israel's argument of moral hypocrisy by the UN and others. Look at the rest of the other nations in the UN Human rights council. Its a joke and farce just like the Goldstone report.

Pakistan is killing thousands right now in the swat valley... Cuba has a great medical system but is horrible when it comes to personal freedoms... Saudi Arabia, you can be killed for having an affair! Ye without sin shall cast the first stone. Looks like in modern days its: yee with worst sins shall cast the first, second and third stone... judge not lest ye be judged... These countries are using Israel as a scapegoat... Last time the world did this they allegedly killed thier g-d Jesus... How many jews must be sacrificed for the worlds sins?

And while you are at it make sure your papers are in order for returing to Russia.. Your illegal status in the territories is at the root cause of the Goldstone Report. ...

Liberman attitude is not different than the usual Israeli foreign policy of denial and placing obstacles at international institutions and also discredit them when dislike their resolutions (while being a member of them)

Ok. Point taken. I have asked for a copy of the full report. Which means that I will study the above this weekend. We shall then continue our debate. Have a nice weekend.

The Goldstone Report appears bias to Israel firsters because Israel refused to co-operate with the inquiry. A move the Israeli Foreign Minister has accepted was a mistake. It does not make acceptable Liebermans attempts to blackmail Planet earth with an none existent peace process. Maybe Lieberman should have asked Ban to change the rules of war so that Israel could no longer be accused of war crimes. That might have worked.

that what was acceptable when he was a nightclub bouncer in Moldovia where you got what you wanted by using threats and menaces. Is not how the world of diplomacy works. If Israel refuses to walk down the road towards peace, especially if as seems likely Iran complies with the nuclear thingie. Then Israel is going to become more isolated than it already is.

Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman: "The Palestinians should not be allowed to hold negotiations with Israel on a local level while fighting against it in the international sphere" (while Israel on a daily basis kills Palestinians). A few years ago Israel refused to negotiate with the Palestinians under the pretext that it would not negotiate peace while under fire. The hypocracy is becoming more and more evident - Israel is not sincere about achieving a just peace.

Many Israelis are prepared to take risks for peace, on the understanding that they will have the support of the international community if thinhgs go wrong. Things went wrong after Israel left Gaza, and after n,000 rockets Israel had to defend itself. Instead of being supported, the international community are condemning Israel's defensive action. How can they go ahead and take more risks under these circumstances - they would be crazy to do so.

The report is flawed it has as many holes as a swiss cheese. there should not be any doubt on it! the hostile majority vote is in no way a vindication of it- it is a politioacle platform who would vote on anything as long as it is anti israel : look at previously 30 some votes. As for goldstone: his interviews and writings post tyhe report is the best arguments against him! since what bussiness has he has in saying anything aagonst israel inntentions, the peace process or FM lieberman.i am not his fan and i think israel better rid of him yet it is none of your business,judge! goldstone has an alterego issue with him self. israel is not sebia DO NOT FORGET THIS, sir.

"... the mention of some 8.000 missiles ... and countless mortar shells were indeed fired into Israeli towns, villages and the city of Ashkelon. The above was not addressed." Have you in fact read the report Stephen? Goldstone lists EVERY rocket and mortar fired at Israel, by date, from the ceasefire in June up to Cast Lead in December. He describes the background to the conflict over many years and refers specifically to the 8,000 missiles fired into Israel. He calls it a war crime which may (if proved that civilians were the target) amount to a crime against humanity. The problem is that most Israelis and GOP friends in the diaspora have clearly not read it, or not read beyond the 30-page Executive Summary, for fear of what it contains. The few who have, led by AIPAC, the so-called UN Rights Watch et al, are busily manufacturing shibboleths, canards and downright untruths. It is a comprehensive, academic analysis which comes to irrefutable conclusions based on loads of evidence.

Why would Mr Lieberman be against a vote in the UN - Israel being a democratic country and all! And since when is it procedure for a country accused of war crimes, in a position to tell the UN Secretary General what to do?

Stephen why are you economical with the truth? In the Goldstone report the shooting of missiles into Israel is addressed. It is called a war crime. Goldstone did not investigate whether Israel was allowed to attack Gaza. The report does not condemn it. If you read the report it mainly investigates incidents involving civilians and civilian infrastucture. Most of those incidents are so revolting they should not be allowed whatever the reason.

Everyone knows that Ban Ki Moon does not control UN votes, it doesn't work like that. If the General Assembly wishes to consider the report and endorse it overwhelmingly, it will undoubtedly do so. Lieberman is just baying at the moon for domestic Israeli consumption. Lieberman and Israel are equally powerless to prevent peace talks resuming if the USA insists. If they refuse to participate or stall, they won't have one supporter at the UN and the deck will be clear to impose tougher measures, as a goodly number at the UN wants. Lieberman issues these threats as if he's controlling the poker game. The reality is the stakes, players and skill levels are way beyond anything he can bring to the table. With him being universally disliked, despised in some quarters and avoided on the diplomatic circuit, his influence is marginal at best.

One cannot construe that "blackmail" can be used in this case. Lets move on. The Goldstone Report leaves much to be desired. Its tantamount to allowing the proliferation of terrorism. Mainly, the mention of some 8.000 missiles, which include Grad 2 and countless mortar shells were indeed fired into Israeli towns,villages and the city of Ashkelon. The above was not addressed. How can Israel react.? Since there is no real defense against said attacks. I agree, that Cast Lead has only resulted in the deaths of many, probably unjustified,as in the case of children, however lets be fair, fighting terrorists dressed as civilians has shown said results. As in the case of Iraq,Afghanistan and Pakistan. Good day from snowy Swiss Alps.

I think it must be the ones between settlers speeding up construction of more illegal settlements and the IDF who are looking the other way.

Which peace talks? Those which Lieberman refuses to have? I do hope this clown remains FM as long as possible. No better way to bring Israel's reputation to an all-time low.

"The Palestinians should not be allowed to hold negotiations with Israel on a local level while fighting against it in the international sphere" As was told in the Goldstone report it is difficult for Palestinians to get justice. If asking for justice at the UN is considered fighting something is seriously wrong. We are talking potential war crimes against civilians here not a civil case.

"In a telephone conversation late Thursday, Lieberman reiterated his stance that bringing the report for vote in the Security Council or at a General Assembly would harm Middle East peace talks. The Palestinians should not be allowed to hold negotiations with Israel on a local level while fighting against it in the international sphere, he said." What, so the Pals can't even talk to Israel unless they cease all and any disputes witH Israel? Has Lieberman ANY idea how ridiculous he sounds? We all know Bibi's government isn't going to offer Abbas anything more than economic peace bantustans, so frankly why should the Pals care if Israel won't speak to them? At least by supporting Goldstone the Pals have the fun of watching Bibi's government squirm. It would be worth passing up fake peace talks for the joy of that alone.