Egypt said planning to invite Netanyahu for official visit

Egypt will invite Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu for an official visit as soon as he takes office, Likud MK Ayoob Kara told Haaretz Sunday.

Kara said the message came from Egyptian ambassador Yasser Rida.

Kara also said he wanted to prevent a Netanyahu government from being perceived as trying to harm the peace process or Arab states. "I believe only the right wing can bring a true peace, and this is why I'm conducting talks with Arab officials," said Kara.

Egypt had previously voiced concern over the positions of the government being formed, but emphasized that any Israeli leadership will be measured by its deeds, not by its officials' past statements. This may apply in particular to Avigdor Lieberman, who is likely to be foreign minister. Last year, his anti-Egypt comments caused considerable furor there.

Egypt also expects the new Israeli government to maintain establishing a Palestinian state as a clear goal in negotiations. Cairo sent Netanyahu several unequivocal messages even before February's general elections, stressing his promise of an "economical peace" was insufficient and would be detrimental to the peace process and regional stability. T

he Egyptians also said they had no intention of assuming any responsibility for the governance of the Gaza Strip, and that they believe that in any future agreement, Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem should comprise "one organic unit."