Israel urges world to curb criticism of Egypt's Mubarak
Jerusalem seeks to convince its allies that it is in the West's interest to maintain the stability of the Egyptian regime.
By Barak RavidIsrael called on the United States and a number of European countries over the weekend to curb their criticism of President Hosni Mubarak to preserve stability in the region.
Jerusalem seeks to convince its allies that it is in the West's interest to maintain the stability of the Egyptian regime. The diplomatic measures came after statements in Western capitals implying that the United States and European Union supported Mubarak's ouster.
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Mubarak, left, and Suleiman, center, seen on Egyptian state TV. |
| Photo by: AP |
Israeli officials are keeping a low profile on the events in Egypt, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even ordering cabinet members to avoid commenting publicly on the issue.
Senior Israeli officials, however, said that on Saturday night the Foreign Ministry issued a directive to around a dozen key embassies in the United States, Canada, China, Russia and several European countries. The ambassadors were told to stress to their host countries the importance of Egypt's stability. In a special cable, they were told to get this word out as soon as possible.
EU foreign ministers are to discuss the situation in Egypt at a special session today in Brussels, after which they are expected to issue a statement echoing those issued in recent days by U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Obama called on Mubarak to take "concrete steps" toward democratic reforms and to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters, sentiments echoed in a statement Saturday night by the leaders of Britain, France and Germany.
"The Americans and the Europeans are being pulled along by public opinion and aren't considering their genuine interests," one senior Israeli official said. "Even if they are critical of Mubarak they have to make their friends feel that they're not alone. Jordan and Saudi Arabia see the reactions in the West, how everyone is abandoning Mubarak, and this will have very serious implications."
Netanyahu announced at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting that the security cabinet will convene Monday to discuss the situation in Egypt.
"The peace between Israel and Egypt has lasted for more than three decades and our objective is to ensure that these relations will continue to exist," Netanyahu told his ministers. "We are closely monitoring events in Egypt and the region and are making efforts to preserve its security and stability."
The Foreign Ministry has called on Israelis currently in Egypt to consider returning home and for those planning to visit the country to reconsider. It is telling Israelis who have decided to remain in Egypt to obey government directives.
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But it fears it may fall into a dark theocracy. I believe we all share Israel's hopes and fears.
In a couple of months we will be reading from the Hagaddah: "This is the bread of suffering which our people ate when they were slaves in Egypt. We invite all who are hungry to join us. We pray that all who are slaves will soon be free."
The Israel government should invite Mubarak to rule their country, if they are so keen in supporting a Dictatorship. What is a Democracy in the Middle East that opts for support of a Dictator? This is turning upside down what Demoracy stands for. But this is Israeli's choice then. Go on if you deeper into the twilight zone.
Jerusalem, you didn't convince your allies but I'm sure that you insulted their inteligence again.
And the hypocracy is reveald for everybody to behold.
That is a smart approach.
We are the ones paying the price for that "artificial stability", in form of Islamic extremism/terrorism. Thanx, but no thanks anymore. Every single liberal European/World Citizen should be jubilating, if Mubarak, and as many other ruthless Arab leaders as possible will go down over the next couple of weeks/months.....the ME urgently needs some "stormy" days!
Yes it's a crazy thing to say. But I'm thinking through the consequences. Say the new Egyptian government is a coalition that includes the Muslim Brotherhood. So they lift the seige of Gaza and open Rafa. I think that's the opposition policy. This is good for Gaza but will be a big problem for Abu Mazen if Hamas has an opening to the world. The PA could be the next to fall or at least it may hasten Abu Mazen's retirement. The consequences of all this are hard to predict and may not be entiley positive.
Do you think Egypt would take Gaza back? Egypt must have been laughing for 30 years that someone would be stupid enough to start a war to take Gaza. I am sure every Egypt is thinking you are welcome to it. Eventually Israel will be forced to put money into Gaza and lots of it to rebuild all the area. One has to love Karma.
the usa has a problem with this philosophy? it accepts the non democratic pa /assad/saudi arabia /jordan/china etc etc but not democratic israel ?? or the election of hamas ?? egypt cannot be democratic NOR CAN ANY MUSLIM COUNTRY !
Should I be you, and I would stage protests against Arabs dating women... some ruthless dictators still did not get the message of you democratic crowd...
As a strong supporter of Israel, I cannot believe how shortsighted its current leadership is. Israel is in a bad place concerning Egypt but it's time to cut its losses and not go completely down the drain holding Mubarak's hand.
That would be Israel's reaction after Mubarak is flushed down the toilet. The Egyptians will make them regret those staements. I see heavy finger-pointings and blame games in the Israeli Horizon. Silence is golden.
I don't understand why Israel wanst to deny to the Egyptian People that it wants to its People : i.e the Best. Egyptian People wants the change. If you don't want to support Him, please respect His will. May God bless Egyptian People and World People in general. A citizen of the World.
Why does the left go after israeli's allies. Yeah right democracy. They love how assad bashes israel. They only care about democracy when it is an ally of israel. So the muslim brotherhood taking getting some power at least is good when they don't even want a peace treaty.
of course. Just as we supported the peoples of Egypt, Tunisian /and/ Iran. All tyrants have to go. So stop whining.
there is no left in syria ,assad s clan opened another branch of the same ruling party members ,called themselves opposition party , saddam was a boyscout comparing to assad...
the kiss of death. How funny that the Israeli PM, who hates Arabs, just loves this dictator. Spiritual brothers, no?
"The Americans and the Europeans are being pulled along by public opinion and aren't considering their genuine interests," one senior Israeli official said. " It's obvious that he actually means we're not considering Israel's genuine interests! The USA does not need you to tell us what our interests are!
The left and the radical islamists are destroying the world.
lol
The real dictators get a free pass from the western lefties.
But noone cares all that much about Sudan. It's considerably further away from "the West". Not that much Geographically, but culturally and as far as ties and common background.
Revolution seems a total madness to those whom it sweeps out and abolishes. Errr... wasn't Trotsky right, Mr Netanyahu, Mr Barak, Mr Lieberman & co.?
If Trotsky could have foreseen his own future (not to mention tens of millions killed during the Revolution and years of terror in the Soviet Union), would he have said that?
He said it after he faced repression and was already out of the Soviet Union. But I understand it's equally strange to the defenders of Tzar and the defenders of Mubarak. I doubt if you think the fate of Trotsky betters the fate of Mubarak.
The israeli left pushed for sharon, livni to leave the gaza philadelphia route border and their excuse was egypt will deal with it. Now they are saying lets mubarak go and muslim brotherhood come in. Israeli left is destroying israel.
Mubarak is the only sane leader and lets punish him while assad, nasrallah and the lunatic in iran celebrate. Nasrallah was the one who called mubarak a snake. Israel is surrounded by lunatics, has the worst u.s president ever who kisses up to the likes of russia and syria and bashes pro israeli arab leaders. And then the left in israel is also cheering the ouster of the only pro israeli leader in the region. Yes lets have muslim brotherhood protect the gaza/egypt border. The israeli left combined with obama combined with the lefties in the eu combined with russia, syria, iran, hezbollah, sadr is the worst nightmare israel has ever had to deal with. I hate the politics right now in the world with every ounce of energy I have and just hope the debt and immigration policies of the lefties will kick them out of power and new sane leaders in the u.s and europe will emerge.
Mubarak is sane and more than 60 Millions are insane? You claim to know what's better for the Egyptians than themselves? This scenario is better for your Israelis rather. Selfeshness and hate has no limits.
There is nothing more dangerous than clueless western lefties. The Obama administration national security director praised hezbollah and they give syria wto entry and airplane and communicaton parts. Syria has a missile conference with iran and hezbollah and clinton and obama say nothing yet they look to hurt mubarak. They love russia, iran, syria, hezbollan and want to bash the only sane leader in mubarak who is the only bullwork against the crazy shia leaders who want to destroy israel. The israeli left that wants to hurt mubarak is crazy.
Ha ha ha ... ha ha ha ... I can't stop laughing ... ha ha ha ... is Israel serious ... ha ha ha ... "The Americans and the Europeans are being pulled along by public opinion and aren't considering their genuine interests," one senior Israeli official said. ... ha ha ha ... "The peace between Israel and Egypt has lasted for more than three decades and our objective is to ensure that these relations will continue to exist," Netanyahu told his ministers. ... ha ha ha ... Does your intelligence agency Mossad write this stuff? ... ha ha ha ... Stop it please ... Ha Ha Ha ... I mean the settlements in the West Bank ... ha ha ha ... God help you ... you are so funny.
You could be funny if you were not so pathetic (and also very very STUPID). Give just one example when the so called revolution brought better life for the people. Only a new MONSTER, much worse than the previous one.
Apparently not the Israeli government that is speaking, but rather it is Lebanese Hashish . The Egyptians will not forgive or forget those statements. Man! I have never ever seen someone digging his own grave so fast.
The israeli left is lost and has already done great damage to israel with the election of olmert and now they are complaining that the only sane leader mubarak is getting support. Push your democracy in syria, hezbollah or iran.
The israelis complaining about this are lost. Do they have a clue what is going on and will they wake up. The great assad jr is a thug who has missile conferences with hamas, hezbollah, islamic jihad and the iranians in damascus. You have the one leader who commands forces that is friendly with israel and you want to give that up for some democracy dream. Why not push democracy on syria, hezbollah or iran.
If Israel governement really was concerned by stability in the region, it should not promote an evil dictatorship but rather prevent settlers from illegally occupying palestinian territories and stop behaving in such an arrogant way with its neighbouring countries. Europe has been warning Israel for decades. Israel current attitude with Palestine is a deadlock. That said, the perspective of Egypt being taken over by muslim brotherhoods truly is scary.
all around the world, people wish good for others, except some of comments here .... you want to avoid others anger ? clean your hearts and clear your conscious first... it's just simple as this
Dont tell us how wonderful the alternative of Islamic Governments will be . We all have seen 30 years of Iran to understand what the alkternatives are.
Us and the western countries backed Iranian Revolution(same way they backed S.Hussein&CO), by supporting Khomeini who was living in Avenue Foch Paris under strict protection,preparing the Islamic revolution You didn't know that??? And no need tio say open your books... You won't find anything there. I'll seend you some title... just shoot an email address here You wanted him, Now you have him. Deal with it! Plain and Simple!
This is how it sounds like. It's a disaster. All European media are reporting that the "only democracy in the Middle-East" is supporting a dictator.
if Bibi states these things and starts to play his 'lobby' game , european leaders and the people see right trough that ... like glass ... and will hold Israel responsible ... it's absurd to think we should understand the position that a dictator should stay in place to make 80 million people suffer for Israel's convenience ... times are changing ... civilisation 2.0 is coming ... noone can stop that ...
Israel publically supporting Mubharak is the last thing he needs. Unless this is some cunning double-bluff to get him to quit. P.
Alas, neither me nor Arab people are likely to get what we want...
We Israelis need to understand the the Bibi era also should come to an end
What was so different under previous governments? Did Arabs agree to any of the peace proposals from left-wing Avoda or centrist Kadima? What do you think will change when they come to power again? In terms of Israeli-Arab conflict absolutely nothing will change. Because the problem is in the hearts and minds of Arab majority, who OPENLY, CLEARLY and REPEATEDLY state they want Palestine in place of Israel, not alongside it.
Bibi: He may be a sonovabitch, but he's our sonovabitch.....
Who do you think will replace a dictator in the 12th century society? A democratically elected president?
Israel only things of itself, its own security concerns & its selfish Interests,-as usual one might say! The european Countries(hypocritical to the end!!), as the U.S. do the same! They don't understand that the 'Era of Post-Colonial Puppet Régimes' comes to an end! A courrupt Élite, supported by some Powers, oppressing and subduing the majority of the People in povery, whilst themeslves enriching themeselves & their Family Clan's in obscene richdom! The People are starving & have no employement, while the Élite eats Caviar & drinks Champagne! Now one question: Why do such Régimes not exist in Europe or the USA?!?! (....at least not to such extremes!!!) Because they would have been kicked out a long time ago!! And now some Countries have the nerve & temerity to 'call for calm' and ask for a 'comprehensive solution'?!? What did they do for 30 Years in Egypt?!? Exactly: Nothing!! They did nothing for the People in Egypt, nor for the People of Tunesia! And in regards to the danger of fundamentalists (Islamists) in Politics: I, as many others I assume, don't want that either! But maybe you also ought to look at the fundamentalist Christians & Jews in Politics in Europe, the USA, & Israel! Ever thought of that?!?
is what egyptians want, everybody wants that, literally. Free and Fair elections should take place in Judea and Samaria too. Nobody cares about 2 States or 1 State, but everybody cares about free and fair elections. Its the occupier's choice : A) 2 States or B) 1 State. In any case, everything but free and fair election will not work out smart in the long run
Bulldozer are you suggesting that the Settler State secede from Israel? If so. go for it.
Because its President doesn't think! Bin Laden must be smiling. Any reasonable government of Israel should be establishing ties with the moderate wing of the Egyptian revolution, for the love of Pete!
Because if democracy prevails - that will be the end of the Gaza blockade, the end of settlements the end of occupation....
And now the same israeli left wants mubarak gone.
I don't think the Egyptian people will be much impressed of what Israel want. It's not the task of Israel to interfere in this protest. As they used to say to be the onliest democracy in the middle east Israel should accept and support this democratic movement in its neighboring state.
They don't like this dictator and they want a different one. Normally I wouldn't care, but there is a real possibility that the next Egyptian dictator will choose to attack Israel again, as few previous Egyptian dictators did.
Cipora, wake up: Mubara is a dictator, he's been in power for over 30 years, NO ONE wants him to stay. Israel must quickly join the side of democracy before it's too late, and stop defending the undefendable.
This kind of support for a repressive dictator, however much Israel's ally, will do nothing except cause yet more Arab rancour towards israel..as a proud democracy you should be supporting the establishment of another, however difficult diplomatically, or else yet again, you will be on the wrong side of history...doesent the Israeli government ever take a medium or long-term view? Short-termism will not ensure Israel's peaceful survival..
we absolutely reject the libelous canard that israel is the cause of the fanaticism, terrorism, radicalisation, poverty, intolerance in the arab muslim world. we reject attempts by members of the present american administration to blame israel for the tragic losses of life of us armed forces personnel in the wars in iraq and afpak. we reject the administration's outrageous claim that the conflict between israel and the palestinians is the cause of animosity by muslims toward the united states or of the upheavels taking place in the muslim world. we demand that the world stop demonising the only jewish state among the community of nations.
"we demand that the world stop demonising the only jewish state among the community of nations." Well may be you should ask yourself why? and try for once to have a rational discussion about it.
Wake up,-as many here write! The time of 'Post-Colonial Puppet Régimes' is over, done, finished,...or history! The sooner some retrospectivemided People understand this, the better! The right for a voice and vote, is not solely the right of those countries which exploit and oppress! I'd like to see some who 'write of such virtues' to live 1 Month under such oppressive Régimes 'themeselves'!
It's certainly not the Cause of ''fanaticism, terrorism, radicalisation, poverty, intolerance''' but one of the causes, and It should be enough to have a closer, more human, and objective view on the situation. We want peace, and peace is a two way deal btw populations, not btw a president and a dictator. Let's work out something fast, concede things we don't want to, but we have to. the best decisions are the hardest to take, I.Rabin took it, let someone pick it up from there and work an honest, human, fair decision, on the situation there. It's not about the bits and pieces of land, at least it shouldn't be, it's about Human rights, to live with dignity and security. We can work something BIG, surpise the world with our ability to turn a situation that is in a dead end into smg promessing for the kids of Palestine and Israel, and the rest of the regio's countries living in total darkness since many years. This message is for all of you peacefull men and women, in Israel and Abroad to open your eyes and see that we have a tiv=cking bomb btw our hands and we have to takee actions Now before things slip away. Stop the hemorrhage, while we can, by TAKING BIGRADICAL/HARD BUT GOOD DECISIONS and VICE VERSA.
Because beginning withe the one above you have put the onus where it belongs.The ones who may poo,poo it never read the whole article judiciously pick a word here and there ready to jump in to contradict the important aspect of the subject. I only wanted to say thank you.But also to remind you to read my post at Aluf Benn's article concerning the PA that the egyptian protester never even mentioned the Palestinians.And tghat speaks volumes.As for Elbaradei,gee I hope he doesn't get a chance.Having him in power would be ADDING OIL TO THE FIRE. Said more but do not know if it was published.
People around the world are just over it. I used to be very pro-Israel, but after the Palestine Papers and after seeing the perfect agreement which Israel rejected, I along with lots of people around the world are OVER IT. The only reason why Israel wants Mubarak to stay is because it is in its own interests. Perhaps if he GOES it will fire a rocket up the butt of Israel to achieve a peace agreement.
Crying over spilt milk..
this is not this potus's fault. egypt and the rest of the arab nations have been suspicious since the over throw of hussein in iraq. this mistrust started in 2003. the logic is if they will invade a country that has been an ally in the past; what will the US do to us.
If the israeli government is smart? It musts to find a solution on behalf to Egyptian people not in favor of Mubarak, and from my point of view Al-baradi is a very good example yes he is, first of all he is so smart and he knows how to deal with the west as well as with Arabic mentality, therefore the wises of israel have to push and to stand up with the Egyptian people not to forbid Mubarak's ouster, absolutely wrong, you see now the people will never accept him again then why you want to force his presidency??? it's absolutely Schmendrik from the isralian gov!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and thank you
How nice you wrote that! "...the unprecedented attacks on mubarak, a western ally and still the leader of the most important arab nation, will not be forgotten by other arab leaders, their people, and indeed, allies and foes worldwide. ..." At least, if Obama would have kept quiet! Bibi too! But they preferred a symphony of loud, stupid mouths where the notes say pianissimo ....
... don't live in the vicinity... they are onlookers who want to see action on their TVs... it''s the best current show in town...
Without US aid the Egyptians would be in even more dire straits,"Money makes the world go around"
when the deal their government agreed to was negotiate, by sheer co incidence,of course.
Khomeyni, leader of Iranian revolution was a religious. Main propaganda against Shah was held in mosques. Here in Egypt people who are in streets want just more freedom and democracy and a real free elections that's all.
one living under heavy guard in France. Thousands were executed by the Mullahs to gain controll
Isn't the best way to create islamists to support and Mubarak and best way to secularize Egypt to support democracy? There is a strong tendency amongst true democracies to lose up on the religion. If people get's comfortable living secured by the state, they won't need the Muslim Brotherhood... Isn't that sound foreign policy thinking on Israel's behalf? Though now they fucked that up and will be considered an enemy of freedom instead,,,
Israel is not a peaceful state. Israel creates so much hostility and despair. Israel's urge to support the Egyptian dictator is yet another evidence in a closet full of skeletons. Israel, pls be quite now.
Yes, it is easier always to blame Israel because in reality, Israel is the cause of what's happening and deserves the approbation of the entire world, and that means full blame for the results of its determination to appropriate more and more land beyond what we created it to be. The chickens are coming home to roost, Israel!
it's a typical Israel behavior of being hostile with Egyptian people by supporting a tyrant like Mubarak. you think that war will be set up just by taking down Mubarak ? is it smart to make 85 millions neighbors angry of you based on delusions ?
Israeli people must understand that peace can be reached only between people not between corrupted politics, so i appeal all Israelis to stand with democracy in Arab word, otherwise you will lost Israel for ever
Israel's policies has alienated everyone in the region with America's backing.Now the chickens are coming home to roost.This statement from Israel is the final blow to Mubarak.No hope now.Thanks Israel!
I'm disappointed with the collaboration between Israel government and Egypt's Mubarak.People on the streets,the millions of people who are trying to achieve right democracy and bring to end dictatorship may be support by E.U and U.S.A because these countries shares the same principals as a free speech and human rights.It's completely irresponsible to support ancient regime just because of same benefits.People have lot of reasons to behave like this,there are reasons to unleash the Civil war.Me as a european citizen I stand for direct democracy,democracy of people!
Ben Ali, Mubarak.....Who next? The scent of Jasmine is blowing all over the Middle East. Let's hope that the rotten corpses ruling over the rest of the Arab world are swept away, and that their stench is replaced by the frangrance of more Jasmine Revolutions.
read all 122 comments - in the main, the hatred directed at Israel far outweights any positive and rational comments.
Mubarak is bad, but all the other options are worse? Israel welcomes demoracy in Egypt, but fears the islamists, since that could make things at our southern border much more difficult. The move by Jerusalem is not ideological, but pragmatic and about security. If a new regime in in Egypt changes the order at the border, that means that we have use more of our resources in the south, which leaves us more vulnerable in the north. Of course, Israel is strong and will crush any invader, so Israel will prevail, but terrorists could cause great damage - many could be killed and our economy could be severely hurt. So - let Mubarak lead the transition to democracy in Egypt? Is that a reasonable option?
i'm disappointed with the collaboration between Egypt's Mubarak and Israel government .People have lots of reasons to behave like this,and we have to support their statement.We should support civil war because of it's principals.I'm for direct democracy and free speech.I ask Israel to stop protect dictatorship even if the government see benefits on it.
It is in the Egyptian's interest to live in a democracy Israel will have to get used to that change. PS don't tell us what to do we don't like it
"The Americans and the Europeans are being pulled along by public opinion and aren't considering their genuine interests" - what he meant was that these countries aren't considering Israeli interests. While everyone is washing hands from Mubarak, Israel jumps in head on. It would have been much better if everyone in Israel's administration remained silent as Netanyahu ordered. Now, on top of everything else, Israel has gained reputation as a supporter of dictatorships. I can understand that Israel has vested interest in keeping Mubarak in power with the peace being conditioned by him remaining in power. But guess what? This will only spur on Egyptians to demand Mubarak be replaced, as this will reinforce the view many Egyptians share: that Mubarak is in fact a servant of Israeli interests. And please no more talk of Iranians suffering under dictatorship. Israeli officials care nothing for them. Egypt is the living proof of that fact. Israelis should really sack their government, because it seems to be the worst enemy of Israel. At least you have the luxury to do it without riots and revolution.
Yes, we have learned. Can't you see how much, by the situation in Egypt? The reign of fear is what feeds the right, insults or not. Let's see who prevails, if reason or fear. Obama and Carter are failing because they do not support the majority of persons, those who just want a decent job and a family, the people that want to change missiles for votes. So, Obama and Carter, and all the previous US and Israeli governments have pushed entire countries into the government of extremists, spending your hard earned money into tanks and atomic weapons, Binyamin. You know what? Those "idiot leftists" are more numerous than the warmongering people in the right. They probably do not want clever people like yourself telling us to fight to death to maintain your status quo. Why would we want to fight with The Right, when The Right has all the weapons? We want to vote. If that's being stupid, we are completely retarded.
El Baradei is as revolutonary as George Soros is
So when Mubarak is diagnosed with cancer, Obama should not offer him treatment. That was Carter's failure with the Shah. Thanks for the tip.
He died in Egypt ,offered asylum by Sadat.
Mubarak isn't a democrat, but the people waiting in the wings are certified fanatics. Letting the Moslem Brotherhood take over Egypt will not lead to more freedom. The opposite is much more likely. Where has a violent replacement of a government led to a better life for its people? Mubarak has perhaps made a fatal mistake in not reforming his country prior to this, but the that doesn't transform his violent opponents into Mahatama Ghandi.
That's because they are not Arabs.
Mhn Iran is not Arab
And by doing that turn the masses of people against us? They will distance themselves from any ''friends'' from the senile dictator!
the protests will be hijacked by ideologues who will use and want to further Anti Israel positions, our government's stance trying to protect Mubarak could (should) alienate the protesters who are sincere.
The only democracy in Middle East (as Israel is known) wants to continue being the only democracy in Middle East. Thanks Israel for being so democratic!
And Lebanon, too? Just because Israel may not like the current governments of other countries does not give Israel exclusivity over the term.
democracy to Egypt? Let's wait and see
lebanon is a country dominated by a totalitarian terror group; iraq has a fractured society whose government still practices torture on a routine basis. turkey has abolished an independent judiciary, practices torture, supports terrorists and has been producing propaganda films which are defamatory of an entire people.
Israel's Shin Bet was just officially put out of the torture business only a few years ago. There are credible allegations in the Israeli courts it still takes place. At its founding, the US not only had torture, but outright slavery. Torture and rape of slaves was common in many places and was not illegal. We had so may states because being "fractured" was the nature of the country. We have no state religion because Marylanders were Catholic and Bostonians were decidedly not. Nutmeggers couldn't stand Carolinians for the most part. They compromised and agreed to count black people as 3/5 of a person. Israel appoints judges. Many US judges are elected. Both can be parts of democratic systems. You are very narrow in your thinking.
i am disgusted and appalled that my government would continue to support mubarak in spite of the egyptian people's calls for freedom and the brutality that they have faced in recent days. israelis should take to the streets and protest, too!
//and the brutality that they have faced in recent days.// You mean, during the last 30 years almost.
With Hezballah to the North, Syria the North West, Hamas to the South, the Muslim Brotherhood sitting behind Gaza and an Islamic Jordan just around the corner, I guess the public of Israel will soon be learning the price of the stolen Palestinian lands - how much of your GDP goes towards the Military budget today? I suspect you will soon double it and I dont suppose the US public is going to look favorably at any more free money to Israel given their state. From 1982, you had your chance to make peace with the PA and you chose not to do so. Enjoy your ill gotten gains - they wont be yours for much longer. Free Palestine.
stolen Palestinian lands? You really don't know much, except to regurgitate lies
It's in your interest Bibi not the worlds, but wait when Mubarak is gone & soon your left with %99.9 Egytians hating you too, which I'm sure they already do.
...people seem to want, that US,Europe or Israel support Mubarak. Just watch and listen to the people´s opinions in the streets ( all the intenational tv-news have shown this very clearly)
The rest of the world see Israel as the problem. Nobody is going to listen to you.
Left, Wake up! Land for "peace" is a farce, as is unfortunatly becomeing clear.
He thinks he can dictate to the popular opinion to all nations under the Israeli Boot. Haha ha, you little monster. Not to the people you don't. It makes you all the more despicable! Viva Egypt!
Why must the Israeli's always have to be so self centered - quality of life comes when concern for the other takes precedence over the self. The Egyptian People now fight for their lives and you think not of them but only for yourselves -wow, so sad.
When Mitch McConnell (R), the US Senate Republican leader and Hillary Clinton(D) and Barack Obama (D) and John Boehner (R) (US House Speaker) all agree on US policy and that current US policy of walking the tightrope is correct, I'll bow to the collective opinion. None of them favors propping up dictatorship. And none thinks that any outside agency can control events in Egypt. The world is just along for the ride.
What you wish for
Egypt has to decide for itself, and everyone, Egytians, Israelis, Jordanians, etc want stability. It something not in our hands so we have to watch and see and for those of us, pray. We are all hoping for the best. People forget freedom and democracy are a double edged sword, and it is far more than just the ballot box, it is how you govern and act. The President is getting old and it is a natural thing that he should be replaced but what comes next is anyone's guess. We all want peace, security and stability.
Wait a sec, there's a difference??? How many times have we defended Israel with "It's the only democracy in the Middle East" to now turn a blind eye on this? Israel even made a democratic vote a prerequisite to peace talks with the Palestinians no less. Chutzpah: any analyst with half a brain would've known that Egypt couldn't remain stable with an 82 year dictator running the show and half the population living on less than $2/day.
No more paying American taxpayer's money to buy protection for Israel from the surrounding dictatorships. The honeymoon is coming to an end . Israel must make peace with the Arab masses not the Arab dictators.
Aziz, arabs must make peace with themselves first
it needs to deal with its neighbours on equal footing. if nations respect each others, Israel has no reason to be threatened nor does anyone needs to feel threatened by Israel. so far they behaved more like a bully (towards palestinians), that's the problem (easily solvable)but you should not discard the possibility that people show a more reasonable side Ahmet. there is room for everyone on this earth as soon as respect is the rule.
Tell that to all the Palestinians in Gaza in WBank - sitting ducks for any kind of collective punishment or annexation
it seems so but before making conclusion wait a bit
Egypt has to decide for itself, and everyone, Egytians, Israelis, Jordanians, etc want stability. It something not in our hands so we have to watch and see and for those of us, pray. We are all hoping for the best. People forget freedom and democracy are a double edged sword, and it is far more than just the ballot box, it is how you govern and act. The President is getting old and it is a natural thing that he should be replaced but what comes next is anyone's guess. We all want peace, security and stability.
It is the dictatorship of Mubarak that caused all the instability in Egypt now. Ironically, while Israel is trying to save a falling regimen in Egypt, the last thing such a regimen will need now is to be shown as dependant in its survival on the efforts of Israel. By doing this, Israel widen the gap and mistrust between the regimen and Egyptians aggrevating the instability.
... this 'advice' has already passed its expiry date, just like the doomed dictator Mubarak, and nothing will stop the rising tide of Arab Revolution. The brave Egyptians will now STEP DOWN very hard on the face of the stupid grinning cow until Limburger cheese flows out his thick ears. Meantime, the smarter rats are already swimming for their lives. Vive la Révolution!
How'd that go?
Start counting Israel ,your number one puppet is on the way out .Better fuel up your nukes as Judgment Day is upon you.
So as to look for real and lasting solutions for its problems with the people of the region as it gets back to square one.
So as to look for real and lasting solutions for its problems with the people of the region as it gets back to square one.
Having not read any such declaration from the government, I assume that this is an into by Haaretz to make Israel look bad all around the world. The whole world does not yet see the danger of the Muslim Brotherhood taking over all the Arab countries in and around our country. This is the subject on which Haaretz should write and not bring out false news which are then transmitted in the world press.
which is why we are urging Mubarak to move quickly towards the transition to democracy. We need to ensure there isn't a power vaccum which is why it is imperative mubarak goes and goes now.
Once again we see how our leadership cares only what is in the immediate self-interest of Israel. Let the Egyptians live under dictatorship, let the Palestinians live under Occupation and have their land and resources stolen by settlers - no principles matter when the main concern is, as always, 'whats in it for us Jews?'
Obama decided to pick up the only two Arab two leaders in peace with Israel, the next country is Jordan. Look at the facts: Syria and Iran nothing, everything quiet! No requests from US for freedom or democracy from Syria or Iran, no humanitarian values problems, as is well there.
obama did not support one bit the peaceful demonstrators in iran. he did not speak out against the tortures of the regime. quite to the contrary, he had spent wishes to khameini, and clinton sent birthday wishes to ahmadinejad. iran is one of the worst violators of human rights in the entire world. furthermore, iran is an exporter of terror. the same can be said of syria. yet syria just got a new american ambassador. obama's foreign policy is a total mystery and a total failure.
Hi, a worried European commenting here. Even if I dislike Netanyahu, I'll give him credit for often appearing to be a clever guy. But this time he should definitely have kept his mouth shut, even from a "Israel first" point of view. Mubarak cannot do anything more for Israel now, even if he stays, you cannot hold on to a 82-year-old dictator out of contact with reality and who *nobody* in his country likes anymore. I'm afraid that we all in the West are making the same mistake now, by not supporting the very legitimate demands of the people protesting. We had a golden opportunity to do so this weekend, we did not, and we will regret that.
the egyptian people are just hungry what they want is bread, they do not know what is democracy
This is not the first time so called "peace" blows up in Israel’s face. Radical Muslims don't want peace with Israel. The fact that Israel exists at all, on what Muslims consider Islamic land, is a slap in the face to Islam. And therefore as soon as the Islamists take power any "peace deal" is automatically null and void.
And Yet the Left demand more sacrifice, more Biblical Jewish land given up, returning to the 1948 Auschwitz borders, -- all for a "peace" which is as fickle as the wind. As soon as the Islamist take power (such as Hamas, Muslim Broetherhood, Hizbulla) the "peace" is not worth the piece of paper its written on.
Therefore, Israel shall no longer play the stupid Peace game. Land for Peace is insane. Israel gave up the Sibai, now the check bounces, oops no peace. From now on, peace for peace (fantasy). Israel will never again give land for "peace deals" that vanish in a week.
A a careful reading shows that the Israeli Foreign Ministry was completely correct in their approach. Unfortunately, too many of your readers took the opportunity to bash Israel or Netanyahu. While one is sympathetic with the genuine peaceful demonstrators, one must also be firm with a rapists and those who destroy property or loot, etc. When national treasures are destroyed and public buildings are burned that goes beyond peaceful protest. The peaceful protesters should police their ranks to make sure that the hooligans don't use their worthy cause as a cover. I am dismayed that so many of your readers are fixated on attacking Israel. Worthy criticism is to be welcomed. Reflexive anti-Israel comments show that too many readers are rooting for Israel's destruction.
Israel always has the "Samson Option".
Reports indicate some looting may have been carried out by the police, loyal to Mubarek possibly to give an excuse for , so let's not have any reflexive comments in such instances. Further, how, may one ask, should the protestors police their ranks. Do you assume this looting is taking place under the noses of the demonstrators? Could it not be that ordinary criminals are taking advantage of the lack of order to steal and vandalise? What instruments should the protestors use to carry out such policing? It has been said the mobile phone network and the internet have been shutdown. What do you suggest they use? Carrier pidgeons?
Reflexive pro-Israel comments show that too many readers are rooting for the destruction of the Palestinian people.
No surprise here. Israel also supported the apartheid government of South Africa right to the bitter end.
The Israeli governementm who prides itself on being democratic, is now trying to support a dictator against its own people? Day of shame!
Words are not cheap and speeches are easily made without thinking. Israel is not supporting anyone, it justs asks that the community refrain from speaking about Hosni M, Remember that those who now speak use popularity as their goal, they are also the ones who refrained from speaking when it was diplomatically correct, and even praised the President and supported him before. Let it play out and say nothing of anyone is the wisest thing to do. Say nothing negative or positive about anyone ( we all have our opinions but are powerless to do anything) Egypt will decide it's future without anyone's comments or non comments being relevant. Israel does not have the luxury of an individual's opinion aired out loud.
Iran has NEVER posed a threat to Israel ,Israel has threatened Iran for years.
A'jad talks of destroying the Zionist entity daily. When has Israel ever threatened Iran, prior to their nukes? How about never.
Erm, I bet you thousand worthless shekels I can find you over 100 links on this website alone regarding israels threats to iran.
If Mubarak represents stability then Yaweh represents the devil.
Are you saying that the freedom, hope and aspirations, of 80m Egyptians must continue to be sacrificed for the sake of maintaining 'stability' that serves Israel's interests. That kind of arrogance must be checked
8 million against 80 million ...as ye sow ,so shall ye reap.
The Egyptian regime has been sustained by the West. Where on earth have you seen democracy in the Muslim countries? Iran? Syria? Lybia? Morocco? Jordan?. The Arab dictators would not been where they are if it weren't for America and the European countries. Take responsibility for once. Israel is entitled to take care of its interests. As much as it is exciting to see the Egyptians demonstrating, we should remember that the chaos which took over the streets these past two days does not exactly promote peace or progress.
CT try to find democratic countries with majority Muslim population. I'll give you a hint; both are in Europe, and both are secular. I guess both are more democratic than Israel. Whenever favorable relations hinge on dictators remaining in power those relations have an expiration date. Now, on the other hand, when you forge close ties with the people of that country, there is no best before date, because no matter who comes to power people will demand he retains warm relations. Israel should have learned after Shah fiasco, but those who don't learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them. Repeat them you do.
With Bibi you at least know he will always be on the wrong side of a moral issue. Politically sound but rotten. When does he learn that being opportunistic is short term really?
If anything is going to make Mubarak even worse in the eyes of the Egyptian people, it is overt Israeli support. Yes, we have a very strong reason to want Mabarak to stay in power despite the fact that he has turned into a despot, but our "leader" talking about it publicly will surely have exactly the opposite effect within Egypt.
Sure we got the message however it is only an ADD-UP coz we're pretty sure that Mubarak is on your side all the time. Thanks Netanyahu.
Exactly Adele! You are the only one who saw Netanyahu's utter stupidity by getting the opposite of what he desires .... He can't keep his bloody mouth shut!
Here we go again - it seems like all the Arab People can do is blame their troubles on Israel or that their country has a peace treaty with Israel. Take some responsibility! You are the ones who allowed yourselves to be ruled by Mubarak, Assad, and the like. Don't blame Israel for your problems. Peace and democracy are the only ways forward. Revolution will not bring you jobs and prosperity. Wise up!
B'galil, any smart idea how the Egyptians are supposed to achieve peace and democracy without revolution when they are living in a dictatorship? I mean, it's not that "free elections" have worked under Mubarak. So, by all logic, revolution is the only thing 80m people have left..
and going nowhere for centuries
What is happening in Egypt is democracy like it's meant to be. Power to the people who have to live with and endure from their government. Israel has no right to choose your government, why should it have that right in Egypt? Once the people have chosen who will lead them, that is when Israel and all other countries can come in and start dealing with this leader. Politics are not to prevale over human rights, indeed they should protect it.
Surely the Egyptian people have the right to determine their own future without interference from Israel or the US. Why should they suffer an autocratic police state just to suit Israel? It's about time Israel realized that the rest of the world doesn't exist for it's benefit.
The thought that the autocratic suppression of a people is a source of stability is delusional through and through. Rage can lie dormant for quite some time, but one should not confuse that with political immobility.
Mubarak is DONE. The Egyptians have made their choice. The people of the world are taking notes. These are exciting times :)
The world has to understand that regimes of tyrannie and oppression serve the interest of the israeli elite, and that is us, so we have to stand by in solidarity with our oppressive brothers, so that tyrannie will stand on a united front and descend like a hammer on any would be conscience that would object to our supremacy (sarcasm). Vote Bibi and long live Mubarak !!
That is precisely why these 'western backed' regimes are fated to fall, because they exist for the sole purpose of serving Zionist's interests. It will now also become blatantly apparent for Americans to see that propping up Israel is detrimental to U.S. national interests.
... but who can assure that Mubarak will toe-the-line of democracy...?
Don't fill one more nation with hatred against Israel.
Given the chance of doing the correct thing, or messing it up, this government always manages to land on the wrong side. My 11 year old children, when asked how Israel should react, manage to get it right.
...and evidently they want it to stay that way.
We're supposed to think it is reasonable that 80 million Egyptians continue to be crushed under Mubarak's boot for Israel's peace of mind. No, no, a thousand times NO! Regional stability in the long term can only be created among nations of free people. Israel has a choice to make, and it is urgent to make it now. It is finally time to integrate in the region, instead of existing as an artificial state on US life-support, surrounded by other artificial states such as the Mubarak's Egyptian dictatorship, which also propped up by the US. The choice is either withdraw to the 1967 borders and negotiate a just solution for Palestinian refugees - as per the still-current Arab Peace Initiative proposed in 2002, or to become a single state where christians, jews, muslims and seculars all co-exist on the basis of equality for all. At this late stage, because of the settlements I think a Palestinian state is near-impossible, but it can't be discounted totally. If Israel wishes to continue to define itself as a jewish state the settlements project must be abandoned, immediately, and entirely. That is the price, and a leader willing to speak honestly to Israelis about their future may be able to bring about such change - but i doubt it. If the Tunisian/Egyptian revolutions spread to the rest of the region - and I suspect they will – then over the course of a decade or two Israel faces the prospect of going from being the most-free state to the least-free state in the region. Festering racism in Israel has the country moving in that direction already. There is a degree of urgency as there's no guarantee free arab states will continue to support the Arab Peace Initiative - it's a good plan, and the fastest way for Israel to integrate into the region. Israel has insulted the Arab League by refusing to even acknowledge it. The API is also supported by all 57 Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) states, including Iran. Aside, I've been really heartened by the support for the Egyptians I'm seeing among many Israelis and non-Israeli jews in social media. Conversely, I note even Ynet News ran an article about Israelis in Cairo, who were reporting attitudes towards them and general atmosphere to be very friendly. Whether the final outcome is one- or two-states, the seeds of a permanent Israel/Palestine peace are contained in the Egyptian uprising. Dare to dream, dare to hope, dare to risk - Israel needs a strong, honest leader with a lion's heart in the coming days and years.
In the last sentence, when I wrote "leader", I was thinking obviously of politicians. That's one approach - an important one - but Egypt shows us there are others. It's a largely leaderless movement, a huge assertion of people power. There are lessons for all of us there, and inspiration if we want it.
Israel knows well that arab masses are fed up with the puppet state and will turn against it. We always said that Israel want and olives on shackled arab masses. The rubicon is cut.
US was too quick to criticize others without understanding what is happening. Other opportunists are using this situation.
These are grave times. Hamas has actively put forces into Egypt. The Moslem brotherhood which is been standing aside and observing the turmoil has now entered into the turmoil. All revolutions start off sweetly… Then the organized radicals who have been standing on the sidelines take over. Israel should be on alert and count itself fortunate that it did not give more “land for peace.” Had Israel taken its "opportunity "as urged by Israeli leftists( and by much of the world) to sign peace treaties with the Palestinians, with the Syrians, and with others Israel would have given up many tangible things for vacuous words which will now be disowned as"not binding" as they came from a previous "corrupt, and traitorous” regime. I wish my Israeli friends well but urge them not to listen to any foreign “advisor” such as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama or the European Union or the Russians. Only Israel can protect itself. You live in the Middle East! Do you believe that anything has changed will change.?
Try making sense. Hamas is local to Gaza and the West Bank. the idea of them invading Egypt is ludicrous.
Try making sense. Hamas is local to Gaza and the West Bank. the idea of them invading Egypt is ludicrous.
And if Egypt didn't have to ask permission to deploy inside Egypt, it may not have happened at all. Maybe the treaty should be modified when Egypt has a new government.
No we won't stop our criticism, democracy and freedom are a right of all people. Shame on anyone who supports dictatorship.
Israel can make peace with any Arab leader, but in the end, the people will decide. The more Israel antagonist the Arab masses, not even Mubarak can save Israel.
Nobody else Israel can rely on. If the Arab masses hate Israel, who cares. For too long, all Arab govts cloaked their own failures and dictatorships in Israel. Israel was the root cause of all their ills. If the Arab masses would open their blind eyes, they would see clearly who their REAL oppressor is. The rest is smoke and mirrors. All the Palestinian refugees have been indoctrinated against the Jewish enemy. In reality, the dictators "use" them as pawns. Time for a long, long look in the mirror for the Arab masses. You know what they say at a poker game, If you can't find the sucker, it is YOU. The Arab masses have been suckered by Assad, Hussein, Abdullah, The Saudi Royal Family, Qaddafi, on and on. Your dictators have supressed you, not Israel.
If no one noticed, an Israeli endorsement of Mubarak is pretty much an assurance it's over. Who does the PR for Israel these days? Oh yeah, the MFA.
Bibi,Are you backing a dictator?What's up?His people are starving.Or u don't care if they are?
America founding it self in an awkward position, on one hand America invested too much and for a long time in dictator Mubarak to help provide Israel with security and at the main time calling for democracy in the middle east. Take Israel out of the equation, America would of never invested in Dictator Mubarak.
The world didn't bother Israel when the two war criminals Sharon and Netanyahu were elected. Mubarak forgot that his job was serve the Egyptian people and not the Israeli govt. Mubarak shouldn't be allowed to leave Egypt. He should be tried and spend the rest of his short pathetic life in jail. It is up to the Egyptian people to decide who will be the next leader. Egypt is not Gaza, they can choose whoever they want without fear of embargo.
Israel is alone. Thanks to its leaders
By doing so, Israel is assured to lose all allies in the Middle East, and find itself isolated in the region. No more cupid peace treaties advantaging a minority of Israelis in the face of a Majority of Christian and Muslim Arabs. Democracy is the rule of the numbers. And as a democracy, Israel better abide.
Isreal is the only country so far to fully understand the situation. You won't find uprising in Iran or Syria as Iran is behind Muslem Brotherhood which is responsible for the uprising. If Mubarak government falls, a Islamic Republic aligned with Iran will be in its place. Hence, the uprisings in Tunisia, Yemen and Egypt. Soon Morocco will follow. Israel and the west will be forced to attack Iran to stop the regime there from festering unrest and replacing peaceful governments with ones who are anti west and want to take the world back to the 11th century.
The only solution I see is to Preserve stability in Egypt while promoting economic prosperity for the Egyptian people. I just hope it doesn't become the second Iran. Indeed, dangerous times are ahead.
The only solution I see is to Preserve stability in Egypt while promoting economic prosperity for the Egyptian people. I just hope it doesn't become the second Iran. Indeed, dangerous times are ahead.
A new regime in Egypt may be secular or it may be Islamist. Either one is unlikely to have the same relationship with Israel as Mubarek. A new regime is more likely to reflect the attitude of people on the street of Egypt.
80 million people should live under the dictatorship of mubarak just because he's a nice to have ally to israel ?
Does he actually still think that anybody in the "developed world" still cares what he has to say?
Mubarak and the regime are dead. Israel kept quiet while there was some hope, but now there's not. Therefore, the thing to do is to create as great a gulf as possible between the West and the new Egypt. Hence the calls urging all and sundry to support Mubarak -- now that he's toast anyway.
These people here are clueless, If Mubarak falls a much worse dictator will rise, have we not learned anything from Gaza and Iran!! These people screaming freedom will be swimming in Blood if the Islamic Brotherhood takes power and it wont be by Moses.
Of course this is possible but in my opinion by no means probable. In the main, the Egyptians do not appear to me as people who want to embrace Islamic fundamentalism.
Change is innevitable and everything is subject to change. enough is enough from Mubarak and all dictators like him in the region. Let the power be back to the people..let people decide who should rule them..when similar protests happened in the former USSR, the US and EU called it as 'uprising' against the oppressed regimes. now they are maintaining the cruel silence in the wake of similar uprising. Enough is enough of this hypocracy.. God willing, Mideast will change. and its carefully written equations will also change...
Yesterday Netanyahu says that Israel should keep a low profile and is only interested in good relations with her neighbors. Today he pipes in to preserve Mubarek's image. Why - during such a turbulant period - is our country run by a bunch of clowns.
A free and democratic Arab world, where the people have the power to influence the policies of their governments and express themselves would be the biggest blow to the israeli regime of terror and domination. With strong self determined democratic arab neighbors, israel would no longer be able to commit daily crimes in all impunity. What israel calls "stability" is its ability to get away with bloody murder everyday since the arab people are held down by american sponsored dictators.1
Very well said !. USA and Israel don't honestly want democracy in the Arab world because once Arabs are free to choose their leaders, USA and Israel won't have dictators to ally with like Mubarak who has been ruling Egypt with iron and fire for 30 years !!!
Dictators Like Assad and Ahminijad with oppression in their own respective countries.. Enjoy! fools.
A place where common sense is not common.
The genie is out of the bottle. Israel, it's time to engage, reach out to your neighbors in good faith and live up to your so-called democracy. Mubarak dominated Egypt for 30 years and at the age of 82, he needs to step down and come to terms with the fact that his legacy will haunt generations of Egyptians who did not benefit from his authoritarian rule. Netanyahu has no business dictating who is best to lead the Egyptians when Israel is not in a good place either. The Egyptian masses have spoken. Pay attention for a change!
oh wait i forgot, democracy is only good when your side wins
its about time that israeli politicians including the prime minister learn to shut up why state indirectly that we support mubarak its will only boomarang if he stays or goes
I mean, seriously. What? The entire rest of the planet is rooting Egyptians on against their corrupt, oppressive dictator, and Israel's... trying to keep him in power?
because a muslim brotherhood government shredding the peace agreement shall cost Jewish lives again.
You radicalized much of the Middle East by not working out something with the Pals years ago when nobody gave a damn about them, giving these now huge powerful radical Islamic forces a focal point. Then you let the black hats take over your own government and alienated many, many, US Jews. The US does not need any advise on foreign policy from geniuses like you!!! American Jew
You radicalized much of the Middle East by not working out something with the Pals years ago when nobody gave a damn about them, giving these now huge powerful radical Islamic forces a focal point. Then you let the black hats take over your own government and alienated many, many, US Jews. The US does not need any advise on foreign policy from geniuses like you!!! American Jew
I think it is time for Israel Goverment to understand, if they want to make everlasting peace with neighbour, they should also consider the nation. goverments in history have time limit but nation last forever.
it is too late now, within few days we will see the egytian regime collapsing and soon palestinians going on the streets in jordan, syria and the west bank and gaza asking for change... i am sure arabs and israelis in israel will do the same... the only option for israel is a real peace with their neighbours and a palestinian state without any israeli seetlements with east jerusalem as its capital
Israel might be the only democracy in the middle east. It is also the number one supporter of middle eastern dictatorships. In my opinion, they should use this opportunity to show the arabs they truly believe in democracy. Support the arabs now and you might have a pleasent surprise in the future. By supporting Mubarak, Israel is convincing egyptians that it is "evil".
By supporting the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.
he is 82, how long are you planning on counting on him ?
... if Obama heeds Netanyahu's dictum. I am very interested to see if my President is in charge of America, or if Netanyahu is.
time to take back the Sinai!
Jerusalem still has allies? After the successful implementation of the Lieberman Doctrine ("We don't like or need anybody."), Jerusalem doesn't have any allies.
This is not about Isreal. This is about a youth attaining a better tomorrow. You don't have to like it.... but, again, this is not about Isreal.
the west should start by praising the appointment of the new vice president and the restraint shown by the government. the west should show its sympathies for the nation of egypt. west should also condemn in the strongest terms the anarchy, rapes and looting in egypt. the west should offer some economic help, with the cooperation of the wealthy gulf states, to egypt in the short term. demonising mubarak is not the best approach. this is the same man who had been lavishly praised by obama as a wise counselor. as netenyahu rightly pinted out, the unprecedented attacks on mubarak, a western ally and still the leader of the most important arab nation, will not be forgotten by other arab leaders, their people, and indeed, allies and foes worldwide.
And it's a deep shame to see some Jews defend a dictator when dictatorship is so contrary to Jewish values.
Down with dictators, down with oppression down with occupation. Destroy what destroys!
Indeed the West,and the rest of the world are acting like puppets voicing their disapproval of Mubarak alone forgetting the thugish behaviour of the socaslled protesters.What does raping,robing banks,attacking innocent civiliance to do with protesting toward the regime..Don't think I need toi say more,for it would be superfluous. As for the PA issue did you read my response on one of the other forums concerning them that nothing was even whispered by the protesters .I will leave it at that for now.BRAVO
After admonishing his cabinet members to refrain from making any comments Netanyahu had to say his peace and true to his interests and temperament asked the west to continue to support the soon to depart Mubarak. Netanyahu is all for the status quo as does the Egyptian president. Stability of the regime at all costs- the freedom of his subjects. Obama should take notice if he hasn't already.
What's taking so long? I'm proud of Israel and my comments were in line with our Holy Covenant Stan Soboleski!
considering his comment had to have appeared for you to respond to it. But, don't let facts get in the way of a pointless rant.
throwing its support behind an ossified dictatorship - geopolitics is a hell of a drug.
Mubarek is toast, no matter wether or not he buys a little time with a massive crackdown. Netanyahu is, apparently, the only politician on earth who can't see that. Tilt away at those windmills, Bibi, because you do appear to be sitting astride a donkey.....
Translation of Netanyahoo's statement: We hate and fear your people Mr. Mubarak. We'd rather have you crack down on them and crush them then to ever see them free because we are selfish and deserve the world to be our slave.
As if the world gives a hoot what Netanyahu says he neds to maintain his oppression of the Palestinians and the ongoing theft of their land and dignity!
Netanyahu is just as corrupt as Mubarak!
Dear Bibi - we're singing the end of the dictatorship in Egypt - propped up by the Israeli Lobby in America - to the hills. This is the end of the Neocon/Israeli 'Clean Break Plan' Soon we hope to sing the end of the Apartheid Israeli occupation of Palestine with the same joy Sincerely, The World
no one is going to listen to you, atleast in in south america and many other parts of the world I think your time is over also, but you will not be going to saudi arabia, you will be going to HELL!
Does Bibi actually realize what a pariah he has become—at least outside of the US Congress? His rooting for Mubarak only makes Mubarak's ouster more likely. (Which, of course, may be Bibi's real goal. The prospect of instability and war with someone new takes everyone's eyes off the settlements.)
Wise advise
"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walked through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. the he saith, i will return into my house from whence i came out; ...then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself and they enter in and dwelt there, and THE LAST STATE OF THAT MAN IS WORSE THAN THE FIRST. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." Matthew12:43-45 Change isn't good all the times, when there's a vacuum in leadership, evil/radical sources will take advantage and lure the gullible by romantic empty promises of reform. Once in control, the last stage is worst than the first, eg. HAMAS! if Muslim Brotherhood take over, Iran will a very willing partner and thus Iran money & weapons will strengthen Hamas thru M.B., and topple Abbas' Fatah. Jordan's M.B. will follow after.This change will roll region backward 40 years. Israel will face hostile from Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt and the nearer to home's Hamas, like Dejavu, yeah? but, fear not, when G-D is with you, whom do your fear? have not many ancient empires tried to destroy you and where are they now?
Previous bloody riots against the regime in Egypt in 1977 were triggered by reduction in subsidies of basic staples such as flour. Today the riots are for general poverty, etc, so food prices should go DOWN, in other words, increasing subsidies. Of course, this is a short term solution to the riots, and will hurt the economy in the longer run, but first things first. If the US had understood Egypt, they would have offered Mubarak some more economic help. At this point, Egypt should talk to Saudi Arabia to finance the new subsidies. The Saudis must be quaking in their sandals at this point, and will be generous.
We must keep our stooge in power at all costs. It shouldn't matter what the Egyptian people want.
The bond between the Egyptian people and Mubarak is broken. I give him about a week before he is forced out. The last thing the Israelis should be doing is being seen as propping Mubarak up. The guy is hated and it's over for him.
"The Americans and the Europeans are being pulled along by public opinion and aren't considering their genuine interests," one senior Israeli official said. Isn;t this what democracy is about? How does standing with dictatorship and repression of people benefit the US or US interests? Are we now supposed to be the USSR and not the US? What principles does this unnamed official have? Urging Obama to turn into Brezhnev to stifle the Prague Spring is unlikely to benefit anybody.
This is dumb
See how well that works out.
Let the Egyptians sort it out. Back off Bibi! This is an internal Egyptian issue. This civilization managed to survive thousands of year, and surely does not need your or others' for advice.
which is why they didn't need yosef to restore order during the famine!
Just think...if it weren't for Israel's sins, it could actually be a regional champion of democracy instead of a staunch supporter of despotic regimes.
How you are in it's business?
May be Bibi should consider a serious peace plan fwd than fooling the west!
You're surprised? This IS Israel we're talking about.
this means that Netanyahu would rather support a regime that tortures the Egyptian people. Tell us Bibi, just how much do you hate Arabs? We see how scared you are. These pro-Israel regimes will fall, one by one, and nothing you say can stop it.
The only way to keep mubarak in power was to resort to massive repression. I do not believe the egyptian army is ready for that. Mubarak is doomed.
The average citizen in Egypt has more rights than those in Syria or Iran. It is only those thugs that try turn the country into an Islamic Republic and back to the dark ages have anything to fear. And it is the average citizen in Egypt that is protected from these Muslem Brotherhood thugs..
Any dictaturship is better than the evil discriminating women beatting religion of Islam, the world media is ignorant and the world governments should tune down their criticism of a man that rules a country the only way those people can be ruled, by force....not by brain!history of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt following its founding in 1928 has been one of huge growth followed by successive government crackdowns. Both royal and nationalist Egyptian governments suppressed the Brotherhood in 1948, 1954, 1965 after plots, or alleged plots, of assassination and overthrow were uncovered. Periodic suppressions have continued even after the Brotherhood officially renounced violence in the 1970s. Today it is illegal but tolerated as Egypt's most popular and powerful non-governmental organization, and that is what will follow guaranty... supporting democracy would mean also granting the election in Algerie to the ISlamist as well... let's not forget that Hitler was elected democratically, not every nation should be a DEMOCRACY! certainly not a muslim nation.
If this were 2003, your Muslims=Iran=Hitler might still have fooled a few people - NOT ANYMORE.
"[W]orld governments should tune down their criticism of a man that rules a country the only way those people can be ruled, by force....not by brain!" ...then I predict that Israel is finished.
if mobark leaves ,islamist will take over and worst dicatorship like iran will come back.today most iranian curse themselves for asking for change of the shah.many real muslims became chiristian just because the hate in islam.mubarak should change goverment and slowly step out so egypt will not become a nother iran
maybe Israel should try democracy rather than a repressive theocracy where Jews have all power and non-Jews are second-class citizens. Maybe Israel needs to draw up a Constitution, or would she rather continue paying lip service to democracy?
And can you tell me what the USA is doing in afghanistan and iraq? i guess installing democracy! so you talk whatever you want that protects you and not others! thanks for revealing you nature; you do not care for human rights or democracy but only for zionists
You forgot to mention Christianity and Judaisim and how they also suppress women, it's all degrees really, unless you are Egyptian this has NOTHING to do with you, another Islamophobe rant, better the west prop up brutal dictatators who buy weapons and give out juicy contracts to western companies? THere days are finished, wake up and smell the coffee. And for your last statement "not every nation should be a DEMOCRACY! certainly not a muslim nation" this just shows your racist values, ok for Jews and Christians and Hindus.....
such respect for the Egyptian people, really nice.
Well said. You also forgot Hinduism which is one of the worst of all religions in terms of how women are treated. Islam is pretty bad, that is clear but Hinduism is on a par and so are orthodox Christianity and Judaism.
Israel can kiss its peace treaty with Egypt goodbye. Israel will soon realize that it can sign peace treaties with unpopular Arab leaders and despots, but true peace is peace with the Arab people. For as long as Israel behaves like a bully, it will never have this peace. Even it it changes its tactics now, it is probably already too late because Israel has successfully managed to create engouh enemies for decades to come
If Israel surrenders strategic assets to Abbas or Assad hoping for peace, it may find itself eyeball-to-eyeball with its worst nightmares -- and be in an indefensible position when it tries to protect itself.
We The People is a quote for an educated mass not for the primitive street rabble of Egypt which was fed nothing but hatred off Jews through decades of radical imams preaching.
Your might has fizzled and popped
Mubarak dictatorship has lasted for 30years time for a new broom
How could the Israeli government be so clueless as to the eruption in Egypt? Hello? After all, you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
Israel knows Mubarak is dead. The point is to alienate the new regime from the West as much as possible. Hence the attempt to elicit statements of support for Mubarak.
colin, considering how inept israel has been to this point in anticipating mubarak's fall from power, how can we assume this? The U.S. is sending statements in support of theegyption people while israel sends out statements in support of mubarak..do you think the u.s. and israel are working on a carefully orchestrated balancing act of pro and anti mubarak statements? I wish they were both so capable!
Why else first the initial silence and then the sudden appeal? I think they're looking ahead.
Unfortunately for entire West and for Israel, Obama is going to stand by and watch how Islamists will hijack power in Egypt just like they did it in Iran 30 years ago under Carter watch.
You haven't been following the situation real closely, have you Boruch?
Tell us exactly what the US should do? Should the US invade? Be factual and realistic? Even Republicans in the US are hesitant to stand for dictatorships right now.
Tell us exactly what the US should do? Should the US invade? Be factual and realistic? Even Republicans in the US are hesitant to stand for dictatorships right now.
Don't you think that there may be a more than a few thousand who want freedom from this dictator?
If the Egyptians are no longer willing to tolerate oppression by their government, let them change it. The US foreign policy has been to support dictators who bow to their wishes. That works as long as the dictators remain in power. But like in Iran, eventually said dictator is overthrown. Is it any surprise they are replaced by those who hate the US? Another case of reaping what you sow. Perhaps the US and Israel will reconsider their policy of embracing dictators.
dude u are clueless!! 98% we FOR the Islamic revolution in Iran 30 yrs ago!!
How about the recent uprisings in Iran and police killing all of those people. A brutal theology at work.A democracy?
It is in fact the result of the leaders of global jihad (Mullahs, Muslim Brothers, OIC) deciding, after two years of watching feckless Bambi (at first they just couldn't believe he was as stupid as he seemed), that regimes allied to the West could be swept away without the idiot in the White House lifting a finger. You want proof? I predict that NOT ONE ARAB will protest in Syria. Let's see if I'm right or wrong, he?
I HOPE THE ISRAELIS WOULD RISE TO TOPPLE THIS GOVERNMENT OF NETANYAHU TOO. IT IS THE WORST EVER AND THE ONE TO BLAME FOR WHAT HAPPENED IN TURKEY. LEBANON,AND NOW EGYPT
israeli leaders are voted by people, and don't choke on to power for Decades and pass it down form father to son as All arab countries, would take a million years for Arab world to have a real democracy as israel does, and its the jelousy that kills ya, that knowing Even arabs are more free in israel that in arab states
What Israel is worrying: its enemies and collaborators are turning into freethinkers and liberals. Thus the hard political position of Israel right can't eternally be justified. Israel's grip of Palestine is crumbling, and its negotiation position diminishing day by day. The propaganda image of arabs as ruthless violent thugs is falling, as the people take streets in the name of freedom and equality (also in Iran). If there will be one-state Israel (as is the current plan), the former palestinians and other arab citizens will eventually demand equal rights and freedoms too.
"Flailing About" comes to mind.
Like maybe consider taking some serious steps towards actually making peace with the Egyptian p-e-o-p-l-e...the key to which is removing the source of their animosity toward Israel by ending the occupation and its oppression of the Palestinians, and the creation of a viable Palestinian state. Because in case it STILL hasn't dawned on you after all this time, it's the p-e-o-p-l-e of your neighboring countries who you need to make peace with in order to achieve security for Israel. Signing an agreement with their government - or relying on its moderate nature - is superficial at best, and is completely reliant on its longevity, making NO allowances for a change in power. Mr. Netanyahu, Israel NEVER made peace with Egypt - it made peace with its ruling elite - and now the best you can hope for is that one form or another of that same ruling elite ends up in power.
in six days of protest in Egypt, or Tunisia, Not 1 voice or 1 sign showed that they're protesting for the "palestinian" cause, So its time to put to rest your Cliche that the palestinian issue is the root cause...
I agree with giggles that Israel needs to reach out to nroghbouring populations, rather than just the ruling class. Though I think why the current regimes of Egypt, Israel and Lebanon have fallen is because the populations of each country have not seen any real increase in their standards of living as a result of having close ties with the west and israel. You blame the unresolved palestinian/Israeli conflict for everything (although it is big cause). The ruling regimes did not do enough to show the populations the benefit of having close ties with the west and Israel. Maybe there are none.
Unfortunately, Giggles, the people of Egypt have been brainwashed for decades with crude antisemitic cartoons and tv series, the like of which one only finds in the nazi paper Der Stuermer. so they are not really objectively informed about the nature of Israel- neither the good nor the bad sides of Israel. Despite the 'cold peace' between israel and Egypt (for which Israel returned the captured Sinai completely) Egypt has used Israel as a scapegoat for the dissatisfaction and rage of the Egyptian people about their dictatorial regime. The classic tactic of all oppressive regimes: blame the Jews. things are more complex than you describe, Giggles!
The Arabs can't stand Israel itself. Not just the "occupied teritories". Just read the Arab media of the past decades. So much much for the myth that giving up land gained in a defensive war will bring peace.