Merkel chides Netanyahu for failing to make 'a single step to advance peace'

If Netanyahu dosen't get the message now, then he never will do, now even the GERMANS are criticizing his politics.....Israel is losing one friend after another. Be brave and risk peace.

Oh no! The Germans are angry, we're so scared! What can they do? ....hmm, vote against us at the UN, recall the loans to Israel, cut trade, not build any more dolphin submaries or supply parts for the three Israel have. Perhaps Israel shoud make peace with the West Bank, before Abbas is replaced by a leader more cunning, and hostile to the status quo.

let UN take over this warmonering nation called isarel.

1. Request all Muslim states to recognize Israel 2. Request all Muslim states to establish diplomatic relationshîp with Israel 3. Request all Muslim states to declare that they will no longer use force against israel 4. All muslim states grant citizenship to Palestinians resident in their states When this noncontrovertial result is obtained, opinion of Israely public will change a great deal and talks on sujbects such a sownership right on Judea and Samaria will progress.

more leaders should confront this unreliable, intransigent, selfish government led by prime minister netanyahu, the way madam merkel has done. if not, time will just go by and events will be left out of any control.

bibi will deliver a speech(with the help of Lieberman) to advance the peace process. what do you expect they will offer ?? Simply the unacceptable, then they will put the blame on the Palestinian "authority" for refusing such a generous offer etc etc...DEJA VU.Palestinian are waisting their times and other people money for a dream of the palestinian homeland with East Jerusalem as its capital..They better pack their suitcases and leave with all the money they have stollen and go back to before Madrid. Let Israel occupy these lands back and deal with the status quo..

and stop all payments to Israel till peace in the region. No more free submarine

Someone needs to tell him the colonial regimes have all ended over half a century ago...

His political career is almost over. He will remain in History books as a powerless pupett who destroyed any credibility Israel had left.

It is obvious that Bibi doesn't know how to deal with Merkel. Let Liberman deal with her.

It is unacceptable for Israel to resist a Judernrein policy in Judea/Samaria that Germany supports . Israel must take existential risks to prove that Jews can be good. Good Jews are dead Jews.

"The prime minister and his advisers are desperately looking for a way to jumpstart the peace process." There is, of course, a single, simple way to both jumpstart negotiations and put the ball of international pressure in the PA's court. It's called a settlement freeze, a real one, not like last year's slowdown, and it must include all occupied territories, including E. Jerusalem.

The only way to get them back on the table for peace talks should be an embargo. I think the only country in the EU who would not join this initiative would be Germany. Without Germany EU wold freeze all trade relationships for shure if peace process stalls for the next time.

We want settlements GONE. We want outposts GONE. We want military bases GONE. We want land confiscations, home demolitions and IDF kidnappings GONE. We want detained prisoners released and returned. We want the GAZA Blockade removed. We want 100% of the West Bank. We want 1967 Borders. We want control of the Jordan Valley (IN THE WEST BANK). We want control of the West Bank Border crossings with Jordan. We want airspace. We want travel restrictions removed. We want our own currency instead of making YOUR economy richer. We want our own security, our own military, our own laws without your consultation. We want the removal of Israeli Civil Administration from the West Bank. Until you meet these demands...there's no peace.

She is doing what everyone should be doing-holding Israel accountable like everyone else.

Old conception land for peace agreement is failed. The new ones must be security, security and security of Israel. We cannot create one more Hamasland near Tel Aviv. Bravo Netanyahu keeping security. There is no for false peace agreement.

what exactly can one side do if the other side refuses to talk to them ? does merkel really think german ignorance of treaty law in respect of jewish settlement is helpful ?

You folks have lost the world.

Many Israelis apparently lack eyes to see what is in front of them. She is offering leadership to a place that has none right now. Israelis are drinking antifreeze (sweet poison) and she is saying "stop it". History is full of "chosen peoples" who are destroyed.

the fact is that bibi has been playing games for the last two years and in the process he has alienated many of our friends and wasted valuable time in establishing peace with the Palestinians. We cannot go on like this!!

Everyone is seeing thru Bibi's endless lies. They have been wiling participant in his games. However, the game is getting too dangerous. It is almost suicidal. Bibi better come up with a good solution. Otherwise, soon him and Israel will be facing existential threat. merkel and other leaders know it. US leaders have been blinded by the AIPAC/Israeli lobby.

Unfortunately, as far as action's concerned, nul points. Too late for speeches now anyway.

Merkel echos the opinionb of the whole civilized world. Start thinking about Israel and the Jews and a little less about your power Mr. Netananuahy.

Netanyahu and his right-wing government have become a joke in the eyes of the World. No one believes his games anymore--he is a lying, conniving, sleezy, two-faced career politician.

Followed by most horrendous backward action of US Veto. US made 180 degree U turn and went back to zero on everything they did and said in the past 2 1/2 years. The Veto was the last nail in the coffin of the peace process by a Nobel Peace prize winner and a flip flopper. What waste of valuable time. People dont seem want to rise above and beyond who they are. US has become irrelevant to the entire Arab and muslim world.

Quite different from Lebanon where smiling Nasrallah behaves like Hariri's friend then kills 21 innocent people to get him.

The world does not need a another speech. The world demands action.

Netanyahu has no credibility. Another speech??? It will be laughed at.

Merkel was disappointed ! Really. Hasn't she done her homework on Netanyahu and his record. He is all talk and no action on the question of peace. But he is no talk and all action on the question of more settlements. A master of deception like his mentor Peres - who picked him to form the government even though he ended up second in the popular vote to Livni.

I am disappointed in you for not accepting my illegal demands from you in the UN. But honestly, I am working for peace. In two weeks I even plan to give another Bar Ilan speech.

I am confident that you would not grovel before lady fuhrer as does the disgraceful kapo bibi.

with all due respect, and after a long day of work I'm a little sick of hearing the bs from Europe trying to put the onus of peace on ISrael. I'm an American, I would have voted for Ehud Barak probably or Livni but to say that Netanyahu has done nothing is incorrect and offensive to me as someone who supports Israel as a nation. Its one thing when its the EU but you'd think Germany would be a little more respectful of the facts and supportive in general of Israel. I remember Netanyahu dismantling security check points and easing traffic as well as a noble attempt at increasing economic opportunity in Palestine. He also begged the PA to come to talks that the PA then walked away from. He called for direct talks, not anybody else. He agreed to meet any and everywhere and stressed the importance, he froze settlements for 10months. He's since practically begged the PA to come back to the table and you say something like that Merkel? What has the Palestinian side done to advance peace or even any of the 'pro-western allies in the region;? Nothing and even if they did they don't have any legitimacy its clear. Don't go pushing Netanyahu around its the one thing about him being PM I am glad for and that is that he will stand up and not just bend over to unwise decisions pressured on him that are unjust. Israel must make compromises but this is a serious situation and someone has to look out for ISrael's interest and stake. Israel can't count on anybody else at the end of the day and lives with what seems politically viable or popular for those who support from a far. Shalom from America.

Just enough time it would seem for the entire subject to be dropped. Netanyahu can then say in a couple of months, "oh, yea, it slipped my mind. I'll have that ready in a week or so more." Then he'll have some new noxious proposal like the first one where again there is no independence and no sovereignty, and again no property rights.

the habit of Israel to "reward" even its staunchest allies for their support with betrayal. Merkel is finding this out, she feels betrayed. Turkey's Erdogan has long found that out and now brushed aside by Israel as an anti-semitic Muslim. Obama too has been betrayed over the settlement issue. Far from being able to convert enemies into friends, Israel is fast losing friends and their patience, including the few friends it has in the Muslim world. With events taking place in the Arab world now, Israel's friends in North America and Europe now are under tremendous pressure to finally have a long lasting peace in the Middle East that is just, fair and equitable to both Israelis and Palestinians. Israel is the stumbling block . Germany will one day dump out Israel.

are getting more and more angry at Israel and the US, and stuff that was said behind closed doors is becoming public. It may not be too much longer before Bibi is called a liar direct to his face in public by multiple non-US leaders in Europe and elsewhere. How are Israelis so blind to what is their very likely fate as the US declines in power, the Arabs increase in power and country after country sides with the Arabs? Either the Palestinians get a reasonable state or Israel is going to eventually lose its last war. Israel has ONLY three choices: - A fair two-state solution (in other words, remove 500,000 Israelis from the WB, using force if necessary), or - A one state solution where Jews end up being a large minority in a secular state, or - Massive war which Israel loses (there is no way for Israel to win the next war, no matter how powerful Israelis think they are). These are the ONLY THREE options - So pick the one that is best for the most Israelis! I recommend the two state solution even though it means Israeli civil war

Netanyahu froze settlement construction for ten whole months while the Palestinians refused to negotiate. and this she calls failing to make 'a single step to advance peace'. What would constitute a suitable step? Looks more like Germany would like to throw Israel under the bus as a prize to the upcoming radical elements in the Middle East. You know. Where they have large scale trade and obtain their oil.

forget about the fact "peace" is not in Israels hand is Germany criticizing Israel, isn't Germany responsible for this

What exactly would Merkel like us to do? When we see the devastation around the entire Middle East does she really think that Israel is the center of the problems? How many times can the Germans go to that "Jews Fault" well? I'm sick of it.

That will happen when all of israel's land is returned and the tribes are living in those lands.

Bibi, do not listen to the Germans impudence

I'll put my money on Angela any day. It's obvious that she has an integrity that Netanyahu sadly lacks.

"working on a speech" as work for peace in the most dangerous area..!!! If only we could achieve anything credible by just making speeches!!!!!!!!

So...in light of all the uprisings in the Middle East where the people are overthrowing their governments the world is pressuring Israel to give up strategic territory for a piece of paper signed by a person who has no legitimacy and doesn't even have any control over Gaza. Great idea!!! Let's placate all our enemies. Maybe while we're at it we should give the Golan Heights to Syria so in five years when that government is overthrown and Hezbollah starts launching rockets from there we will have to recapture it causing more bloodshed on both sides. No - peace can only come through a popular referendum by the Palestinian people in which they recognize the Jewish state of Israel and agree to end all violence and claims and treat us with respect. Then we'll give up any territory that is necessary!!!!!!!

israel has a peace plan.... we all know that.... but its a joke of a peace plan. a pal state with 50% of the west bank !!!!... what are israelis shooting up on? do bibi and co really think the pals and the rest of the world, minus the US, will support this absurdity?

Shame on her ! Why doesn't she ask Abbas to abandomn his ridiculous stubborness about "the Freeze" ? Is is possible that Abbas is affraid to get killed if he signed a treaty based on what he agreed upon?

How wonderful. How marvelous. How generous. And not only that, but he will make the magnanimous offer a temporary state on no less that 50% of the small part of Palestine remaining prior to 67 (minus East Jerusalem of course). Surely the Palestinians will dance in the streets and throw flowers at his feet, and the world sing his praises.

New peace plan?! What was his first peace plan.? The only thing this lying gasbag knows about peace is how to destroy it. Isolation leading to international sanctions are the only response to this pack of liars and arrogant hypocrites.

Merkel should understand that there has to be give and take on both sides for there to be a peace. What are the Palestinians offering. Nothing. In any event, say Israel made peace. Ten an uprising occurs as in Egypt. Will the new power honor it. Israel has been screwed too many times to make peace without iron clad guarentees.

Granted, Netanyahu doesn't really believe there is a chance to achieve peace with Palestinians in a foreseeable future. But previous left-wing and centrist Israeli governments did believe and did try to negotiate. And what do they have to show for it? Exactly as Netanyahu's right-wing government - absolutely nothing. All the "peace activists" here who urge Israelis to replace current right-wing government, what do you suppose will change? Israelis do indeed replace their governments regularly, and inevitably a left-wing government will come to power again. And then you will see that in terms of results achieved at negotiations absolutely NOTHING will change. The gap between sides, as it currently stands, is simply irreconcilable. Palestinian government will not be able to sell to Arab public any agreement which is not viewed as a step to "freeing all of Palestine". And even a very left-wing Israeli government would never accept such agreement.

These people have no honesty and integrity! At a time when thousands are being slaughtered in Libya all she cares about is slamming Israel! How baseless and empty is their supposed sincerity!

European leaders don't like to be lied to over and over. Israel has done it for so long since 1993. I would be upset if someone lied to me over and over for nationalistic purposes to pursue a nationalist agenda of ethnic expansion and thereby risking the security of a whole region and Europe. It's not simply just lying to Europeans and the world, it's dangerous for Jews, Muslims, Christians, and atheists. Read the signs, change.

At least she had the guts to confront Netanyahu. Now the whole world knows the truth.Netanyahu is decietful and incapable of telling the truth. Netanya hu comes close to the classic definition of sociopathic behaviour.

What is there to 'chide'? The root of 'chide' is 'children.' It means to: to voice disapproval to: "reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner." Has Merkel treated Netanyahu as an errant child? Or has Merkel pointed out that Netanyahu has accomplished nothing other than to obstruct peace at any price?

For sure the peoples revolution in the oil producing states has given some concern to the Americans and Europeans, not so much for humanitarian reasons, but how it will impact on the price of oil. When it's anyone's guess how this will all pan out, then Germany is the first EU state to hedge its bets, break ranks, and distance itself from the Israeli theocracy in a bid to gain support of the Arab street and ensure its supply of oil.

With regard to the Merkel/Netanyahu article: Most of the governments in the world are asking Mr. Netanyahu to accept policies which would ultimately mean the demise of Israel. I see Netanyahu's resistance to those policies as the only sane option.

Is Europe remembering it was named long ago after a bull in Greek mythology, not a cow or an ox? Angela Merkel, please be inspired by Jeanne D'arc, Elisabeth, Margaret Thatcher, Emma Bonino and many other (former) great daughters of our small continent., saddle up and ride the bull! Go Girl!

In perhaps another 100 years Germany will have regained the moral right to criticise a jewish state. Until that time the only correct German option is to keep schtum

could "grow a pair" like Angela Merkel..

No Arab state wants to recognize Israel. So, what kind of peace is one-sided? Suicide. When G-d gave stupity, He gave Merkel a lot.

As long as Israel continues settlement building and sidestepping a Palestinian state inside the 1967 borders, it's going to remain firmly fixed on Israel...no one else! The UN vote has pretty much clarified an international consensus that ending settlement building isn't a concession, it's a requirement of international law. Bibi can stall all he wants - it'll only get worse...and he's crazy if he thinks he can keep relying on a US veto. This last one has pegged its limits.

Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Iran, Yemen- they are all massacring each other in those countries- but Israel is the country that needs to do more for peace?

When Bibi stops lying and starts acting, then maybe we'll listen.

This was about time. Now, if we could get America to do likewise, we could maybe expect some progress! Or further isolationism from Israel. Also not impossible, with this foreign minister.

because hardcore Israel supporters will use Germany's past as a straw man to deflect attention from the fact that Germany paid the price and learned from its past war crimes, while Israel is a classic example of the victim becoming the aggressor. Germany understands better than most where this will lead.

of the American revolution "We must all hang together or we will all hang separately". Netanyahu et co. have that attitude. They believe no reality outside the one they agree to among themselves. At this point they have offended and are fighting nature.

Well now how in the world could she have forgotten about this...when he's been saying it for the last 3 months? Silly her!

... and then people start to notice that they are being conned. Bibi, baby, I think the Europeans have noticed. Keep this up and the Germans might just be the first "big" European country to recognize the state of Palestine within the 1967 borders.

his country violates international laws. he has been given many opportunities to correct this matter. Now, he has to conform with the laws or face sanctions like any other country (in theory) who violates them. However this should not come from Germany but the international community.

Merkel is a delusional fool. Land for peace does not work. It is a total failure and "leaders" that still talk of 2-states a hopeless in their denial. Build Israel is the way forward. War for all the Land is the answer to Arab terror.

The lady is right!

Why temporary state of 50% of West Bank, Why not 100% palestinian state as per the 1967 borders. Netanyahu is playing a song that pleases Lieberman. He doesn't care too much if it is detrimental to Palestinian people and to the peace in the region.

"I intend to make a new speech about the peace process in two to three weeks," Netanyahu told Merkel. Bibi doesn't get it.

Take a wild guess Teh end of teh "Jewish" state is approcahing, and teh brith of the Secular One state is approaching

and embrace Palestinian. One State, one vote, one government and live together in peace & harmony. This is the only plausible solution to reach peace!

Not true. Netanyahu has consistently called for the Palestinians to return to the peace negotiations. To discuss the weather perhaps. Or maybe all those rockets coming from Gaza every time we kill Palestinians. And why we will definitely have to kill more and more Palestinians until they learn a good lesson. Then a brief adieu until next time. No Netanyahu has done his part to further these peace negotiations alright. No doubt about it.

It needed to be said. The wall and settlements illustrate contmpt for Palestinians.

I am a Canadian Jew who would not give up his country for anything. I am also very pro-Israel. That being said I have had it lately with Mr. Nethanyahu. And I am not too crazy about the makeup of the political spectrum of Israel. Too many parties with too many leaders. Always having to make deals in order to stay in power. It makes it too difficult to get anything done that is important...and I think getting a deal together with the Palestinians is important. That is not to say to give the country away but a good deal for both sides is possible. Difficult and painful but possible.

Fix gaza and fix the iran, syria, hezbollah, islamic jihad and hamas problem first. Israel has it the worst they get rockets fired at their citizens from fanatics who control the middle east then they are supposed to put up a charade of peace with abbas who has zero power. Iran and syria have sudan helping with the weapons smuggling. Enough already with this farce.

disappoint me. How can a Leader like you and all EU leaders fall in this trap for so long.....

I'm one of the first to generally defend Israel, but it's become pretty blatant that Israel's dragging its feet in terms of the peace process at this point. It finally seems that the Palestinians have placed themselves into a reasonable position. Unfortunately, the Palestinians' history of blatantly working against peace in the past created a situation in which Israel didn't keep its uglier side in check, and now that's become the primary hindrance to negotiations. The isolation Israel is currently experiencing couldn't possibly be more appropriate.

Merkel has the courage to hold Netanyahu accountable for the lack of progress in peace negotiations. Obama had the potential to do so as well but he caved, craven and bought like all other US politicians by AIPAC. Blair is everyone else's poodle. You go, Angela, and tell it like it is!

Merkel has the courage to hold Netanyahu accountable for the lack of progress in peace negotiations. Obama had the potential to do so as well but he caved, craven and bought like all other US politicians by AIPAC. Blair is everyone else's poodle. You go, Angela, and tell it like it is!

The same Chancellor Merkel that has recently come out to say that multiculturalism is not working in Germany. She is not referring to the assorted races and colors of Christianity.

Angela Merkel used to be by far the staunchest supporter of Israel in Europe....looks like Netanyahu managed to turn even her around! This Israeli governement just keeps on giving and giving....though not the West Bank, as it should, but at least plenty of PR victories for the Palesti- nians, which is not that unimportant, in view of the planned unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state in September.

It is a great shame that Israel under Netanyahu and the ascendant religious right now has to be dragged kicking and screaming to make any steps in the direction of peace. I don't believe this has always been so. Stop settlement construction and end the West Bank occupation before this gets much much worse for all.

another delay. another step back. Chancellor Merkel had every right to chastize the PM. So far he has lied...lied and lied...!!

Merkel may be disappointed but Israel has been screwed too many times by Europe. Merkel has been a good friend of Israel, she deserves to be listened to.