In the same boat

The story of the terrorist network in Egypt has preoccupied the Middle East for more than a week now. The network, which took direct orders from Hezbollah and was also apparently funded by Hezbollah or Iran, is suspected of planning large-scale attacks against ships passing through the Suez Canal and against American targets and Israeli tourists.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who claimed responsibility for operating the network and for recruiting its members, praises his own efforts to assist the Palestinian resistance in opposing the occupation. Egypt, however, did not need Nasrallah's admission. It publicized Hezbollah's link to the network, characterizing it as terror against Egypt, its security and economy. In addition, Egypt views the Hezbollah network's activities as a fundamental attack on its sovereignty, and has made it clear that Hezbollah's reference to "support for the Palestinians" is not sacrosanct in the eyes of the Arab states.

Egypt, as has been shown, is ready to aid the Palestinians in accordance with clear and agreed-on guidelines, but certainly not with explosives or weapons smuggling. Egypt's resolute response to the terror network again points to the mutual interests underpinning the peace between Israel and Egypt. Those who seek signs of warmth between the countries may not find them among authors and journalists, but they definitely exist in the realm of both countries' security.

For this reason, comments by President Shimon Peres to the effect that "when they quarrel without us, that's fine, too" are more than a little surprising, as if the case doesn't affect Israel and is based on a dispute between Hezbollah and Egypt. As if it were an internal Arab matter. It is the same outdated approach that views every inter-Arab dispute as good for Israel, a way of thinking that may be appropriate for Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman but not for Peres, who always distanced himself from such thinking. This time apparently he succumbed to temptation.

Israel and Egypt are at the core of this matter. Both countries are considered "legitimate" targets in the eyes of Hezbollah and Iran. The two countries see eye to eye not only on the fight against terror organizations, but also against those who send and fund them. Iran and Hezbollah are Egypt's enemies no less than they are Israel's. It behooves us to remember this, even when it appears that Egypt is positioning itself on the other side of the divide.