With the installation of the new government in Israel, one statesmen appears to be getting all the attention, and its not Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The appointment of Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman to Foreign Minister led to international criticisms and domestic concern that one of the most polarizing local political figures would become the nation’s international spokesman.
Speaking in an installation ceremony yesterday, Lieberman espoused a hard-line view that raised eyebrows throughout the region. Even though he stated that Israel would follow the Road Map from 2003 in working with the Palestinians, he also expressed some views that could be construed as pro-war, including a rejection of the Annapolis Summit in 2007. Referring to the Road Map as relevant, he said “There is one document that obligates us – and that’s not the Annapolis conference, it has no validity.” Lieberman continued in more controversial terms, stating, “Whoever thinks that he will achieve something by way of concessions – no, he will only invite more pressure and more wars… If you want peace, prepare for war.”
Members of the new opposition led the charge against Lieberman, stating that his views clearly do not reflect commitment to the peace process. MK Shlomo Molla said, “Netanyahu’s interrogee foreign minister has unveiled the new government’s true colors,” before condemning the new government as “the most racist cabinet in Israeli history.” Former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni expressed relief in her controversial decision to lead the opposition, stating “You’ve convinced me that I was right not to join the government.” Even staff in the Foreign Ministry expressed serious reservations at Lieberman’s induction speech yesterday, stating:
“Any rookie diplomat knows that a sentence like ‘those who want peace should prepare for war’, that ancient Latin phrase, is something one does not say to the press, especially if you have a political message you want to convey,” the official added.
“It’s unclear why he attacked Annapolis, when the American government is already distancing from this conference as it is. Hillary Clinton and George Mitchell never once mentioned Annapolis during their visits to the region. Why must we create an artificial conflict?”
Following the induction of Lieberman to the Foreign Ministry, Palestinian officials also decried the leadership change as ‘racist’ and a harm to the peace process. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ aide Yasser Abed Rabbo said, “we are not obligated to hold talks with a racist hostile to peace like Lieberman.”
The Jewish community, including Congressmen of the faith, remain torn on the Lieberman appointment. One rabbi described the change in Foreign Minister as “not good” for Israel’s international relations. However, Rep. Eliot Engel said, “I think Avigdor Lieberman’s image is much harsher than some of his positions are. He said that he favored the two-state solution. And I think that if Palestinians truly want to make peace with Israel, any Israeli government will accept this peace. But it has to be a strong, durable peace. The United States, in my opinion, needs to stand with Israel, because the world doesn’t.”
State Department Spokesman Gordon Duguid reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the peace process and the Annapolis summit, but dodged questions regarding Lieberman’s comments at his swearing in ceremony. The exchange at a press conference yesterday included:
“QUESTION: On the Middle East, the new Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman said that Israel will not be bound to the Annapolis peace process. Your reaction and where you stand on the Annapolis process yourselves?
MR. DUGUID: Well, first let me welcome the formation of a new Israeli Government and look – we look forward to working with it to advance the bilateral relationship shared by the United States and Israel.
Israel is a close friend and ally, and we remain unalterably committed to Israel’s security. We will work closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government to advance the cause of peace and stability in the Middle East and move the parties in the direction of a two-state solution. We have full confidence in and will continue to support the Government of Israel, and we work together – we will work together for a durable and lasting peace in the region.
As for statements made or comments made, I’d point you to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s comments that he will work for peace with the Palestinians and peace in the region.
QUESTION: That gives you no pause at all?
MR. DUGUID: I just said we support the two-state solution, and we will continue to work for that.
QUESTION: But the foreign minister apparently doesn’t.
MR. DUGUID: I’ve given you our statement. I’ve directed you to what the prime minister of Israel has just said. Whether or not the final position of the Israeli Government as they come into discussions with us is one way or another – we haven’t heard their proposals yet. We haven’t sat down with them.
QUESTION: But no public division between the prime minister and the foreign minister gives you any pause either?
MR. DUGUID: I’m letting you know that we’re going to work with the Israeli Government. We welcome the formation of a new Israeli Government. And we have – or will shortly – the Secretary will be in touch with her counterparts and will issue a U.S. official welcome to the new government. “
Meanwhile, Lieberman remains under investigation for fraud and money laundering, potentially limiting his tenure as Foreign Minister to only a few weeks. However, the party he chairs, Yisrael Beiteinu, obtained control of the ministry in charge of the investigation.
