Why they love to hate Avigdor Lieberman
A lot of people don't like Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, but he continues to be quite popular in Israel. Ephraim Inbar explains why (Hat Tip: Daniel Pipes). Yet, Lieberman is often telling the naked truth. Let's consider his "provocative" and "irresponsible" statements on the Palestinians and the Turks.Read the whole thing.
The chances of reaching a comprehensive agreement in the near future with the Palestinians, within 12 or 36 months, are indeed nil, as Lieberman has pointed out. The Palestinian Authority is not willing to make any concessions in peace negotiations on Jerusalem or on refugees. It rejects recognition of Israel as a Jewish nation-state.
Lieberman is correct also in pointing out that the PA lacks any legitimacy to close a deal with Israel. Abu Mazen’s corrupt regime relies on Israeli bayonets to defend it from Hamas. This is what Lieberman has said, and he is correct in his assessment. Moreover, his views reflect the sober assessment of a large majority of Israelis. Even large swaths of the Israeli Left agree that there is no Palestinian partner for a full peace.
So why is it so terrible to tell the truth?
Similarly, Lieberman’s evaluation of the behavior of the current Turkish government is right on the mark. Turkey, under Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, has not missed an opportunity to pick a fight with Israel over the past two years, and there is nothing Jerusalem can do but wait for better times. Erdogan-led Turkey is not interested in good relations with Israel, primarily because under his helm Turkey is distancing itself from the West and displaying a greater Islamic coloration in its foreign policy. Anti-Semitic sentiments also fuel the hostility toward Israel. Israelis agree with Lieberman’s refusal to be a "punching bag for Turkey." Thus, it makes no sense to apologize and pay compensation to those who sent IHH terrorists to help Hamas-ruled Gaza.
Actually, Lieberman’s assertion that it is Turkey which owes Israel an apology seems more logical. This probably makes sense to most Israelis, who witnessed the brutal treatment of Israeli naval commandos on the Turkish ship at the hands of so-called “peace activists.”
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This Israeli government understands the depressing reality, though a cool assessment will probably dictate going along with falsehoods to please the world. After all, telling the truth might push Israel into greater isolation. Lying is what the world expects of Jerusalem, and in the short run at least, such lying probably best serves Israel’s interests.
In the longer run, however, political correctness may prove extremely costly. Lieberman is having none of this. He is enjoying the role of the boy who exposed the
sham behind the Emperor’s new clothes. But in contrast to the naïve boy in that well-known fable, Lieberman is a shrewd politician. The emphasis on naked truth suits his search for votes. After all, truth has certain appeal among Israeli voters.
This is Israel’s dilemma. Who represents the better and wiser diplomatic course: Netanyahu or Lieberman?
The clever photoshop was done by daughter # 3, child # 5. I warned her that if she chose to do a computer graphics major, she would end up doing photoshops for my blog. But she's quite talented, isn't she?
Labels: Avigdor Lieberman, The Emperor has no clothes
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:41 PM
2 Comments:
Shy Guy, don't apologize.
I agree with him about the Arabs. I don't see his plan to give the Arabs the Little Triangle - something I really wouldn't mind in exchange for Yesha - will go anywhere because its not really two states for two peoples the world wants.
And yes they still hate Lieberman because he's a Jew. And let's not be misled by all the fancy chatter on the cocktail circuit - when all is said and done, regardless of what you think of Lieberman, that's the real reason they hate him and every one knows it.
To confirm what I wrote above, which also confirms Caroline Glick's assessment of Lieberman so many years ago, all you need to do is to read what Lieberman's own party chairman just said.
Stop being fooled. Do the math. Lieberman=Livni.
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