Prepare for War: New Israeli Foreign Minister

Lieberman douses Palestinian peace hopes in debut speech

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Apr 1, 2009 4:42 PM CDT

(Newser) – Israel’s new foreign minister, a renowned hawk, wasted no time in drumming up war rhetoric. On his first day on the job, Avigdor Lieberman said, “Those who want peace should prepare for war,” as he dismissed his predecessor’s negotiations with the Palestinians, the New York Times reports. “Those who think that through concessions they will gain respect and peace are wrong.”

Lieberman “closed the door in the face of the international community,” responds the chief Palestinian negotiator. As head of Israel’s ultra-nationalist party, Lieberman is an important person in the new governing coalition. His hawkish beliefs contrast with those of new PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who has struck a conciliatory tone and vowed to find a more sustainable solution to the conflict.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Israeli parliament member Avigdor Lieberman, who heads the ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu, is the new foreign minister. (AP Photo)

Lieberman delivered a scathing critique of Mideast peace efforts, telling a crowded room of cringing diplomats that concessions to the Palestinians only invite war. (AP Photo/David Vaaknin)

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Those who think that through concessions they will gain respect and peace are wrong. It is the other way around; it will lead to more wars.
- Avigdor Lieberman

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

OWLWOMANXXXX

Apr 2, 2009 2:33 AM CDT

seems to me that Israel is the one blowing up daycares and hospitals...who is this guy anyway.....looks like we have the makings of a Nazi Germany on our hands...Jews should be outraged on what Isreal is doing

Derni

Apr 1, 2009 11:41 AM CDT

If America has an any smarts left they will stay AWAY FROM THIS ONE-let them bllow the hell out of each other and get it over with-we don't need to get involved in another war.

riffran

Apr 1, 2009 10:53 AM CDT

yup.......but hey, if you reward bad behavior you only encourage it....go ahead librrhoids just try to justify the palestinian suicide bombers, and rocket launches, and blowing up schools and day cares

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Israel • Palestine • Israel and Palestinians • Arab Israeli conflict • Avigdor Lieberman • peace talks

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Prepare for War: New Israeli Foreign Minister