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Last update - 01:53 06/11/2008
Rightist MK: Israel should be wary of Barack Obama
By Haaertz Service and News Agencies
Tags: israel news, palestinians 

Though Democrat Barack Obama's election on Tuesday as the 44th president of the United States was welcomed by Palestinian and Israeli politicians alike, some in Israel's political system expressed apprehension.

National Union MK Aryeh Eldad said Wednesday that Israel should be wary of Obama, because "he is prone to buying the Arabs' favors with Israeli currency."

Eldad said that the American president-elect intends to pull his country's forces out of Iraq, a move that will endanger Israel gravely.
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His fellow right-winger Zvi Hendel (National Union) said, however, that "Israel's strategic dangers will not come from the American president, no matter what his name is, but from the leader elected in Israel."

Earlier Wednesday, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Israel hoped the president-elect would maintain the U.S. friendship with Israel and commitment to peace talks.

"Israel expects the close strategic cooperation with the new administration, president and Congress will continue along with the continued strengthening of the special and unshakeable special relationship between the two countries," she said.

In a statement, she called the Obama's election "a mark of merit for American democracy."

"During Barack Obama's recent visit to Israel, and especially during the tour we conducted together in the city of Sderot, the people of Israel were impressed by his commitment to the peace and security of Israel," Livni said.

Livni also expressed her esteem for the honorable campaign conducted by Senator John McCain. "We thank Senator McCain for his long-standing friendship and look forward to continuing our close cooperation with him."

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said he hoped that Obama would lead the U.S. along its current path of involvement in the Middle East peace talks, and bring forward the settlement President George W. Bush had vowed to see before the end of his term.

"We hope the president-elect in the United States will stay the course and would continue the U.S. engagement in the peace process without delay. We hope the two-state vision would be transferred from a vision to a realistic track immediately," said Erekat, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

In Israel, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert praised Obama's victory as "historic and impressive. America has again proven itself an example to world democracies."

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Obama's victory represented an historic change for America, adding: "I am sure the new president will be able to bring peace to our region," he said.

MK Ophir Pines-Paz said Obama must involve himself with the peace process immediately at the start of his term. He also said, "the political system in Israel can look with astonishment and jealous at democracy in the United States. Obama's victory gives hope to billions in the world, as well as in Israel.

Other Israeli lawmakers praised Obama's election as a victory against racism. MK Shlomo Moula (Kadima), an Ethiopian immigrant to Israel, said: "This is a victory that arouses hope in all black people in the world and in Israel. I am full of hope that Israel won't wait 400 years for equality."

Israeli Arab MK Ahmed Tibi called Obama's victory a "defeat of racism... the American people have proven their grandness and have headed out on the dawn of a new day and a new world. We must always remember, 'only in the darkness can one see the stars."

MK Yuval Steinitz (Likud) said that Obama has already proven his "friendship to Israel... and his uncompromising commitment to curbing Iran's nuclear program."

At celebratory reception at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem Tuesday night, U.S. Ambassador James Cunningham said he could vouch Obama's support of Israel, for the advancement of the peace process and for Israel's security.

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      1.   Obama`s priority 10:55  |  Brod 05/11/08
      2.   US strong friendship 12:14  |  zouzou 05/11/08
      3.   Well, well, even Netanjahu wants peace 12:19  |  Edith 05/11/08
      4.   Change: America`s First Jewish President 12:23  |  US CITIZEN 05/11/08
      5.   Obama`s grandfather,father,funding,friends education is Wahaabist 13:39  |  David 05/11/08
      6.   you will do what you are told livni 13:41  |  or no welfare 05/11/08
      7.   Peace 13:46  |  Julian 05/11/08
      8.   what a rediculous stupid thing to say US citezen 14:14  |  he is NOT a jew 05/11/08
      9.   OR no welfare Israel does not get any.Arabs do 14:17  |  PETER SM 05/11/08
      10.   Think twice...Abou Hussein in Washington!!!!! 14:20  |  Marwan 05/11/08
      11.   obama & Livni both bad news for Israel 14:22  |  zionist forever 05/11/08
      12.   Livni Can`t Resist keeping McCain in the Picture... 14:37  |  Dave 05/11/08
      13.   To Edith 14:45  |  David LG 05/11/08
      14.   Edith I wonder what people like you do here 14:52  |  Iz Ray Leigh 05/11/08
      15.   you are a loiar anmd an idiot peter zio in australia 14:52  |  sick of you 05/11/08
      16.   Time to divide J`lem 14:54  |  POP 05/11/08
      17.   The road may be rocky 14:58  |  Brod 05/11/08
      18.   Palestinians hope Obama will continue Bush policy! 15:10  |  Realist 05/11/08
      19.   Israel is doomed now! 15:34  |  JOE THE PLUMBER 05/11/08
      20.   End Occupation. Divide J`lem. Stop Israeli Welfare payments.... 15:35  |  POP 05/11/08
      21.   Israel gets no welfare, Peter SM? # 9 15:36  |  Clickfool 05/11/08
      22.   Give Obama a chance. 15:42  |  Jane 05/11/08
      23.   Time to make peace! When will Israel chose Arab president? 15:44  |  Hussain 05/11/08
      24.   The neo-cons are history 15:50  |  Lori 05/11/08
      25.   #23 Hussein 16:01  |  Daniela 05/11/08
      26.   American Jewish will regret supporting Osama 16:04  |  xArab 05/11/08
      27.   The atomic race started in the ME 16:14  |  Peter 05/11/08
      28.   POP #20 16:15  |  Brod 05/11/08
      29.   Erekat cynicism 16:17  |  Elie 05/11/08
      30.   Priorities 16:21  |  Arie 05/11/08
      31.   Zeh HaYom Asah HaShem 16:30  |  Jon 05/11/08
      32.   Livni and Obama can solve a lot of problems 17:02  |  mehmet 05/11/08
      33.   OBAMA and Jews 17:04  |  David 05/11/08
      34.   Pop 16 17:09  |  Pamela 05/11/08
      35.   Pop USA 20 17:22  |  Pamela 05/11/08
      36.   Livni: Israel expects strong U.S. friendship to continue under Ob 17:24  |  Yehudit 05/11/08
      37.   Wake Up Livni, Israel is in trouble! After yesterday elections, 17:27  |  Yehudit 05/11/08
      38.   Well said Brod 28 17:28  |  Pamela 05/11/08
      39.   Note to Lori...Neocons are history 17:29  |  Rob 05/11/08
      40.   what to think about marwan? he is in and your ilk is out 17:39  |  all good news 05/11/08
      41.   Rob - the neocons will not be history until 17:43  |  Mark Lincoln 05/11/08
      42.   yes rob the zioconmen are out 17:47  |  all good news 05/11/08
      43.   #24 lori and some history for you 17:48  |  victor hardman 05/11/08
      44.   Jane - there will be no `honeymoon` period 17:49  |  Mark Lincoln 05/11/08
      45.   Now lets see what he does with Iraq and Iran... 17:57  |  Jamie 05/11/08
      46.   Change will come to Israel too 18:06  |  mosve 05/11/08
      47.   Peace process -- everybody should just leave it alone 18:08  |  Sal 05/11/08
      48.   Obama`s choice for chief of White House staff ... 18:13  |  Morris Valentine 05/11/08
      49.   Jamie: Obama promised to leave iraq and talk to iran 18:15  |  all good news 05/11/08
      50.   America needs to shake that "unshakeable" relationship 18:22  |  Joe 05/11/08
      51.   mehmet what racism are you talking about 18:25  |  David Israel 05/11/08
      52.   #48 Hey Morris---We Did it, yes we did! 18:28  |  ballistic 05/11/08
      53.   #17 Brod, don`t you get it yet? 18:34  |  ballistic 05/11/08
      54.   Rahm Emanuel 18:42  |  The Nation 05/11/08
      55.   The beginnings of a pro-Israel administration? 19:02  |  MichaelF 05/11/08
      56.   Jane #22 19:05  |  Brod 05/11/08
      57.   Mark...it ain`t gonna happen 19:07  |  Rob 05/11/08
      58.   MichaelF? I doubt most Isreali will think it is pro zio 19:28  |  but we will see 05/11/08
      59.   Robs right again..even baby bush was starting to talk to iran 19:36  |  & price of iraq 05/11/08
      60.   livni on the war path 19:44  |  flagrant violation 05/11/08
      61.   change 20:07  |  eirik mills 05/11/08
      62.   Palestine will have a great friendship with the USA 20:29  |  POP 05/11/08
      63.   Obama 20:30  |  DanielS, 05/11/08
      64.   America Submits To The Jihad, Israel get Your Weapons Ready 20:30  |  UsedToPostHere 05/11/08
      65.   POP #62 20:40  |  Brod 05/11/08
      66.   Nice knowing you America and Israel 20:55  |  Anon 05/11/08
      67.   Obama was America`s Choice 20:56  |  Florida Jew 05/11/08
      68.   sorry brod you loose 20:57  |  j`lem is Palestine 05/11/08
      69.   Israel should be wary of right wing movements and parties 21:01  |  Northern 05/11/08
      70.   enough is enough 21:02  |  Palestinian 05/11/08
      71.   President Barak Hussain Obama 21:04  |  Hirz 05/11/08
      72.   anon? are you leaving? 21:07  |  dont let the door 05/11/08
      73.   Correction: Obama should be wary of Israel 21:18  |  POP 05/11/08
      74.   Correction: Obama should be wary of Israel 21:18  |  POP 05/11/08
      75.   Obama`s victory. 21:20  |  sandra chitayat 05/11/08
      76.   The Dangers Are Within 21:21  |  Leon Blaustein 05/11/08
      77.   "he is prone to buying the Arabs` favors with Israeli currency." 21:23  |  Em 05/11/08
      78.   Barak Obama is best thing that happened for Israel 21:33  |  Yochanan 05/11/08
      79.   What does Eldad expect from us? 21:38  |  Silvienne 05/11/08
      80.   Can`t understand the attitude 21:42  |  Jordan 05/11/08
      81.   Obama`s first pick is son of Israeli 21:48  |  Florida Jew 05/11/08
      82.   Rob - would he refuse orders? 21:56  |  Mark Lincoln 05/11/08
      83.   growing up 22:00  |  tuvia 05/11/08
      84.   Barack Obama should be weary of Israeli 22:06  |  ARTH 05/11/08
      85.   What has Erekat done over the past 40-50 years besides issue... 22:07  |  Ahmed 05/11/08
      86.   Pres.Elect. Barack Obama. 22:13  |  Stephen. 05/11/08
      87.   Oye vey, what is the world coming to...?! 22:15  |  Esther 05/11/08
      88.   A Black President of the US 22:49  |  Ghandi 05/11/08
      89.   Obama should be wary of Israeli rightists 22:50  |  Mirqa 05/11/08
      90.   He is the President of USA and who are you? 23:00  |  Abm Habibullah 05/11/08
      91.   Rightist MK: Israel should be wary of Barack Obama 23:06  |  jp zakee 05/11/08
      92.   Rightist MK: Israel should be wary of Barack Obama 23:10  |  Francis Hartman 05/11/08
      93.   #8 23:12  |  Jane 05/11/08
      94.   to brod...sorry, you lose 23:39  |  yezmar 05/11/08
      95.   RE;#11 zionist forever: agreed he is bad news.. 23:42  |  KR 05/11/08
      96.   #9, PETER SM...are you daft?? 00:12  |  Silvienne 06/11/08
      97.   now that Barack Obama is US President 00:14  |  rich 06/11/08
      98.   Being Wary in All the Wrong Places 00:16  |  Leeza Cohen Coleman 06/11/08
      99.   #68, #94 There is no Palestine 00:20  |  Brod 06/11/08
      100.   Israeli Right wing racism and fear 00:27  |  Ussishkin 06/11/08
      101.   PETER SM lies again and denies everything 00:31  |  VIPER 06/11/08
      102.   #21, CLICKFOOL, wrong clicky 00:34  |  VIPER 06/11/08
      103.   #43 Victor Hardman 01:17  |  J Madison 06/11/08
      104.   #67 Florida Jew 01:30  |  Donna 06/11/08
      105.   Rascism 02:22  |  Steven 06/11/08
      106.   Barack Obama v the 44 Jewish members in U.S. Congress 04:06  |  Tad 06/11/08
      107.   Marwan is ridiculous... 04:29  |  militaryminded 06/11/08
      108.   Cynicism prevails even in the face of the majority.. 04:32  |  militaryminded 06/11/08
      109.   Abu Sacha 04:36  |  NoToMadPoliticians 06/11/08
      110.   I agree with Brod (#99) 04:45  |  militaryminded 06/11/08
      111.   To LCC (#98) 06:03  |  Morris Valentine 06/11/08
      112.   Hey, ballistic! (#53) 06:07  |  Morris Valentine 06/11/08
      113.   #102, VIPER...are you sure?? 06:18  |  Silvienne 06/11/08
      114.   #67, Florida Jew, you are talking sense... 06:20  |  Silvienne 06/11/08
      115.   Free Press 09:05  |  Ahmed 06/11/08
      116.   The US will not have effective foreign policy for a while 09:12  |  Ilan 06/11/08
      117.   True only if the AIPAC lobby fails to brainwash Barak 12:29  |  Ivar 06/11/08
      118.   Israel and peace 14:43  |  Talia 06/11/08
      119.   Talia #118 16:57  |  Brod 06/11/08
      120.   HOPE FOR PEACE 17:25  |  Bashir Ahmad 06/11/08
      121.   #112 Hey Morris 18:00  |  ballistic 06/11/08
      122.   obama is not the enemy 21:17  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 06/11/08
      123.   #121 Hey Cipora 22:00  |  ballistic 06/11/08
      124.   #79 silvienne the politician...funny ha ha.. 23:29  |  Nemesis 06/11/08
      125.   Israel`s enemies are the "settlers" Cipora.. 00:01  |  BBSNews 07/11/08
      126.   #102 Mr.Viper As an American I can Assure you are wrong 00:07  |  James D 07/11/08
      127.   #123...RE Silvienne#79 00:35  |  Nemesis(the real one 07/11/08
      128.   #86Stephen in Geneva..I would dispute your assumption.. 00:48  |  James D 07/11/08
      129.   #123 Mr.Ballistic.You sure are very blunt in your comments. 01:25  |  James D 07/11/08
      130.   #126 James D 01:38  |  ballistic 07/11/08
      131.   "Defeat of racism"... 01:39  |  Joe 07/11/08
      132.   #130 Mr.Ballistic.If my country is in dire straights,Then Of ... 02:40  |  James D 07/11/08
      133.   To CJK (#48) 03:38  |  Morris Valentine 07/11/08
      134.   James D, are you for real? 04:16  |  BBSNews 07/11/08
      135.   #133, MV 07:24  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 07/11/08
      136.   Israelis ultimately responsible for own fate 16:42  |  Nathaniel 07/11/08
      137.   #128 Mr. James D, well, kind sir, blunt 18:23  |  ballistic 07/11/08
      138.   #129 James D cont 2 18:29  |  ballistic 07/11/08
      139.   #129 James con`t 3 18:35  |  ballistic 07/11/08
      140.   #129 James D cont 4 18:40  |  ballistic 07/11/08
      141.   #139 Mr.Ballistic..Further to your outburst comments,let me first 19:29  |  James D 07/11/08
      142.   ballistic... 19:38  |  Silvienne 07/11/08
      143.   #140 James D, get a grip! 20:21  |  ballistic 07/11/08
      144.   #140 James D con`t 20:27  |  ballistic 07/11/08
      145.   132 James D 20:44  |  mike 07/11/08
      146.   ATTENTION BALLISTIC: not an enemy salvo 20:56  |  Leeza Cohen Coleman 07/11/08
      147.   James D...hilarious 21:25  |  Nemesis 07/11/08
      148.   #127, Nemesis...that`s a shame... 21:41  |  Silvienne 07/11/08
      149.   Ballistic...2ND TRY 21:43  |  Silvienne 07/11/08
      150.   the new president of the US of A 2009 22:21  |  Sasa Pavlovic 07/11/08
      151.   What?? Did you Forget What Obama Said??? 22:34  |  marat 07/11/08
      152.   Ballistic 23:13  |  Nemesis 07/11/08
      153.   #140 Say James, is that so? 23:57  |  ballistic 07/11/08
      154.   I hope he`s right 00:16  |  W 08/11/08
      155.   Silvienne....surely you can`t be as dumb ... 02:22  |  Nemesis 08/11/08
      156.   #146 Okay Leeza, I will 02:23  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      157.   #146 BTW, Leeza, I know you are not an enemy!! 02:25  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      158.   #148 Silvienne to Nemesis, well, ouch there girl! 02:30  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      159.   See you elsewhere, ballistic 03:47  |  Leeza Cohen Coleman 08/11/08
      160.   Leeza Cohen Coleman 04:08  |  See ya 08/11/08
      161.   To all of you 04:17  |  James D 08/11/08
      162.   #152 Nemesis 04:28  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      163.   Leeza, I will look in 04:30  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      164.   #142 Hey Silvienne 04:46  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      165.   #162..ballistic 04:55  |  Nemesis 08/11/08
      166.   James D, well, okay 04:59  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      167.   leeza, believe me, no one will miss you 05:09  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 08/11/08
      168.   #146, Leeza Cohen Coleman... 05:48  |  Silvienne 08/11/08
      169.   #158, ballistic... 05:53  |  Silvienne 08/11/08
      170.   #164, ballistic... 06:01  |  Silvienne 08/11/08
      171.   #170..Silvienne 06:20  |  Nemesis 08/11/08
      172.   Florida Jew 08:01  |  Connie 08/11/08
      173.   #171, Nemesis... 09:11  |  Silvienne 08/11/08
      174.   #172, Connie.. 11:16  |  Silvienne 08/11/08
      175.   Silvienne 13:07  |  Connie 08/11/08
      176.   What does Israel do?? 17:24  |  concerned US citizen 08/11/08
      177.   #174, hey Connie, I`ve been serving up crow 17:52  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      178.   #175 There goes Connie, sulking! 17:57  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      179.   #167 Oh Cipora, stop sulking. 17:59  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      180.   #170 Silvienne 18:03  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      181.   #165 Nemesis 18:06  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      182.   #172 Connie re Florida Jew 18:08  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      183.   Connie 18:10  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      184.   #183 Mike 21:44  |  ballistic 08/11/08
      185.   ballistic 22:12  |  Connie 08/11/08
      186.   #175, Connie... 05:25  |  Silvienne 09/11/08
      187.   #176, concerned US citizen.. 05:31  |  Silvienne 09/11/08
      188.   #178, ballistic & connie 05:37  |  Silvienne 09/11/08
      189.   #184, Connie..to ballistic.. 05:47  |  Silvienne 09/11/08
      190.   #179, ballistic... 05:50  |  Silvienne 09/11/08
      191.   #190 Silvienne, yes, well, her 22:45  |  ballistic 09/11/08
      192.   Investigate the WMD`s of Israel! 16:51  |  Nat 10/11/08
      193.   green days are coming for USA 07:31  |  jitul bora 11/11/08
      194.   that`s right livni;as long as Israel gives PIECE to their enemies 16:29  |  glenna 14/11/08
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