Increased cooperation with US, diplomatic agreement for Israeli-Palestinian conflict, fighting anti-Semitism, increasing cooperation with Europe: these are the goals Foreign Minister Lieberman outlined for the coming year.
While high-ranking government officials have been criticizing US Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has made it his goal to make Israel’s cooperation with the United States a priority in Israel’s national security policy.
Lieberman sent out a classified document titled “Top priorities for Israel’s foreign policy in 2015” to Israeli ambassadors worldwide with detailed instructions on how to conduct foreign relations in the year ahead.
After saying that “Europe does not understand” what is happening in the Middle East, Lieberman made it a point to strengthen Israel’s dialogue with Europe among the goals outlined in the document.
The document, signed by Foreign Ministry Director Nissim Ben-Shitrit, was distributed to all ambassadors of Israel in the world as well as department heads in all divisions.
The eight-page document expressed the Foreign Ministry’s aims to increase coordination with the American administration against Iran’s nuclear program, the Islamic State, and international initiatives that seek to isolate Israel. It was further noted that the Foreign Ministry will aim to promote a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and create a regional security framework in the coming year. Further resources will be used to combat efforts to de-legitimize Israel and anti-Semitism.
The key goals of Israeli foreign policy for 2015
Conserve and strengthen strategic cooperation with the US
The document states that “Israel has a primary interest in maintaining the strategic partnership, common goals and close relations between the two countries and their leaders. Full coordination is needed between the two countries regarding the Iranian issue, the future of the peace process, the need for a multilateral approach in the UN, rather than the unilateral approach of the Palestinians against Israel, demilitarization of Gaza, and dealing with regional threats.
“Israel’s foreign policy will strive to guarantee Israel’s security and advance means preserving its qualitative edge and military deterrence, and continued active American political support in the international arena, while preventing anti-Israeli initiatives in the United Nations and international organizations. Another objective is the continuation of Israel’s ties with new communities, including immigrant communities in the US, liberal circles, academic officials and the younger generation of Jews in America that is less connected to Israel.”
Promoting diplomatic arrangements and partnerships in the region
According to the document, “The coming period will be characterized by high uncertainty, especially in terms of how the results of Operation Protective Edge will affect the resumption of the peace process. Israel has the opportunity to advance on the war with Hamas to achieve a diplomatic solution (possibly regional) and use this momentum to demilitarize Hamas and demonstrate a commitment to the diplomatic process.
“Work must be done to lay the groundwork with the US, the Quartet, and neighboring countries to support Israel’s initiatives so that sufficient solutions can be found that respond to expectations and conditions on the ground and promote Israeli interests in the regional challenges it faces. The right conditions must be created for the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, part of the ceasefire agreement after Operation Protective Edge, and for the Strip’s rehabilitation. The second stage will be to create an international mechanism to deal with the smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip.
Strengthening Israel’s diplomatic position on national security
According to the document, there is “a diplomatic aversion of strategic threats such as nuclear Iran, terrorist threats and various forms of radical Islam. There must be further cooperation with the US and the rest of the P5+1 regarding the Iranian nuclear issue. Israel must continue to influence the nature of the arrangement and ensure monitoring and enforcement mechanisms that would enable sufficient warning in case Iran chooses to progress further with its military nuclear program.
“There must be continuous understanding of diplomatic and security aims with the US and relevant countries in the event of a change in the status of Iran’s nuclear program. This includes upholding the sanctions against Iran, leveraging ties with the US, and considering regional developments in order to promote a diplomatic agreement and security framework with the cooperation of relevant countries. Furthermore, there must be continued development of relations with relevant countries in Africa and Asia aimed at improving homeland security and the prevention of terrorism.”
The document also states that, “In regards to the increasing threat of non-national organizations, including the Islamic State, and the instability of the regimes in Syria and Iraq, Israel must work with the US, while clarifying the Israeli perception of the existing threats. Other joint initiatives with the US should include preventing the legitimacy and power of Hamas and Hezbollah, preventing Iran from supporting terrorist groups, and destabilizing dangerous regimes in the region.”
The document states that, “By giving the European Union an active role and involving it in efforts to reach regional agreements (the reconstruction of Gaza, preventing atms smuggling and the peace process), Israel could continue and upgrade its dialogue with Europe in order to prevent sanctions and pressure imposed on Israel.”
Another subject brought up in the document is the “reinforcement and legitimization of Israel’s status as a Jewish, democratic state and the efforts needed to strengthen the legitimacy and recognition of Israel’s position, especially in Europe, as a basis for ensuring economic and social prosperity.”
It was also stated that action should be taken “to advance and protect national interests in the international arena, maintaining the legitimacy of Israel as a state operating under the rule of law and in the spirit of international norms. The formulation of a coordinated and clear policy in response to the challenges in the international arena following Operation Protective Edge, including dealing with UN inquiry commission headed by William Schabas; the expansion of joint operations with the UN and international organizations; fight against the renewed Palestinian effort for international recognition; an effort to adapt international law to fighting in civilian areas; place emphasis on positioning Israel as the epitome of entrepreneurship by recruiting the Israeli private sector and civic society.”
The document includes instructions to strengthening the mutual solidarity and practical partnership between Israel and the Diaspora. The ministry stated it will work to “combat the rising issue of anti-Semitism in Europe, and in Latin America, strengthening Jewish communities’ position and improving their diplomatic abilities.”
This is be done alongside support and aid the Diaspora communities in dealing with security issues; establishing ties with key liberal elements in the Jewish world and strengthening the ties with different religious factions within Judaism, as well as strengthening the ties of younger generations of Jews living abroad with Israel.”
The last point of the document focused on “developing a new economic agenda, continuing Israel’s integration in to the global economy, with an emphasis on the development of new export markets, and increasing Israel’s foreign aid budget to the OECD level to make Israel a more prominent contributor.”
bernard ross Said:
Morsi is the head but is answerable to the general staff of the Egyptian Army. He has about 2 years to turn the Egyptian economy around or face the mob and the General Staff.
his appointment and election is conditional.
The Egyptian Army made of of mostly peaseant recruits are heavily connected to the MB. Morsi had no choice but to go after the MB…. They would never stand for losing power after they waited so long to get there. I’m sure he would rather have kept the situation Mubarak had. Genie out of the box and won;t be put back with a fight to the death.
Sisi may be a religious Muslim but he is also a patriotic nationalist. In this case Egypt came first.
@ bernard ross:
Iran was promising funds America the IMF. That was the trade off. No I didn’t save the link but I’m sure if you google properly you can find it.
@ honeybee:
No but America doesn’t import much from the ME… American big oil companies have a big stake though and they have enormous influence on Government policy.
America imports mostly from Canada, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil. If supplies were cut from the ME the 10% or so that America imports from the ME can easily be made up from other sources besides domestic production. The rest of the world is dependent on ME oil but not North or South America.
yamit82 Said:
do you have a link for this, I do not remember this event especially as I remember that the MB were also sending Jihadis to Syria to fight against Assad.
yamit82 Said:
Have you noticed what Sisi did to Morsi AND the MB: looks like muslim credentials is not relevant here.
yamit82 Said:
are you discounting USA oil production?
@ bernard ross:
When Morsi was willing to send the Egyptian Army to defend Assad is when they balked and dumped him. Remember Sissi was appointed by Moorsi and has had excellent Muslim credentials.
Known to be a religious man.
honeybee Said:
Not likely in the near future. Price goes down they either withhold product to keep prices high or pump as much as they can at lower prices. It’s a cartel prices are controlled by controlling supply.
yamit82 Said:
I think the Saudis hope for Egypt to be their “Hessians”, which might also suit Egypt with all those hungry male mouths to feed.
You may be right re Israel egypt but at least in the short to mid term, which is why I beleive that BB is so cautious about the muslims, I beleive they are focused on Iran and the Shias and wanting to restore their influence and hegemony over Iraq, syria, and Lebanon to the Med. There is little to gain and lots to risk for any of them , in a war with Israel, including Iran; as opposed to the gains offered by weaker adversaries.
Egyptian manpower and GCC money make for a formidable power, and I do beleive the GCC seek power and Iran is their major enemy. Egypt is following the money, it needs to feed those troublesome male mouths, or kill them. Either way, shipping them to various battlefields can solve their problems. But they will want their armies to bring GAINS economically.
yamit82 Said:
To control their citizens when the oil money run out ?????????
@ bernard ross:
ask youself the following questions:
Why have the saudis purchased Akmost $200 billion dollars of American and European arms in the last 12 years?
All front line, line items. They have no real army to speak of and no real Arab threats from any of her neighboring Arab countries and including Israel???
Why do the bankrupt Egyptians need more Apache’s and Tanks???
For what purpose and reason do ya think???
Egypt already produces M1 Abrams Tanks in Egypt under licence.
To take on the MB in Sinai is really not so hard for a well equipped and western trained modern Army. They have almost two million men under arms.
How much longer will the Saudis be willing to carry 85 million and growing: Egpyt’s population?
Iran is no threat to Egypt who already have a sophisticated Nuke program of their own but the Saudis are worrying.
Egypt has no real existential enemies to warrant maintaining such a large military and the heavy expense of maintaining it unless you face the fact that ultimately at some point in time it will be unleashed against Israel which they train for every day.
I maintain the huge quantities of arms purchased by the Saudis will be operated by Egyptians in time of war and as a reserve to replace Egypt’s losses in real time.
Israel has already allowed Egypt to re-militarize the Sinai the only positive aspect of the “Camp David Agreements”
Egypt is cooperating with Israel re” the terrorists in Sinai but on the other hand they have the force sufficient to crush the terrorists if they really wanted to. Terrorists in Sinai are good for Egypt as they have used the threat to Israel to whittle down to almost nothing the security protocols of the “Camp David Accords” which has always been an Egyptian aim since the accords were signed.
If Sisi ever gains control over the MB he could use them against Israel much the Same as Assad and Iran uses Hezbollah, and backed up with the umbrella of the Egyptian Army now entrenched in Sinai.
On the other side Egypt is now importing significant quantities of Gas from Israel!!!! But agreements are easily broken in this part of the world.
The 50 day Gaza war in July showed America as having lost their grip and influence over Egypt and the Saudis. Obama is now apparently trying to correct the fissure which I believe is real
@ yamit82:
HMMMM??? Starting to get back together, like I predicted? By observing US laws and not funding or supporting Sisi in public Obama avoided a lot of criticism, instead he had the Saudi partners take over funding Egypt until he got Sisi election certified as democratic or until it blew over. This way Obama showed his constituency that he is democratic and supports democratic govs. His position also helped Sisi get elected.
@ honeybee:
Almost speechless. Then I am just what the Bee ordered!!
The song could have been written about me and I love it and never tire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl1JhGZR2N8
yamit82 Said:
There is a C/W song for every occasion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prC2iOA5SmQ
@ honeybee:
Think you might appreciate this:
The American Psalm
The Lord is my pulling guard; I shall not
Be short of the first down.
2 He gives me good field position:
He hands me Gatorade on the sidelines.
3 He gets my wind back: he keeps my feet
In bounds on the big play.
4 Yes, even when I’m double-covered,
I don’t worry about getting popped:
For he’s blocking for me; his helmet
And pads protect me.
5 He opens a hole for me through the
defensive line: he pours bubbly over
my head at the Superbowl.
6 Surely bonuses and endorsements will
follow my career: and I’ll dwell in the
Hall of Fame forever.
from Collected Poems Amazon/Kindle
honeybee Said:
Technique yes but, a bit slower from lack of daily practice 🙁 … and not from any other reason. 😉
yamit82 Said:
Do you still retain this talent? Darlin
@ honeybee:
Buena miel abeja noche mi amor
yamit82 Said:
isn’t there easier way to get a steak dinner???? Hey supper Good night sweet dreams.
honeybee Said:
Fine on MT when ever you choose.
@ honeybee:
When I was in Korea I was stationed on the DMZ and outside ofour base was a Korean Village callen Un chon ni. Now in this village they had a primitive Gym and all the kids in the village leared from the age of 5 Martial arts. I and some other guys singed up they needed the money and we learned the art. My instrucor was world class and what he was doing in a backwater village I never learned but Life Mag did a spread on him when he killed a fighting bull in the ring in Spain with a fly kick to the bulls head….
I think the ring was the Plaza del Toros de Madrid.
@ yamit82:
You show me yours and I’ll show you mine.
honeybee Said:
“Touche”
Trade you story for story!!!
I used to box in HS. I had fast hands I learned how to punch with a light bag. Months of practice the bag would sing in rhythm. Loved it
yamit82 Said:
I love boxing !!!!!!!!!! I learned to watch it with my Dad, it was the one thing I could enjoy with him. I had a boyfriend ,who hated is Dad a tough Italian, I watch boxing with his Ol Man. He would be ferious at me, but the old Man, that’s another story.
honeybee Said:
I hate Maccabi Tel Aviv and am a fan of HaPoel Jerusalem
But when Maccabi plays in Europe and elsewhere outside of Israel I am a rabid fan……
Things are getting rough over there…Wish I was at the game, I guarantee that schrader would not have survived to make it to a hospital.
There was a time in America when….. I was always a boxing fan, still am.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o8wzpcSgFc
@ yamit82:
Is this your basketball team, where this incident occurred:
http://www.frontpagemag.com/2014/dgreenfield/occupy-wall-streetferguson-thug-who-assaulted-jewish-man-at-anti-israel-protest-wont-be-charged-whate-crime/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=occupy-wall-streetferguson-thug-who-assaulted-jewish-man-at-anti-israel-protest-wont-be-charged-whate-crime
@ bernard ross:
WATCH: 2,000-year-old inscription dedicated to Roman emperor unveiled in Jerusalem
@ bernard ross:
Famous Presidential Lies Contest
Written by, To The Point News
LBJ:
We were attacked (in the Gulf of Tonkin )
Nixon:
I am not a crook
GHW Bush:
Read my lips – No New Taxes
Clinton:
I did not have sex with that woman… Miss Lewinski
GW Bush:
Iraq has weapons of mass destruction
Obama:
I will have the most transparent administration in history.
The stimulus will fund shovel-ready jobs.
I am focused like a laser on creating jobs.
The IRS is not targeting anyone.
It was a spontaneous riot about a movie.
I will put an end to the type of politics that “breeds division, conflict and cynicism”.
You didn’t build that!
I will restore trust in Government.
The Cambridge cops acted stupidly.
The public will have 5 days to look at every bill that lands on my desk
It’s not my red line – it is the world’s red line.
Whistle blowers will be protected in my administration.
We got back every dime we used to rescue the banks and auto companies, with interest.
I am not spying on American citizens.
Obama Care will be good for America .
You can keep your family doctor.
Premiums will be lowered by $2500.
If you like it, you can keep your current healthcare plan.
It’s just like shopping at Amazon.
I knew nothing about “Fast and Furious” gunrunning to Mexican drug cartels.
I knew nothing about IRS targeting conservative groups.
I knew nothing about what happened in Benghazi .
I have never known my uncle from Kenya who is in the country illegally and that was arrested and told to leave the country over 20 years ago.
And, I have never lived with that uncle. He finally admitted (12-05-2013) that he DID know his uncle and that he DID live with him.
If elected I promise not to renew the Patriot Act.
If elected I will end the war in Iraq and Afghanistan within the 1st 9 months of my term.
I will close Guantanamo within the first 6 months of my term.
I will bridge the gap between black and white and between America and other countries.
And the biggest one of all:
“I, Barrack Hussein Obama, pledge to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America .”
I believe we have a winner
@ yamit82:
yamit82 Said:
thanks, makes sense
bernard ross Said:
Machiavellian. Eastern European countries play second and third fiddle in the EU and are largely economically dependent on Germany England France and Italy. Most of Israeli business investments primarily in real estate are in E Europe and most of our arms sales to Europe are in E Europe. By giving some participation to E Europe in our sphere of influence and conflict it might boost additional trade and leverage against the most anti Israel elements of the EU. Most of the decisions the EU takes must be Unanimous.
I dont understand this?
nor this:
I thought it was euro involvement that was the problem?