Lieberman on Mideast protests: Arab world is weakening

Foreign minister says whoever thinks Israel-Palestinian conflict is part of problem in Middle East is trying to escape reality.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Avigdor Lieberman 521 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozlimski)
Avigdor Lieberman 521
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozlimski)
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman Monday gave his take on the protests taking place throughout the Middle East and said the "Arab world is weakening."
Lieberman said that "whoever thinks the conflict between the Palestinians and Israel is part of the problem in the Middle East is trying to escape reality," Lieberman said during an event for European diplomats held at the Knesset.
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"At the end of the day, it is clear to everyone, even to the Palestinian Authority, that the greatest danger they are facing is not Zionism, but rather Hamas and Jihad," Lieberman said.
Lieberman noted that the three major players in the Middle East – Iran, Turkey and Israel – are not Arab.
"The big picture of the Middle East shows that major points of contention stem from challenges and confrontations within Islamic society," the foreign minister said.
"Our demand for the Muslim world and our neighbors is first of all to accept different values. Today it is clear that Israel is the only strategic ally in the Middle East for the European Union and the United States, and it stems from shared values," he said.