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Israel Needs Advice from Ireland, Not Condemnation

[Times-UK] Eamon Delaney - Is there any hope of a more even-handed approach by the Irish government to the Israeli-Palestinian problem? Last week the Israeli government pointed out the speed with which Micheal Martin, the minister for foreign affairs, condemned the incursion into Gaza last year. "It was hasty, it was way too severe, it did not take into account many key elements," said Israeli spokesman Yigal Palmor. "Israelis in general felt that it was insensitive and unhelpful. Many Israelis were really offended by some of the official Irish reactions, and it's a pity." Given that the Gaza operation was supported by a great majority of the Israeli people, Martin's knee-jerk response was hardly the way for the Irish to influence matters. No other European country used such language at the outset. A more balanced approach would also be more in touch with how the Irish public sees the Middle Eastern conflict. Media coverage of the Gaza invasion was much more informed and balanced than the political debate. The Israeli actions may at times seem disproportionate, but the Irish public has wearied of the suicide bombings and the unyielding Islamic militancy of Hamas. Older Israelis have a great respect for Ireland. Zionism was inspired by the Irish independence struggle, during their own fight with the British. Eamon de Valera was a great admirer of Israel.
2009-07-10 06:00:00
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