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SCHEDULE ANCHORS REPORTERS CONTACT US
Inside the Middle East
May 6, 2011
Posted: 840 GMT

 

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Will Osama bin Laden's death weaken extremists? Or does it make the region more dangerous, especially for Israel?

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: No, it weakens extremists. When the world's number one terrorist, a man who's responsible for the death of thousands of innocent people is brought to justice and is eliminated, it tells terrorists everywhere there's a price and you will pay it and that's good.

VERJEE: Was President Obama right not to release the photo?

NETANYAHU: Probably.

VERJEE: Why?

NETANYAHU: He probably has his reasons. I haven't seen the photos but I think it's immaterial (ph). I don't think that anyone really questions the fact that Osama bin Laden has been killed. I think that's a safe fact.

VERJEE: Who would you consider today, the world's most dangerous man, the biggest threat to the world's security after bin Laden?

NETANYAHU: The biggest threat is the possibility of the militant Islamic regime will acquire nuclear weapons or that nuclear weapons will acquire a militant Islamic regime. The first is called Iran. If the Iranian regime gets atomic bombs, it'll change history.

VERJEE: Do you think Ahmadinejad is the biggest threat?

NETANYAHU: I think he's a big threat. I think his boss, Khamenei is a bigger threat. Iran is (ph) the country and he's infused with fanaticism - he wants to get the whole lot – he calls us Israel, "the little Satan" because America is "the great Satan" and I hope that Europe and Britain aren't offended because they're a middle-sized Satan. So all these statements have to be eliminated and, if necessary, they're developing atomic bombs for that affair (ph).

VERJEE: So why haven't you taken action, a targeted action against Iran if you're convinced it needs to be eliminated?

NETANYAHU: Well, because one of the things that we've looked at is the leadership of the international community, led by the United States, to force that regime to stop its nuclear bombs program. I think the sanctions might work if the international community makes it clear that there's a credible military option if the sanctions don't work. And I think that the coupling of those two things - economic sanctions and a military option if sanctions don't work - that's the only thing that will make this regime stop. And I hope to see that determination (ph) in place.

VERJEE: There's a government now that represents all Palestinians in a unity government. Why won't you accept that?

NETANYAHU: Well, I'd be the first one to champion and to applaud national unity amid the Palestinians for peace. But what we have is not a union for peace. What we have is a pact with Hamas who calls for the eradication of Israel, the opposite of peace. And the Hamas (INAUDIBLE) to sign it, of this unity agreement has not said, well, we accept Israel, we're going to dismantle the terrorist apparatus, we're going to stop firing rockets –

(CROSSTALK)

VERJEE: Before you were complaining that the Palestinians didn't have unity, that Mahmoud Abbas was weak. Now you actually have a unity government and you don't see any opportunity here at all?

NETANYAHU: Actually I said the opposite. In fact, they stated I said it. I said the very opposite. I said to Abbas and I said to the United States and to anyone who cared to listen. I'm not saying that we have to have a united Palestinian entity in Gaza and in the West Bank or we don't negotiate. I said I'm willing to negotiate.

VERJEE: But are you willing to negotiate with unity government as it's going to be with Hamas and with Fatah?

NETANYAHU: I'll negotiate with anyone who wants peace.

VERJEE: You would negotiate with this government?

NETANYAHU: Well, this government is composed - half of it says that they want to obliterate my people, my country off the face of the earth. That's what they said after the signing of the agreement. They just fired rockets into a yellow school bus (ph). They fired rockets on our city. And they just praised bin Laden to the (INAUDIBLE) and complained - and condemned the United States –

VERJEE: Here's –

NETANYAHU: For taking out bin Laden. This is not - Hamas is not a partner for peace. If we had a genuine move towards peace, if Hamas adopted the positions of peace in the unity government I would say, great, let's negotiate.

VERJEE: Let me ask you this for a minute though (ph).

(CROSSTALK)

NETANYAHU: But, in fact, the opposite has happened.

VERJEE: There are elements in your own coalition government that make rash statements. One member, in fact, recently said that President Obama was the biggest threat to Israel than Osama bin Laden.So my question is, do you - your policy is not made from individual voices of extremism, so why not give this unity government a chance?

NETANYAHU: There's a difference between stupid utterances of people who occasionally falter than a constitutional commitment to the eradication of Israel. This is what we have in the case of Hamas. They have a charter that calls not only for the elimination of Israel, but for the murder of any Jews anywhere.

VERJEE: Why not wait and see –

NETANYAHU: They haven't –

(CROSSTALK)

VERJEE: Why not wait and see what they come out with, with this agreement, rather than make a rash, critical assessment?

NETANYAHU: Well they've already said after they sign the agreement that they were then committed to the destruction of Israel. It's not that there's a big mystery.Suppose Gadhafi came up today, right here (ph) and said, well let's make a national unity deal. I'm not going to change my policies but let's make a national unity deal in Libya. What would you say? Would you say, well, let's take him at his word? Or would you say I want to see a different policy, a different action?

VERJEE: Or maybe you could say maybe there's an opportunity here. One question, though, is what if they go ahead and declare a unilateral state in September (p). What would you do?

NETANYAHU: Well, it depends, of course, what will happen. But I would say nobody can impose peace. You can't have - peace can only be achieved through negotiation. It can't be dictated. They could pass - they could always muster (ph) in the U.N., automatic majority. They still have a better (ph) year, resolutions in the U.N. for Israel's action to take out Saddam Hussein's nuclear bomb factory. They have human rights committee headed by Gadhafi that condemns Israel for war crimes.

VERJEE: Right.

NETANYAHU: Syria's going to be a member of that human rights committee. So you can have any agreement in the U.N., any resolution, but (INAUDIBLE) splat. But it doesn't make it right and it certainly doesn't mandate any kind of action. What is required is for our Palestinian partners to decide to have peace with us and to negotiate that peace. And that's the only way they're going to get back peace.

VERJEE: How vulnerable does Israel feel today, with the instability on its borders with Lebanon, with Jordan, with Egypt and Syria?

NETANYAHU: I think something very big is happening. I mean, there's a convulsion that is taking the entire region between the Himalayas and the Atlantic. There was basically - the 20th century has passed by much of these societies and the 21st century technology is telling their citizens what they missed out on. So I think that tension has brought down a lot of countries. They bring down other governments.

VERJEE: Does Israel - do you feel vulnerable?

 NETANYAHU: We would like to see the plight (ph) of democracy. I mean, between the rise of democracy and the rise of bureaucracy, we obviously want to see genuine democracies emerge because that's something that will guarantee the peace. But we've seen revolutions hijacked. The 1917 revolution for democracy in Russia was hijacked. The 1979 revolution in Tehran, the brief Iranian spring (ph) was hijacked by a terrible darkness. The cedar revolution in Lebanon just a few years ago, you know, was replaced by Hezbollah rule. So we'd like to see the democrats with a (INAUDIBLE) win out and the terrorists and dictators lose. But it remains to be seen which is which. We support the democrats.

VERJEE: Do you think Bashar al-Assad should go, if you support the democrat?

NETANYAHU: I think what has to happen is an immediate cessation to the slaying of civilians.

VERJEE: Do you think he should go?

NETANYAHU: Any way that stops this slaughter should be entertained. I know there are many things that international leading powers and the international community are thinking. But the outcome has to be that this butchering of civilians must stop right now.

VERJEE: Final question, what do you want the international community to do about Syria?

NETANYAHU: Stop the slaughter. And I think, in general, in the broader middle east, support anchors of peace. The peace with Israel and Egypt. The peace with Israel and Jordan has been the anchor of peace. And expand the peace by doing two things. One, ask and demand of the Palestinians to commit themselves to the existence of Israel. Don't embrace the Hamas that calls for our destruction. But talk about a real reconciliation with a Jewish state mixed with Palestinian state. And at the same time, work to disarm Iran, because if Iran has atomic weapons, it's not only that the peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians will be jeopardized. It's that all peace everywhere will be jeopardized and everybody will sway towards tyranny and theocracy. I think the future of the world, the future of the Middle East, certainly, is at stake. Iran must not be allowed to get nuclear weapons for the sake of security and for the sake of peace.

VERJEE: Thank you.

NETANYAHU: Thank you.

VERJEE: Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Thank you.

 NETANYAHU: Thank you.

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Filed under: Hamas •Iran •Israel •Netanyahu •Palestinians •Video


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Michaela   May 6th, 2011 9:14 am ET

Is there possibly a bigger liar alive today than Netanyahu?

Oh yeh, there's Obama and Tony Blair.

The Anglo Israeli alliance has been highjacked by a pack of lying maggots.

Dan Permann   May 6th, 2011 10:07 am ET

Why does the media even bother to interview compulsive liars like this Israeli freak?

Why does the media feel the endless need to churn out BS to the American public and brand it as news?

We the people are getting really tired of BS news manufactured in Israel.

Ruth   May 6th, 2011 10:09 am ET

At least Netanyahu tries to be consistent with his propaganda and lies, unlike Obama

Patrick   May 6th, 2011 10:11 am ET

Q: What's the difference between George Bush Junior and Obama/ Netanyahu?

A: George Bush junior knows he's an idiot.

Brother   May 6th, 2011 10:14 am ET

Is this guy for real???

Lady Gaga is a bigger threat to the world than Iran.

It's about time that Netanyahu joined Osama.

Ralf   May 6th, 2011 10:17 am ET

Now Osama's gone, this Zionist money face wants America to lay down more lives and more money to fight another new war for Israel.

Israel is the religious extremist state with nuclear weapons!!!! That makes Netanyahu his own worst enemy.

Myriam   May 6th, 2011 10:20 am ET

Shame America didn't let Osama fix Israel, before ending the myth of the terror leaders existence.

Eddie   May 6th, 2011 10:23 am ET

IF AMERICAS BIGGEST ALLY HASN'T SEEN ANY OSAMA PHOTOS, THEN WE CAN BE SURE THERE ARE NO PHOTOS.

OBAMA PLEASE GIVE UP YOUR LIES, YOUR HUMILIATING AMERICA IN FRONT OF THE WORLD.

Jerusalem   May 6th, 2011 10:27 am ET

I don't believe everything on the news and I don't think its a conspiracy theory to think governments can lie.

If Iran is a real threat to Israel, then you may also think Mickey Mouse was the first astronaut to land on the moon and Donald Duck shot JFK.

Is it just me or has the American propaganda media become so ridiculous that the news now represents the best comedy out there.

Keith   May 6th, 2011 10:30 am ET

Typical of this Israeli parasite to jump into the Osama lime light.

Just ask Justine Beiber what an opportunistic worm Netanyahu is. Even a teenage rock star could see through this low life leader of Israel.

Francesca   May 6th, 2011 10:32 am ET

Netanyahu talks Bin Laden, Hamas, and Khamenei

This title names the four biggest gangsters in the world today. Rightfully Netanyahu was named first.

Kennedy   May 6th, 2011 10:34 am ET

Netanyaho is a pin head.

Settler   May 6th, 2011 10:48 am ET

If Netanyaho had a long black beard, he would look and sound just like Osama.

Wileen Sheehan   May 6th, 2011 11:37 am ET

I hope you were playing devil's advocate with NETANYAHU and not actually suggesting that Israel is in the wrong for wanting to defend itself from all the countries that want its destruction – who also want the destruction of the US.

Valerie   May 6th, 2011 12:05 pm ET

Palestine should be given an honest, meaningful chance to reform their country. I think the whole world have seen and heard the many, many excuses Isreal made over the years, decades. Reserve judgement. The Palestinians have suffered so much over decades that now sympathy for them is widespread. GIVE PEACE A CHANCE ISREAL. The TERRORIST THREAT is no longer an excuse for the most part. The Arab Spring has shown us that Peaceful Muslims want this peace too. It's time ISREAL show some progress. Right now Isreal is also seen as an Oppressive Power similar to the ones the of the Arab Spring. PLEEEEEESE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.

Maik   May 6th, 2011 2:59 pm ET

Netanyahu is pure evil scum.

No more dollars for Israel.

No more US army lives given to fight Israels immoral battles.

Free Palestine, end the occupation, stop the illegal settlements and down with fascist Zionists

His Prince Michael   May 6th, 2011 3:23 pm ET

Always, honest and compelling perspectives from the honorable
Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Believe: "He who watches over you, will not slumber;
He who watches over Israel, will not slumber nor sleep"
121 Psalm of King David

Oviv   May 6th, 2011 4:13 pm ET

Netanyahu sounded very fair, balanced, and fact-based. Verjee sounded as if her feelings got the better of her.

Mladen Andrijasevic   May 6th, 2011 5:37 pm ET

Can anyone please explain to me this journalist from CNN, Zain Varjee? Is she deaf or just plain stupid? She does not seem to understand anything Netanyhau is telling her. The interview is an eye opener in a way - the extent to which viewers can tolerate dumb TV journalists

amos33   May 6th, 2011 6:19 pm ET

PM Benjamin Netanyahu is the most courageous man in the world right now and he knows what will happen as soon as the UN creates a Palestinian State. Just like the day after Israel was created, the entire Muslim world came against Israel, but Israel was victorious. Each war launced against Israel has caused Israel to grow larger. Why has no one noticed that God is helping Israel?

Remember David and Goliath?

God bless Benjamin Netanyahu and all Israel.

signed a Christian

It true, it was on TV   May 6th, 2011 7:18 pm ET

More Israelis have died from bee stings and snake bites than terrorism.

More people die from car crashes every year than there has ever been from terrorism.

But lets panic and hand our cash and freedom to the government to protect us from........terrorism.

This Netanyahu guy is probably the most sickening fear monger and war monger alive. Can the navy seals visit him before we need to hear his BS again.

Paul   May 6th, 2011 7:41 pm ET

Would have thought Netanyahu would have drowned in his own vomit by now. Hope Israelis have a chance to elect a real man next time.

If Israel wants to be a friend of America, they can give Obama an Israeli birth certificate, adopt him and take him out of the USA. That way we can keep all the scum bag liars in Israel.

Denis MacEoin   May 7th, 2011 1:37 am ET

This woman should win a prize for naïveté. Her total inability to get just what and who Hamas is astonished me. She should not be interviewing Netanyahu if she is so badly informed about Hamas (or, for that matter, the PA). They have never wanted peace, only the destruction of Israel and the deaths of millions of Jews. That goal hasn't changed one iota since the unity pact. If Israel walked with a smile into negotiations, nothing but bad could come of it. Hamas is tantamount to al-Qa'ida. Such people are not interested in peace. In Islamist terms, full-term peace just isn't acceptable. When will some journalists understand this reality?

Nonoy Cruz   May 7th, 2011 2:46 am ET

Mr. Netanyahu is correct for not negotiating with the double faced Fatah/Hamas unity. Israel must not trust this unity wherein the Fatah is seeking for diplomacy while the Hamas pursue violence ways. Israel must think of this hypocrite strategy.

University Rector   May 7th, 2011 12:03 pm ET

Lets get this straight. Israel breaks all international laws, commits constant acts of aggression with its military and then thinks it can preach to the world about other countries.

I wish the slime bag Netanyahu could live under the same standards he demands from others. But I guess as he thinks his people are Gods chosen people, they are above the law and above all others.

Netanyahu is a sick slime bag!

FRANK OLIVER   May 7th, 2011 1:28 pm ET

What about Saudi Arabia ,It's more tyrant than Palestine and Iran!! The Jews always worry about less tyrants than more tyrants in the middle east! like they worried about Iraq in 1990's, because Jews themselves are undemocratic and worst tyrant people in the whole world, next to Saudi Scumbags!!!

FRANK OLIVER   May 7th, 2011 1:29 pm ET

What about Saudi Arabia ,It's more tyrant than Palestine,Lebanon and Iran!! The Jews always worry about less tyrants than more tyrants in the middle east! like they worried about Iraq in 1990's, because Jews themselves are undemocratic and worst tyrant people in the whole world, next to Saudi Scumbags!!!

Ariely   May 8th, 2011 8:30 am ET

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
George Santayana (1863-1952).

*Remember the past:
-------
The Nazi get to power in Germany by free elections.
Europe made many concetions to the Nazi including Czechoslovakia stating: we bring peace for generations to come.
The end result was WW2.

*Is the free world condemned to repeat it?
------
Hamas ideology
1: PEACE AND QUITE WOULD BE POSIBLE ONLY UNDER ISLAM WINGS.
2:The day of judgment will not come until Moslems fight killing the Jews. The stones and trees will say
O MOSLEM, THERE IS A JEW BEHIND ME, KILL HIM
3: Palestinian Hamas Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh:
"We condemn the assassination and the killing of Osama Bin Laden, an Arab holy warrior'"

*Hamas is the Muslim brotherhood in Palestrina;
Examples of Muslim brotherhood ideology:
1;"A Muslim can come closer to Allah by waging jihad against all non-Muslims,Christians,Jews, atheists, in every possible manner.
Dr. Ahmad 'Abd about Al-Walaa Wa'l-Bara
2:Muslim brotherhood leader speech in Cairo before 1 million people
"Hitler didn’t finish the job- The Muslims will finish the Job""
(BBC broadcasted this speech in Arabic one month ago)
--–
Will Israel be the modern Czechoslovakia sacrificed by Obama to please Islamists movements and making kosher the Muslim brotherhood?

Andy   May 8th, 2011 11:14 am ET

Netanyahu, why don't you fix your own ugly corrupt country before criticizing others. I never notice Iran killing aid workers in international waters. Most middle east crimes are perpetrated by Israel or have you forgotten your slaughter of civilians in the gaza war????

Netanyahu please recall your corrupt lobbyists from America. Christ was spot on when he claimed you guys have turned the house of god into a den of robbers.

anothermoe   May 8th, 2011 12:24 pm ET

I really can't understand Netanyahu, what's simpler than accepting Hamas's reasonable & peaceful demands?!

"Neither the liberation of the Gaza Strip nor the liberation of the West Bank or even Jerusalem will suffice us. Hamas will pursue the armed struggle until the liberation of all our lands. We don't recognize the state of Israel or its right to hold onto one inch of Palestine. Palestine is an Islamic land belonging to all the Muslims."
-Dr. Mahmud al-Zahar, Hamas leader in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post, August 18, 2005

All Hamas wants from millions of Israeli people is to disappear.
simple, and peaceful.

what has changed since 48? you can ask the leader of palestinians then: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Amin_al-Husayni
(check the pictures!!)

proud zionist   May 8th, 2011 12:56 pm ET

the amount of venom spewed on this blog agains jews would make goebbels blush.

jim   May 8th, 2011 1:36 pm ET

It appears that not only is CNN anti-Israel but most of the commenters are too. It would be nice to see some of you bless Israel rather than curse her. The end result of Cursing is being cursed yourself. It is unfortunate that the BBC and CNN are on the same track, you won't see prosperity again in your land until you change your attitudes toward G_d and His Chosen.

Jerusalem   May 8th, 2011 4:16 pm ET

The only way Israel will see peace is if the likes of Netanyahu are put on the electric chair and the entire world is shown this stinking sorry soul is no longer here to trouble the world.

Alternatively he could be buried at sea and fake looking videos could appear later. But the world will gain much more comfort from Netanyhu on the electric chair.

Dan Permann   May 8th, 2011 4:33 pm ET

Why bother asking Netanyahu anything? His answer under any circumstance will remain the same. The Arabs should be destroyed and all their land should be given to Israel.

What goes around comes around Mr. Netanyahu and one day your vile actions will bring a reaction which will destroy Israel. So Netanyahu, If you know anything about Judaism you should start to practice peace instead of beating the war drum at every opportunity.

Ariely   May 8th, 2011 7:01 pm ET

It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions in favor of vegetarianism while the wolf remains of a different opinion.- Dean William R. Inge
-
War laws have to be updated in line with the new strategies and tactics.
The current international war laws were made to cope with wars stile WW2 and WW1.
However the wars have changed.
Some countries use and shelter terror organizations.

Those countries calim for immunity arguing that they don’t bear responsible for the actions of organizations on their territories using the terror tool.

Terrorists are dressed like civilians ,killing civilians ,hiding among civilians, using civilian infrastructure to commute crimes.

Terrorists and supporters are missuing democratic countries laws to promote their actions and limit the ability of the defending democracy to protect the citizens,

Folloing the statement of Khalid Mash'al on Al-Jazeera, leader of Hamas terrorist's shelterd in Dmascuds
*WE IMPOSE A NEW NON CONVENTIONAL EQUATION IN WARS."
Hiding among civilians prevents armies with western values the ability to fight"

kakadu   May 8th, 2011 9:53 pm ET

Its interesting to see all the comments overe here .

I am not a big supporter of Netanyahu , but it seems you are not even proficient enough to know what he is really talking about . It's all made of empty slogans only saying how Netanyahu is addicted to misconceptions or just being a liar .

I think he is right talking about peace , perhapse not as serious as he claims to be . I know that the road is long , and a lot of obstacles are in the way . I find it hard to believe that Netanyahu do not wish peace in the region , as a Prime Minister he has a lot of tasks , he needs no more wars or conflicts .

Iran is fundamental state of Islam ( as some very similar posts look alike in this forum ) that has a lot of resources invested in propaganda and incitement . They fund Hezbollah , a terrorists organization placed in Lebanon who is , surprisingly , one of the biggest drug exporters out of S. America to W. Africa . They fund Hamas as well and any other group capable of showing any benefit to their interest while being vile towards their , so called , opponents .

Hamas Covenant –
" The Day of Judgment will not come about until Moslems fight Jews and kill them. Then, the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will cry out: 'O Moslem, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him."
If you'll tell me that you'd rather this than someone you believe to be a liar , I'd say you are nuts !

E.L.   May 9th, 2011 7:32 am ET

How much people, who know nothing about the Meadlle East, are commenting here !!!

Mouztafah Mackatimbul   May 9th, 2011 9:43 am ET

Israel wants peace according to Zionist way which is not the real peace. Through the years and decades all Israeli governments are not sincere about peace but only after the unending peace process. What kind of peace Israelis want if peace-talks end to nowhere, no peace-makers, peace partners and parties can afford to go on nonsense peace processes forever. Israel is just playing with and killing time to serve its hidden interest. Mr. Netanyahu can argue or plainly do as they used to do that while we talk about peace Israel should continue the expansion of settlements in the occupied territories until such time that there would be no viable Palestinian state to talk about. Now do you believe to the man who has this kind of vision?

Israeli   May 9th, 2011 10:05 am ET

come on, all you haters and noble people! you know very well that Israel is threatened constantly! what a wonder that it is the only democracy around this crazy area... that only wants to defend its people.

and don't bullshit me with all that "tou're killing innocent people" and "it's not your country".
innocent people are not those who throw rockets at you and hold their children as a shield, bombing theirselves and shouting "Alla ua Akbar!", counting themselves as Shaids!

not like many think, we don't drink Christian children's blood and kill Palestinian ones for fun...... and what's more funny, is that people like Ossama Bin Laden and Ahmadinejad used to sit and laugh, cuz all that diverts the attention from their own evil- that when the world gets it's the real one, it'll be oo late!

it was in 9/11/2011...

miriam   May 9th, 2011 10:39 am ET

FRANK OLIVER,

Leaders of Hamas and Iran openly and loudly talk about their objectives of destroying Israel and in Hamas's case, killing every Jew.
That ought to be clear enough to rational individuals to understand why Israeli leaders take their rhetoric seriously.

That does not mean that they are oblivious to the quiet, more ambiguous words of other leaders including supposed political friends of the West and Western leaders themselves.

But one can imagine the posts that would appear on this blog if Israel
were to openly take the global lead for forcing reform in the Muslim world.

In the meantime, Israel can lead by example, a democratic, secular, modern society, allowing freedom of religion, speech and opinion, and a state that puts security of all it's citizens at the top of its priorities.
No state is perfect, but there are many in the Muslim world who are able to see through the excuses and rhetoric of their leaders and would do rather live in in a state like Israel than any they are living in at present.

Unfortunately, Western anti-Zionists and anti-Jews cannot see through their hypocrisy and ignorance and will jump at any opportunity to sound- off their brainwashed, hate-filled ideas as if they were somehow real.

Israeli   May 9th, 2011 12:48 pm ET

CNN, thanks for not posting my comment... very mature of you to show only the we-hate-Israel side!

AMC   May 9th, 2011 5:37 pm ET

Dear CNN:

"Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted."

Perhaps you can explain how rampant antisemitism ("Jews always worry about less tyrants than more tyrants in the middle east! like they worried about Iraq in 1990's, because Jews themselves are undemocratic and worst tyrant people in the whole world") is consistent with CNN's comment policy? That such a comment would be posted after being reviewed in advance is absurd.

Patricia   May 10th, 2011 12:41 am ET

muslims are a bunch of assassin people, who blame Israel for everything.But, let's see what they do...

They use children as human shields....they treat women like trash...they like do destroy and kill their own civilians... and they love to commit bomb suicide...and kill others with this

And the mankind call this religion a peaceful one...BULLSHIT!It's the cancer of mankind,and must be extinguished from the face of the Earth.Israel,with nuclear weapons??HAHA!It makes me laugh.The true is: Israel deserves peace, and Palestine too.And this peace will only be reached with the end of islam.For it's a plague !!!!

proud zionist   May 10th, 2011 9:29 am ET

Congratulaions toi Israel on the 63rd Independence Day today. Despite all of you antisemitic Israel haters and terror supporters!!

John A   May 10th, 2011 10:44 am ET

After all their breaches of international law and the Geneva convention, after all their land theft and bombing of civilians, after all their assassinations and theft of passports the lunatic Zionist fringe still thinks they represent God and democracy. If you are the chosen people, then clearly you modern Israelis have been chosen by the devil.

mrhankey   May 10th, 2011 2:22 pm ET

Well... so here's the situation. You've got Netanyahu lying about his agenda – saying that he is genuinely dedicated to reaching peace with the Palestinians.

And then you have the Hamas telling the truth... that they won't rest until Israel and Jews are wiped off the face of the earth.

And you have the US and the EU being two-faced and hypocritical with respect to both parties in trying to make progress with their agendas regarding the mid east.

Bottom line is: All politicians are either evil or liars and many times both.

But let's not forget...
Peace between Israel and Egypt was signed by PM Begin who was a right-wing hawk and Pres Sadat who fought fiercely to destroy Israel.
Peace between Israel and Jordan was signed by the above documented Netanyahu and King Hussein who was quoted at one time saying to his soldiers to kill all Israelis by any means possible – even with their teeth and their fingernails.
And Israel's retreat from Gaza, while evacuating by force all Jewish settlements in the area was initiated by non other than PM Ariel Sharon, who was the one who pretty much created the settlement movement in the occupied territories and was known as a strong believer in "The Greater Israel" ideology.
So... sometimes you need to just filter out the political games and BS and try to see through that. And ask yourself.... who really can make peace and who is dedicated to killing and fighting.

peaceman   May 10th, 2011 6:10 pm ET

I love the names that these islamic terrorists are hiding behind: Dan Permann....Andy, Patrick.....what a farse. HAMAS is a terrorist organization and its leaders should join Bin Laden. Obama is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

J   May 11th, 2011 1:42 am ET

I don't see why everyone is calling him a liar.

I don't think he lied about anything.

John A   May 11th, 2011 1:03 pm ET

Who could totally discredit their argument with one politely written sentence. Answer blogger peaceman with the words, "Obama is the greatest thing since sliced bread".

Peaceman did you get that sliced bread with food stamps, like 1 in 7 Americans?

Peaceman, Try not to make politics a race and tribal issue and try looking at the facts. Obama changes his stories from day to day, because he must try to cover his lies.

As for Netanyahu, he know very well that Hamas have offered unconditional peace if Israel withdraws to its legal and internationally recognized boarders. Netanyahu doesn't want to give up the stolen goods and defines any attempt to serve justice to him and his Zionist thugs as an act of terrorism.

So now if you believe in international law and internationally recognized boarders, you are an enemy of Israel and you will be treated like a terrorist.

European   May 11th, 2011 2:46 pm ET

it just goes to show how INADEQUATE these Israel/Jew haters postings are. Love reading their hate spewed drivel. It just makes me laugh thinking how they just can't handle a prosperous, intelligent, dynamic,forward thinking, progressive, brilliant, democratic, peace loving scociety Israelis are.

European   May 11th, 2011 2:53 pm ET

Dear Ms Vegee,
A bit of advice on interviewing. Please do a bit of research on the subject before the interview. It helps.
Also, let your guest complete his answer before you move on to the next question, and avoid talking over him.
And finally, do listen to the answers of your guest.
Better luck next time.
Much Love.

miriam   May 11th, 2011 3:08 pm ET

John A,

It is not unusual for you to fabricate and distort Israel and Zionism, so often denying any anti-Jewish sentiment.

Here you are at it again, at the same time taking a frequently misunderstood and misinterpreted Jewish philosophical concept and transferring it to Zionist ideology.

Jews do not see themselves chosen by God to be superior over other people or to get away with actions nobody else would. Jews chose to take-on what was required to live in a society governed by laws which would improve the lives of everyone. Adopting such a way of life required self-examination, self-control and responsibilities towards all mankind, a concept which would be hard for those who favor anarchy, libertarianism and baseless hatred to understand.

Not all Zionists are religious since the Jews are a people, not just a religion. Many Zionists would have even less of a clue than you have about the Jewish religion and many Jews will be as easily brainwashed as you with respect to Jewish religion, history and culture.

What is obvious is that the Jews have been chosen by history to be the repeated victims of conspiracy and baseless hate which manages to reappear in every generation.
The perpetrators of such hatred have repeatedly found themselves, or have been chosen, to be on the wrong side of history.

EELDICE   May 11th, 2011 7:01 pm ET

So much antisemitism here!!! Fools!!! Take a look around; nearly every Islamic country is going through a revolution. Their leaders are killing their own people.

Don't see this happening in Israel.

Just shows you how important a real education is. And likewise, how a religious education prohibits the growth of a nation.

rs1201   May 12th, 2011 11:25 am ET

I guess it's a bunch of major anti-semites who decided to post their thoughts on this article. I don't know what it is that drives anti-semitism...probably...ignorance...personal failures...ingrained hatred and jealousy for Jews.
Instead of spending all that energy hating and being jealous of Jews...I suggest you all spend some time educating yourselves...it might help you get a job and maybe...maybe...you can stop having your hand out for entitlements...that will end once Obama is thrown out of office. So...you had better hurry up...you only have two years to make something of yourselves...perhaps a dishwasher or a garbage collector....aspire to that at least!

Curious   May 12th, 2011 4:55 pm ET

Who edited the video? Why was this entire portion part cut out of the video, right after the words "whole lot...."?

NETANYAHU: I think he's a big threat. I think his boss, Khamenei is a bigger threat. Iran is (ph) the country and he's infused with fanaticism – he wants to get the whole lot – he calls us Israel, "the little Satan" because America is "the great Satan" and I hope that Europe and Britain aren't offended because they're a middle-sized Satan. So all these statements have to be eliminated and, if necessary, they're developing atomic bombs for that affair (ph).

VERJEE: So why haven't you taken action, a targeted action against Iran if you're convinced it needs to be eliminated?

NETANYAHU: Well, because one of the things that we've looked at is the leadership of the international community, led by the United States, to force that regime to stop its nuclear bombs program. I think the sanctions might work if the international community makes it clear that there's a credible military option if the sanctions don't work. And I think that the coupling of those two things – economic sanctions and a military option if sanctions don't work – that's the only thing that will make this regime stop. And I hope to see that determination (ph) in place.

Tomas Kolsky   May 13th, 2011 5:46 pm ET

I cannot understand, why CNN is so hostile to the Jewish nation. It is just amazing, how much support they show for Hamas in Gaza, and how much hostility there is for Sderot and Israeli children in buses. Really amazing.

Stan Willmann   May 14th, 2011 3:35 pm ET

Netanyahu has been making many trips to the US lately! Why? He is begging us to invade Iran for his benefit!!! He knows this won't happen until we get our troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan! Just another beggar!

Romy   May 15th, 2011 3:57 am ET

Why hasn't CNN, BBC, or Al Jazeera brought to the fore the contention that Hamas is sworn to the eradication of the State of Israel? Is it a valid security issue for Israel that most of its neighbors seek only its destruction? How come the mainstream media seems be blind to this if it is indeed a fact? Bringing the fight in the territory of those who have attacked you consistently rather than letting it happen at home seems to me like a sound military strategy. Some may call it "occupation", I see it as "margin of safety." Ms Verjee, would you be friends, let alone live in the same house with somebody, who is sworn to kill you?

miriam   May 15th, 2011 3:16 pm ET

Stan,

It's time to move on.

Today we have phones, Internet, e-mail......

Your hate is just as old-fashioned.

Susan   May 20th, 2011 12:56 pm ET

An amazing situation is unfolding right before our very eyes! As this peace treaty it is inevitable, one way or another, that it is going to come into existence, Has anyone stopped to think about the fact that this has all been written in the Bible, particularly in Isaiah and Ezekiel around 700BC? There will be war in the Middle East against Israel, that is guaranteed by God in His Word. But of particular interest now is Ezek 38-39 which tells us very specifically what kind of war it's going to be: nuclear. The nations will all come against Israel, and God will intervene.
I am amazed that after 1948 the State of Israel still exists! With so many neighboring countries being Islamic and determined to destroy her, it is astonishing that not only does Israel still exist, but that she continues to thrive, not only as a nation but an international entity. More UN Resolutions have been against Israel than any other nation.
I know that the God of Israel is watching over His beloved country, and will continue to do so until the return of the Messiah.

proud zionist   May 20th, 2011 9:15 pm ET

I will never allow a single Israeli to live among us on Palestinian land"

this is only one of the racist declarations made by abbas

M.iman   May 20th, 2011 10:47 pm ET

No israeli went to different country and kill Univercity student to defend that government against their people.

Hamas went to Iran in time of green movement and killed young college student , is this a criminal act of what? if they get power only God knows what these extemist will do even to their own people.

What happened to yaser arafat, he had billon dallars of palestanian for himself and his western wife and .............

We should hope that palastinian people wake up and see the real picture of their leaders and their intention.

Claudine Knight   May 21st, 2011 8:55 am ET

The most vitriolic comments condemning anything Netanyahu says or does to try to save his country from oblivion seem to be written by people with impoverished vocabularies, only a tenuous grasp on correct spelling, grammar and punctuation, and a narrow and shallow understanding of the region's history and ongoing struggles.

Their rantings reveal they are unqualified to offer judgements or opinions on Middle-East issues–or probably on much else. Their opinions cannot be taken seriously by thinking people with knowledge of facts behind news reports on the Middle East or elsewhere .

So they should SHUT THE HELL UP and let the peacemakers work.

Bill   May 26th, 2011 3:58 pm ET

Natanyahu and Israel conquered the U.S without firing a shot. We might be a big country with a powerful military force but much match to Israel.
The proof of my statement is the fact that Natanyahu came to the white house to publicly preach to our president. No senator or congressman stood by our president and finally at the join session Natanyahu was greeted as the conquering hero. Fox and CNN were like paid advertiser in their coverage of Natanyahu. Not anti Semitic or anti Israel but no small powerful lobby should dictate the best interest of this country.

JR   May 30th, 2011 3:50 pm ET

I am saddened by how rude Ms. Verjee is to a head of state giving her time for an interview. She does not interrupt other figures.

Why ask Fox-Style leading questions that show a bias: "VERJEE: There's a government now that represents all Palestinians in a unity government. Why won't you accept that?"

To show the bias, consider another formulation of the question.....One could ask "There's a government now that has changed course, embracing rejectionism and terrorism. How can you accept that?" This formulation would never meet the accepted CNN narrative....

jr/lp   May 30th, 2011 4:42 pm ET

to bIll,... As an American I am distressed that president Obama is retreating from an American policies that catalyzed the withdrawal from Gaza. Please read the letter from President Bush to PM Sharon before the Gaza withdrawal. Please focus on aspects describing the US policy regarding the process of mutuality, refugees and land concessions. Its appropriate for Netanyahu to hold the US to promises that brought Israel to make unilateral territory concessions. And what has Israel gotten in return for its withdrawal? Peace or rocket attacks? Moving the goalposts while the game is in play is not good-faith bargaining. it belittles the US position and diminishes our stature as a fair party in negotiations if we do not hold to our promises.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/ariel-sharon-and-george-w-bush-s-letters-in-full-1.277418

miriam   May 30th, 2011 4:43 pm ET

CNN,

I'll try again.

Bill,

There is far more that unites the US and Israel than divides them.
If you do not like that fact, you can complain to your representative and even vote against him/her.

Just think, you could be a "small powerful lobby".

Josh   May 31st, 2011 5:34 am ET

The reason why this site has so much hate against Israel is because CNN itself portrays Israel always in a negative way.

This is strictly business. CNN has an Arabic web site and there are more Arabs than Jews. Therefore follow the money.

CNN has free access to any place in Israel. It does not have similar access to Syria or similar countries. Why is there no ourtage that 1,000 Syrian citizens were killed? Because CNN reports this very quietly. CNN does not want to offentd any Arab country.

Two days ago CNN Hong Kong showed a brief video of Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech and as a rebuttal CNN showed an arab lady without any governmental credentials twisting everything he said her way during an interview with Anjalie Rao.

Also Netanyahu's video was barely 2 minutes long while Anjali's interview with the Artab lady was 3 times as long. This lady is not even a statesman. That is like asking an angry child to comment on President Obama's speech. Why not have an ambassador or Prime Minister comment on Prime Minister Natanyahu's speech?

You can see the open Jewish hatred of Anjalie Rao's by the sour face she makes after Netanyahu's speech.

As long as CNN continues to show Israel in a negative way, hate will win and there will be no peace.

When will CNN start to be fair to Israel?

When will CNN reporters learn to balance their reports?

proud zionist   May 31st, 2011 10:07 pm ET

josh

wishful thinking. I remember CNN's report a few years ago:
ALLEGED GUNMAN KILLS PASSENGERS ON ISRAELI BUS

I rest my case

miriam   June 1st, 2011 12:42 pm ET

Josh,

Unfortunately, CNN, along with other media organizations, get a lot of their stories from the Israeli media.

Israeli media is free, mostly left-wing and obsessively anti-government, with journalists desperate to get their scoop, digging up whatever dirt they can in the process.

With international media free to report whatever they pick up in Israeli media, combined with Israeli left-wing and Palestinian activists who run to the international media with any anti-Israel story, true or false, which they want to publicize, it is no surprise that CNN is unfair to Israel.

If CNN wanted to be fair it would require rather more work in the field, being more proactive in gathering information and confirming/disproving stories rather than parroting the inaccurate rhetoric that has become mistakenly accepted truth.

Unfortunately, CNN programme presenters have already been misled, the exceptions being those who have spent any significant time in Israel, whose deeper knowledge is evident. That is, those who don't have their own political agenda.


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