If Israel joins the EU as Berusconi wants, then they would have the same problem we have here in the UK of massive, uncontrolled economic immigration. A Pole, German or Spaniard has the same rights to come here and work as do I. Is that what you want in Israel, or do you want to retain the world's only Jewish state?

Italy agreed to pay Libya $5 billion as compensation for its 30-year occupation of the country ending in 1943. So, why not paying to Israel; isn't Israel tiny and without oil. Or, Italy can pay the UK to pay Israel & Palestinians.

Israel can not join EU before Turkey and Moldavia- native homeland of Avigdor Lieberman. If Israel joins EU Lebanon should at the same time.

Nark my words Ronen: Israel will join the EU well before Turkey (I doubt Turkey will eve join anyway). Israel is already a member of Eurovision and has a special trade status with the EU. It's only a matter of time before Israel joins the EU.

Does Israel really want to be part of the Euro-Arab project? Does Israel want its foreign policy represented by fools like Ashton? Does Israel want to open its doors to the free movement of labor? I suspect no on all counts. Together with the rights and privileges that extend to members are reciprocal rights others have to your country. Opening up the EU to Turkey will only accelerate the Islamization of Europe. Opening Israel to the EU will accelerate the dissolution of Israel as a Jewish state. Maybe Berlusconi just wants to share his love for that EU vision but if Israel is wise, it'll just say no thanks.

It would mean for the Israelis giving away their independence. It is an equivalent of Judea voluntarily joining the Roman Empire, and we all know how it ended for the Jews back then.

... is in fact something to be ashamed of. The guy is at the peak of corruption and detested in his own country.

A lot of Israelis are originally from Europe and it would save US tax payers billions. Besides, Israel is already a member of Eurovision!

....wouldn't that make a lot more sense than joining the EU...if Israel ever needed to be part of something bigger for security reasons in a hostile region?

Just empty, soothing talk for his hosts. The very last thing the EU desires is to become yet closer & and more involved in the Islamic ME. Both Turkey & Israel will be kept at a distance, and refused entry. That issue is just too easy to call.

It's time his admin recognizes Israel as the sovereign state of the Jewish People and accord it and its government the same respect as other vital allies, e.g. U.K., France, and Germany.

so it is only about money? The EU is more than just getting a slice of the money pie- better think this over before thinking of joining. Berlusconi is a wild card- he woos everybody from his girls to Gadhaffi. Israel is better off as a trade partner than a member of the EU- it can kiss immigration control goodbye if it joins- #5 is right!.