Investigators at bombing scene
Photo: AP
'Don't compare us to London'
Prime Minister Sharon wants ministers to refrain from comparing London terror blasts to attacks in Israel
TEL AVIV – Sharon tells ministers to shut up: Despite the natural political urge to compare England to Israel in the wake of Thursday's terror offensive in London, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wants government ministers to remain silent.
Terror Attack
By Ynetnews and News Agencies
VIDEO: At least 37people killed in series of bus and subway explosions in British capital, death toll expected to rise, local police officials say; al-Qaeda-affiliated group says attacks revenge for Iraq and Afghanistan wars
Thursday evening, Sharon instructed Government Secretary Yisrael Maimon to order ministers to refrain from making comparisons between Israel and Britain during media interviews.
The ministers were instructed to avoid tying the bombings in London to similar attacks in Israel, but were told they can go ahead and express their condolences over the attacks.
'A wise decision'
"We are talking about an incident the Brits are experiencing now," Maimon told the ministers. "At this time we don't need to be quick to connect this matter to us. The Brits suffered a difficult, painful blow, and it would be improper of Israel to put itself on the same front."
Meanwhile, public relations sources told Ynet the decision was a wise one.
"Some Israelis, and also ministers, have a tendency…to immediately announce this (attack) is similar to the way they see our situation," one source said. "This can create the oppose effect and portray Israelis as using a tragic event to promote controversial positions."
