Israel apologizes to Egypt's Mubarak over Lieberman remarks

Determined to avoid a diplomatic gaffe, President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert apologized on Wednesday to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak for the offensive statement made by Yisrael Beiteinu Chair Avigdor Lieberman during a Knesset memorial service for slain Minister Rehavam Ze'evi.

Lieberman, a member of the late Ze'evi's party, addressed the House during the special session and sharply criticized Israel's foreign policy. 

"Ze'evi would have never put up with our concessions towards the Egyptians. Time after time we to to meet Mubarak in Egypt – and yet he has never agreed to come here for an official visit," said Lieberman. "Any self respecting leader would have made these meetings subject to condition. He wants to talk to us? Let him come here. He doesn't want to talk to us? He can go to hell."

Olmert reportedly assured Mubarak that he sees him as a close friend and a strategic ally, and that he sees the strengthening of Israel's relationship with Egypt as imperative.

"Those words should never have been said. From the moment they were uttered those words were nothing but useless and harmful. Egypt and Mubarak are (Israel's) strategic partners," said Olmert.

Peres, who spoke with Mubarak prior to Olmert, also expressed his regrets that the "unfortunate" remarks had been made.

"Israel has nothing but the utmost respect for President Mubarak and his country, and for the important role they play in promoting peace in the Middle East," said Peres, adding that he was confident that "one unfortunate statement cannot destroy such a longstanding relationship."

Labor Chairman Ehud Barak criticized Lieberman's remarks as well: "We have nothing but respect for our Egyptian neighbors. Egypt is a leading nation in the region, and our peace accord has weathered difficult times. Peace is a strategic asset and any such statement is inappropriate," he said. 

Lieberman also criticized the disengagement from the Gaza Strip and Israel's conduct during the Second Lebanon War.

""The State of Israel is a Jewish state by definition," he said from the Knesset podium."Anyone who is not willing to accept that has no place in this House or any other house from (the northern city of) Metula to Eilat."

Ronen Medzini contributed to this report