Ben-Eliezer
Photo: Alex Kolomoisky
Ben-Eliezer wants response to N. Korea
After Pyongyang test-fires seven ballistic missiles on US Independence Day, Israel's Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor expresses 'concern over absence of American response'. Also addresses Iranian nuclear problem, says 'Israel can deal with issue'
Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor) on Saturday said he is "very concerned over the absence of an American response to North Korea's provocation, and its conduct in the matter of Iran".
North Korea has reportedly test-fired seven ballistic missiles of the "Skud type" since Saturday morning, which South Korean officials have said may be a message to the United States on Independence Day.
Speaking at an event in Ramat Gan, the minister continued to address the Iranian issue, saying the exact date on which Tehran achieves its nuclear bomb is not important.
"The Iranian alignment is already complete and the world continues to play on both sides. In the morning there are UN resolutions, and in the night, thousands of European companies trade with Iran and (President) Ahmadinejad is laughing at the world," he said.
Ben-Eliezer, who accompanied President Shimon Peres on his visit to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan this week, added, "The threat is on the Middle East, the moderate Arab states, the United State's interests and Europe. We should not be on the front lines leading the struggle, but Israel does have the capabilities to deal with the issue."
Regarding differences of opinion between Israel and the US on the diplomatic front, the minister said, "(US President Barack) Obama is certainly different from his predecessors, and this might be our chance to get over our psychological obstacles in Israel and flow with him and his plans.
"The American interest is a strong Israel, but not necessarily supporting boosting settlements."
After lauding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policy speech at Bar Ilan University last month, Ben-Eliezer stressed the importance of internal Palestinian reconciliation.
"Under no circumstances will I accept an agreement with Judea and Samaria alone, that will be followed by three states for two peoples. Gaza must be included in any agreement," he said.
The minister also reiterated his belief that jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti should be released from Israeli custody, due to his ability to rule the Palestinian people.
"As soon as the western world sees we are serious, and going all the way, we will see cooperation and support," he added.
