News  World News
Kerry sworn in as US secretary of state, says will visit Israel
Yitzhak Benhorin
Published: 02.02.13, 15:30
Comment Comment
Print comment Print comment
Back to article
8 Talkbacks for this article
1. Visit to Israel?
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.02.13)
Why? Is your boss too busy planning his next visit to Saudi Arabia to kneel before the monarch and kiss his ring? I guess the first time around was all that thrilling. Don't assume too much, Mr. Kerry. Israel has yet to invite you. It is rude to invite yourself -- and embarrassing if you arrive unanounced. You won't get off the plane. Israel is a private party, sir, and you are not a member of the club. Sorry. Try Qatar.
2. Kerry visits Israel
Harold ,   USA   (02.02.13)
US Secretary of States and the Defence Secretary will visit Israel to deliver President Obama's massage for the Two States Solution. I bet this problems will be solved soon. President Obama did say "WHAT I SAID I DO I WILL DO".
3. To No. 1
Bertram ,   London, UK   (02.03.13)
Sarah B, have you been asked to form the new government in Israel? I ask since you appear to have started issuing proclamations, making decisions who to invite to the country, etc. Maybe Mr Peres is getting confused since I am sure he has also asked Mr Netenyahu to form a government.
4. To: No. 3
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.03.13)
I have always realized that you are not the sharpest knife in the drawer with respect to history and geopolitical reality. But are you that politically uninformed, too? Don't you realize that it is customary for the country who is SENDING a state official to visit to REQUEST a visit FIRST? Kerry has said that he INTENDS to visit Israel. He did not say that he hopes that Israel will EXTEND an invitation. Does every foreign official declare that they INTEND to visit the Court of St. James, and then just do it? Even if he or she has NOT been invited? Does everyone in the U.K. start vacuming the red carpet and polishing the tea cups at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle? Does the queen meet with everyone who wants to meet with her? For that matter, does the inhabitant of 10 Downing Street meet with everyone who wants to meet with him or her, or is it customary to wait for an actual invitation? By the way, Mr. Peres has been confused for a very long time. Alzheimer's is definitely in play here, and most Israelis know it. You are not Israeli. I am. Do you dare dispute that I have a better handle on Israeli politics -- and its politicians -- than you? I doubt that you have ever even been to Israel.
5. #1
Harold ,   USA   (02.03.13)
United States is the only superpower and can visit at least 98 percent of all states in the world and does not need any invitations. Are you saying Israel is another superpower and can do whatever it wants.
6. To: No. 5
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.03.13)
No dear, I am talking about the sovereignty of states and their right to issue invitations. It's a question of manners and diplomacy. But yes, Israel is a superpower. A tiny one, to be sure, but a superpower nonetheless. One that is growing quite tired of cleaning up the messes of other countries -- including the United States. Try walking into a neighbor's house unannounced. Watch what happens.
7. To sarah B, U.S.A./Israel, at no. 6.
SJOERD VAN DER VELDE ,   HOORN NH, HOLLAND   (02.04.13)
Dear Sarah, you are top. Your comments are really well-documentated and a pleasure to read. Sjoerd.
8. To: Sjoerd at No. 7
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.04.13)
Thank you very much for your kind words.
Back to article