This writer crafts sound conclusions. Too bad most of it is vaporous conjecture. Smoke rings, really. How does he know what motivated the PM. What makes him think he knows what other think about him rushing to the front of the line--I think it was the right thing to do and I never for a second thought it was a political move but rather a demonstration to the world (and especailly French Jews) that Israel 1. stands at the front libne of terror, 2.) is the true homeland. As far as shoving his way to the front, so he did not come off looking fantastic, but it's a small mistake compared to the impressive strength shown to ISIL, Hamas, Assad and other nations. Notice that Abbas stood with the King and Queen of Jordan--waht were they doing there and why in the front row--the writer doesn't seemed bothered by that. I am. It was right for Netanyahu to be up front. Note soemthing else: Most missed that Merkel dissed Abbas totally and she didn't take his arm or even lock gazes at him but she pointed engaged Bibi several times along the March. The other issue is the French representation to the funerals. A disgrace and a real indication of the French resentment of Jews.

The writer can't hide his unwarranted hatred for a sitting prime minister who went abroad to represent the state of Israel, he is ready to concoct this garbage forgetting that that Bibi is representing the country. It only gives more ammunition to sonei Israel. Ze busha.

Bibi acted properly. The writer is acting disrespectful to the leader of Israel & the Jewish world. He has fought for Israel all his life. Maybe you would be proud to see a terrorist jerk like Abbas in front locking arms with the EU chief and Bibi in the back? Shame on EU & Shame on you!

Another PR crap worthy to mention, in released official pics of that event the part with Abbas next to A. Merkel or D. Tusk the former Polish PM and President of the European Council is purposely cut in the attempt to hide his reception by foreign leaders and the sympathy for Palestinian cause ,... You could have stopped on "in order to boost his chances of remaining prime minister in Israel" otherwise you're just like him an opportunist taking advantage of opportunity to kick his ass ,...

This article was meant to be about Netanyahu's behavior in Pairs, instead you wrote about how Netanyahu was in France to 'boost his chances of remaining prime minister in Israel.' The reason why you did this is to 'counter' his boost and try to harm his chances, and not to inform the public about how Israel's prime minister conducted himself in Paris. You two (if true that Netanyahu had no other agenda) are the same both with a political agenda.

Only the others linked hands. Netanyahu's hands were at all times straight down his sides. Others linked through his arms but his arms -when not grabbing the limelight by waving like King Muck as though it was all about him - were never around anybody else's. That, too, adds to his disgrace.

Personally, I don't agree, It was good that the world saw Israel represented at the forefront in the peace rally, otherwise they would have only seen Abbas and guess what the assumption would have been then! The world wants to push Israel out, so Israel has to push itself in otherwise the Jews would again be libelled.

Thank you for serving this country.

He was great, and represented Israel in the best possible way. Shame on you for your disgusted editorial,which sounds strictly political

Shimon, Most Jews do not share your shame. As with most situations, we are not afforded the respect that is deserving. The PM clearly understood that on a world stage he needed to take the front row that Israel, who fights terror, should have been offered in the first place, as was afforded to Abbas who applauds terror. Your apologist tone and your shame reflects a lack of pride in yourself. Don't speak for Jewry- you make me ashamed of you!

BIBI did what he should do. His position was to be in the front, cause 4 victims were jewish, and for most viewers I think he was expected to be in front. For those talk-backers who criticize BIBI, I guess your critics would be even worse if he passively had stayed in the third row, and let abu masen victorious smile in the front row as the killer he is...

PM Netanyahu did what our American president should have done. He was willing to take the risk and show the world Israel stands up against terrorists. For this brave behavior, he shouldn't be condemned. It was (and remains) important for those who would and do suppress human rights and freedom of speech to know Israel, her people and her leaders stand up, in the forefront, against their acts of terror. Thank you, mr Netanyahu. Oh that our president would have been as visible and brave!

The purpose of the march was to stand up to European anti-Semitism and Islamic extremism. Is Shimon Shiffer saying that Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, should have made himself less visible and taken his rightful place - if you pardon the expression - at the back of the bus? While Abbas marched up front with other world leaders at a march, the purpose of which is to protect Jews in the diaspora? On what planet is Shimon Shiffer living?

I think the writer of this article needs to take another look at what happened. The French from all reports I have read did not even want Netanyahu to come. He should have been in the front. Should Abbas be in the front and not Netanyahu. If not for Netanyahu representing Jews and especially those Jews who were murdered as well as all those in France who have been terrorized who else would have represented Jews. He should have been right next to Hollande. Why not wave? He should have been seen and the world needed to know he was there front and center.

How much was this moron writer got paid in political kindness?

Israel was correctly represented by the PM but the Israeli president Rivlin could have done an equally good job and without a reelection agenda. The abrasive pushing and shoving by Netanyahu were signs of his culture and the blame lies not with Netanyahu alone. It needs to be understood that the march was for FRENCH CITIZENS memory first of all. Puting Bibi in the front row could have been a hospitality expression. But, the French were also correct by not assigning to Bibi a place forward in the march because it could have been incorrectly interpreted that Jewish citizens in France are somehow more important than any other citizen there. Of course it was important to see Abbas in the front row because he was expressing grief for people killed by his fellow co-religionists. Abbas represented the self-criticism of Muslims, more of which needs to be seen and applauded.

The author using this tragic incident to back stab Bibi. Kudos to Bibi for going to march in Paris and standing in the front where he was most vulnerable. Obama can take a lesson from Bibi.

PM Netanyahu should be in the front row. What is wrong with the author that he would see something wrong with the PM taking his rightful place among the nations?

On the contrary, it is Shimon Shiffer and others in the Israeli media who disgrace us by siding with the likes of Erdogan, and other thugs!

It was confirmed by thge Elysee Palace that Nr. Netanyahu was placed on the first row by the French Government. Your paper has an agenda against the Prie Minister of Israel and it is shameful. Netanyahu deserved to be on the first row, representing Israel mourning their fellow Jews as the proud people that we ought to be. I hope the elections will show how wrong your side is on the political arena. Israelis are not stupid.

Had Netanyahu marched in the second or third row, I think Shimon would have critisized Netanyahu for appearing as a second or third rate leader especially if Abbas had been in the first row.Now that Abbas was made to march in the first row ,how is he going to appear if he sides with Hamas terrorism or if he is seen to ensight violence ? A complete hypocrite is my answer.I think it is googd that Abbas marched in the first row.Iseael is a pushy country and has tobe to survive amonst arab and european antisemitism.Hypocritical Europe has to be told the facts in its face and Netanyahu did that.If Shimon adheres to European customs may be he would feel more comfortable in Europe.

he's the prime minister of israel. why should he stand in the 2nd ir 3rd row??? he should stand in the 1st row and be proud!

Your article is a disgrace. You too are exploiting a tragedy to discredit Netanyahu, How cynical of you to believe that he went to Paris for a photo opoortunity for an election campaign. There is no room for politics here. Please let us grieve the loss of innocent without your cynical comments. For once let us not hear of cheap political commentaries from any side of the political spectrum.

Hollande told Netanyahu not to attend the march because he know that this Israeli leader himself killed many Palestinian journalists and cartoonists. Moreover the Europeans consider this Israeli leader as a war criminal for killing 2200 women, children and elderly.

all you want. His place was on teh first row and he went to show strength and not passivity. This article would ridicule him if he was not in the first row. There are lots of talkers in Israel and very little real do'ers. BIBI talks and mostly walks what he says. He is got his flaws, but he is certainly the most fit man for the job. The author of this article just shows jealousy and personal hatred towards him.

As an American with Hebrew roots, I find your small minded review of Bibi and Paris an offensive slam to your PM. You should thank God that he blessed you with a man of his caliber for this time in world history. Now if you want to criticize Obama for not attending and showing some leadership, please criticize him all you want for his selfish actions. Bibi supports the people of Israel as best he can with God's guidance, Obama is tearing apart a country that was once God blessed.

Abbas is a terrorist. He has been a terrorist for decades and inviting him to the anti-terror rally and putting him in he front was a hight of hypocracy and an open acceptance of the legitimacy of terrorism against the Jews. Shame on Western leaders marching hand-in-hand with Abas; thanks to Netanyahu for not allowing the Jews to be pushed to the 'back of the bus,' so to speak.

bibi should not tolerate second class status either. He could have OBAMAS seat anytime.