Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Travis, San Francisco, CA — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:32:46 GMT

He portrays himself as a strong man with tough answers, someone who speaks his mind and is a real leader. And that, say analysts, is what many Israelis want in these hard times, ***even if he has fascist and/or racist leanings***.

Wow. That is a nasty bit of journalistic bias at work.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Jack — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:37:07 GMT

What is wrong with nationalism? Is that not what what countrys are all about?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

John Doe, Seattle Wash. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:06:46 GMT

1st ! I luv Tzipi Livni Mwah !

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

George, Penfield, NY — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:09:11 GMT

What's wrong with swearing allegiance to the country you are a citizen of? Our children do it every day in homerooms accross our nation with the pledge. We wouldn't tolerate traitors living within our borders why should Israelies.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Christians That Are Pro Israel, In-Dallas, TX — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:16:13 GMT

You go get 'em, Lieberman! You make Benjamin N. look like a real woosey. It's about time someone stood up and defended the Israeli homeland. It belongs to the Jews, ever since the days of Solomon. In fact, I believe Damascus and most of Syria belongs to the Jews also. Let them take it all back. Give up Golan? Never!

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:16:46 GMT

It is unlikely that he would win, but he's actions are beginning to seem like either Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich during the Republican and Democratic nomination contests respectively. There are some things, I suspect, that some people agree with in theory but don't think would really be practical.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

philip, long beach, california — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:22:10 GMT

Right on, masculinist man! Right on!

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Jane Hauser.Piedmont, Ca. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:29:52 GMT

I have just visited Barney Frank's website and read - at random his points of view. His stance on Israel - as most American politicians in office - was one of blind allegiance to Israel The major argument used by IPAC is that Israel is "democratic". Arab citizens of Israel are not only repressed, but are also denied defence. Palestinians of the "greater Israel" are denied all rights and have suffered humiliation after humiliation. All Palestinian organisations have been considered "terrorist" (as was the French Resistance movement by the Nazi occupiers). Some sort of Justice must and should be served here. When you consider US immigration laws and the number of 'Israeli'-because-Jewish immigrants who have no real tie to the actual territory that Palestinians have had taken from them.... . I am far from alone in this rational and logical assessment of the situation. According to world press analysis, We are a vast majority. WHY HAVEN'T THESE VOICES BEEN HEARD ON US TV?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

The Truth — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:35:50 GMT

neither was the US with Obama....but you kept telling us that it was ans would be a unified country. we see THAT was wrong right out of the gate. There is no such thing as unification in the world with mankind, like it or not this IS the truth.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Randall Oklahoma City — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:57:00 GMT

I thought everybody in Israel was an UltraNationalist?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

friedman--silver spring, md — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:06:03 GMT

the story does not say why israelis want to deny arabs citizenship. could it be because they sided with Hamas in the recent war?

why should people who side with the enemy sworn to your destruction be citizens of your country? where is the loyaly in siding with your enemy?

the arab countries kicked the jews out and presecuted the ones that remained because they thought the jews were a disloyal bunch. that is how israel got so many jews from arab lands.

friedman silver spring, md

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Mike — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:09:55 GMT

The reason Nationalism is getting momentum in Israeli politics is because the separation of Arabs and Jew are critical to the Israel’s survival. They can not afford to integrate with Palestinians or any other Arab population in the area. Hence-fighting goes on. Explanation is simple. Over their lifetime, Arab women could bear up to 5 or even more children were as Jewish woman will mostly have two. It means over the 50-80 year period Jewish population will become a minority and the Israel will cease to exist.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Steven, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:12:53 GMT

polarizing? my azzz!! Statements and requirements should remind the Jews of the Nazis, and their allegence requrirements... Pretty soon it will be skin color, and birth parents.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Make Sense — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:17:00 GMT

With the world in a financial crisis, genocide in dozens of countries, starving people in Africa and Asia and the countless geo-political punditz slamming the US whenever possible, why do we beleive that the United States should be supporting Israel? They have kept an entire nation hostage for decades and wonder why they are upset at them.... Get real Israel, stop treating the Palestinians like animals and perhaps they will stop acting like one.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Javed H, Chicago, IL — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:23:04 GMT

"And that, say analysts, is what many Israelis want in these hard times, even if he has fascist and/or racist leanings."

Wow! Who can blame palestinians now on choosing Hamas.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Griff — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:27:45 GMT

This is news? I already thought Israeli politicians were fascist and racist. Now there is an Jewish immigrant/politician from Moldova stirring up the pot and portraying through speeches, an ultranationalist agenda. Should we (Americans) be alarmed by this? Sounds par for the course in that part of the world.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

SHALOM, northwest — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:37:12 GMT

It is time Israel move to actions that ensure their economic growth, actions that focus on economy and jobs and get out of the old survival-at-all-cost approach. I support Israel strongly but want the leadership to have the foresight to avoid military options and focus of helping their people prosper. That might mean giving up some land and turning their cheek.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

PC, Brooklyn NY — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:45:50 GMT

Only in Israel, you can have racists, facists, biggots, and Arab haters running the country.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Tony Scardaci — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:58:58 GMT

Sounds like Joe McCarthy to me. Despite the fact that his party will likely win a sizable number of seats the reality is that his kind have no place in today's world.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Michael W, Montreal, QC — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:04:27 GMT

Why do you not mention the implications for American foreign policy? How can the US continue to blindly support Israel with this racist demagogue in the government? Actually, I'm sure the American press will figure out a way to portray it as perfectly normal.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Providence — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:04:40 GMT

Here is another Hitler. The free world must wake and stand up to this racist politician who has nothing to offer but hatred and death

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Joe Hudson, Carthage, Texas — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:10:15 GMT

It is my sincere hope that Israel will elect the one man who can see them through the hard times to come and that would be Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

JJD, ABQ, NM — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:23:29 GMT

Just what the region and the world needs, another terrorist in Israeli clothing.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Gerald Sobel — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:23:57 GMT

sounds reasonable, fight fascim with fascim or facsim with facsim? The Arabs made a home for Nazi war criminals fleeing fro Hitler's German, why shouldn't Jewish victims of the Holocaust be welcome in their homeland? Why the double standard?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Mossad — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:27:02 GMT

Yes, Lieberman is a fascist and a racist. No, we don't agree - Gaza was not justified and IS a war crime. And Netanyahu is a walking, breathing one-man disaster. Heaven help Israel.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

D, Amherst, Massachusetts — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:36:08 GMT

Israel has embraced her diversity, at least, in the past. She has generally treated her Arab citizens pretty much the same as her Jewish ones. This has won her respect from most Western nations, and helps refute the extremist claim that she is an apartheid state.

This is why the rise of A. Lieberman is scary to any true friend of Israel. If this fascist is elected and he takes Israel down the road of destroying the equal protection of the law within her borders, stripping Israel's Arab citizens of citizenship, destroying the equality of Israeli Jews and Arabs...then, Israel will have turned her back upon the West, and become what some extremists now falsely describe her as - an apartheid state.

This would be the end of Israel, because the only real high ground that matters in her case is the moral one, and if she turns her back on the world, the world will turn its back upon her.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

David, Albuquerque, NM — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:37:52 GMT

Israel could use a little ultra-nationalism after almost 20 years of wishy-washy so-called leaders (except Ariel Sharon). Finally, some tough leadership, though not perfect, just might move the nation ahead a little.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

HJ, Miami, Fl — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:47:15 GMT

Vote for Bebe!

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

BJamil, Lithonia, Georgia — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:56:46 GMT

Who gives a crap about this terrorist, racist state anyway and why should this be news in the US. How do they expect to live normal peaceful lives while occupying Palestine and subjegating its people. Until their is a Palestinian state once again I tip my hat to Hamas. Keep up the good work Hamas until a Palestinian state is realized. I support your efforts entirely. I wish my country wouldnt send my tax dollars to such a racist, apartheid state anyway.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

de — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:56:50 GMT

His Idea of Arab citizens (the FIFTH COLUMN in Israel) – and who make up 20 percent of the population – swap land with Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank IS THE BEST IDEA I EVER HEARD .
This could give the Arabs land in THEIR side of the border and bring the settlers back to their right areas without blood shed.!!!What is wrong with it???I hope he could enforce something like that in a world of brainless politically correct.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

---- — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:04:58 GMT

what liberman say that arab cities in israel need to be part of an arab state, how anybody say this is fascist or ultranationalist?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

BV, FULLERTON CALIFORNIA — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:07:18 GMT

FREE PALESTINE!!!!!!!

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Samuel Serra — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:13:51 GMT

So what is wrong with the Israeli-Arabs going to their own country (Palestine)?

I am one of the 100s of 1000s of Jews who was, indirectly, forced to leave my home (Arab) country. Can Jews live in Saudi Arabia, in Palestine, in Syria, in Egypt, etc., etc.? Let's apply the same rules ... Muslims to go to Muslims/Arabs countries, and Jews to go to the ONLY Jewish State in the world: ISRAEL.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

zev simon, hancack park — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:14:07 GMT

why do we have to care about what is happening in
isreal. who cares we have our own problems here
in this country. will you people of america wake up
and see who uses who.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:36:40 GMT

The U.S. should immediately stop its blind support of Israel. They are no friend to us.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Cres D. — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:42:50 GMT

Its about time that the chosen people of god had their rightful land. I see Lieberman as a strong man that will finally take back what is due. Hopefully he'll push to have the Arabs removed from the sacred ground of the Temple and have the Third one built...

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

bk cleveland ohio — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:03:01 GMT

us taxpayers give isreal 3 billion dollars a year. we also supply them with most of thier military hardware. if you as a us citizen think it ok to support a facist government with us tax dollars then we all need to take a second look at what the united states is all about

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Jeffrey B., Greer, SC — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:09:27 GMT

Avigdor Lieberman --- quite colorful, outspoken, promotes rigid, simplistic solutions to a "Gordion-Knot-Problem-Plagued" region, and hues to exciting peoples with extreme positions. Hmm, my 61-year-old ears have heard speeches like that before, but from another country and the prior century. My leanings are for Israel, but not at the expense of this man being the power-broker ... or "Der Fuehrer".

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Clint D, New Jeresy — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:13:00 GMT

I find it rather interesting that a WHITE CAUCASIAN from MOLDOVA claims that land between the river and the sea belongs to Russians Jewish ancestry and not the indigenous Arabs who have lived there continuously for centuries. Hmmmm sounds alot like Americans on the frontier claiming that God gave America to the white men and that the Indians should be expelled to the reservations (on the least desirable land of course). Zionism=Manifest Destiny in the Palestine. Cheers to those Jews and Arabs in Haifa for calling this man what he is... a fascist!

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Rausky,Miami, Florida — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:13:28 GMT

Its time Israel elects a strong leader!! With the exception of Ariel Sharon, and Benyamin Netenyahu, Israel has had no leader with pants. Giving too many concessions to Hamas and Hezbollah hasn't solved the problem.Israel has the right to exist and be secure from attacks from lowlife terrorists who use their own people as human shields. In the last conflict, Hamas's leadership was gone and didn't show their faces as they are lowlife cowards!!!!

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

David Cohen, Niskayuna, NY — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:18:18 GMT

Actually, in a country of 7 million, which has been in a state of war since its birth against overwhelming odds, anyone who doesn't serve should not be given the privileges of citizenship; as a Jew, I am essentially disgusted with the Haredim, who refuse to serve in the IDF, but soak up a huge amount of public assistance from their government. Their belief that they serve through prayer and learning is belied by the clear biblical requirement for all males to serve in the military, IN ADDITION to one's religious obligations.
As for the Israeli Arabs- they need to pick a side, and stick to it. The average Israeli Arab has a better standard of living, as well as basic human rights, and voice in his OR HER government, than most Arabs in their own native lands. If they can't be appreciative of what Israel has given them, they should leave; they can take the properties of the hundreds of thousands of Jews thrown out of the Arab nations without compensation.
In the USA, where we haven't had to deal with a war on our mainland for 150 years (and that one was between ourselves), we don't understand the critical need for nationalism that Israel has. How else do you continue to get your brightest and best to maintain the security of a tiny country, constantly under the threat, not of defeat, but of annihilation?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Steve Revenaugh — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:40:51 GMT

How is the moral high ground relevant? When was the last time "the world" came to the defense of Israel? Its as if most nations would prefer Israel to just die quietly. Lasting peace doesn't exist until one side is too exhausted to fight. Setting a moral example isn't likey to make the other side lose that will to fight. I guess its easy to preach restraint when you reside thousands of miles from the danger.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

ms khan Rewa,Fiji — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:00:01 GMT

vote for yougest, like Obama!

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

sam — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:18:33 GMT

Israel surrounded by muslim Dictators and monarchs cant afford the luxury of liberal ideas or politics. I also think if you want citizenship either serve in the military or serve in a government hospital but birth alone should not grant citizenship in any country earn it.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

3don — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:30:06 GMT

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Alexander Hagen, Montara, CA — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:32:15 GMT

Much though I disagree with this mans views I think labeling any Jew "a fascist" is probably very poor journalism. I think the author of this article should go back and learn about fascism. Ultra nationalism is not sufficient. Umberto Eco from Wikipedia definitions of Fascism:The features of fascism he lists are as follows:

* "The Cult of Tradition", combining cultural syncretism with a rejection of modernism (often disguised as a rejection of capitalism).
* "The Cult of Action for Action's Sake", which dictates that action is of value in itself, and should be taken without intellectual reflection. This, says Eco, is connected with anti-intellectualism and irrationalism, and often manifests in attacks on modern culture and science.
* "Disagreement is Treason" - fascism devalues intellectual discourse and critical reasoning as barriers to action.
* "Fear of Difference", which fascism seeks to exploit and exacerbate, often in the form of racism or an appeal against foreigners and immigrants.
* "Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class", fearing economic pressure from the demands and aspirations of lower social groups.
* "Obsession With a plot" and the hyping-up of an enemy threat. This often involves an appeal to xenophobia or the identification of an internal security threat. He cites Pat Robertson's book The New World Order as a prominent example of a plot obsession.
* "Pacifism is Trafficking With the Enemy" because "Life is Permanent Warfare" - there must always be an enemy to fight.
* "Contempt for the Weak" - although a fascist society is elitist, everybody in the society is educated to become a hero.
* "Selective Populism" - the People have a common will, which is not delegated but interpreted by a leader. This may involve doubt being cast upon a democratic institution, because "it no longer represents the Voice of the People".
* "Newspeak" - fascism employs and promotes an impoverished vocabulary in order to limit critical reasoning.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

TOM RAY Euless, Tx — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:33:17 GMT

Whichever candidate will agree to read the scriptures and obey them (especially the New Covenant passage in Jeremian Ch.31 verses 31-34 in my Authorized King James Version).
Israel desperately needs to respond to Jeremiah's call to the New Covenant. That one move will heal the Israeli soul and bring joy to the world.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Valeria, NY, NY — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:45:32 GMT

There actually is a big difference between the parties. Livni/olmert want to give away land, Bibi doesn't. Livni/olmert have brought Israel wars with no positive results, so there is a big incentive to vote for someone new.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Bob, Bisbee, AZ — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:49:38 GMT

"what's wrong with nationalism, isn't that what countries are all about"
Nations are not football teams, nor is the world a game of rah-rah. Nations are supposed to be integrative, and when they start defining some of their number as non-citizens, they fail their purpose.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Steven Smith — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:52:04 GMT

I find it ridiculous that you hint this guy is a facist and a racist without one shred of evidence. It is articles like this that lead me to hope the death of the MSM comes sooner, rather than later.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Brian, Long Beach, CA — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:52:35 GMT

Right on! Avi is a true masculinist hero who will rescue Israel from pussy footing moderates, if his policies are implemented.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Benny Yahoo, Palestine — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:14:44 GMT

He just speaks in public what all zionists think in private....a nation of bigots that believe they are more important than any other of the world's peoples..

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

David — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:52:46 GMT

GREAT! now the whole world, and the US too, will have to think twice next time they intend to give their unconditional support for the crimes of Israel

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Sandy Furillo — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:54:36 GMT

The bottom line: what does one put forth as a program that might -- in the real world -- actually produce a normalization of Israel's national existence i.e. it is accepted to the level that wars will be wars and not existential events? That's the one thing we all can and should be agreeing on, the bottom line. Demolishing Hamas, rightly or wrongly, will not accomplish that. As it stands, you destroy Hamas, something equivalent will take its place. Israel can only succeed in the long term with a political solution, and the asininity (or whatever) of those who oppose it does not change that fact. Those of us who care for Israel have the responsibility to be (even very strong) critics of Israeli government policy, when those policies actually threaten Israel's long-term existence.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:21:54 GMT

Israel has "generally treated her Arab citizens the same as her Jewish ones"? The fact that you would believe that shows that people don't make it a point to find out the whole story through a variety of sources in our country. Our "free" press is influenced by the owners of the corporations they work for, and they very much limit what the American people are told. Too many people only watch the national news on major networks or listen to FOX news and Limbaugh. I am Jewish myself, and I am horrified and what is being done in Israel and Gaza, etc. Go to hrw.org (Human Rights Watch) and read about what is really happening (it is a balanced view). The world doesn't need more angry people blowing each other up, or leaders that incite them. Insanity is doing the same things again and again, and expecting different results. Educate yourselves in a balanced way before you make statements like that.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Kelly, Orlando — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:15:28 GMT

What's wrong with nationalism? Well, first, it's not the same thing as patriotism to one's country; though sometimes the words are used interchangeably. Patriotism usually means love and loyalty to one's country but not necessarily to the extreme that you blindly ignore international concerns. But nationalism, specifically a narrow, ultra version, can mean a doctrine that national interest, security, etc are always much more important than international considerations to the point of total exclusion from a unified international community. In short, ultranationalism in this context means total, unquestionable loyalty to one's nation no matter what. And that kind of nationalism has no place in a unified global society. Now, there's nothing wrong with maybe a little attitude that your nation is the 'best'. Many people usually have that response about the place they call home. But when you have that attitude to such an extreme that you totally ignore other nations and refuse to acknowledge the faults of your nation then that creates a breeding ground for fascism, racism, narrow mindedness, corruption in government, etc... such ideas will get us all killed in the end. So, god or whoever, help Israel from this kind of no-where thinking, dead-locked thinking.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

NS,Ocala,Fl — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:07:34 GMT

Israel has bent over forward and back wards for the Arabs. Only Egypt has tried to make things work. I don't know how Israeli's feel living there but I believe were I living there. I would be looking for someone that will take the Arabs to task. They can put up or shut up. They have been playing games with Statehood. What they really want is for Israel Jews to be some place for away. You know like Alaska or the North Pole. They the Palestinians want one thing the land that God gave to the Jews. It will never happen for the Jews own the land. May God continue always to protect Israel so long as Israel remembers God. Amen.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Fighter of no War, Other — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:52:43 GMT

Leaders of Israel are all the same. But, some of them wear silk gloves. Look at Peres deeds for example; don't listen to his words. Even in Israel, he is described as the biggest liar. Read Uri Avneri. Where has Lieberman come from? What are his connections in Russia? His party is expected to gain about 8 seats just because of his rhetoric against the Palestinians? This has been the case in each and every election, the more the candidate is against Palestinians, the more support they will get from the voters. Wasn't the destruction of Gaza and killing of children and women for the voters' voices as one of the main reasons?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

christopher harris — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:52:56 GMT

I'm a 53 yr old male Christian married 30 years to an angel living in Nashville...
vote a woman in guys...these old white guys have been
raping us all to death and seeling us down the river for way too long. Sorry for our kids.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

David — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:11:20 GMT

Israel need a strong leader to lead the country. Both Arabs and Jews can live together but as long as there will be groups like Hamas it will be difficult. People in Palestine should realise that Israel can help then in many ways. Hamas are people who use Palestine for their own benefits. Shame on you.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Mike — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:27:46 GMT

To D. Amherst, Israel IS an aparthied state. And to David, Ariel Sharon was a bully fascist. The world doesn't need anymore of this. If one truly wants peace
one MUST work with intelligent peaceful means not destruction couched in false and empty rhetoric. We need
honesty and useful solutions NOW not fake justifications
for actions that only increase hate and distrust. As Gandhi said " An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind."

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Scott, San Diego, CA — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:52:29 GMT

The press - typically - falsifies information about Lieberman. The fact that Lieberman is willing to give up Israeli land WITHIN the green line - that is within Israel proper, takes him out of the realm of the 'ultra-right'. He's more what you'd call a radical centrist. True, he wants Israeli Arabs to become part of a future Palestinian state if they won't be loyal to the Jewish one, but what's wrong with that? What country wants disloyal citizens in its midst? And why shouldn't they join a Palestinian state? Peace.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Steve Day, London, England — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:48:05 GMT

I am not Jewish or Muslim. I see Israel's treatment of Arabs and Muslims becoming more similar every year to the treatment the Jewish people had to suffer before WWII.
Please elt a little sanity back into your lives.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Yankele, Karkur Israel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:55:41 GMT

If the citizens of the USA are not nationalistic, I do not know why they sing the National Anthem and in England they sing G-D save the Queen. Nationalis is not bad! It is not FALSE to say that "Jews from the largest orthodox party, Shas, call him Satan because like Israel’s Arabs – most ultra-Orthodox members don’t serve in the army". His position is secular not in keeping with their world view. The reality is that most countries and their citizens are nationalistic and so express distain for people who are anti the society that they live in.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

George Torres, Vienna, WV — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:30:19 GMT

Israel will cease to exist, if it continues to follow a policy, that killing innocent Palestines is OK, as long as a few terroists or members of Hamas are also killed. Israel has the right to defend herself, but becoming like your enemy is counter-productive. Each innocent killed, creats enemies, of whole families, who otherwise would not be enemies of Israel. Up to now, Israel has been lucky, and a friend of the USA. History, has a way of changing faces, and luck and friendship between nations, is not for always. "Things Change"!

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Ramón, Haifa, Israel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:46:49 GMT

The frenzy that's picked up during the election surrounding Lieberman only underscores the impotence of most of the parties vying for spots in the body. Even parties that have no chance of drawing votes away from Lieberman, like the liberal Meretz movement, have used him as a dartboard for hasty attacks. To what purpose? The only point that's made by these statements that he's a fascist is that the rest of the political spectrum has fallen into a prolonged coma and lack the imagination to formulate a clear and original platform.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Jon F. Chicago Il. — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:13:18 GMT

Every CITIZEN of ANY country should have the SAME obligations as everyone else. If people expect equal protection under the law, then they SHOULD be required to carry their fair share of the OBLIGATIONS of being a loyal citizen. That means you are LOYAL to your country, and if the law states citizens of a certain age group are required to serve in the military NO ONE should be exempt, if they are an able bodied person. If you won't swear an oath of loyalty to the country you live in, WHY should you enjoy the same rights and benefits that loyal citizens do? This is true for EVERY country, not just Israel. To argue otherwise is nonsense.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Bob — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:14:53 GMT

Jack - nationalism is about perceived ethnic purity, and excluding people on that basis. It's not about your citizenship. That's patriotism.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

TrooperRecon 101st Hopkinsville, KY — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:16:36 GMT

Israel should elect one with prior experience, like EHUD BARAK, in order to deal with the problems ahead. If the US does not get Iran to stop its nuclear ambitions, I would want a man like Barak making the decisions. Lieberman and his thugs should go back to E.Europe. They are carpetbaggers. LEAVE.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Charles H, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:18:04 GMT

Ultra-nationalism and Facism in the same sentence is dangerous. The election of that party to power may well spell the end of Israeli democracy.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

D'C'A', Allentown PA — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:18:47 GMT

I can't agree with him qua agreeing, but really, what's wrong with integrating Israeli Muslim citizens into the support of the society?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

George — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:19:56 GMT

Racist? How exactly is that? Are not the arabs and jews all semetic people?

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Izzy, Rehovot, Israel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:23:15 GMT

Since when is a call for citizens to be loyal to their country and share in obligations as well as rights and privileges racist?

Israel is the only country which tolerates its own citizens openly demonstrating on behalf of its sworn enemies. This is apartheid?

How many countries sit quietly absorbing rocket fire from its neighbors without reacting?

Israel has no high ground. It is damned if it does,and damned if it doesn't. In other words, it is the current target of the age-old anti-Jewish hatred.

Netanyahu is a disaster because he wants to maintain some semblance of a viable country without buckling under to American and world pressure to commit national suicide. He also happens to be able to state Israel's case in clear unaccented English, which seems to work against him.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Aaron, Seattle, Wash — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:12:06 GMT

' What is wrong with nationalism? Is that not what what countrys are all about?

Jack (Sent Monday, February 09, 2009 3:37 PM)'

In and of itself there is nothing wrong with nationalism. But ultra-nationalism, with fascism and racism as a core tenet is the type of politician/policy which gave rise to Hitler. That is the problem, especially in a country which already has such racism/discriminatory issues as Israel does in regards to its Jewish vs. Muslim populations.

Ultranationalist shakes up ho-hum Israeli election

Benjamin J. Roth, Julian, Ca. — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:29:48 GMT

I know that the Lords hand is on this election, for in the times of stress for the Israelis. The right to be a free state and to expand there land in which the Lords gave them will soon come from the pass to the present. Now if the people of Gaza would like to be come citizents of Israel then they should vote on it. For when Gaza was at peace with Israel they at peace. For Gaza should vote to be a part of Israel and live in peace and not work. Then if Gaza wants war then Israel should just wipe them out.