During his address in Knesset on Wednesday, Yisrael Beitenu Party leader Avigdor Lieberman caused a diplomatic row when he stated �Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak should go to hell�.

In his remarks at the seventh memorial for Tourism Minister Rechavam Ze�evi, who was assassinated by an Arab terrorist, he decried Israel�s policy of bowing down to Mubarak, stating that the Egyptian leader has not ever set foot in Israel, despite the peace agreement signed 30 years ago. Lieberman questioned Israel�s policy and lack of self respect.

President Shimon Peres was quick to express regret over the MKs remarks, calling his words �impolite�. The president went on to praise Mubarak, who he says is yearning for regional peace. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and a Foreign Ministry spokesman joined in, apologizing to Egypt for the comments.

Other MKs affiliated with the left-center and left also joined in and condemned the remarks, which some said could have caused a rift in relations between Israel and Egypt.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)�