In response to his criticism of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s Bar Ilan address, the prime minister on Monday night telephoned Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who took exception to demand that Israel’s right to exist be officially recognized to move forward towards peace and a Palestinian state. Mubarak stated the demand will complicate matters and have a negative impact on peace efforts.

According to the daily Yediot Achronot, the prime minister explained the crux of his remarks and the two decided to meet in the near future.

National Security Advisor Dr. Uzi Arad traveled to Cairo on Monday, reportedly to enlist the assistance of the Egyptians to persuade Abu Mazen to agree to immediately enter into talks with Israel without preconditions. The prime minister is expected to also send emissaries to Jordan and possibly other Arab nations as well.

Yediot also quotes an unnamed senior diplomatic source in Egypt who explains Cairo’s concerns, particularly with Netanyahu’s stress on the “Jewish identity of the state” issue, with Egypt fearing it will lead to further discrimination against Israeli Arabs, and ultimately, their expulsion or transfer.

In the meantime, the source also reports the Arab world is beginning to digest the Bar Ilan address, adding that next week, Arab League foreign ministers will be convening in Cairo to plan a course of action.

Despite Mubarak’s remarks, the official Egyptian response is a moderate one, with a senior official explaining Cairo does not wish to turn Netanyahu into the hero of the right-wing camp.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)