There is one document that is binding on us, and it is not a matter of the Annapolis conference - that has no validity. When we reviewed the basic guidelines [of the government], we said that we honor all the agreements and the commitments of the previous governments, because in Israel there is continuity of sovereignty. I voted against the road map in the government, but that is the only document that was ratified in the government and in the Security Council - I believe it is resolution 1505 -- that resolution is mandatory upon this government as well. The government of Israel never ratified Annapolis. Therefore, whoever wants to amuse themselves, can continue to amuse themselves. I saw all the generous offers of Ehud Olmert, and I did not see any result.

The words "Annapolis Accord" appeared in an email sent by the foreign ministry, and apparently at the Web site. The translation at the Web site is now correct, but the horse is now out of the barn. The Hebrew version could not be found on the Web until today.

Not only were the remarks mistranslated by the foreign ministry, they were also misquoted in different Israeli Hebrew language journals in different ways: "Annapolis agreements" "Annapolis principles," "Annapolis process." Annapolis documents."

To make matters worse, Former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni insisted that Lieberman "showed the world that we are not a partner [for peace]." Regardless of politics, if Livni continues along this reckless path, it will be evident that she has "finished her function" in Israeli public life. A politician who sabotages their own country's diplomacy and image in a totally irresponsible way at a critical time cannot expect the future support of the public. People who know me, know that this is not a political statement - I am certainly not a supporter of Avigdor Lieberman.

As can be expected, the Independent produced a completely fictional account:
Israel's new foreign minister dismisses two-state solution. Please read the article and write to the Independent.
(Web) Editorial: j.leach@independent.co.uk
* News Desk: newseditor@independent.co.uk
* Foreign Desk: foreigneditor@independent.co.uk
* Letters: letters@independent.co.uk

The Road Map and UN Security Council Resolution are binding on Israel and call for a two state solution. That is not only my interpretation. It was stated on Israel's Reshet Bet today by Dov Weissglas.

Everyone understands that in diplomacy, the fortunes of nations can hang on a word or a comma. The mistranslation by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in what was sure to be a controversial speech, is therefore inexcusable.

Meanwhile, back in grim reality as opposed to alternative media reality, a "moderate" "activist" of the "moderate" Palestinian Authority led by "moderate" Mahmoud Abbas moderately murdered a "right wing" "ultranationalist" thirteen year old boy in the West Bank with a "moderate" axe. The moderate axe murderer has not been caught by the "ultranationalist" police or "war criminal" IDF of the "right leaning" Israeli government. Amnesty International and the UN Human Rights Council are checking whether or not it is against the rules of war for moderate axe murderers to kill 13 year old "ultranationalists."

What it all adds up to, is that Israel's public image is deteriorating rapidly. This deterioration represents a major strategic threat that needs to be recognized and met at all levels.

Ami Isseroff