This judicious response has prompted marches in Israel praising President Hosni Mubarak, and asking him to maintain his admirably honest stands. Israel's press has shown a similar response. The writer said that the Egyptian leader had talked forthrightly to Israel's people and that while Mubarak was keen to steer clear from interfering in Israel's internal affairs, he hinted that the 1982 massacre of Sabra and Shatila is not a mere Israeli matter. The paper pointed to Mubarak's comment on bellicose statements by Avigodor Lieberman, the chief of Israel Beiteinu Party, who threatened to bombard the High Dam. The Egyptian leader advised the Israeli leaders to silence their satire-rattling rhetoric and warned that fresh violence would erupt due to escalating tensions.
Terrorism is more horrific than war.
In response, Sharon, who is running for the prime minister, told Israeli TV Channel 2, which broadcast Mubarak's interview, that he was devoting much attention to pushing forward ties with Egypt on the basis of mutual interests and for the good of peace process. This is a U-turn on the part of Sharon, who has apparently mended his ways after he realized that Mubarak's Egypt is not acting spasmodically, and that it is keen to help peace prevail in the entire region. Sharon is equally aware that Egypt has what it takes to teach an unforgettable lesson to anyone thinking of attacking its land. On affirming that the 1967 defeat would not be repeated, Mubarak meant what he said. Meanwhile, a Likud member commented that peace with Egypt was precious enough to be maintained and built on, and that outgoing Premier Ehud Barak had abysmally failed to bring about- peace because, despite the trig concessions he made, he did not lure Yasser Arafat to seal a deal.