After several administrations in Israel who have deferred to international presure and foreign leaders' wishes, it seems that intervening in Israeli internal affairs has become par for the course.
In a shocking disregard for diplomatic civilities, speaking of FM Lieberman, France's Sarcozy recommended to PM Netanyahu that he "get rid of that man". When Netanyahu countered with Lieberman's skill and commitment to the security and peace of Israel saying, also, that his image is incongruous with the impression he makes in face-to-face meetings, the French President remarked than even (radical leader) Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder and president of France's National Front party, is a nice person in private conversations.
But he didn't stop at telling the Israeli leader to remove Lieberman from his position, Sarcozy also let him know who the best replacement would be. Who other than Tzipi Livni.
Avigdor Lieberman comes out of this unfortunate episode best by far with his instructions to his office not to publicly respond further to the remarks to prevent diplomatic tensions.
A source close to the Prime Minister Nir Hefetz told Army Radio Tuesday that "the prime minister doesn't feel he needs advice on his government from outside sources" and "holds Foreign Minister Lieberman in great esteem."
