""This is the state of relations now. There is no real diplomacy, just shuttling back and forth and talks at a bare minimum," said an official from Israel's foreign ministry, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to speak on the issue. "At least we still have relations."
Perhaps not for long. Officials said they are quietly preparing for what they called a "complete break" in diplomatic ties with Egypt. That would mark a dangerous downturn in Israel's relations with its neighbors unequalled in the past three decades.
"Our peace treaty with Egypt was the backbone of our diplomatic relations with the Arab world," said former ambassador Eli Shaked.
Even as events were unfolding Tuesday in Egypt, where the military government offered to step down in July, a concession thought unlikely to satisfy the tens of thousands of demonstrators who crowded into Tahrir Square, Israeli officials were considering it likely that whatever eventually happens there will bode ill for Israel." (thanks Laleh)
Perhaps not for long. Officials said they are quietly preparing for what they called a "complete break" in diplomatic ties with Egypt. That would mark a dangerous downturn in Israel's relations with its neighbors unequalled in the past three decades.
"Our peace treaty with Egypt was the backbone of our diplomatic relations with the Arab world," said former ambassador Eli Shaked.
Even as events were unfolding Tuesday in Egypt, where the military government offered to step down in July, a concession thought unlikely to satisfy the tens of thousands of demonstrators who crowded into Tahrir Square, Israeli officials were considering it likely that whatever eventually happens there will bode ill for Israel." (thanks Laleh)
