'Google is jeopardising the Middle East peace process': Israel’s deputy foreign minister Zeev Elkin

[Turborama]

Source: The Independent (UK)

... attacked the company’s decision to change the homepage labelling from ‘Palestinian Territories’ to ‘Palestine’

ALISTAIR DAWBER JERUSALEM MONDAY MAY 06 2013

Israel’s deputy foreign minister launched an angry broadside against the search engine giant Google earlier today accusing the company of jeopardising progress in the moribund peace process after it designated a ‘Palestine’ homepage last week.

Speaking to Israel’s Army Radio, Zeev Elkin attacked the company’s decision to change the homepage labelling from ‘Palestinian Territories’ to ‘Palestine’. The move followed the Palestinian’s successful campaign for statehood at the United Nations last year.

“I think that the Google decision from the last few days is very, very problematic,” Mr Elkin said. “When a company like Google comes along and supports this line, it actually pushes peace further away, pushes away negotiations, and creates among the Palestinian leadership the illusion that in this manner they can achieve the result. Without direct negotiation with us, nothing will happen.”

There have been no direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians for nearly four years. Two months ago, US president Barack Obama launched a new initiative following a visit to the region, but so far there is little sign of any tangible progress. The US Secretary of State, John Kerry has held several meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials since the Obama visit.

Last week, a statement from the company said the change was Google’s way of, “following the lead of the UN ... and other international organisations.”

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/google-is-jeopardising-the-middle-east-peace-process-israels-deputy-foreign-minister-zeev-elkin-hits-out-at-search-engines-palestine-homepage-decision-8604971.html

[magellan]

1. ...

[Hell Hath No Fury]

4. May I second that?

[magellan]

5. The more the merrier!

But I'm sure a whole thread of tiny violins wouldn't be enough of a pity party for Elkin....

[mike_c]

2. Israeli government official accuses others of jeopardising peace talks....

[Mosby]

9. yeah, its funny how that dictator abbas won't agree to negotiations.

Good thing he has people like you to run interference.

[BlueToTheBone]

3. Go Google. nt

[geek tragedy]

6. Crybaby. nt

[azurnoir]

7. et tu Google?

and what process is in jeopardy? why the piece process of course

[Mosby]

8. elkin's OPINION is correct

The path to peace is through negotiations. Per UNSCR 242.

Anything else is just for show.

[karynnj]

18. I agree that negotiations are the only path to peace, but his objection here is silly

- what google calls something has no impact - and they, in fact, likely FOLLOW not lead. I know that if I were looking for information on the Palestinian position, I would google "Palestine" not the "Palestinian territories". I am Jewish and have supported J Street, which is a pretty middle of the road Jewish opinion.

[treestar]

10. It hardly matters

They can't even take this? It's like they can't bear to hear of anyone not 1000% on their side.

[Arctic Dave]

11. NuttyYahoo has surrounded himself with like minded crackpots.

LOL. Derp, derp, derp.

[Purveyor]

12. I'm pleased to see this wasn't buried in the I/P dungeon. Of course...'I' didn't post it! ;) eom

[Steviehh]

13. Bunker mentality

The Israelis have been hunkered down too long.

Also, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson on The Young Turks hinted that the Israeli government might be doing a false flag operation with sarin gas in Syria. He mentioned others as well, Syrian government, rebels as well. Then he lambasted the the current Israeli government as inept.

Seeing that the Israel told Assad they were not aiming to cripple his government, I can see why.

[DeSwiss]

14. What is this ''peace process'' you speak of??? :-/ n/t

[cpwm17]

19. Israel is stealing Palestine, piece by piece

That's what this is about.

[DeSwiss]

21. Exactly.

- It's what one would expect in the land of the:

[cpwm17]

24. Yes, and not everybody's smart enough to care

The Golden Rule is a difficult concept for some people.

[Mosby]

15. SoP for LBN

Post the latest news from reputable mainstream news websites and blogs. Important news of national interest only. No analysis or opinion pieces. No duplicates. News stories must have been published within the last 12 hours. Use the published title of the story as the title of the discussion thread.

[Purveyor]

20. {{{cackle}}}

And I haven't 'cackled' in a very long time!

[DeSwiss]

22. When the BS flows from the mouth of a government potentate.....

...it is not considered ''analysis or opinion'' but rather government policy.

Speaking to Israel’s Army Radio, Zeev Elkin, Israel’s deputy foreign minister launched an angry broadside against the search engine giant Googleaccusing the company of jeopardising progress in the moribund peace process after it designated a ‘Palestine’ homepage last week.

- Capice?

[randome]

16. It jeopardizes the status quo.

Good on Google. They're only adhering to the U.N. designation.

[Comrade Grumpy]

17. What peace process?

[daleo]

23. How many divisions does Google have?

Has it attacked anyone lately?