*Israel recalls diplomat over leaked memo

August 10, 2009 by Infowars Ireland

Israeli Consul General Nadav Tamir

www.irishtimes.com

JERUSALEM – Israel has summoned one of its diplomats from the United States after he circulated a memorandum accusing prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government of doing “strategic damage” to ties with Washington.

Israel’s deputy foreign minister Danny Ayalon said a disciplinary measure was being taken with the Israeli consul in Boston, Nadav Tamir, after publication last week of his “very regrettable” memorandum. Mr Tamir’s criticism appeared in a brief intended for internal circulation and was leaked to Israel’s television, which quoted him as saying differences with Washington over Jewish settlements had hurt relations.

Mr Netanyahu, who has said he would not build additional settlements but wants to continue construction in existing enclaves to accommodate what he calls natural growth, said yesterday he would not remove any Israeli settlements before there was a peace deal. Read full article

PITTSFIELD – As New England’s Israeli consul general, Nadav Tamir is dedicated to fostering intercultural communication between his country and the United States.

“There is a large story that is not told, especially for us, since we’ve been in this conflict for so long. For so many people, Israel is only seen through the lens of conflict,” said Tamir during a two-day visit to the Berkshires on Wednesday. “I’m working to expose other aspects.”

Tamir, who has served as Israel’s liaison to the region since early 2007, works with local officials and other community leaders in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont to forge connections between Americans and Israelis. Through collaborations with businesses, educational institutions and lawmakers, Tamir wants to be a voice for his people in the United States.

“Israel often seems like a very militaristic and religious country but people who have visited there see a very different picture,” said Tamir at a press luncheon at The Berkshire Eagle.

According to Tamir, not only is Israel the victim of various misconceptions, but it also fails to receive positive publicity for its progressive and human rights accomplishments. Tamir also said liberals are especially hard to convince when it comes to promoting Israel as more than a war zone. Read full article…