Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood vows: No talks with Israel

JERUSALEM (JWN and agencies)–Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has categorically rejected an overture for a dialogue with Israel.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said on Army Radio on Tuesday that Israel “has not closed the door” to Egypt’s new government. On the contrary, he said, Israel “would be happy to conduct a dialogue with anyone prepared to talk with us.” Palmor said he believes Egypt would continue to honor the 1979 peace treaty with Israel, which he said serves the interests of both countries.

However, Brotherhood spokesman Mahmoud Ghazlan told London’s Asharq Alawsat daily on Wednesday that the Islamist group’s position is “clear and not up for discussion” and it would “reject any request from the Israeli Embassy to meet with leaders of the Brotherhood.”

“Our group is not prepared to conduct dialogue with Israel – that is our decision. Our position is consistent and clear, and is not up for discussion,” Ghazlan said.

“It is illogical to open dialogue, any dialogue, given the current Israeli policies against the Arab peoples,” he said. “We will reject any request from the Israeli embassy to meet with leaders of the group.”

Earlier this month the deputy leader of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) said it would not recognize Israel “under any circumstances.”

“This is not an option, whatever the circumstances—we do not recognize Israel at all. It’s an occupying criminal enemy,” Rashad Bayoumi told London’s Al-Hayat daily, adding, “I will not allow myself to sit down with criminals.”

“The Brotherhood respects international conventions, but we will take legal action against the peace treaty with the Zionist entity,” Bayoumi said.