TFLE01: LEBANON-ISRAEL-PALESTINE FURTHER REACTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001305 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV BA REGION POL SUBJECT: TFLE01: LEBANON-ISRAEL-PALESTINE FURTHER REACTION REF: MANAMA 1288 Classified By: DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (U) The Cabinet released a statement July 16 calling for international intervention to halt Israeli military operations and to resolve the conflict through dialogue away from "miscalculated escalation." The King continued diplomatic outreach through a call with Prime Minister Siniora and a visit by MP Saad Hariri. A joint parliamentary statement condemned Israel's actions and the silence of Arab governments and the international community. Various groups have scheduled demonstrations over the next several days. End summary. -------------- Palace and Cabinet Statements -------------- ¶2. (U) The Prime Minister's Cabinet released a statement July 16 calling on "Arab and Islamic nations and the international community to immediately interfere (sic) to halt Israel's military operations in Palestine and Lebanon and to exert their utmost to avert a devastating war in the region." The Cabinet urged all parties to exercise self-control and work to resolve the conflict through dialogue "far from the use of force and miscalculated escalation" that will lead to a war that goes against Arab and Islamic interests. The statement condemned the use of force that targeted civilians and destroyed infrastructure and affirmed Bahrain's "full solidarity with Lebanon in protecting its interests." ¶3. (U) King Hamad spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora by phone July 16 affirming "Bahrain's solidarity with Lebanon to protect its sovereignty and independence." Meeting July 15 with MP Saad Hariri, who was on a Gulf swing, the King stated Bahrain would stand against anyone that puts the safety and sovereignty of Lebanon at risk. Meanwhile, the press reported that FM Shaikh Khalid discussed recent developments with his Saudi counterpart. -------------- -------------- MPs, Shura Council Members Condemn Israel, Arab Governments -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) Council of Representatives (COR) Chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani (Shia) presented a formal statement July 16 on behalf of the COR membership and the Shura (Consultative) Council in support of Lebanon and Palestine, condemning Israel's actions and the silence of both the international community and Arab governments. It expressed regret over a negative attitude of the UN Security Council and the European Union and the "double-standard policies of the U.S." (Note: In contrast to King Hamad's initial statement (reftel),the COR statement notably leaves out "miscalculated risks and adventures" from the King's statement, a reference attaching responsibility to Hezbollah for igniting the current hostilities. End note.) In solidarity with Lebanon and Palestine, members of the COR also agreed to donate their current month's salary to the Lebanese and Palestinians. The donation could reach a sum of over $250,000. The measure only passed when it was made non-binding. -------------- Public Reaction -------------- ¶5. (U) Hundreds of residents of Karzakan and neighboring villages (Shia) demonstrated July 16 against the Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Demonstrators shouted anti-American slogans and one of the protest organizers said that the protest was in support of the Islamic resistance personified in Hamas and Hezbollah. The organizer congratulated the Islamic resistance for their "heroic victories" which exploited the weaknesses of the Zionist military. Thirteen (of a total of 15) political societies have scheduled a rally to take place July 17 outside the UN House to express their solidarity with the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples. The Islamic Council of Shia clerics in conjunction with leading Shia political society Al Wefaq has called for a demonstration July 18 near downtown Manama. Press commentary continues to be critical of Israeli actions and Lebanese/Palestinian civilian casualties. Post is hearing rumors of additional demonstrations after Friday prayers and will report as warranted. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** MONROE