Israeli reports of 'friendly atmosphere' in Cairo

[oberliner]

"We are in Cairo and have no plans to return to Israel sooner," Israeli tour guide and Arabic teacher Amos Abidov said Sunday while leading an Israeli tour group visiting Egypt.

The group, which includes 30 students, traveled to Egypt on behalf of Yambateva Tourism Company and the Israeli Diwan School for Arabic studies. The school, headed by Abidov, takes the students on trips twice a year to get to know the Arabic culture and language.

The group left Israel last Wednesday, as the riots began in Egypt. "Even though we heard about the riots in Cairo, no one canceled or feared anything," said Abidov.

They are expected to return to Israel by planes on Sunday night and on Monday. An El-Al official said the Sunday fight from Tel Aviv to Cairo will leave as planned on 7:50 pm.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4021125,00.html

[dipsydoodle]

1. At present

Israel is intentionally avoiding making any statements on the issues in Egypt which is sensible of them.

[oberliner]

2. Netanyahu has made a statement

Netanyahu told his Cabinet Sunday that he had spoken Saturday night with President Obama and U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and held consultations with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman and with Israeli intelligence officials.

"Our efforts are designed to continue and maintain stability and security in our region. I remind you that the peace between Israel and Egypt has endured for over three decades and our goal is to ensure that these relations continue," he said.

http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/01/30/2742759/israel-anxiously-monitoring-egyptian-riots-says-netanyahu

[Ken Burch]

3. Well, they aren't rebelling against individual Israelis.

Or even, necessarily, against Israel.