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Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton on the growing tension surrounding Israel.
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Subject protesters and Egypt and stole the Israeli embassy in Cairo creating more problems for the US is trying to ease tensions in the Middle East Moscow.
Joining us now as ambassador John Bolton joining us from Washington DC -- -- Things seem to be getting out of control in the Middle East all the way round Israel all right.
Yeah I think Israel strategic environment is deteriorating.
At a very rapid rate and this attack on the Israeli embassy in Cairo obviously something the Egyptian military -- stopped at any moment.
I think is an indication of where public opinion in Egypt is heading unfortunately and that's that's troubling news -- not just in terms of Israel situation but potentially -- -- as well now the Suez Canal runs right between Egypt and Israel down.
What would America do if free passage through the Suez Canal so vital artery.
What would America do what could we -- Well it would be a substantial crap on that global trade generally it.
Running as it does between the the Mediterranean and the routes to East Asia.
There are some alternatives pipelines and the rest but if you were call Wendell canal was closed last time after the 67 war.
It had a real negative impact.
On on the world's economy so.
Obviously that is something to avoid but I think a general rise in tensions in the region.
For which there's plenty of basis the continuing conflict and uncertainty in Libya and Syria Iran's continued efforts to stir trouble.
All mean that that the risk of military conflict are certainly much heightened political tension.
Is real and that's gonna have an impact ambassador -- natural gas.
Ambassador Bolton given that what all of what you just said and of course that Iran is getting closer and closer every -- to nuclear capability given that.
For thirty years on the Mubarak the Israelis had piece on the southern border.
And given the Egypt's government such as it is allowing if you will this sacking of the Israeli embassy in Cairo taking place.
Should the house of represented -- controlling the purse strings consider.
The stopping the funding of the approximately two billion dollars a year in foreign aid to Egypt.
Well I would I would certainly be looking at it and measuring the conduct of the government Egypt against that possibility you know.
-- -- To be blind knew which side his bread was buttered on I think that's one reason He did uphold the Camp David accords over considerable opposition in Egypt.
We've got a parliamentary election coming up we then have a presidential election in Egypt and I think what we want to do is position ourselves up hope that.
Basically pro western pro Camp David candidates we'll see ambassador don't like -- often would you buy them off.
If you don't want -- -- would you buy them off with -- money.
I wouldn't buy them off with more money yet but I wouldn't cut them off preemptively either that might cause a negative reaction you gotta be very careful about how you do this have to say the trends and Egyptian politics are all in the wrong direction against.
Camp David and and that would really eliminate the rock on which our policy in the Middle East has been based for thirty plus years.
Seems to me that the turmoil surrounding Israel suggests.
That some kind of military action on the part of -- Omagh Arab states is not unlikely.
As a distraction.
From domestic problems in those Arab states -- going -- -- -- this sort is this a possibility or probability here.
Well I think that's a possibility I think something more likely is Hezbollah or Hamas armed and financed by Iran.
Attacking Israel with rockets are causing other disturbances that that will catch the Israelis off balance and you know Israel's gonna have a bad week at the UN next week you've got this resolution on Palestinian statehood.
The Durban three conference which will condemn Israel is a racist.
State so.
If we had a policy in the Middle East I'd feel more comfortable but you know we haven't for two and a half years ambassador John Bolton always a pleasure thanks for joining us -- appreciate it thank.
