In one of the strongest statements of support for President Hosni Mubarak, Israel has criticized the United States and European Union for “dumping a loyal ally,” and called on them to lighten their criticism of Mubarak, Haaretz reported.
Israel called on the United States and a number of European countries over the weekend to curb their criticism of Mr. Mubarak to preserve stability in the region. Diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid writes in Haaretz: "Jerusalem seeks to convince its allies that it is in the West's interest to maintain the stability of the Egyptian regime. The diplomatic measures came after statements in Western capitals implying that the United States and European Union supported Mubarak's ouster."
Israel is concerned that the toppling of the Mubarak government could lead to regional instability and give Iran more influence – and lead to another revolution like that of Iran’s in 1979.
“For the United States, Egypt is the keystone of its Middle East policy,” a senior Israeli official told The New York Times. “For Israel, it’s the whole arch.”
