VZCZCXYZ0013
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMK #1305/01 1981206
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 171206Z JUL 06 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5247
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT  PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY

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). 
 
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Summary 
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¶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. 
 
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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