Sarkozy in Israel

The French news blog Rue89 comments on President Nicolas Sarkozy's official visit to Israel: "Sarkozy is popular in Israel. Since his election the perception of France in Israel has changed dramatically, and the Iraelis seem to be willing to forgive the man they call 'Sarko the Isreali' anything. Neither General Gadaffi's November visit nor the nuclear projects between France and Arab countries have been able to end the 'honeymoon between Israel and France'. ... To be popular in a country as sensitive as this is in itself an achievement. ... Being listened to is one thing, but wielding influence is quite another. Without doubt the Israelis respect the French stance at the moment because they see Paris as an important political partner. ... But beyond the great gestures that will be made during the 'Sarko tour' this visit will serve as a measure of France's true clout in a region in which warm words and empty actions are not enough. The risk is that France could alienate the Palestinians and yet remain only a second-rank partner for Israel, for whom relations with the United States still take priority."

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