Israeli and Arab Officials Support Obama's Speech

Israeli officials praise Obama's Cairo speech today.

Kadima MK Ze'ev Boim:

Obama's speech is further proof that Netanyahu did not properly gauge the policies of the Untied States. The policies of the president on the Palestinian issue are identical to those of Kadima, and it is unfortunate that Netanyahu is unable to accept the idea of two states for two peoples for narrow political reasons.

Labor MK Eitan Cabel:

The president's words made it very clear that in Washington they are unwilling to turn a blind eye.

Time is working against us, and the Israelis interest of not being a serial rejector means accepting two states for two peoples and stopping construction of settlements.

United Arab List MK Ahmed Tibi:

Obama presented a new and balanced approach and semantics in his speech, and reiterated that the settlements are not legitimate.

This approach requires active steps that will be the test of his policy.
His words of praise for Islam are a counterweight to Islamaphobia, and what he said about Palestinian suffering is an important basis for diplomatic progress.

Hadash MK Dov Henin:

The whole world understands that a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential and urgent for security and peace in the entire world. The time has come for the Israeli public to make its voice heard in a clear way against the refusal of the Netanyahu government to make peace.

Palestinian officials also support Obama's message.

Nabil Rudeineh, Spokesman for President Abbas:

His call for stopping settlement and for the establishment of a Palestinian state, and his reference to the suffering of Palestinians. . .is a clear message to Israel that a just peace is built on the foundations of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

President Obama's speech is a good start and an important step towards a new American policy.

Hamas lauds Obama's speech.

Hamas leader Mahmoud Ramahi:

I have followed the speech closely. There are many positive points.
There is a difference between his policy and Bush's policy. I see a change in the U.S. foreign policy discourse. But the problem is still on the ground.
Would they achieve a Palestinian independent state? If he does that, that would be a relief and good for all parties.

Iraqi government spokesperson Ali Al-Dabbagh also expresses optimism regarding Obama:

The speech was historic and important and reflects a positive direction for the new administration (in Washington) and it is a new start.

The use of Koranic sayings plays a big part in a positive change of picture, but there is a necessity for action.

The government of Iraq is comfortable with the clarity of the president in respecting commitments to Iraq and the timetable for withdrawal stipulated in the security pact.

I think there is clear support of a right for a Palestinian state, and their right for a life, but Arabs are waiting for pressure to be exerted on Israel so it can stop its violations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Iranian cleric Mohammad Ali Abtahi is hopeful:

This can be an initial step for removing misconceptions between world of Islam and the West.

As expected, members from Israel's right wing Habayit Hayehudi (The Jewish Home), such as MK Zevulun Orlev, had a different take on Obama's speech:

The speech raises fears and worries about the [fate] of America's balanced relationship towards Israel.