New Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz displays some of his kung-fu style defense skill prowess, walks the never ending handshake line..

Video courtesy of Reuters

Outgoing Minister Shaul Mofaz:

"I would like to welcome the deputy to the prime minister and defence minister Amir Peretz and wish him good luck. I am sure he will succeed in leading this complex, sensitive system and the most important one in the state of Israel, to take responsibility for the security of the citizens of the state of Israel and for the future of the state of Israel and to give a response to all of the present challenges and the challenges of tomorrow. Amir, good luck."

Translation: This guy is totally unqualified, I’d really like to shake this guy’s hand.. he’s crazy!

Incoming Minister Peretz:

"To our Palestinian neighbors we say: Not through the path of terror will you accomplish your goals. You must abandon the terrorism, combat incitement, and then you will again find the hand of the Israeli government extended towards you with a readiness to reach agreements, with the price of painful concessions".

Translation: Even on my first day I’m impressing everyone at the hashmonean with my tough ‘we’re ready to concede’ Defense Minister stand, that’s right! Show me a fight and I’ll show you a perfect spot to illustrate the strategy of concession!

These inspiring words of defense don’t rouse images of smashing terrorists, rocket launching kassam teams, or existential threats to Israel from Iran, Hamas, Al Qaeda, instead Peretz is taking a softer approach, first establishing he’s weak - before actually getting weak on the ground.. I like it, it’s very Zen.

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