Views and Opinions
Melman has stated that he considers himself a left-wing Israeli, and that Israel must abandon the occupied territories to live in peace with a Palestinian state. However, he has also said that the Palestinians should not be given the right of return, as that would defeat the idea of a two-state solution in Israeli minds.
Of a 2008 deal between Austrian energy company OMV and Iran, Melman told Austrian newspaper Der Standard:
While I understand the Austrian dilemma regarding energy interests, the gas deal of the OMV should have been postponed, or at least negotiated. Austria should have been much more adamant and should have demanded concessions. Overall, they are far too yielding towards Iran - one only has to remind himself of the Swiss president Micheline Calmy-Rey who ran around in Teheran with a hijab. The signal is: We respect you, but we don't expect the same in return. Austria should follow the German example: Germany is the best ally of Israel, better than the USA, since the German support is not tied to interests.
Melman was described by Wikileaks in February 2012 as an "information mule" who had "channeled tips to the Mossad", assertions that were contested by Melman in his review of his relationship with Julian Assange, whom he believes has made anti-Semitic statements.
Read more about this topic: Yossi Melman
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