Israeli leader says fears growth of Islamic extremism from Mideast unrest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in Moscow on Thursday he fears popular unrest in the Middle East will open the door to Islamic extremists.

The Israeli premier’s flight to Moscow was delayed for several hours on Wednesday after a terrorist attack struck Jerusalem, killing one and injuring at least 38. Investigators believe the attack was carried out by Palestinian militants.

“Earthquakes are striking not only New Zealand and Japan, but also the Middle East and North Africa,” Netanyahu said, referring to the popular uprisings that have been sweeping the region since the beginning of the year.

“We want to see the appearance of stable and progressive governments, who strive for peace, but there is also a danger for Israel, Russia and all of humanity that radical regimes appear that threaten the entire world,” he said.

The wave of unrest has toppled authoritarian regimes in Tunisia and Egypt and sparked civil war in Libya. Popular protests have also reached Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Algeria and several other Arab countries.

GORKI (MOSCOW REGION), March 24 (RIA Novosti)

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