Sarkozy's comments cause Israeli backlash

JERUSALEM, June 30 (UPI) -- Israeli media harshly criticized the French president's advice to Israel's prime minister to get rid of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Reports of President Nicolas Sarkozy's advice were first revealed by Israeli television channel 2 Monday, which said the remarks were made to Binyamin Netanyahu during his recent visit to Paris.

"It is impossible with that foreign minister. You must get rid of such a man. Take him out and bring in Tzipi Livni," the station quoted Sarkozy saying. The report also claimed Sarkozy told Netanyahu, with Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Livni in his government he could make history.

Maariv said Sarkozy also asked Netanyahu to impose an immediate freeze on all settlement activity.

A statement issued by the prime minister's office said Netanyahu does not reveal details of talks he conducts with others, adding he has profound respect for Lieberman.