Israel Denies Iran’s Existence: Declares It To Be "Not In Use"

SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 (New York, N.Y.) – Perhaps it was Iran’s repeated refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist. Perhaps it was Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s recent repeated denial that the Holocaust occurred. Regardless, the Israeli government appears to have officially taken the position that Iran “does not exist.”

On Wednesday, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly got up and left prior to Mr. Ahmadinejad’s widely publicized speech. Netanyahu’s move was not a surprise, since Israel regularly boycott’s the Iranian leader’s speeches. However, Mr. Netanyahu’s explanation came as a bit of a surprise: “the speeches are over,” he proclaimed as he left. When later asked what he meant, Mr. Netanyahu explained, “there was no one left to speak, so there was no reason to stay.” When asked about Mr. Ahmadinejad’s speech, Mr. Netanyahu claimed ignorance. “Who? Never heard of the guy.” Later, Israel suggested that the offices used by the Iranian delegation be converted to a “janitor’s closet” since they were “not in use.”

Shortly after the comments, globes and maps began appearing in Israel with no indication as the name of or existence of a country where Iran is located. The Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman later explained that, “since nothing exists in the area formerly known as Persia, it would probably be a good place to set up some new settlements.”