IRRESPONSIBLE AND insensitive remarks by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger defending Israels actions against Palestine and Lebanon is sparking criticism by Muslim organisations throughout America saying that he is taking sides in the Middle East conflict.

“We are all here to do one thing, and that is to support the state of Israel.” Schwarzenegger told a crowd of 10,000 people gathered for the rally organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

Despite many cheers, the Republican governor was also jeered by some people in the crowd so he sidelined his remarks by saying that he was praying that the Lebanese would regain peace.

“They have been affected by these terrorists as well,” he said, in an apparent reference to Hezbollah.

His participation at the pro-Israel rally drew protests from the Muslim Public Affairs Council. “We take issue with the governor and the mayor taking sides on this issue, the pro-Israeli side, without consulting residents of California and Los Angeles,” said Salam al-Marayati of the council. “The mayor and the governor should not drag us into this foreign conflict,” he said.