Israeli commentators mention Hosni Mubarak as ‘personality of the year’

Israel nominated Egypt’s toppled president, Hosni Mubarak, for the country’s personality of the year award, making him the first Arab and non-Israeli figure nominated for the title.

In a report aired Monday, Israel’s Channel Two said that various political and media circles nominated Mubarak for his commitment to peace; Mubarak had ruled Egypt since 1981.

The channel also cited Mubarak’s commitment to articles pertaining to the peace accord signed with Israel and the stability he helped foster in the region for the past three decades.

Odi Segel, an Israeli journalist and writer, said on Channel Two that because Mubarak was such a friend to peace in the region he should be honored, even though he won’tbe able to personally receive the prize.

The winner of the award will be announced in January.

Egypt was the first Arab country to sign a peace deal with Israel, having done so in 1979.