Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said he would not shake new Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman's hand if he encountered him at a meeting, state news agency MENA reported on Friday.
Lieberman, a far right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau's new government, once said Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak could "go to hell" if he did not visit Israel.
Lieberman had also suggested bombing Egypt's Aswan dam in the event of war between the two countries, at peace since 1979.
"He is a man who ought to reconsider how his brain communicates with his tongue," said Abul Gheit, according to a transcript of an interview with Egyptian TV published by MENA.
"As long as Lieberman's position stays the same I will, should I encounter him at a meeting, merely look at him," Abul Gheit said. "Of course, my hand will remain in my pocket."
Lieberman adopted a conciliatory tone toward Egypt after assuming his new role this week.
But he has signaled a hawkish new approach to the peace process with the Palestinian Authority that could put Israel at odds with the international community and main ally the United States.
