Jewish Agency for political support?
Natan Sharansky says Sharon sabotaged bid for Jewish Agency post after ex-minister refused to downplay objection to pullout; adds, ‘Once I thought Sharon and I got along well with one another. But times change, and people change’
TEL AVIV - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon undermined Natan Sharansky's election bid for Jewish Agency head after rejecting a deal whereby he would downplay his objection to the pullout in exchange for the appointment.
At least that is the accusation Sharansky leveled against the prime minister in an interview with the weekly “Makor Rishon.”
When asked whether Sharon’s son Omri was also instrumental in the move, Sharansky said, “It is clear that Omri was behind it all. I was present at a meeting of Jewish Agency heads during which people received phone calls from him demanding they resign to make room for Zeev Bielski, who was the prime minister’s choice for the job.”
“Once I thought Sharon and I got along well with one another. But times change, and people change, “ he said.
“Now that he is determined to carry out the disengagement, it is apparently more important for him to have ‘yes-men’ everywhere, so there would be no one who would object. I guess the Sycamore Ranch (Sharon’s southern Israel residence) Forum has decided to bury Sharansky.”
What does the future hold for Sharansky?
Sharansky said he believes Sharon’s decision to disengage from Gaza emanated from the fact that he was tired of being despised by the international community.
He said that after he had rejected the prime minister’s “offer,” sources close to Sharon promised they would settle the score with him.
Sharansky said he does not rule out running for the coveted Jewish Agency position next year, adding he would base his decision on future political developments, such as whether or not Sharon would remain prime minister.
