Vilnai: Lieberman a spin against state inquiry
Labor MK says, however, that If Israel Our Home chairman accepts government's Basic Guidelines, he won't object to right-wing party's plan to join coalition
Objections against the right-wing party's plan to join the government were voiced Wednesday morning by members of Defense Minister Amir Peretz's party, which promised on the eve of the March 27 elections that it will not be part of a coalition which includes Israel Our Home.
Talking to Ynet, Vilnai said: "It's all about spins in order to move as far away as possible from the Lebanon issue, and stop the discussions about a state commission of inquiry. Suddenly the system of government issue, which no one even mentioned two months ago, has become the first issue on the agenda."
"Olmert doesn’t want a state inquiry, so he is making spins. When I listen to Lieberman and hear his principles, it has nothing to do with this government. But he cannot talk about a state commission of inquiry, and then he comes in," Vilnai said.
Vilnai added, however, that he has no objection in principle to Israel Our Home joining the government.
"If Lieberman accepts the government's Basic Guidelines and sticks to them without any changes, he can be there," explained the MK, who is one of Peretz's bitter rivals in the Labor faction.
"If someone tells me that they are about to carry out minor changes, we will have to discuss it. I am against deceptions and doing things superficially, because we are paying a price for that. To this day, no one can tell me exactly when the government decided to launch the war in Lebanon," he added.
'Record of belligerence'
Vilnai said he is concerned over government plans to change the system of governance in Israel, although he is in favor of introducing partial changes to the current system.
"I am for changing the system of governance on principle and I am for proper adjustments instead of spins. I am against changing the system of governance using slogans. I don't know where the road Liberman and Olmert are speaking about leads.
"Lieberman has a record of belligerence, and I am not sure this will lead us to the right place. I am concerned over this. But, I am ready to consider all serious proposals," he said.
Vilnai said he is worried over Olmert's attitude towards Labor party leader Amir Peretz, saying the prime minister "doesn’t take him into consideration."
He also accused ministers of wanting to hang on to their positions at any price.
"The problem is Amir Peretz position in the Labor party and in the government. Olmert takes Peretz for granted. He consulted with Eli Yishai, but not with Peretz," he said.
"I estimate that Olmert looks at our ministers and says: They won't give up their posts, they won't riot and won't oppose Lieberman. Peretz won't leave the Defense Ministry. So there is no need to speak with them."
Asked about his own political future, Vilnai said he is yet to decide whether he will bid for the Labor leadership.
"The law states that election should be held by May. If they want to change the charter or ignore it, they won't earn my support. I am in favor of Labor respecting its charter at least once. More so, I haven't seen I saw no achievement of the chairman that requires he'd stay another year," said Vilani.
