Peretz to Olmert: No coalition with Lieberman

Defense Minister Amir Peretz told Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday, as the two met in Olmert's sukkah at his Jerusalem residence, that he did not want the government coalition to include Israel Our Home.

Peretz clarified that this was not a personal rejection of party Chairman Avigdor Lieberman but rather arose from their completely different world views.

With that, Peretz said the existing coalition could still be strengthened, and without too strenuous an effort.

Tensions still high?

After a week of tensions, the two leaders met Wednesday in an attempt to cool spirits among the highest rungs of the coalition.

Both Peretz’ and Olmert’s offices refused to reveal the substance of their conversation and failed to note whether the meetings managed to ease tensions between the two.

Sources close to Olmert said Wednesday that it would be “an exaggeration to say all is well” after the meeting. Peretz’ associates refused to say whether the atmosphere of the meeting was positive or not.

Tensions between the prime minister and the defense minister erupted after Olmert met with Lieberman last week. In recent days, Peretz’ associates charged that Olmert failed to inform Peretz of the meeting ahead of time, and noted it only in retrospect.

Peretz raged over being left out of the picture, even though his associates maintained that they believed reports on widening the coalition to include Israel Our Home were mere “media spin, with no political feasibility.”

Meanwhile, the Labor faction planned to meet at the start of next week to discuss the issue. Peretz was expected to present his views on expanding the coalition, as well as on amending Israel’s government system, which Olmert also discussed with Lieberman.

Touching base with the opposition

Wednesday morning Olmert met with former Foreign Minister MK Silvan Shalom (Likud) at the prime minister’s Jerusalem residence. Sources close to Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu said Shalom failed to reveal the content of their meeting to Netanyahu, his long-time rival.

Likud officials charged that the prime minister was employing the famous “divide and conquer” method, which former PM Ariel Sharon made use of during political crises.

Olmert invited Shalom to update him on diplomatic and security matters, particularly the issue of Iranian armament. The Prime Minister’s Bureau noted the meeting was conducted in the frame of a series of consultation and update meetings with opposition leaders.

Shalom’s associates confirmed that the meeting with Olmert was one is the series of the monthly meetings between the two, adding that they did not discuss coalition matters. During the meeting, Shalom expressed to Olmert that he was opposed to changing the style of government in Israel.

Recently Olmert has been holding many meetings with Right-wing leaders in attempt to expand the government.