Peres: I have no problem with Lieberman
Vice Premier says he won't object to inclusion of Israel Our Home in government so long they do not press drastic changes to coalition's policies, but some coalition partners think otherwise
Vice Premier Shimon Peres said Sunday that he wouldn't object the inclusion of Israel Our Home in the government if the party agrees to support the government's broad policies.
"The idea is not to change the principles of the government. That's what we said during our (Kadima) ministerial meeting. If the inclusion of Lieberman and his party won't change the principles of the present government, I have no objections," Peres said.
Peres denied reports that he had made an alliance with Labor Party leader Amir Peretz to block Lieberman's joining the government.
At the opening of the Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addressed the deadlock over the 2007 State Budget: "This government needs to be ready for this period in which we will need to pass the State Budget for 2007 among other things."
Communications Minister Ariel Atias of Shas said he opposes Lieberman's inclusion in the government. "This government has enough power. A presidential regime would neuter the Knesset and turns it into a superfluous body," he said.
All Shas ministers are opposed to Lieberman's bill to change the system of governance in Israel to a presidential system. Leiberman said he won't join the coalition if the system is not changed.
The Pensioners Party also voiced its opposition to Lieberman's bill and reports that he could join the government.
"Avigdor Lieberman's inclusion in the government means political stagnation and a constant threat of a coalition crisis that would hover over the prime minister's head every time he achieve political gains with our neighbors," Pensioners MK and Health Minister Yacov Ben Yizri said.
"My problem is not with Lieberman and his party, the problem is with the preconditions he is setting. I am concerned over his bill to change the system of governance. That's an issue that should be dealt with by the Justice Minister," he said.
Labor to meet over coalition
Meanwhile Labor MK Shalom Simhon asked Party Chairman Eitan Cabel to convene the Labor Central Committee to decide whether the faction should remain in the coalition.
Labor has been in contact with opposition parties to forge a Knesset block against Lieberman's proposed bill to change the system of governance. The bill will be put up for a Knesset vote on Wednesday.
The Likud Party has also said it would vote against the bill. "We oppose the presidential regime fundamentally and the beyond that the issue has become political," Likud officials said.
