Barak: Lebanon withdrawal was good
For first time since announcement of Labor chairman candidacy, former PM Barak criticizes previous political plans, shares what he has learned, defends 2000 withdrawal from Lebanon, offers way out of crisis - through cooperation
For the first time since he announced his candidacy for chairman of the Labor party, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak spoke on Sunday about his future plans, and about the way out of the crisis Israel has gotten into.
Also, for the first time since the second Lebanon war Barak referred to the retreat from the Lebanon security strip he headed during his time as prime minister and said: "I don’t think that we should look back. We could sink into endless debates about the past. I am convinced that we left Lebanon the right way."
According to Barak, "this withdrawal was very good. Only because of it were we able to gain complete international legitimacy to do whatever we please there a few years later. Beyond this I do not want to discuss it. It should be for the citizens to judge."
Barak also indirectly criticized the many plans laid out recently by the cabinet's ministers from Peretz to Livni.
"It's important that we do not get trapped in a competition between us, of who can decorate the political plans better, but that we understand that the basic principles are what matter," he said.
The former prime minister spoke at a conference of the United Kibbutz Movement in Kibbutz Afikim, and said, 'I have come to compete for the role of defense minister. I ask for your confidence."
He also addressed the transformation that he has undergone: "One of the things I have learned over the past few years, from facing the past, has to do with the need to work together. For my age I am diligent and alert, but I know that I cannot do it all."
During his speech Barak continued to stress the importance of cooperation and forming a team that could work in harmony: "If we can show that we can work together, we will gain the public's trust."
Responsible leadership needed
On the political issue, Barak said that "the struggle between us and our neighbors to reach just peace, is taking place on three levels: An operational struggle against terror in the field, a struggle of social consolidation, and a struggle over global awareness. The last two have to do not only with what we do, but with our willingness to continue searching for opportunities to reach an agreement with the other side."Barak continued to say that tactical flexibility is needed, since situations change, and that what is needed is "not endless talk, but reasonable, responsible action, flexibility and responsible leadership."
Barak said that these things are what will get Israel out of the current crisis.
After focusing on the security issue, the Labor party members asked Barak questions regarding the social issue.
Barak's response was that "social might is very important. We need solidarity. The government must supply basic conditions so that people can act for their wellbeing, and assist those who cannot. I am a great believer in socio-economic matters that have to do with closing education gaps. The quality of education will also have an impact."
