Livni sparks political controversy

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's recent comments in support of territorial withdrawal sparked intense reactions, ranging from simple disagreement to outright concern for the political impact her statements may have on the stability of the entire region.

"I believe I represent most Israelis and I can confirm that Gaza is not the last move. We are convinced that in order to establish a Palestinian state we must withdraw from additional territories" said Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in an interview to the Egyptian weekly al-Ahram during her visit to Cairo.

Livni's critics came from both sides of the political spectrum, but all of them seemed to agree on one thing: another unilateral withdrawal is out of the question.

"Foreign Minister Tzipi already admitted that the (2005) disengagement was a mistake that increased terror," said MK Gideon Sa'ar, chairman of the Likud faction.

"The weakness of Livni and her associates is that they learned nothing from their mistakes and refuse to acknowledge reality. This could lead to another war instead of bringing us towards peace."

"The concept of unilateral withdrawals from Lebanon and Gaza brought security tragedies in the form of rockets," echoed Knesset member Effie Eitam (National Union-National Religious Party). "Livni should learn from the mistakes of the past and not encourage a failed policy of withdrawal."

Need a real agreement

Left-wingers opposed Livni's suggested move for different reasons.  "The right political move will be a withdrawal only as part of a comprehensive peace agreement between both sides," said MK Danny Yatom, one of the candidates running for the Labor party's chairmanship.

"The solution for the Palestinian issue is two states for two peoples, but we don't have a partner right now. Hamas in not a partner," he said.

"Israeli interest is and always was bringing an end to the occupation" said Meretz chairwoman MK Zahava Gal-On. "The failure of the unilateral withdrawal form Gaza must teach us a lesson regarding the need for open talks with the Palestinians. We don't need to further withdraw from anywhere. Olmert's government has neither the political mandate, nor the moral validity for such a decision."

"No one in their right mind could think we can reach any sort of agreement without withdrawing from the West Bank, what she said makes perfect sense", added party member MK Yossi Beilin.

"The problem is, that for over a year now, the government she sits in has not only not done anything about it, it has actually taken a few steps back."

"Not only have we been led into an unnecessary war" he added, "the realignment plan has been forsaken, and any requests by the US to deal with Palestinian core issues has been denied."

MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) made similar, if more extreme, statements: "Israeli leaders are good only for talking about peace, while they perpetuate the occupation and widen the settlements" he said.

"It's all talk. Anyone interested in a real solution must be willing to accept Arab peace initiatives." he added.