Livni: Barak's interference in Kadima inappropriate
Foreign minister responds to Labor chairman's statement that Israeli leader must possess 'security background', tells Ynet, 'Political elements diminished by Kadima have other interests'
In an interview with Ynet, Livni said, "I suggest that no one interfere in what is happening in Kadima, and I am certain that Kadima's members understand what is good for Kadima.
"Kadima is facing a decision on its future. Those who have to take responsibility for the decisions are Kadima's members themselves. Different political elements – particularly those who are diminished by Kadima – have other interests. I view Barak's interference as inappropriate, and it's motives are clear."
Defense Minister Ehud Barak's Office responded to Livni's criticisms by stating that "it is unbelievable that Livni herself believes that the discussion about the traits the prime minister should have depends solely on a few Kadima Party members. We didn't hear claims such as this from Tzipi Livni when, thanks to the Labor Party, a primary election in Kadima was scheduled, in which she is now running."
The foreign minister has five more weeks to woo Kadima members and try and win the party's primary elections. After years of being detached from political connections on the ground level, Livni is now investing great efforts in order to convince her party members that she is fit to lead the country.
"Kadima has an interest to continue to lead the State with a strong party, which proves that it is not a one-time thing but rather a party with values, direction and supporters," the minister said.
"Other parties' interest is to diminish Kadima, but I have no doubts that Kadima members will decide who to vote for based on what is important to the party. Competing elements in the political field are not interested in Kadima's wellbeing. I suggest that they refrain from interfering."
Slamming Barak, Livni said that "security is not just being a military professional. It's seeing beyond, evaluating the situation in terms of regional, civilian, social and military processes, preparing systems and using common-sense and reasoning, which do not only lean on familiarity with one field. Asking the right questions and creating solutions for the problems. This is what is required from a leader. In contrast to the Labor Party which elected a defense minister, Kadima is electing a prime minister."
Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim and Knesset Member Ronit Tirosh announced their support for Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz's bid for Kadima's chairmanship, but Livni is unmoved.
"The Knesset members and ministers are making a decision on Kadima's way, on what it will look like and on the direction it will lead to, both in the diplomatic field and regarding other issues," she stated. "The question is whether Kadima can continue creating and representing the hope it presented during the Knesset elections, and whether it can continue maintaining the agenda of a central party, with the ideology of a central party."
Although Livni is leading in public opinion polls, the battle inside Kadima is expected to be a neck-to-neck race, particularly due to Mofaz's good relations with many field men.
The foreign minister claims, however, that the picture on the ground is completely different than what is presented on the media. "I don’t believe in the atmosphere depicted today. The word 'ground' is comprised of people, each of whom makes their own decision. I believe in this people who will come and vote, while thinking about the State's wellbeing.
"I meet with the field people, and a lot, and I ask each of them to think about the State first, the party second and their interest as citizens last. I know that Kadima member trust me, and this trust expresses faith in the way and in the leadership."
No regrets on not investing in politics
The foreign minister added that she was aware of the fact that she is now paying a price for detaching herself from Kadima's centers of power, but had no regrets.
"I don't regret the fact that I did no invest more efforts in politics over the past few years. I knew in advance that I would pay a price for my decision to invest in my work at the office, and I never accepted a position as a spring board. Every role I filled was for the sake of the State.
"I hear this also on the ground and on the street. People can spot a leadership which represents the interests of Israel and the citizens. People want national responsibility, and I will win in Kadima on this basis."
Livni reiterated that she plans to try and form a national unity government following her election.
"I will put it on the table of all parties who can share the same platform, which includes advancing a wise diplomatic process, both on the Palestinian front and on the Syrian one, in accordance with Israel's security and crucial interests. This basis is suitable for a partnership with other parties. I believe we can cooperate on a variety of issues. The idea is to create stability, and to establish a government which cannot only survive, but advance important processes as well."
The foreign minister added, however, that if she fails to build a stable government, she won’t refrain from moving up the elections. "If the Knesset factions decide that they want elections, there is no doubt that Kadima headed by myself could also win these elections and continue to lead these processes."
About two weeks ago, Livni was criticized for refusing to commit in public that she would remain in Kadima if she loses the primary elections. Explaining her refusal, the minister said, "The principle I work according to is to advance procedures I believe in. The issue is not me or someone else, but the possibility to advance processes.
"I am ready to fight for a party and a way I believe in. I won't be able to represent ways I don’t believe in, even if I'm given a role. The question of my position is irrelevant. What is relevant is the way Kadima will take. This is the question I will be asking on the day after."
'No room for disagreement on Georgia'
Moving on to address the current war in the Caucasus, the foreign minister expressed her hope that a ceasefire would take effect as soon as possible.
"This is the global interest, and this is the interest in regards to the situation in the region. This is Israel's current stance. Israel has made it clear that she recognizes Georgia's territorial integrity, and this stance is not new."
She clarified that Israel's relationships with Moscow and Tbilisi was unaffected by the relations between the two countries. "We maintain friendly relations with Georgia, and we share an outlook with Russia. We share joint interests in the region. We are working diplomatically and politically in two separate relationships, which are important."
The Foreign Ministry is currently focusing on helping and aiding Jews located in the war zone. "We sent representatives to the embassy in order to reinforce it. We are trying to find exit possibilities on land with the Americans' help, and are also working opposite the Arkia airline," said Livni.
"We are evaluating the situation at each point in time, in order to examine whether we are facing an escalation or that the situation is calming down. At the moment we are constantly on the lookout and are issuing warnings accordingly. The situation in Tbilisi is reasonable."
As for the arms deals signed between Israel and Georgia and the exchange of accusations between the Foreign and Defense ministries in Jerusalem in regards to the issue, Livni noted that the security exports are being handled by the Defense Ministry with a Foreign Ministry representative at the decision making points.
"The process is aimed at reaching understandings, and there is no room for texts on a disagreement. It is important that these systems continue to cooperate. It is unfortunate that this is expressed differently in the media, because at the end of the day the State must work together."
Livni also met with MK Shlomo Mula (Kadima) and other representatives of the Ethiopian denomination on Monday, in order to discuss her promotion to chairmanship of the party. She was not asked about her stance on the Falashmura, however. "I think it's great that members of the denomination have learned to get involved in politics," Livni said. "I ask you to think first of Israel and second of the denomination and the party; when the two merge then you know it's the right thing."
