Former ambassador to US joins Yisrael Beiteinu
Daniel Ayalon says realized right-wing party is natural his home after reading its platform. 'Lieberman is the most suitable person for prime minister,' he adds
Ayalon decided to join the party following talks he held in recent weeks with its chairman, Knesset Member Avigdor Lieberman.
The Yisrael Beiteinu chairman is interested in adding "Israeli" figures to his party's list. Before the latest Knesset elections, the party was joined by former Deputy Shin Bet Director Israel Hasson and former Deputy Police Commissioner Yitzhak Aharonovitch.
Former Ambassador Ayalon was the political advisor of three prime ministers – Benjamin Netanyahu, Ehud Barak and Ariel Sharon. Since the conclusion of his tenure in Washington, he has served as chairman of the Nefesh B'Nefesh organization and has engaged in international consulting along with Attorney Dov Weisglass, Sharon's associate.
"We are facing a serious political crisis, and this is why I have decided to join politics," Ayalon told Yedioth Ahronoth on Thursday. "My connection with Ivet (Lieberman) and Yisrael Beiteinu is very clear. I read Yisrael Beiteinu's platform and realized that this was my natural home."
Ayalon added that he is a great believer in the ideology of the Yisrael Beiteinu movement.
"I feel a connection to their platform, mainly in terms of changing the government system, civil marriage and exchanging territories," he said. "The issue of exchanging territories, for example, should have been put on the table a long time ago. If I were an Israeli-Palestinian-Arab I would want to join a Palestinian state. I wonder why this has not been proposed by Israel's Arabs."
As for his relations for Lieberman, Ayalon said, "Ivet is a personal friend. He is the most suitable leader to be prime minister today. In his qualities he is the one who most resembles Arik Sharon."
Lieberman said Thursday, "I welcome Danny Ayalon's decision to join us. He can contribute a lot to the party. He was a professional diplomat and will also contribute from his skills to Yisrael Beiteinu's foreign relations in the world."
