Livni talks tough
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Livni: We won't permit Wild West in Hebron
Kadima Chairman delivers resolute speech at party headquarters, blasts right-wing activists in Hebron; foreign minister says settler violence must end, stressing that civilians 'must under no circumstances hit soldiers'
Tough talk from Livni: Foreign Minister and Kadima Chairman Tzipi Livni issued a scathing attack on violent right-wing activists in the West Bank Wednesday, characterizing them as "a group that fails to recognize the authority of the government, the courts, the IDF, and the police."
During her speech, Livni said that while it was tempting to refrain from saying certain things ahead of the elections in order to elicit greater public support, she felt one could not ignore recent events in Hebron.
"Israel cannot be a country that includes Wild West areas," she said. "We are not talking about one house or a one-time incident."
Tensions High
Ronen Medzini
Defense minister scheduled to meet with Yesha Council in bid to curtail violence in Hebron following yet another day of clashes; former Kedumim mayor, Daniela Weiss, dismisses Council's authority
"This is a phenomenon that must end," she said, referring to Jewish violence in the West Bank city. "All citizens are subject to the law and under no circumstances should a civilian hit a soldier. Political and social leadership in Israel, and particularly leadership that has influence among that group, must be clear and condemn it, because otherwise the phenomenon won't disappear."
According to earlier reports, Defense Minister Ehud Barak's office has been engaged in contacts with Yesha Council leaders in an attempt to avert further riots and calm tensions in Hebron. The two sides are expected to meet soon.
However, former Kedumim Mayor Daniela Weiss dismissed the Council's authority in a conversation with Ynet Wednesday evening. Earlier in the day Yesha Council Chairman Danny Dayan said Weiss must be removed from the premises of the disputed house.
"The public doesn't accept the leadership of the Yesha Council, and the statements Dayan made today are very regrettable," she said.
