'Livni is making the right move.' Mofaz
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Livni and Netanyahu meet
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Mofaz: No need to sanctify sitting in opposition
Minister says Kadima should join Netanyahu-led coalition if its basic guidelines include pursuing peace process on Syrian, Palestinian tracks and changing system of government. 'Voters gave us 28 Knesset seats not so that we will sit in the opposition,' he adds
"Citizens of the State of Israel did not give us (Kadima) 28 Knesset seats so that we can sit in the opposition. I am not against opposition. Just so that it is clear – if we ultimately do not arrive at an agreement about the basic guidelines and changing the system of government, we will go to the opposition," Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz said Tuesday.
Two-State Solution
Attila Somfalvi
Following closed meeting with Livni, Prime minister-designate convinced Kadima won't join Likud-led coalition; Kadima leader: Bibi did not respond positively to question of whether he would strive for a two-state solution
"(Kadima Chairwoman) Tzipi Livni is making the right move in examining, checking, and clarifying the basic guidelines on which it is possible to form a coalition," Mofaz, placed second on Kadima's Knesset roster, said in an interview with Army Radio.
The minister is thought of by many as providing a counterweight to Livni's declared intention to sit in the opposition. He said he would remain a Kadima member even if the party does not join Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu's burgeoning coalition, but added "there is no need to sanctify sitting in opposition.'
According to Mofaz, should the next government's guidelines include pursuing the peace process with Syria and the Palestinians and changing Israel's system of government, then "we should be a part of the coalition and have an effect on on what is happening in Israel."
Referring to the suspension of senior Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad as the special emissary to Cairo charged with heading the negotiations on a ceasefire with Hamas and the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit, Mofaz said, "Gilad is a very talented individual who has contributed greatly to Israel's security establishment for dozens of years.
"I have no doubt that the emissary was victim of a dispute between Israel's decision-makers, in this case Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak."
