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FM Lieberman
Photo: Eli Mandelbaum

In praise of Lieberman

Foreign minister’s induction speech merely expressed what most Israelis think

This time, Lieberman did not speak with exaggerated zeal. He did not call for the bombing of Egypt’s Aswan dam. He merely expressed the opinion of most Israeli citizens, whose vote in the last elections proved that they too, just like Lieberman, no longer believe in peace that will be achieved through concessions.

 

The incoming foreign minister’s declaration that in exchange for peace with Syria he is only willing to give peace – and not the Golan Heights – is the consistent continuation of his declarations from the election campaign, which resulted in an especially impressive electoral outcome.

 

Meanwhile, the demand for reciprocity in the relationship with Egypt will also resonate positively among many Israelis. The Israeli public is not blind to what is going on. It recognizes the country through which rockets are being smuggled, to later explode on the streets of Sderot and Ashkelon.

 

When it comes to Lieberman, one of the less predictable politicians in Israel, it is difficult to know when we are dealing with a frank declaration of intentions and when is it merely a smoke screen. However, if his speech on Wednesday indeed outlined his future policy, he did well by stating this as early as his first day on the job.

 

Reminder to Bibi 

This directness is much better than Netanyahu’s evasive ways; as of late the prime minister has been making every effort in order to conceal from the world the fact that the Right won the elections in Israel.

 

Lieberman’s firm statements on Wednesday also constituted a direct signal to Netanyahu: With all due respect to your new alliance with Labor Party Chairman Ehud Barak, said Lieberman, do not forget that you were granted the mandate to form a government thanks to me.

 

If Netanyahu forgot which one of his partners has 15 Knesset seats and which one has 13 Knesset seats, Lieberman was here to remind him.

 

And if Netanyahu intends to cut to the left, as former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon did before him, Lieberman will be there in order to take over the niche that is found to the right of Likud, en route to contending for the premiership in the next elections.

 

The writer is the director of national-religion newspaper B’Sheva

 


פרסום ראשון: 04.02.09, 12:12
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