Barak, Ben-Eliezer 'happy Labor is in government'
On backdrop of continued fracture within faction, Labor Party bureau meets in Tel Aviv. Chairman Barak and Minister Ben-Eliezer use meeting as stage for self-praise
A week after the government announced its 10-month moratorium on West Bank settlement building, the Labor Party bureau met Sunday to discuss recent developments in the cabinet.
Labor Party Chairman and Defense Minister Ehud Barak used the opportunity to respond to his opposition within the party critical of the faction sitting in the government. To this end, Barak described the building freeze as a direct result of his party's policy.
"Even those who criticized our joining the government, sees eight months later the effect of the Labor's path, which is central in the government. If we hadn't joined, we would have Yaakov Katz (National Union) and Uri Orbach (Habayit Hayehudi) in our stead. This government understands the necessity of negotiations for reaching a two-state solution and ending the conflict," said Barak.
Ben-Eliezer. 'Netanyahu wants dialogue with Syrians as well' (Photo: Yaron Brener)
"Everyone should close his eyes and ask himself what would happen without us. We were correct in our choice and decision to join the government. Reality will be our judge," added Barak.
The defense minister reined in the optimistic atmosphere slightly when he addressed the political stalemate: "We again are at the starting point at which we must examine how a Palestinian state can be established and how we will end our rule over another people. Despite the fact that we authorized the temporary settlement building freeze, which is an unprecedented step, no one is deluding himself by thinking that the Palestinians will fall into our arms."
'Leave Barak alone'
Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer also spoke in favor of Labor sitting in the government. "I am weighing the possibilities of what would happen if we weren't in the government. The prime minister spoke about two states and froze settlement building. This came about because we are sitting by his side," said Ben-Eliezer.
Ben-Eliezer spoke about his visit to Turkey last week and said that there was an improvement in the economic ties between the two countries.
"This is proof that we are our doing our work. This prime minister wants to lead a dialogue process, with the Syrians as well," said Ben-Eliezer, who also sent a biting remark to the "rebels" in his faction who are opposed to Labor sitting in the government.
"I am deeply sorrowed that not all the members of Knesset are here and that there are those who couldn't care less about the party's institutions. When there is a decisive majority, you go along with the decision," said Ben-Eliezer.
Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon also addressed the threat of a party split. "Let this man, Barak, rest. How much evil can be spread about him? A party without leadership does not exist. We must reinforce Barak's leadership so that we can lead our way."
