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Livni, 'running around manically'
Photo: Lior Mizrahi

Livni explains PR efforts

Opposition leader speaks to foreign press in effort to minimize blow to Israel's image following fatal takeover of Gaza-bound flotilla, but says, 'I did not see a single official Israeli representative embark on PR campaign'

The bloody day is far from over, but the opposition leader has decided to say a few words. Speaking with Ynet, Tzipi Livni indirectly criticized the Israeli PR's faulty functioning following the takeover of the Gaza-bound aid flotilla, in which at least 10 people were killed.

 

"I have been running around manically today between foreign studios in Jerusalem," she said, "But I did not see a single official Israeli representative embark on a PR campaign."

 

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Livni left a message for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday morning, but has yet to speak with him. However, she did manage to contact Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

 

"As far as I am concerned, I represent the State of Israel," she explained. "I do not get into details, and I defend the Israel Defense Forces' soldiers. This is essential at this point."

 

Livni explained the principles that guide her in her PR effort: "The discourse must be viewed in context, which is this: Hamas does not accept the terms of the Quartet, and the act does not constitute collective punishment. They were carrying out a provocation, not an attempt to transfer humanitarian equipment."

 

She added, "I don’t know where the waves of this incident will reach".

 

Livni refused to directly criticize the conduct of the official bodies meant to handle the crisis revolving the flotilla raid. "Today I am busy defending the State of Israel," she reiterated.

 

"I am not dealing with internal criticism. There will be enough time to work the rest out. Right now there is an ongoing battle, and in a battle, you fight together and do not direct fire inward," she added.

 

"We must continue with the policy set by the previous government, which is a policy that does not legitimize Hamas, but strives to reach an agreement with the Palestinian Authority. We must not give legitimization to Hamas, and must not play into the other side's provocations."

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.31.10, 19:05
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