Livni slams government conduct vis-à-vis world

Opposition chairwoman says prime minister, foreign minister conducting themselves recklessly; Olmert adds similar sentiment, calls on Netanyahu to stop 'fighting with world'

Tani Goldstein|Last update: 10.12.10 , 17:39

Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni continued Tuesday to harshly slam Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, accusing them of reckless conduct.

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"We've become a powerful economy and that's good, yet it seems to me this prompts the leadership to assume risks that we shouldn't be taking," she said. "It's irresponsible to say that because we have a strong economy, let's kick the whole world as if we don't need them."

Speaking at a socioeconomic conference organized by the Industry, Trade and Employment Ministry, Livni blasted the government's conduct and the foreign policy conducted by Lieberman: "It's irresponsible to create a crises with the United States just to avert the small risk of a domestic political crisis here. We worked hard on upgrading our ties with Europe, and here comes a foreign minister who conducts himself in a wholly reckless situation vis-à-vis the European ministers he hosts."

"Those who behave this way do not conduct themselves in the state's interests," she said.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert carried a speech to the same effect at the conference, calling on Netanyahu to stop "fighting with the entire world".

"Do you think it is possible to fight with the entire world, insult the entire world, and then enjoy this country's economic achievements?" he wondered. "When I was prime minister we held negotiations without freezing construction, but we came to the table with a daring peace plan."

Olmert said Netanyahu should agree to a US demand for 60 additional days without construction in West Bank settlements. "The president of the United States, our great friend, is telling us to agree to two more months of a freeze. Doesn't logic and our common sense justify giving this country two more months because we see the strategic considerations?" he asked.

"A foreign policy that contributes to international isolation may do inescapable economic damage," he concluded.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak also addressed the political situation, saying that "the negotiations with the Palestinians are an opportunity for a historic change that must not be missed. The leaders on both sides, and mostly here, must conduct themselves responsibly," he said.

Referring to Livni, who spoke before him, he said: "We proved in the past that we're strong when we're united, and this hour requires unity. I'm calling for expanding the government in order to boost the support basis for the path of negotiations. This call is directed both at the prime minister as well as at the person who spoke here before me."