Likud MK: Smaller coalition will be stronger
After resignation of three Labor ministers due to Barak's split from party, Michael Eitan says 'when you don't see eye to eye with PM, you should quit'
The Knesset convened for the first time Monday since Defense Minister Ehud Barak's dramatic announcement that he is splitting from Labor. The session dealt with no-confidence motions submitted by Kadima and United Arab List-Ta'al regarding "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's series of political fiascos which are isolating Israel" and "Planning and construction in Arab communities."
Minister Michael Eitan, of the ruling Likud party, said "as a result of the split in Labor the coalition may shrink from 74 members to 66. A coalition of 66 is even stronger than a coalition of 74, and together we'll lead Israel to the next goals."
Eitan mentioned that Labor members who did not split from the party often voted against the government's line. "When some ministers do not see eye to eye with the prime minister, do not accept the pace at which he is moving the diplomatic process forward and do not keep these reservations to themselves…They should quit the government," he said.
MK Nachman Shai of Kadima, the leading opposition party, said "what does Barak have left? He doesn't have a party or voters – only his portfolio. And Netanyahu? The man who promised everything and delivered nothing. The man who a year ago spoke of two states for two peoples and is left with one state for two peoples. The man who chose partners who are constantly extorting him."
MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) told the Knesset that Barak's move is part of a trend "which makes so many Israeli citizens despise politics."
Earlier Monday, the Knesset's House Committee approved Barak's request to split from the Labor Party and set up a new faction with Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, Deputy Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Orit Noked and Knesset Member Einat Wilf.
Later, three Labor ministers – Isaac Herzog, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer and Avishay Braverman - announced their resignation from Netanyahu's government.
Ben-Eliezer referred to Barak's move as "a forbidden act, a party chairman and faction members leaving the party in the dark and in an inappropriate way. The public will judge their actions."
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