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Livni. Doesn't sign petitions
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Noam and Aviva Shalit. Knesset campaign
Photo: Hadar Cohen

Livni refuses to sign Shalit deal letter

Shalit family getting MKs to sign letter in which they declare they will endorse prisoner swap in Knesset; Opposition chairwoman says she intentionally avoids voicing opinion publically

Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni met with Noam and Aviva Shalit on Wednesday but refused to sign a letter calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to immediately reach a deal to free Gilad.

 

Livni explained she is avoiding voicing a public stance on the matter and stressed she was a member of government when Gilad was abducted and therefore still feels responsible for his return.

 

 

The Shalit family recently started pushing for a Knesset campaign which aims to see MKs signing a letter declaring they will endorse a prisoner swap deal when it is brought before the plenum. The letter does not specify names of terrorists to be released in exchange for Shalit.

 

"Livni explained that it would not be right for her to sign the letter as opposition head," Noam Shalit said. "But what is sad is that she did not offer any alternatives for Gilad's release. Livni was a member of the government that sent Gilad and could not bring him back home. It's the same government that also named the price for a deal with Hamas."

 

Among the signatories are MKs Ilan Ghilon (Meretz), Ronit Tirosh, Orit Zuaretz and Doron Avital (Kadima). MK Yariv Levin (Likud) refused to sign the letter, while Danny Danon and Ofir Akunis explained they needed time to consider the matter.

 

A source at the Shalit campaign was puzzled as to why MKs needed more time to deliberate after five years. "Sadly we are used to the parade of excuses," Aviva Shalit said. "It’s a shame it all falls on Gilad's shoulders."

 

Livni's bureau said in response: "As a rule she does not sign petitions, letters of protest and the like. On the Gilad Shalit matter, Livni has said in the past that she avoids voicing her opinion publically so as to avoid the appearance of political motivation."

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.06.11, 15:33
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