Netanyahu congratulates Mofaz on Kadima win
Prime minister congratulates newly elected Kadima chairman day after primary victory, sets up meeting as part of regular PM-opposition head sessions. On Tuesday, Mofaz declared he will replace Netanyahu as prime minister
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated newly elected Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz on winning the party's primaries on Wednesday morning. The two agreed to meet as part of the regular meetings between the prime minister and the opposition head.
Mofaz laid a wreath on Theodor Herzl's grave in Mount Herzl and was expected to visit the Western Wall on Wednesday.
Related stories:
- Livni expected to retire from politics
- Shaul Mofaz emerges as Kadima leader
- Op-ed: Can Mofaz defeat Bibi?
Sources close to Mofaz said that his first order of business will be to unite all Kadima's members. "If Livni wants the second spot – that won't be a problem and she'll get it. She just has to say that she wants it," one source said.
The sources said that Kadima under Mofaz will take on a more social direction and will appeal to more sectors of society.
Mofaz in Mout Herzl (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
After winning the Kadima primaries on Tuesday, Mofaz said that Israel now has a political alternative to Benjamin Netanyahu's government. "We leave this night united in an effort to win the hearts of Israel's citizens," he said.
He called on his rival and former Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni to stay in the party. "Tzipi, you belong with us," he said at Kadima's HQ in Petah Tikva.
Mofaz also slammed Netanyahu and outlined his social platform. "Three years of the Netanyahu administration have derailed Israel from its track. A strong and united Kadima will put Israel back on the right path.
"We shall require that every boy and girl fulfill their obligation to the state but we will ensure that the right for a roof over one's head, education, dignity and family be available to all. Kadima will restore the working man's dignity."
He added, "Kadima will again serve as a home for all those seeking the Israel that was lost, the Israel we dreamed of. We shall win the general elections and replace the Netanyahu government."
While Livni has yet to discuss her political future in the aftermath of her loss to Mofaz in Tuesday's primaries, Kadima lawmakers who are considered close to her said they would now throw their support behind the party's new leader.
Some of them, including Yoel Hasson and Nachman Shai, arrived at Kadima's headquarters in Petah Tikva to congratulate Mofaz on his victory.
Raanan Ben-Zur contributed to this report
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
