Yachimovich: Bibi, let's go to elections

Labor Chairwoman slams prime minister, says 'we are witnessing a series of political spins that are not meant to look after the citizens of the state, but only after citizen Netanyahu'

Moran Azualy|Published: 07.18.12 , 12:23

On the offensive – Labor Chairman Shelly Yachimovich, who will soon give up her seat as opposition chairwoman, called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold early elections in November.

"It's the decent thing to do and the right thing for the citizens of Israel; it should have happened two months ago," she said during a press conference Wednesday morning.

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Yachimovich noted that "we are drawing near the end of a political circus, and circuses have an entertainment element to them. However this circus brought only shame and dishonor to the political system.

"We have witnessed a new record of political opportunism, which has eroded the trust in the political system," she warned, adding that "the public's lack of interest in the political system endangers it."

The Labor chairwoman addressed the prime minister and urged him to hold early elections on November 27: "Bibi, let's go to elections. Let's hold elections over the issues that preoccupy the Israeli society – the issues that the public deserves to decide on."

Addressing the recent political turmoil, and Kadima's decision to withdraw from the coalition, Yachimovich stated that "Prime Minister Netanyahu has a vision, which is called 'Binyamin Netanyahu' and this is where all his efforts are concentrated. We see an attempt to survive at all cost and a lack of vision. No socioeconomic, political or civil vision.

"The State of Israel deserves more. We are witnessing a series of decisions and political spins that are not meant to look after the citizens of the state, but only after citizen Netanyahu," she added.

Speaking about the future of the political arena, Yachimovich claimed that the battle over the leadership of the state will take place between Likud and Labor. "We know Kadima no longer exists. The battle over the helm is between the Labor and the Likud and it is a struggle between political maneuvers, spins and survival and politics that is used as a means to bring about a path and a world view," she added.

The Labor chairwoman also said her party will object to a bill initiated by Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, which sets the military draft age for all Israeli residents, including haredim and Arabs, at 18.

"We've decided unanimously to vote against a bill initiated by a man who wants to set on fire not only the Middle East, but the entire State of Israel as well," Yachimovic noted.