Hanegbi: Defection from Kadima not linked to possible Iran strike

Politician who returned to ruling Likud party says decision stemmed from need to pass new draft law, state budget. Mofaz: Political maneuvering jeopardizes state security

Ynet|Last update: 07.24.12 , 12:12

Tzachi Hanegbi has denied claims that his recent defection from Kadima and return to the ruling Likud party was linked to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attempt to obtain a "moral" majority within the "forum of eight ministers" for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Addressing his failed attempt to lead a group of Kadima Knesset members into the coalition, Hanegbi, who is in favor of military action against Iran, told Ynet regional radio on Tuesday that "the reason we tried to prevent the dissolution of the unity government has nothing to do with Iran, Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, but with the need to pass a new (IDF) draft law and to allow the government to pass the state budget."

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However, Hanegbi added that "this year will be a fateful one, and it will require a stable government that is capable of making decisions.

"Even a legitimate decision to launch an operation in Iran requires a stable, broad government. It's a shame that the maneuvers Kadima dragged us into are preventing us from reaching this point," the politician said.

On Monday Hanegbi wrote on his Facebok page that "any decision regarding Iran will influence our lives more than any other decision.

"The Kadima chairman's (Shaul Mofaz) decision to force the State of Israel into early elections at this time in order to improve his problematic image is irresponsible and serves as a clear example of prioritizing his party's interests over any other consideration."

In a scathing Knesset speech on Monday, Mofaz hinted that Netanyahu plans to attack Iran. He said Kadima would not take part in "operational adventures" planned by the Israeli premier.

"Kadima will not set out on operational adventures that will endanger the future of our young women and young men and the future of the citizens of Israel in the State of Israel," Mofaz said.

The former defense minister also told the plenum he was working to evict the Kadima "rebels" from the party.

Hanegbi said Tuesday "it's a shame that Mofaz chose to give hints which, in my opinion, jeopardize state security."

In response, Mofaz told Army Radio "I never discussed plans of action (in public) or spoke about what should be done and how it should be done. I believe these (discussions) should be held behind closed doors."

"The attempt to lead the Kadima MKs (into the coalition) in exchange political bribes is not the only severe act that has been committed here. There was something even more severe – the exploitation of the holy of holies – state security. And believe me, I know what I'm talking about," Mofaz said in the interview.