Channels

Peres and Yachimovich
Photo: Mark Neiman, GPO

Peres to Yachimovich: We must join forces

In backdrop of resuming peace talks, president meets opposition leader, says he values her support for peace process. Sources close to Yachimovich say she won't enter coalition at current stage

President Shimon Peres on Sunday met with Opposition Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich at the President's Residence to discuss the resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians.

 

The two discussed, among other things, divisions in the political system, and the probability of a far-reaching deal with the Palestinians.

 

Related stories:

 

Peres stressed that he greatly appreciates Yachimovich's support for the peace process and said, "We must join forces to allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward in the peace process."

 

The Labor Party leader said over the weekend that she would back the prime minister if he moves towards serious peace talks. Sources in the political system claim that Peres believes that Labor should enter the coalition at the current stage.


יחימוביץ' ונתניהו - "המטרה אינה התהליך עצמו" (צילום: AFP, ירון ברנר)

Netanyahu and Yachimovich (Photo: AFP, Yaron Brener)

 

However, sources close to Yachimovich said that she has no intentions of entering the coalition at this early stage, particularly due to disagreements over the state budget.

 

One source said that Yachimovich will back Netanyahu from the opposition if the prime minister will take serious steps. "It's still very early. The Labor Party for the most part prefers staying in the opposition and being an alterative (to the current government)," the source said.

 

Yachimovich said at the end of the meeting, "The very existence of the process is something that should be welcomed and will immediately benefit Israel in the international arena. However, we must bear in mind that the goal is not the process itself but an actual agreement."

 

The opposition leader told the president that the Labor party believes in the two-state solution as the only way to ensure Israel's Jewish and democratic character and safeguard Israel's economic, strategic and security interests.

 

"In this respect, Netanyahu can feel politically safe from radical right-wing elements in his party and other members of the coalition," she added.

 

She noted that it would be advisable to set a realistic timetable for the process which would prevent potential crises.

 

 

  • Receive Ynetnews updates directly to your desktop 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.21.13, 12:51
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment