Lieberman lambasted on all fronts for Palestinian media interview
Following defense minister’s failure to mention the fate of Lt. Hadar Goldin and Sgt. Oron Shaul during a recent interview with Palestinian media, Lieberman finds himself subjects of severe criticism by families, Arab MKs and former defense minister.
Also mentioning Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, who met the same fate as Goldin during the incursion, the parents said, “It is disappointing to see the minister who is responsible for the return of Hadar and Oron Shaul to their homes deliberately ignore them during an interview on a central Palestinian press outlet."
“It is depressing to see how much Lieberman has softened since taking office,” the parents said. “The man who once gave (Ismail) Haniyeh 48 hours to return the kidnapped from the Gaza Strip, now wants to turn Gaza into Singapore.”
According to the Goldin family, the message which needs to be communicated to Hamas is simple. “In the Middle East there are no free lunches and anyone who expects to upgrade the infrastructure in Gaza will first need to return Hadar and Oron.”
The Goldin family’s censuring of the Yisrael Beytenu leader—whose interview with Palestinian newspaper al-Quds was printed on Monday—was joined by former Defense Minister Amir Peretz (Zionist Union), who condemned the apparent decision to circumvent addressing the missing fallen soldiers.
“The Israeli government must strengthen its (fundamental relationship) with the Palestinian Authority (PA), rather than send a message that gives preference to Hamas - which does not recognize Israel,” Peretz said.
“It is our responsibility to take advantage of the security cooperation with (the PA) to promote interim and permanent agreements. When Hamas recognizes Israel and abandones terror it will become a partner,” he added.
Lieberman has also come under fire from Arab MKs, who have slammed his proposal which he espoused during the interview: Exchanging land in any final peace agreement. “Lieberman continues his incitement against the residents of Umm al-Fahm and against the general Arab population. I don’t understand why we need to be threatened that we will be deprived of our citizenship, as if this is an act of kindness by Lieberman and not a basic right in our homeland,” said MK Yousef Jabareen from the Joint List party, “It seems that Lieberman has already started his next election campaign."
Amihai Attali, Yuval Karni & Eitan Glickman contributed to this report.
