Right-wing supports Netanyahu
Anti-disengagement leaders pleased with resignation, call on other Likud “rebels” to follow suit; Yesha Council says anti-pullout movement pushed finance minister to quit, Likud ‘Land of Israel’ group promises to help Netanyahu return to prime minister’s office
“This action, at this time, in advance of the expulsion from Gaza, will make it easier for other ministers to follow Benjamin Netanyahu’s example,” said Yesha Council head Bentzi Leiberman to Ynet.
“Sharon will find it very tough to carry out meaningful programs without the full support of major government ministers. Even Sharon’s destructive policies have limits.”
Responding to suggestions that Netanyahu’s gesture was “too little, too late,” Leiberman said the resignation was no small thing.
“I really hope it isn’t too late,” he said. “I call on ministers Tzahi Hanegbi, Limor Livnat, Yisrael Katz, Danny Naveh and Silvan Shalom to join this brave step, and to think about the continuity of Israeli society and security.”
No question in Gush Katif
Other Yesha Council sources also praised Netanyahu’s decision.
“He displayed national responsibility and leadership, and decided not to lend his hand to the uprooting of Jewish towns and supporting of terrorism. Therefore, he chose to listen to his conscience over personal interests.
Head of the Binyamin Regional Council Pinchas Wallerstein, Eran Sternberg, head of the Gaza Beach Regional Council, and other Gush Katif residents added their voices to the chorus of praise for Netanyahu, saying the anti-pullout campaign contributed to his decision to quit.
“There is no question that this moral action, even if it was late in coming, was a necessary step in light of this government’s destruction of Judaism, Zionism and democracy. Other Likud rebels must follow Netanyahu’s example and prove they have a moral spine,” said Sternberg.
The Land of Israel faction of the Likud Party also praised Netanyahu, calling the move “brave”, and saying the Sharon government was leading the country on a downward spiral towards anarchy.
“In light of Netanyahu’s overwhelming economic successes, this step is seven-fold braver. We will get behind him to help him assume the Likud Party leadership, and to return to the prime minister’s office.”
