Gaydamak. Supports Netanyahu
צילום: נדב אנקר
Gaydamak to Ynet: I will support Netanyahu for PM
(VIDEO) In exclusive interview to Ynet, business mogul Arcadi Gaydamak explains why he supports Netanyahu, states that he does not plan to run for Knesset, gives opinion on Israeli politicians
VIDEO -Ynet reporters met with billionaire Arcadi Gaydamak in an attempt to find out, once and for all, what his plans for a future in politics are.
Gaydamak, who was once considered a controversial figure, has undergone a public makeover this year following his great philanthropic gestures of aiding the residents of the north and the residents of Sderot in their time of need, his image amongst many in the Israeli public has changed.
During the interview, Gaydamak finally refuted speculations that he may establish his own political party or even run for Knesset. The billionaire clarified that he already has his winning horse for the coming elections - Opposition Chairman and Likud head MK Benjamin Netanyahu.
Video: Nadav Enker (נדב אנקר)
When asked if he would vote for Netanyahu, he responded, with an explanation:
"Yeah, He's the most experienced on the list of let's say ten politicians, between the people that already were prime minister, for me Netanyahu is the most responsible."
Are you planning to be a member of the Likud party?
"No"
Of any party?
"No"
Of your party?
"No"
"I have no doubt I have a certain popularity. I can convince many many people to vote to the direction that I will indicate."
This is the first time Gaydamak publicly expresses his support of Netanyahu, saying that he is even more suitable than Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
Gaydamak stated he is sure that in a country with millions of Jews, there must be someone who can do the job well, and that out of those on the list, Netanyahu is the most suitable.
Interview with Gaydamak (Photo: Nadav Anker)
Olmert 'irresponsible'
Gaydamak had very few kind words for any Israeli politician, and criticized Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz, calling them irresponsible.When asked what happened between him and Olmert, he responded:
"He thinks, and maybe he is right, that I am not just a businessman that wants to give money, I am a businessman with some vision of the social needs and I am so called politician."
So he is afraid of you?
"Afraid as a political competitor, no doubt."
Of this government is he responsible?
"Absolutely. How in this country that has such a huge, deep, defense problem can he put as the minister of defense (Amir Peretz) a man who is not at all, who cannot…
Is Israel in danger as you see?
"I am not an expert in defense, but as management of the responsibility, for sure it is a huge irresponsibility to give the defense problem to…"
He also gave his opinion on Israel Our Home Chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman, saying, cynically, that he is a mere 'professional' politician.
Gaydamak continued to give his very harsh opinion on Science, Technology, Culture, and Sports Minister Ophir Pines-Paz, saying:
"Mr. Pines, a representative for culture and sport when he sees Gaydamak he should say hello and to extend his respect... because I am not the last in Israel to contribute to culture and to sport, that everybody knows, so to turn his head, it's stupid. For me he is zero, but really zero, nothing of nothing."
Gaydamak has not ruled out the possibility that Olmert is behind the police investigation against him, and that Olmert, Major General Yohanan Danino, and Attorney General Menachem Mazuz are working together to taint his public image.
"A group of people, former ministers that today are lawyers let's say, business people, for sure they are using their relationships with Mr. Danino and Mr. Mazuz and they can do what they want to do to try to demolish my reputation as a businessman and as a good citizen. They committed the crime," he said.
Aviram Zino contributed to this story
