Scary? – Lieberman
Photo: George Ginsburg
Feeling the pressure? - Yaalon
Photo: Yaron Brener
Rightist politicians clash
Likud's Yaalon slams Lieberman's 'anti-Arab remarks'; Israel Beiteinu: Ex-army chief lying
As the Knesset elections approach, tensions are rising between Likud and Israel Beiteinu, two parties not known for their hostility to each other. Earlier Saturday, Likud candidate and former Army Chief Moshe (Bogi) Yaalon slammed Avigdor Lieberman, saying that the leader of the Israel Beiteinu party "scares him."
"We cannot taint all the Arab residents of the State of Israel," Yaalon said during an appearance in Beersheba.
Israel Beiteinu officials were quick to condemn the remarks, saying that the former chief of staff's comments were indicative of pressure and concern that Yaalon would not be appointed as the next defense minister.
"At Israel Beiteinu, we do not make distinctions between Jews and Arabs, but rather, between those who endorse terror and those who object to it," one party official said. "Therefore, one can only regret Mr. Yaalon's lies and distortion, and we hope they were not endorsed by Likud's chairman (Netanyahu.)"
Meanwhile, senior Likud campaign officials attempted to distance the party from Yaalon's words.
"The comments that were made represent his views only," one source said. "Likud's conduct is very clear: We will not attack a party that does not attack us." Other Likud officials said that for the time being the party will not be attacking Lieberman.
However, Likud does plan to resume the negative campaign against Kadima leader Tzipi Livni that was put on hold following the outbreak of war in Gaza.
Yael Branovsky and Ilana Curiel contributed to the story
