Netanyahu: This is a state of emergency
Prime minister-designate states he is undeterred by Kadima, Labor's initial refusal to join his coalition, paints daunting picture of Israel's economy and security, vows to keep trying to form unity government. 'This is no time for personal interests,' he says
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu seemed more somber than ever Monday, after hearing a definite "no" to his proposal of a unity government from both Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni and Labor Chairman Ehud Barak.
Netanyahu's Monday morning meeting with Barak proved futile, as did his Sunday attempts to convince Livni to join his coalition.
"Never have we faced such a state of emergency, with the possible exception of the War of Independence," he told his fellow Likud members in the faction's weekly meeting at the Knesset.
Possibly choosing to take things to the extreme, Netanyahu went on to detail the challenges Israel faces, beginning with the economy: "We are facing a financial crisis the likes of which we have not seen in many years. We had a financial crisis in 2003, but this one is different – it runs deeper.
"We are going to have to take steps to ensure Israel's financial stability but we can't do it right away. I assume things will get worse before we can turn the economy around, and it will require joining forces and as wide a front as possible, so we can pass the necessary steps (at the Knesset)."
Turning his attention to the security situation next, the Likud chairman was grim as well: "Israel still suffers rocket fire both on the northern and southern fronts, and Iran's nuclear armament is hovering over everything. Personal interests have no legitimacy now and must be put aside.
Not giving up. Netanyahu with former IDF chief Moshe Yaalon and MK Gideon Sa'ar (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
"In view of all of these threats, the need for unity grows by the minute," he added.
Netanyahu said he intended on meeting with Livni and Barak again, hinting that he may try to sweeten the deals offered to them: "I refuse to give up. (Unity) is imperative. I will take all the steps necessary to achieve this great goal.
"I'm sure I will find compliance from Israel's main leaders as well as within our faction. The people want unity. It is a must," he concluded.
Knesset Member Gideon Sa'ar, head of the Likud faction, said that it members would back Netanyahu's efforts to form a wide coalition.
"This is the people's wish. Livni herself said we need a wide government. It is inconceivable that she would perceive it as essential only if it is headed by Kadima."
