Livni. 'IDF soldiers cannot be compared to terrorists'
Photo: Yaron Brener
Livni: We must do what's right for us
Opposition leader avoids explicitly referring to arrest warrant issued against her in British court, but says she would repeat any decision made during Israeli operation in Gaza. 'I have no problem with the world wanting to judge Israel, but comparing IDF soldiers to terrorists is unacceptable,' she adds
Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni
appeared unfazed Tuesday by the arrest warrant
issued against her by a British court. "I have no problem with the world wanting to judge Israel,"
she said. "A problem arises the moment IDF soldiers are compared to terrorists."
"Israel must do what is right for Israel, regardless of judgments, statements and arrest warrants. It's the leadership's duty, and I would repeat each and every decision."
Speaking at an Institute for National Security Studies conference, Livni said that "the operation in Gaza was necessary. Operation Cast Lead achieved its goal, which was to restore Israel's deterrence ability, and managed to restore Israel's deterrence ability.
Almost Arrested?
Guardian reports British court issued arrest warrant against Opposition chair because judge was not informed her trip was canceled; officials warn UK will not be part of peace process if Israeli MKs cannot set foot there
The former foreign minister added, "I never accepted the condolences we would receive from the world that both sides are paying the price of war. It's true that the pain and grief of a Palestinian and Israeli family are the same thing, but the basic comparison between a terrorist and an IDF soldier is unacceptable."
She also said that she was proud of the achievements of Operation Cast Lead.
The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday released a first official response to reports that a British court has issued an arrest warrant against Livni. "We reject the court's cynical legal move against Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni, which was initiated by radical elements," the statement said.
Naama Lanir contributed to this report
