Hanoch Daum
Photo: Rafi Deloya
Time to join government
For sake of Israel, Kadima’s Tzipi Livni should join Netanyahu-led government
Below is an excerpt from a conversation that never took place between Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni and
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
Mr. Netanyahu, a year after you took office I want to finally admit that I did not really win the elections. It was my advisors’ idea to declare that I won. They thought that Avigdor Lieberman would join us.
I also admit that the attempt to portray Eli Yishai and Lieberman as illegitimate politicians was improper and almost racist. Both Yisrael Beiteinu and Shas represent huge and significant communities in Israel; communities that are an integral part of our existence here.
Indeed, bringing them into the government and involving them in the work being done there was the right thing to do; I would have done the same had I been able to.
You were also right to keep National Union out of the government. They were dying to come in, but you were not tempted.
Today I realize that in the face of a new American Administration, which is trying to change the rules and force early concessions in Jerusalem upon Israel even before we see what the other side is willing to offer, we need a large, broad, and united government.
Today, I understand that keeping Kadima out of the government, in addition to the political folly inherent in it, is improper and bad for Israel.
This is not the way to address the Iranian threat. This is also not the way to address our global isolation.
Hence, I am willing to join your government, Mr. Prime Minister – mostly for the sake of the voters who sent me to the Knesset.
