Kadima shuns FM's initiative to probe leftist groups
MK Livni speaks out against 'evil spirit,' says party 'cannot be passive participant in process.' Leftist groups also slam FM: If Lieberman has complaints against us, he is invited to file them with the police – we have nothing to hide
Following Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's comments on Monday according to which leftist organizations support terror, the Kadima faction said it will not support the Yisrael Beiteinu proposal to form a commission of inquiry to investigate the funding sources of leftist and human rights organizations.
According to Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni, "An evil spirit has been sweeping over the country, and it is our duty is to stand up against this wave.
"Kadima cannot be a passive participant in this process; our public duty is not to be part of such a thing, and stand against it – both at the Knesset and in public statements," she said.
Livni accused the government of turning a blind eye and silently agreeing with Yisrael Beiteinu. "Those sparking the flames are the members of the Netanyau-Lieberman government, whether silently or in complicity with elements in the Knesset.
"They purposely select what they consider the most sensitive issues in the Israeli public agenda," Livni added.
'Nothing to hide'
Leftist and human rights organizations joined the harsh criticism against the foreign minister. Physicians for Human Rights spokesperson said "unlike us, Avigdor Liebrman is currently being investigated by the police. If Lieberman – or other politicians like him – have complaints against us, they are invited to file them at the police. We have nothing to hide.
"All our activities to promote a just and equal society are being carried out by devoted volunteers and physicians, and Lieberman can learn a thing or two from them about decency, humanity and democracy," the organization stated.
Physicians for Human Rights President Ruhama Marton added that the organization "is acting to free the State of Israel from the destructive influence of people like Avigdor Lieberman."
Peace Now Secretary General Yariv Oppenheimer also slammed Lieberman, saying, "The last thing we need is a complement from Ivette Lieberman. He imports to Israel methods that were used by the Communist party in the days of the Soviet Union, including silencing and radical incitement against human and civil rights organizations."
Sources at B'Tselem stated that the foreign minister's latest verbal attack is not going to deter the organization. "Lieberman and his friends are the ones causing immense damage to the State and its international standing."
The Gush Shalom movement proposed to investigate the rightist parties instead: "If we ever receive accolades from Lieberman, we will look in the mirror to see what we've done wrong.
"The investigation is against organizations that create de-legitimization in the world. There are right wing groups that cause grave de-legitimization around these days. Why doesn’t the committee probe them? Let them examine who causes more de-legitimization."
Attila Somfalvi and Aviel Magnezi contributed to this report
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