Shalom warns PM against straying from Likud way

Vice premier urges Netanyahu not to make dramatic statements during upcoming US visit. 'Likud could be in risk of losing elections,' he warned

Attila Somfalvi|Published: 05.16.11 , 17:34

Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday against making dramatic statements during his upcoming visit to Washington.

"We'll lose the elections and disband should you stray from the Likud way," he told Netanyahu during a Likud faction meeting.

Knesset members from the party's right wing headed by Tzipi Hotovely and Danny Danon demanded that Netanyahu declare that Israel will annex the settlements should the Palestinians declare statehood.

The prime minister is scheduled to depart for the US on Thursday and will meet US President Barack Obama at the White House on Friday.

On Monday he is slated to speak before an AIPAC conference and on Tuesday he will address Congress.

Monday also saw a government no-confidence debate at the Knesset. MK Shaul Mofaz, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee fiercely criticized Netanyahu calling him weak and a coward.

"Your lack of political initiative is leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state on 1967 borders. What Begin, Shamir, Rabin and Sharon wouldn't give, you are handing over on a silver platter."