Mitzna slams Livni's 'breach of trust'
Number 2 on Hatnua list blasts party head for joining governing coalition, but says 'won't quit'; comments on speculation regarding MK Peretz taking ministerial position at his expense
In an interview with Army Radio, Mitzna was asked about his relations with Peretz: "My issue isn’t with the number three, but with Hatnua's chairwoman, Livni. I believe this was a breach of trust," he said, referring to Livni's coalition agreement with the ruling Likud-Beiteinu party.
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Mitzna refused to comment on the issue of the coalition's formation, saying: "We should let time run its course. I feel were are still far away from the formation of a government."
Awkward meeting between Mitzna, Peretz (Video: Eli Mandelbaum)
Asked if he regrets joining Hatnua, Mitzna said, "No, I don't feel it was a mistake. I was rightfully elected into the Knesset and it is my intention to serve as a Knesset member.
Peretz, Livni and Mitzna campaigning (Photo: Benny Deutsch)
"I have heard rumors that maybe Mitzna will quit and make number seven's day," he said, referencing the fact that the party garnered only six Knesset seats, "but that will not happen, I am in the Knesset, that is my decision and my commitment to those who voted for me and Hatnua.
"I will use my time in the Knesset to do everything I can to improve the harsh reality we face," Mitzna said.
When asked if the current circumstances allow him to properly function as an MK, he said: "I have an issue with my party chairwoman, not with the listeners of Army Radio, hence I will take it up with her."
Coalition deal
Last Tuesday Livni officially signed a coalition agreement with Likud- Beiteinu. According to the agreement, Livni will serve as Justice Minister and will lead Israel's negotiation team in peace talks with Palestinians.
The deal also promised an additional member of her party the Environmental Protection Ministry.
A day after the signing, Hatnua held a faction meeting. Prior to the meeting, Peretz approached Mitzna in order to shake his hand and wish him a happy birthday, but Mitzna refused.
Livni has yet to announce to whom the additional ministry will go to.
She further said that the identity of a Knesset committee also promised to her party as part of the coalition agreement is also yet unknown.
However, despite the fact that Livni has been keeping mum on the sensitive party issues, Hatnua MKs believe the decision has in fact been reached and that the ministry will go to Peretz.
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