MK Shelly Yachimovich
Photo: Ido Erez
Yachimovich calls to end Herzog-Livni union
Zionist Union MK and former Labor chairwoman says continuing joint leadership will leave opposition powerless.
MK Shelly Yachimovich boycotted the Zionist Union's faction meeting on Monday, calling on party leader Isaac Herzog to end the partnership between the Labor party and Tzipi Livni's Hatnua.
"Continuing the joint Herzog-Livni leadership is like castrating the opposition's leadership in advance, and such a move has no democratic, practical or ideological validity," Yachimovich said.
Shelly Yachomovich and Isaac Herzog at a 2013 Labor meeting (Photo: Amit Shabi)
"I respect Livni and look forward to fruitful cooperation with her, but I have one chairman and his name is Buji Herzog, who was elected democratically. Joining forces was the right thing to do, I backed it with all of my might, but turning this into a regular thing is completely absurd. It makes us a laughing stock and does not allow for the serious operation of a combative opposition."
Tzipi Livni and Isaac Herzog (Photo: Motti Kimchi)
In response to Yachimovich's comments, Herzog said: "I can still remember days when only eight people sat here. It's easy to break apart and destroy what we've built. I honestly think statements of this kind serve Bibi (Netanyahu). There's a wonderful opportunity here, he still doesn't even have 61 (MKs). We can still take over the government. We're a quarter of the Knesset."
Herzog vowed his party will lead a strong opposition. "A unity government was not feasible. The talks, spins and background noises were as the foam upon the water. We will lead a resolute and focused opposition. We'll work with other parties and leave no stone unturned. We'll stand as one front against a government that threatens to break apart and wound Israeli society."
