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Netanyahu: Olmert gov't has no mandate to negotiate Israel's borders
Knesset returns from hiatus to stormy session; Olmert tells Kadima 'opposition always ready to challenge us, but we’re seasoned and ready’
The Knesset factions resumed their work on Monday, after a turbulent hiatus: The hiatus began with the legal interpretation of the Leavening Law ruled by the court, which sent Knesset members on a wild goose chase, only to be forgotten by the Talansky affair and the allegations held against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
The Knesset’s factions met for the first time in six weeks, with Olmert's situation seeming less than favorable. Olmert did not address the allegations or the affair his name has been tied to when opening Kadima’s meeting. Instead, he retreated back to the security issue in the western Negev, saying that “the zero hour is nearing.” He also said that “the current reality in the south will not continue for long.”
The PM mentioned that Israel enjoyed its 60th independence celebrations and wide international recognition over the past weeks – noting US President George W. Bush’s visit.
But perhaps foreshadowing the battles ahead – or making a sarcastic reference to that “conceptual meeting” held by some of his faction colleagues last weekend – Olmert added: “We must continue to operate as a united faction in confronting the challenges of parliamentary activity. The coalition always struggles as the opposition tries to challenge it. But I believe we are seasoned enough and ready to confront these challenges.”
Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu opened the Likud faction meeting by saying that “the Olmert-Kadima government has no mandate to negotiate on Israel’s borders. This government was elected under different circumstances and times. Most of the public knows that any land we give away will become a terror base for Islam extremists under Iran’s patronage. The government must return the mandate to the people to choose another government.”
Netanyahu also avoided addressing the Talansky-Olmert affair, but found other ways to attack the prime minister.
“I am addressing my friends in Shas once again and asking them: After hearing the prime minister’s intention of bringing the concessions before the Knesset, what are you still doing there? What are you waiting for? To have him take us back to the 67 borders? Have him give back the Old City? The Western Wall? Anyone who is concerned for our assets should resign from the government.”
MK Gideon Sa'ar, chairman of the Likud faction also spoke against the government, claiming it has become useless.
“The current government can not even decide on appointing a minister of tourism. The Knesset’s Monday agenda included a request to approve the appointment of Gideon Ezra as minister of tourism parallel to his role as environment minister. The request has been withdrawn by the government this morning.”
Sa’ar claimed the current state of affairs is against the law. “The government and those heading it are busy with other matters. This cannot continue.”
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman opened the faction’s meeting by saying that “the summer session must end early – so we can go for elections this year, and dedicate all of our efforts to that end. We have a good chance of succeeding.
"Our other efforts should be directed towards restraining those trying to dismantle Israel as a Jewish State – that turbid wave trying to turn Israel’s Independence Day into Nakba day.” He stated that his faction is negotiating for early elections even with sources within the coalition," he added.
Referring to the ongoing investigations against Olmert, Lieberman said "the police has the right to interrogate anyone, but this cannot be done on the air," alluding to the leaks from the investigation.
