MK Tzipi Livni (Kadima), who heads the Opposition in the Knesset, demanded Monday in her Herzl Day speech that the prime minister delineate the boundaries to which he is willing to withdraw as part of a deal with the Palestinian Authority.
However, she also mentioned Jerusalem, the ‘settlement blocs’ and security arrangements, as Netanyahu did.
She attacked Netanyahu over his speech, which spelled out five conditions for a treaty. “I think that deep down in your heart you know what needs to be done. That, at least, is the excuse offered by those who explain why they still mutter that you will surprise us.”
Livni quoted Defense Minister Ehud Barak who said Israel must stop being the “No-No Bear” – an Israeli children’s book character that says “no” to everything. “I have not heard a single ‘yes’ on the podium,” she scolded Netanyahu.
Livni, who refused to join Netanyahu’s government as anything but an equal partner in a two-headed cabinet, added: “I do not know what is worse for Israel – the fact that you know what can save Israel but are unable to reach a decision because of petty political concerns, or that you do not understand the situation. And both options are bad for Israel.”
“I will defend Israel and its right to exist as a national home for the Jewish people,” she promised. “The same principles of security that will be part of any future arrangement; the blocs that will be part of Israel; Jerusalem – as I did during the negotiations [of the Kadima government with the PA]. But I cannot defend an ongoing failure by this government. And we can still change things. It is still not too late. September is not yet here.”