Yitzhak Herzog
Yitzhak HerzogMiriam Alster/Flash 90

For once and for all, said Zionist Union/Labor Chairman Yitzchak Herzog Sunday, the Zionist Union is not going to join Binyamin Netanyahu's coalition. Speaking at a party meeting, Herzog sought to dispel rumors of the past several days, which indicated that there was a possibility – even a likelihood – that the party would join the government.

The rumors may have gotten their start last week, when Herzog said that the party would support Netanyahu on the Iran issue, regardless of politics. Netanyahu and Herzog met on Tuesday evening and agreed on a united front with regards to the deal struck between the six world powers and Iran. Herzog reiterated his remarks made earlier that the agreement was “a bad one.” Herzog added that he would do his utmost on behalf of the security of the State of Israel in the new situation that has been created.

But that had nothing to do with joining the government, said Herzog. “If someone wasn't paying attention the last time I said this, or has been listening to the analysts who jump on 'signs' but are wrong again and again, or for those who don't want to hear, I will say it again,” Herzog told party loyalists.

“This failed government is responsible for the high cost of living, the high cost of housing, the gas development fiasco, the horrible abuse of workers, the terrible differences between Israel and its greatest ally, the US, for the cessation of the diplomatic process, for damaging the media, the justice system, and the democratic foundations of this country. We are not joining this government – it should be replaced immediately,” he added,