A meeting between the prime minister and the Yisrael Beitenu opposition party leader, MK Avigdor Lieberman, took place on Friday. Topping the agenda was Lieberman’s effort towards implementing a change in the form of government, seeking a presidential system that would mimic’s America’s form of government. Lieberman also is a leader in the growing movement towards introducing a constitution.
Lieberman has signaled Olmert that if Kadima support’s Yisrael Beitenu effort’s in the winter Knesset session to begin legislation towards a change of government, this would be interpreted as a positive sign, one that indicates Kadima views Yisrael Beitenu as a potential coalition partner.
Among the staunch opponents of remaining in a coalition with Lieberman’s right-wing party is rookie Labor MK Shelly Yacimovitz, who told reporters “Labor cannot come to terms” with the addition of Yisrael Beitenu to the coalition.
Speaking to Army Radio on Sunday morning, Yisrael Beitenu MK Yisrael Hasson rejected Yacimovitz’s sharp criticism, stating the people will decide, not a lone MK. Hasson added that reports that Friday’s meeting between Lieberman and Olmert surrounded his party joining the coalition are not accurate, insisting the focus of their agenda dealt with the proposed change in the form of government.
Labor Chairman MK Ephraim Sneh told the press that Yisrael Beitenu’s inclusion in the government would result in Labor breaking away from the coalition.
Analysts concur with remarks released by senior Labor official, Minister Ophir Pines, that despite Labor’s role as senior coalition partner, the party will not be able to flex its political muscle to prevent Lieberman’s party from entering the coalition should the prime minister so decide.
Pines explained to the press that he too objects to such a move, pointing out that the move towards election reform – the direct election of the prime minister, was a failure and as such, there is no reason to view current efforts in a positive light.
Analysts believe the ongoing dialogue between Lieberman and the prime minister will continue, explaining Olmert’s shaky coalition demands increased support if it is to continue once lawmakers return to Knesset following the holidays for the winter session.
Lieberman has signaled Olmert that if Kadima support’s Yisrael Beitenu effort’s in the winter Knesset session to begin legislation towards a change of government, this would be interpreted as a positive sign, one that indicates Kadima views Yisrael Beitenu as a potential coalition partner.
Among the staunch opponents of remaining in a coalition with Lieberman’s right-wing party is rookie Labor MK Shelly Yacimovitz, who told reporters “Labor cannot come to terms” with the addition of Yisrael Beitenu to the coalition.
Speaking to Army Radio on Sunday morning, Yisrael Beitenu MK Yisrael Hasson rejected Yacimovitz’s sharp criticism, stating the people will decide, not a lone MK. Hasson added that reports that Friday’s meeting between Lieberman and Olmert surrounded his party joining the coalition are not accurate, insisting the focus of their agenda dealt with the proposed change in the form of government.
Labor Chairman MK Ephraim Sneh told the press that Yisrael Beitenu’s inclusion in the government would result in Labor breaking away from the coalition.
Analysts concur with remarks released by senior Labor official, Minister Ophir Pines, that despite Labor’s role as senior coalition partner, the party will not be able to flex its political muscle to prevent Lieberman’s party from entering the coalition should the prime minister so decide.
Pines explained to the press that he too objects to such a move, pointing out that the move towards election reform – the direct election of the prime minister, was a failure and as such, there is no reason to view current efforts in a positive light.
Analysts believe the ongoing dialogue between Lieberman and the prime minister will continue, explaining Olmert’s shaky coalition demands increased support if it is to continue once lawmakers return to Knesset following the holidays for the winter session.