Finance Minister Silvan Shalom, one of the highest-ranking Likud members, told Israel Radio this morning that he prefers a broad-based coalition with Labor over a narrow one with the right-wing National Union and Herut parties. He explained that the serious matters that await the new administration dictate this approach.
Leaders of the National Union held a press conference today in which they attacked Ariel Sharon and the Likud. They were specifically incensed at Sharon's recent call, addressed to supporters of the right-wing parties, to vote for the Likud. Party leader Avigdor Lieberman said he knows, from discussions with Likud leaders, that Sharon plans to form a unity government with Shinui and with part of Labor, "in opposition to the wishes of most of the nationalist camp," and that "Peres will yet be Foreign Minister once again." A former leading Likud official, Yossi Ben-Aharon, also showed up to say that Sharon's "encouragement for a Palestinian state and his recent attacks on the nationalist camp have led me to support the National Union." MK Benny Elon asked, "Are you [Sharon] ashamed of your friends?"
Tensions continue in the Labor Party as well. Former leader Binyamin Ben-Eliezer harshly criticized the party's campaign, saying it was the worst he's ever seen, while his successor Amram Mitzna says that Ben-Eliezer has no right to speak after he sat in a unity government with the Likud for two years. Ben-Eliezer said that this was justified, as now no one can accuse Labor of "sitting out the war," but that he will have more to say after the elections.
Leaders of the National Union held a press conference today in which they attacked Ariel Sharon and the Likud. They were specifically incensed at Sharon's recent call, addressed to supporters of the right-wing parties, to vote for the Likud. Party leader Avigdor Lieberman said he knows, from discussions with Likud leaders, that Sharon plans to form a unity government with Shinui and with part of Labor, "in opposition to the wishes of most of the nationalist camp," and that "Peres will yet be Foreign Minister once again." A former leading Likud official, Yossi Ben-Aharon, also showed up to say that Sharon's "encouragement for a Palestinian state and his recent attacks on the nationalist camp have led me to support the National Union." MK Benny Elon asked, "Are you [Sharon] ashamed of your friends?"
Tensions continue in the Labor Party as well. Former leader Binyamin Ben-Eliezer harshly criticized the party's campaign, saying it was the worst he's ever seen, while his successor Amram Mitzna says that Ben-Eliezer has no right to speak after he sat in a unity government with the Likud for two years. Ben-Eliezer said that this was justified, as now no one can accuse Labor of "sitting out the war," but that he will have more to say after the elections.