Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's veer to the left on Friday continues to shake the political system. He told Yediot Acharonot on Friday that he now favors a unilateral withdrawal from most of Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yesha). The long-time Likudnik said that the lines should be drawn so that Israel will be left with an 80-20 Jewish majority - implying that he would uproot and dismantle all but the large "settlement blocs" in Yesha.
His words elicited appreciation only from Shinui Party leader Tommy Lapid, who said that Olmert exhibited "much political courage" and that his words "should be considered seriously." Both to the left and right, however, Olmert's reversal was greeted with various measures of derision.
Housing Minister Effie Eitam (National Religious Party): "Olmert's remarks cause greater damage than the Geneva agreement. A unilateral withdrawal from Judea and Samaria means running away from terrorism - and there is nothing grimmer than that."
Transportation Minister Avigdor Lieberman (National Union): "Since the government has not yet discussed this matter at all, and neither has the Knesset, it can be understood that Minister Olmert is beginning his race [for party leader] within the Likud."
Minister Without Portfolio Gideon Ezra (Likud): "Olmert has a big problem in comprehension. Immediately after Israel announces a unilateral withdrawal, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will arrive in Yesha, and the demographic threat [that Olmert says frightens him] will continue in full strength."
Olmert's Deputy Minister in the Trade Ministry, Col. (res.) Michael Ratzon of the Likud, said that the words of his boss "express a position of total despair, giving up on any chance of reaching an agreement via dialogue. It's a mistake to think that if we uproot Yesha communities unilaterally, the world and the Arabs will accept the border that we set."
MK Yechiel Chazan (Likud), head of the Yesha lobby in the Knesset: "A call for evacuating communities and unilateral measures send a message of weakness to our enemies, and provides fuel for terrorism."
Opposition leader MK Shimon Peres (Labor): "Olmert's stance stems from political stress, although the words are true in principle. The Likud is reaching the correct conclusions - but late. This is a government that can make declarations, but can't execute a thing."
MK Yossi Sarid (Meretz) refuses to take any responsibility: "Finally Olmert sees the true reality with open eyes. It's hard to be impressed with his delayed confession. Thousands of people paid with their lives until Olmert saw the light."
MK Yuri Stern (National Union faction whip): "Talk of this nature causes a split in the nation, increases terrorism, and strengthens the Palestinians. It is in total opposition to the government's coalition agreements."
His words elicited appreciation only from Shinui Party leader Tommy Lapid, who said that Olmert exhibited "much political courage" and that his words "should be considered seriously." Both to the left and right, however, Olmert's reversal was greeted with various measures of derision.
Housing Minister Effie Eitam (National Religious Party): "Olmert's remarks cause greater damage than the Geneva agreement. A unilateral withdrawal from Judea and Samaria means running away from terrorism - and there is nothing grimmer than that."
Transportation Minister Avigdor Lieberman (National Union): "Since the government has not yet discussed this matter at all, and neither has the Knesset, it can be understood that Minister Olmert is beginning his race [for party leader] within the Likud."
Minister Without Portfolio Gideon Ezra (Likud): "Olmert has a big problem in comprehension. Immediately after Israel announces a unilateral withdrawal, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will arrive in Yesha, and the demographic threat [that Olmert says frightens him] will continue in full strength."
Olmert's Deputy Minister in the Trade Ministry, Col. (res.) Michael Ratzon of the Likud, said that the words of his boss "express a position of total despair, giving up on any chance of reaching an agreement via dialogue. It's a mistake to think that if we uproot Yesha communities unilaterally, the world and the Arabs will accept the border that we set."
MK Yechiel Chazan (Likud), head of the Yesha lobby in the Knesset: "A call for evacuating communities and unilateral measures send a message of weakness to our enemies, and provides fuel for terrorism."
Opposition leader MK Shimon Peres (Labor): "Olmert's stance stems from political stress, although the words are true in principle. The Likud is reaching the correct conclusions - but late. This is a government that can make declarations, but can't execute a thing."
MK Yossi Sarid (Meretz) refuses to take any responsibility: "Finally Olmert sees the true reality with open eyes. It's hard to be impressed with his delayed confession. Thousands of people paid with their lives until Olmert saw the light."
MK Yuri Stern (National Union faction whip): "Talk of this nature causes a split in the nation, increases terrorism, and strengthens the Palestinians. It is in total opposition to the government's coalition agreements."