Speaking to Channel 2 News, Yisrael Beitenu party leader Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman expressed his hope that the “Zionist camp” will unify and solidify ahead of the general elections.
This week’s announcements by Yair Lapid and Noam Shalit to join the political arena has sparked widespread commentary and according to many, marked the beginning of the election campaign. Kadima leader Tzipi Livni is expected to move up party primary elections to March 2012, another sign of sprouting election activities.
Lieberman told Channel 2 the next government coalition must begin focusing on serious domestic issues, calling for a formulated plan. The senior minister was unwilling to make any predictions regarding his party’s willingness to sit in another coalition with Shas. He did however add that he favors the abolishment of religious councils and the need for legislation that provides incentives for those who served in the military, or alternatively, national service.
To the surprise of some Lieberman spoke of his close bond with former Shas leader Aryeh Deri, explaining the two speak daily. He feels that Deri is unique, both in his political capabilities as well as being a mensch – adding he is hopeful that Deri will return to the political arena. “The political system cannot give up on such an important player” he added, using the forum to lash out at current Shas leader Minister of the Interior Eli Yishai, albeit in a roundabout way.
Interestingly Kikar Shabbat reports that Shas officials are fuming over the interview, for they feel if the two speak on a daily basis, it signals Deri shares many of Lieberman’s views, including the abolishment of religious councils, a Shas stronghold.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
If Deri would emerge as the relgious leader best able to work with the hilonim without sacrifising principles, he would be well placed to become one of the leaders of Eretz Yisrael, as opposed to striving to lead the frum minority in Eretz Yisrael.
Lieberman (and the ex-Soviets in general) while tending to be anti-religious, reflect more their desire to continue with a secular lifestyle, as opposed to the “elites” of the Ashkenazi community who always saw Torah Judaism as an enemy to be defeated.
Thus a Lieberman-Deri partnership could pull something off.
Lieberman is a SUPER HAWK.
Deri is a SUPER PACIFIST…
Can not see how this aspect can be ignored.
#1, you are a racist. FYI, according to all opinions the immigrants from the FSU have greatly enhanced Israeli material life. After 70 years it will take time but many have already become frum and with the help of Hashem through agents such as Tzohar there will be improvements on the spiritual side.
As for Lieberman himself, he is shomer Shabbat and lives on a religious yishuv. His wife and married daughter cover their hair.He is also a proud Jew who tells it as it is to foreigners. His fight with the religious councils is due to many ofd them being taken over by people are fighting against the spiritual integration of the immigrants.
#3, What about all the goyim?