Top Likud officials: Netanyahu sold us out for half of Labor

[IndianaGreen]

Last update - 00:51 25/03/2009

Top Likud officials: Netanyahu sold us out for half of Labor

By Mazal Mualem, Haaretz Correspondent

The price Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu paid to Labor in exchange for joining the coalition is tantamount to corruption, senior Likud officials said Tuesday after the Labor Party central committee voted in favor of joining the Likud-led government.

Under the coalition agreement, forged between Labor Chairman Ehud Barak and Likud leader Netanyahu early Tuesday, an administration led by Netanyahu would respect all of Israel's international agreements, a formula that includes accords envisaging Palestinian statehood.

In addition, the Labor Party was promised several ministerial posts, including that of Defense Minister, which will be retained by Barak.

"Bibi paid Labor a corrupt price. He simply sold everything in exchange for half a faction," the officials said, using Netanyahu's nickname. The officials were incensed by the fact that the Trade, Labor and Industry portfolio, which was originally slated to be given to a Likud member, was promised to Labor under the coalition deal.

At least seven of the 13 Labor MKs voted into Knesset in the last elections opposed the move to join Netanyahu's coalition, and may now split from the party. This could mean that the deal applies to a mere 6 MKs who will be bound to the agreement.

Netanyahu has already handed out 14 ministerial positions in coalition agreements with Shas and Labor. Two additional portfolios have been reserved for United Torah Judaism and Habayit Hayehudi, both small religious parties.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1073652.html

Likud got too crazy for Ariel Sharon. Now that Bibi is leading the government with his racist pal Avigdor Lieberman, many Likudniks are unhappy that they got the shaft while Barak was attached to Bibi's shaft.

Watching this government go to pot! :popcorn:

[Massacure]

1. I like "formula that includes accords envisaging Palestinian statehood"

As much as I support a Palestinian state, I'm busting out the :popcorn:

[Chulanowa]

3. Could that wording get any vaguer?

"Project outline discussing the chance of potential palestinian statehoodness in the near future" perhaps

[bemildred]

2. Popcorn time indeed.

:popcorn:

[GoesTo11]

4. Netanyahu doesn't want to get dragged over a cliff

With the Obama administration, I'm guessing he realizes that it's best to not completely kill and bury prospects for dialog, and he doesn't want to give too much power to the farthest right. Interesting.