Knesset Shook Up: Kadima and Likud Join Hands in Israel

Nadene Goldfoot
It didn't take long for Kadima (to go forward)  to join up with Likud over the weekend to form a national unity government in Israel.  Elections will come about in 2013.  Mofaz, former IDF chief of staff and Defense Minister had been  opposed to Netanyahu.  He has replaced Tzippi Livni as head of Kadima.

Mofaz and Netanyahu are both concerned about their domestic issues such as a law excusing  the ultra-Orthodox to serve in military service.  If they introduce a universal draft, he will not lose too many votes for doing so as he'll have the 28 members of the Knesset of Kadima instead to work with.

They also plan on rejuvenating talks with the PA and promote social justice.  The Iranian threat to national security is the biggest issue facing them which could be the impetus to form a new government.  Both leaders seem to be in full agreement on "how to deal with the Iranian threat".

It was Yuval Diskin, former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief and Meir Dagan, former head of Mossad, who are wary of Israel going alone to attack Iran by hitting their atomic weapon buildings.  So we have two slightly opposing opinions over the issue.  Ideally, if it must be done, they would like the USA to also participate.  After all, it is both of us that are threatened by Iran's atomic warfare plans.  If Israel goes down, the USA is next in line.

The window of opportunity is closing but the problem seems to be bigger than a little nation can tackle alone, like they have previously.    Now Netanyahu has the biggest coalition ever behind him.  I have no doubt that they will weigh this decision carefully.  They've been giving the world governments time to do their thing peacefully and stop the advance of Iran's maniacal mission.

Reference:  gerardrobins@sbcglobal.net: Israel's New National Unity government and the Iran Question by Yaakov Lappin 

Bibi's Plans for Israel

Former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said that Likud, which is his party, would not join a coalition with Kadima's Tzipi Livni and wants her to call for elections. He plans on being the candidate for his party. He would like elections now to create a stable Israel instead of waiting for six months or so. He would be able to set up a stable government.

As for a state of Palestine, he felt there was no peace deal at this time. The option is an economic arrangement. When all abide by this, they can look at a peace deal. In any case, he would not "evacuate Jewish neighborhoods." He wants to build in West Bank settlements. He explained that there Arab neighborhoods are growing, and it's happening in Jewish neighborhoods, also. Families have children and need to close off balconies. There is no reason why development of existing Jewish neighborhoods can't happen. He sees Jerusalem now being treated like a settlement. I think he means that no building is being allowed there by Jews, also.

When as a Prime Minister, Binyamin had built Har Homa, which protects Jerusalem from the South. He also built the Ma'aleh Hazeitim neighborhood.

In discussing Iran, he said that Israel cannot ever come to terms with an Iran with nukes. President Ahmadinejad of Iran talks of Israel's destruction. The world has heard this threat.

Reference: http://www.israelunitycoalition.org/news/article.php?id=3188