Former minister Natan Sharansky, who has been a frequent guest at the White House in recent years, has rejected allegations from Kadima that if elected prime minister, Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu would not get along with the administration of US President Barack Obama.
He met with Obama a year ago and discussed the bottom-up theory of solving the Middle East conflict that Sharansky has been talking about for years and which has become the basis of Netanyahu's "economic peace" diplomatic plan.
Based on that conversation, Obama's writings and the history of Israel's relations with the US, Sharansky said he was convinced that Netanyahu would get along well with Obama's administration and that the president would endorse Netanyahu's approach to achieving peace with the Palestinians.
"The attempt to use Obama to attack Bibi really bothers me," Sharansky said in an interview at his Jerusalem office on Thursday. "It is absolutely ridiculous to say that a candidate who can say no to the Americans is dangerous, because it assumes that the ability to say no to the Americans is a bad thing."
Sharansky said there was no danger of a crisis with the US over a disagreement between the two countries as long as Israel was open with the American administration about its policies."If they have a feeling that we are playing games, that's when we have a real problem," Sharansky said.
Asked whether he had confidence in Netanyahu sticking up for Israel's positions more than his predecessors, Sharansky said Netanyahu had proven when he was finance minister that his ability to stand up to pressure had improved since his first term as prime minister.
"I complained to him when he was prime minister that he didn't withstand pressure, but as finance minister he stood up against the entire country," Sharansky said. "He learned and became stronger.
"Whether he will be strong enough to implement [his plans] depends on how strong his election victory will be. Inevitably you get pushed by your coalition partners, but he is much more capable now."
Netanyahu's economic peace plan calls for continuing diplomatic negotiations with the Palestinian leadership, regional cooperation with Jordan, and mass investment in the Palestinian Authority to give the Palestinians an incentive to seek peace. Sharansky said that if Netanyahu won the election and handled Israel's relations with America correctly, Obama would endorse the plan.
"Whether we end up having good relations is mostly up to us," he said. "If we lead our policies firmly, wisely and frankly, there is no danger of conflict."
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Arutz 2/Youtube post Debate Poll: 49% Netanyahu was The most persuasive and convincing
Who from the three the candidates convinced you the most?
49% Netanyahu
38% Livni
13% Barak
49% Netanyahu
38% Livni
13% Barak
Not a debate,But a confident Netanyahu
(Haaretz)."It was a make-believe debate, styled on an American model. But in fact, it was not an American-style debate. In the United States, questions by surfers were integrated into debates in real-time, to deliver difficult and piercing journalistic queries.
In Israel, one candidate replaced the other on a conveyer-belt rotation system. The dramatic peaks of the event occurred when the candidates shook hands with one another. Real live drama. The questions were as predictable as the answers. Netanyahu, the leading candidate, was the only one whose address yielded a headline. "Iran will not arm itself with nuclear weapons," he said with a menacing expression."
PM candidates hold Youtube/Channel 2 virtual debate
In the closest thing to a debate during the current election campaign, the three main candidates for the premiership arrived at the Channel 2 studio in Neveh Ilan, west of the capital, on Saturday evening and answered questions submitted by Internet surfers.
Binyamin Netanyahu said there would be no more disengagements under his leadership, Labor chairman Ehud Barak said the chances for the release of captured soldier Gilad Schalit were higher following the Gaza offensive, and Kadima head Tzipi Livni said that the Gush Katif evacuees were not being treated seriously, and committed to changing the situation.
First came Netanyahu.
"We live in a country governed by law, and the law should be respected. I support the uprooting of outposts via an agreement between the security establishment and the settlers. I think this is the right approach and it is better than a conflict," Netanyahu answered a woman who asked why she should send her children to the army when the government did nothing to remove illegal West Bank outposts.
"There is a double standard and hypocrisy; why don't I ever hear about the illegal construction on the road between Dimona and Arad and in the Galilee?" Netanyahu added.
One surfer asked why Netanyahu was speaking against the disengagement from Gaza when he had voted for it in 2005.
"I quit the government before the disengagement and because of it. I stood up at the moment of truth and quit. I will not lead another disengagement or any withdrawals," Netanyahu said.
When asked how would he treat the Israeli Arab sector he declared: "He who attacks the State of Israel should be punished, and he who helps it should be rewarded. We will work to promote harsher punishment of those who operate against the state. It is unacceptable that someone here identifies with terrorist organizations, and we will work against it. There are no rights without duties!"
Netanyahu also promised to invest more resources in culture, including in "establishing 50 cultural sites, museums and archeological sites. However, culture begins in education and children will not study the Nakba, but rather Israel's heritage, and the education minister in my government will stand up and sing "Hatikva," Netanyahu said, in a reference to current Science, Culture and Sport Minister Ghaleb Majadle.
Asked by Daliat al-Carmel resident Einat Halebi what he planned to do about the Iranian threat, Netanyahu said, "If I am elected, this will be my first mission, handling Iranian terror nests on the outskirts of Ashkelon and Beersheba and recruiting the entire international community for this mission. Iran will not arm itself with nuclear weapons."
He promised to work to create a broad unity government, "as I should have done as a prime minister [in 1996]. If I am elected, I will turn to all the Zionist parties to form a broad unity-government. We have tremendous challenges ahead of us."
Livni-i have...i will...i think....
Friday, January 30, 2009
Netanyahu to Mitchell: I will cooperate with Obama administration
In a meeting with US Mideast Envoy George Mitchell, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu said that if he was elected he would cooperate fully with the Obama administration, while safeguarding Israel's security interests.
Netanyahu and Mitchell discussed Iran's nuclear plan, and Palestinian economic development with the cooperation of Jordan and Egypt.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Maariv/telseker poll:Likud lead Kadima 28-23
First time in Maariv that Kadima is so low,While Likud and Lieberman's lead stays steady.
Likud 28
Kadima 23
Labor 17
Lieberman 16
Netanyahu:I will not feel obligated by any of Olmert and Livni's commitments
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni suffered a blow from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
on Thursday when Yediot Aharonot revealed concessions that he and Livni
allegedly made to the Palestinians.
According to the report, Olmert told US envoy George Mitchell that he and
Livni agreed to divide Jerusalem, maintain only settlement blocs in the West
Bank and uproot 60,000 Jews from their homes.
The revelations of the concessions less than two weeks before the February
10 election reportedly upset Livni, who told confidants that she believed
Olmert, her predecessor as Kadima leader, was purposely harming her.
In a speech to Tel Aviv-Jaffa College students, Livni denied that Olmert was
speaking for her when he talked to Mitchell.
"The headline does not represent me or what I am advancing," she said.
"I will only advance an agreement that represents our interests of
maintaining a maximum of [West Bank Jewish] residents, keeping places that
are important to us especially in Jerusalem, and not allowing the return of
a single refugee."
"Everyone knows that Olmert doesn't represent anyone but himself," a source
close to Livni added.
Olmert's associates denied any intention of harming Livni and said they were
not behind the leak to the newspaper.
"Any attempt to accuse the prime minister of purposely harming [Livni's
campaign] is baseless and wicked," a source close to Olmert said. "The prime
minister met with Kadima leaders on Sunday and said that he was ready to
help with anything they wanted. I don't know of any request received from
them since then."
Livni's opponent in the election, Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu, said he
would not feel obligated by any of Olmert's commitments if he won the race
for prime minister. He accused Livni of secretly making dangerous
concessions to the Palestinians.
"She said she was a partner to all the decisions made by the Kadima
government," Netanyahu told Army Radio. "Now we see what she decided and
what she conceded."
Netanyahu vowed to not uproot any Jews from their homes if elected.
The opposition leader also denied an allegation from Livni that he had
already concluded a coalition deal with Shas. Kadima decided on Thursday
against announcing that it had no plans to invite Shas to join a Kadima-led
coalition.
"She practically begged Shas to join the coalition before, so no one should
believe her now," Netanyahu said.
"Livni sat in a coalition with Shas and didn't leave. She is sitting in a
coalition with Shas now and not leaving, and I am sure she will sit with
them again. The only reason she didn't reach a deal with them was because
she intended to divide Jerusalem, which we see proven in the paper today,"
he said.
Netanyahu formally rejected Livni's offer of a debate on Thursday when he
said that "the real debate will happen at the ballot box."
on Thursday when Yediot Aharonot revealed concessions that he and Livni
allegedly made to the Palestinians.
According to the report, Olmert told US envoy George Mitchell that he and
Livni agreed to divide Jerusalem, maintain only settlement blocs in the West
Bank and uproot 60,000 Jews from their homes.
The revelations of the concessions less than two weeks before the February
10 election reportedly upset Livni, who told confidants that she believed
Olmert, her predecessor as Kadima leader, was purposely harming her.
In a speech to Tel Aviv-Jaffa College students, Livni denied that Olmert was
speaking for her when he talked to Mitchell.
"The headline does not represent me or what I am advancing," she said.
"I will only advance an agreement that represents our interests of
maintaining a maximum of [West Bank Jewish] residents, keeping places that
are important to us especially in Jerusalem, and not allowing the return of
a single refugee."
"Everyone knows that Olmert doesn't represent anyone but himself," a source
close to Livni added.
Olmert's associates denied any intention of harming Livni and said they were
not behind the leak to the newspaper.
"Any attempt to accuse the prime minister of purposely harming [Livni's
campaign] is baseless and wicked," a source close to Olmert said. "The prime
minister met with Kadima leaders on Sunday and said that he was ready to
help with anything they wanted. I don't know of any request received from
them since then."
Livni's opponent in the election, Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu, said he
would not feel obligated by any of Olmert's commitments if he won the race
for prime minister. He accused Livni of secretly making dangerous
concessions to the Palestinians.
"She said she was a partner to all the decisions made by the Kadima
government," Netanyahu told Army Radio. "Now we see what she decided and
what she conceded."
Netanyahu vowed to not uproot any Jews from their homes if elected.
The opposition leader also denied an allegation from Livni that he had
already concluded a coalition deal with Shas. Kadima decided on Thursday
against announcing that it had no plans to invite Shas to join a Kadima-led
coalition.
"She practically begged Shas to join the coalition before, so no one should
believe her now," Netanyahu said.
"Livni sat in a coalition with Shas and didn't leave. She is sitting in a
coalition with Shas now and not leaving, and I am sure she will sit with
them again. The only reason she didn't reach a deal with them was because
she intended to divide Jerusalem, which we see proven in the paper today,"
he said.
Netanyahu formally rejected Livni's offer of a debate on Thursday when he
said that "the real debate will happen at the ballot box."
Yes! we want you to go Home...
Livni in a interview with haaretz:
"
If Bibi nevertheless wins, will you serve in his government?
"I am not dealing with that possibility. But let no one in Israel console himself. Let no one think that he will vote Bibi and get me as part of the package. It's either me or him."
"
If Bibi nevertheless wins, will you serve in his government?
"I am not dealing with that possibility. But let no one in Israel console himself. Let no one think that he will vote Bibi and get me as part of the package. It's either me or him."
Netanyahu: Iran nukes trump global economy
DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — Israeli election front-runner Benjamin Netanyahu told a session of the World Economic Forum on Thursday that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons ranks far above the global economy among the challenges facing leaders of the 21st century.
Discussing leadership in crisis on a panel that also included British Conservative leader David Cameron, the hawkish Israeli Likud Party leader discussed the need for Israel to lower taxes and increase competitiveness if he emerges as prime minister after Feb. 10 elections.
Netanyahu, a former finance minister, said he believes the global financial meltdown is reversible if governments, businesses and people make the right decisions.
"What is not reversible is the acquisition of nuclear weapons by a fanatic radical regime ... We have never had, since the dawn of the nuclear age, nuclear weapons in the hands of such a fanatical regime," he claimed.
Asked about achieving peace in Gaza, Netanyahu swiftly turned his answer to Iran, which he said is in a "100-yard dash" to get nuclear weapons.
While he did not specify any planned military action, Netanyahu said that, if the Iranian rulers were "neutralized," the danger posed to Israel and others by Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah militants in south Lebanon would be reduced.
"We have had two wars with two Iranian proxies in two years and Persia has now two bases on the eastern Mediterranean," said Netanyahu, referring to this month's brutal fighting in Gaza against Hamas and Israel's 2006 war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
"I think we are going to have to deal with neutralizing the power of the mother regime," he said. "The Hamas stronghold would be about as important, if Iranian power was neutralized, as Cuba was when the Soviet Union became irrelevant."
As prime minister, he said, he would "move rapidly to advance a workable peace" with moderates in the Palestinian Authority and work to "drive down the radicals."
"But all of this will fall by the wayside if the world fails to stop Iran from arming itself with nuclear weapons. It was and remains the greatest challenge facing the leaders of the 21st century at the beginning of the 21st century," he said.
Discussing leadership in crisis on a panel that also included British Conservative leader David Cameron, the hawkish Israeli Likud Party leader discussed the need for Israel to lower taxes and increase competitiveness if he emerges as prime minister after Feb. 10 elections.
Netanyahu, a former finance minister, said he believes the global financial meltdown is reversible if governments, businesses and people make the right decisions.
"What is not reversible is the acquisition of nuclear weapons by a fanatic radical regime ... We have never had, since the dawn of the nuclear age, nuclear weapons in the hands of such a fanatical regime," he claimed.
Asked about achieving peace in Gaza, Netanyahu swiftly turned his answer to Iran, which he said is in a "100-yard dash" to get nuclear weapons.
While he did not specify any planned military action, Netanyahu said that, if the Iranian rulers were "neutralized," the danger posed to Israel and others by Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah militants in south Lebanon would be reduced.
"We have had two wars with two Iranian proxies in two years and Persia has now two bases on the eastern Mediterranean," said Netanyahu, referring to this month's brutal fighting in Gaza against Hamas and Israel's 2006 war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
"I think we are going to have to deal with neutralizing the power of the mother regime," he said. "The Hamas stronghold would be about as important, if Iranian power was neutralized, as Cuba was when the Soviet Union became irrelevant."
As prime minister, he said, he would "move rapidly to advance a workable peace" with moderates in the Palestinian Authority and work to "drive down the radicals."
"But all of this will fall by the wayside if the world fails to stop Iran from arming itself with nuclear weapons. It was and remains the greatest challenge facing the leaders of the 21st century at the beginning of the 21st century," he said.
Netanyahu optimistic in Davos
"Globes": So you don’t share in the general pessimism we hear here?
Netanyahu: "I'm optimistic about Israel. I don’t accept the assumption that Israel is dependent on the global economy and nothing can be done about it. Israel was one of the last countries to enter the crisis, and if we act right, Israel will be one of the first countries to emerge from it."
What is your opinion about how the Ministry of Finance is dealing with the crisis?
"The Ministry of Finance did not have ready plans, and its conduct reminds me of the conduct of Kadima in general. We could have emerged from the crisis sooner, but it's not yet too late."
What do you think should be done?
"From my point of view, we should be operating at several levels simultaneously: deal immediately with the credit crisis; increase R&D; invest in infrastructures and transport; and cut taxes. Tackling each of these measures separately won't yield results. We must do all of them together. Nonetheless, it's important to stress that there won't be a budget blowout; that would be a mistake, whether you're a business or a country. I won't let any party extort us."
How do you intend to deal with the credit crunch in Israel?
"It's vital to deal with this issue. The credit crunch is due, in part, to fear. Fear that the government can deal with by granting guarantees. It's also possible to use some of the US guarantees. When I was finance minister, we held back part of the guarantee for a rainy day, and that day has come."
Will you appoint a professional as finance minister?
"If I'm elected, it's very important to me to appoint to the defense and finance portfolios someone who can lead the policies that I believe in. What I can say today is that if I'm elected, the finance and education portfolios will be held by the Likud."
What is your opinion to the criticism that a large part of the capital market crisis is due to the Bachar reforms, for which you were responsible?
"These accusations are groundless. The capital market reforms that I led saved the old pension funds, and the new pension funds are in much better shape than pension funds in other countries. As for the provident funds, they've been in the capital market since the 1980s."
Netanyahu took the opportunity to take a swipe at Kadima. "When the boom was at its height, Likud MK Haim Katz proposed a bill bringing provident funds' bond holdings to at least 75%. We, in effect, wanted to restore the safety net, but Kadima objected, and the bill failed."
Netanyahu: "I'm optimistic about Israel. I don’t accept the assumption that Israel is dependent on the global economy and nothing can be done about it. Israel was one of the last countries to enter the crisis, and if we act right, Israel will be one of the first countries to emerge from it."
What is your opinion about how the Ministry of Finance is dealing with the crisis?
"The Ministry of Finance did not have ready plans, and its conduct reminds me of the conduct of Kadima in general. We could have emerged from the crisis sooner, but it's not yet too late."
What do you think should be done?
"From my point of view, we should be operating at several levels simultaneously: deal immediately with the credit crisis; increase R&D; invest in infrastructures and transport; and cut taxes. Tackling each of these measures separately won't yield results. We must do all of them together. Nonetheless, it's important to stress that there won't be a budget blowout; that would be a mistake, whether you're a business or a country. I won't let any party extort us."
How do you intend to deal with the credit crunch in Israel?
"It's vital to deal with this issue. The credit crunch is due, in part, to fear. Fear that the government can deal with by granting guarantees. It's also possible to use some of the US guarantees. When I was finance minister, we held back part of the guarantee for a rainy day, and that day has come."
Will you appoint a professional as finance minister?
"If I'm elected, it's very important to me to appoint to the defense and finance portfolios someone who can lead the policies that I believe in. What I can say today is that if I'm elected, the finance and education portfolios will be held by the Likud."
What is your opinion to the criticism that a large part of the capital market crisis is due to the Bachar reforms, for which you were responsible?
"These accusations are groundless. The capital market reforms that I led saved the old pension funds, and the new pension funds are in much better shape than pension funds in other countries. As for the provident funds, they've been in the capital market since the 1980s."
Netanyahu took the opportunity to take a swipe at Kadima. "When the boom was at its height, Likud MK Haim Katz proposed a bill bringing provident funds' bond holdings to at least 75%. We, in effect, wanted to restore the safety net, but Kadima objected, and the bill failed."
Livni's last bullet: Sexism
Livni's claim today that her lack of support is because she is a Woman,and that People don't intend to see a Woman making the same tough decisions as a Man or General,is a attemp to wake up the sexism Issue and blame her lack of Leadership on everyone.
What she fails to understand is that She is the first Woman in Israeli politics that held 10 ministry offices,She was elected as Chairwoman of a Leadinf party and was in the most powerful position ever as FM and part of the 3 decision makers in this Country for 3 years,but that alone is a indication that no matter what Livni is trying to promote herself as she will not succeed,because she lacks the kind of Leadership,and is part of a failed governmet,that failed to defend Israel's security and its best Interest, that made the wrong decisions and continues to surrender land and showing weakness against out Enemies,and without offering any Hope and Solutions to the Basics that keep us as a strong Nation,we say to her loud and clear:Not this time, not this year,not when the stakes are so high,this Nation is looking for strong Leadership that will take us out of the Ditch and bring Hope to the days aheaf of us.
Globes poll:Likud leads a right coalition of 71 seats
Likud 31
Kadima 23
Labor 15
Lieberman 16
Shas 10
Ichud Leumi 5
Jewish home 3
Agudat yisrael 6
Right wing Bloc: 71 seats
Kadima 23
Labor 15
Lieberman 16
Shas 10
Ichud Leumi 5
Jewish home 3
Agudat yisrael 6
Right wing Bloc: 71 seats
Netanyahu to gain from position of ‘strength’
(FT.com).As Benjamin Netanyahu slowly made his way through crowds of adoring supporters on Tuesday night, it looked as if one of the most important battles of the election campaign was already behind him.
Whether he will indeed emerge as Israel’s next prime minister will only be known after polling day on February 10. But he can enter the final stretch of campaigning safe in the knowledge that the entire election has shifted on to a terrain where Mr Netanyahu and his Likud party hold a natural advantage: security.
Both his campaign managers and his foot soldiers understand the message. One song that was repeated over and over again before Mr Netanyahu’s arrival proclaimed “Strong Likud, strong Israel”, while the party’s campaign slogans are filled with references to “security” and “strength”.
The theme was echoed by Likud supporters. Medina Aloni, a smartly dressed woman waiting outside the conference hall, said she would vote Likud because “we have to keep our strength and our security, and [Mr Netanyahu] understands security”.
Whether he will indeed emerge as Israel’s next prime minister will only be known after polling day on February 10. But he can enter the final stretch of campaigning safe in the knowledge that the entire election has shifted on to a terrain where Mr Netanyahu and his Likud party hold a natural advantage: security.
Both his campaign managers and his foot soldiers understand the message. One song that was repeated over and over again before Mr Netanyahu’s arrival proclaimed “Strong Likud, strong Israel”, while the party’s campaign slogans are filled with references to “security” and “strength”.
The theme was echoed by Likud supporters. Medina Aloni, a smartly dressed woman waiting outside the conference hall, said she would vote Likud because “we have to keep our strength and our security, and [Mr Netanyahu] understands security”.
The center that disappointed
(Haaretz).The right's victory in the 2009 election is unavoidable. Unless an all-out war breaks out next week and a surprise peace agreement is signed, Benjamin Netanyahu will be the next prime minister. After three years of a center-left government, a center-right government will come to power. The unlikely scenario is a Likud-Shas-Yisrael Beiteinu government, while the likely scenario is a Likud-Labor-Kadima one.
Either way the agenda of dividing the country will give way to an agenda of national security. The Israelis who voted for the left in 1999 and the center in 2006 will now be voting for a government whose heart is with the right.
The right's victory was not inevitable. It was not the result of the public's falling in love again with the settlements and the hills of Judea and Samaria. At its core, the Israeli majority is what it was before: realistic and pragmatic. It recognizes that the occupation is futile, but is looking for a safe way to end it. It recognizes that the Greater Israel vision is finished, but fears having a Hamas state on the outskirts of Kfar Sava.
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It is true that the Gaza campaign evokes jingoistic bluster. Dark emotions burst forth from the lowest recesses of consciousness. But these emotions, which appear among all nations in wartime, did not change the Israeli voter's fundamental attitude. That attitude was, and remains, a centrist moderate-hard one that holds that we must leave the territories and not trust the Palestinians.
And so, Likud's expected victory does not stem from any sudden transformation of the Israeli voter into Benny Begin. The voter is not as decent, liberal or nationalist as Begin. The voter has none of the principles and values of the Herut party, which is about to return to power. The real reason many Israelis will vote for the right in 2009 is their deep disappointment with the center - the center's leadership, party and cynicism. Disappointment with the fact that the center did not turn its moderate-hard approach into a comprehensive worldview from which it derives a clear policy.
When Ariel Sharon formed Kadima, the intention was clear: to offer Israel a third way. To replace the messianic visions of the right and left with a realistic vision. Sharon was not a man of principles, but he was guided by two simple ones: No to the status quo (because it was dangerous), and no to a final-status agreement (because it was impossible to achieve).
Sharon's practical alternative to both of these was a long-term process that gives Israel maximum security with minimum occupation. In other words, a border. Neither an end to the conflict nor an intensification of the conflict, but a border that will allow Israelis and Palestinians to conduct the conflict in an acceptable manner. A border that will allow the Jewish state to continue and thrive even without peace.
Kadima betrayed every one of Sharon's principles. In its three years of government it did nothing to change the dangerous status quo in Judea and Samaria. For the past two years it conducted delusional negotiations over a final-status agreement, which of course failed. Instead of remaining realistic and shaping a long-term peace process, Kadima made false promises of "peace now." Its conduct of the peace process was not in the spirit of Sharon, but of Yossi Beilin. Its military conduct was in the spirit of Vladimir Putin.
The result of that explosive cocktail in the peacemaking domain is multidimensional failure. But the political result is no less serious. Seeing as Kadima has become Cast Meretz, it undermines the left instead of building up the center. Kadima in 2009 is not a genuine alternative to the right, but rather one more North Tel Aviv party competing with Ehud Barak and Haim Oron for the orphaned voters of the late Tommy Lapid.
It is too late to change the results of February 10. But it is important to realize that they will be the center's loss more than the right's victory. The center will lose not because it is the center, but because it stopped being the center. The center will lose because it did not keep its promise to be a third way.
Either way the agenda of dividing the country will give way to an agenda of national security. The Israelis who voted for the left in 1999 and the center in 2006 will now be voting for a government whose heart is with the right.
The right's victory was not inevitable. It was not the result of the public's falling in love again with the settlements and the hills of Judea and Samaria. At its core, the Israeli majority is what it was before: realistic and pragmatic. It recognizes that the occupation is futile, but is looking for a safe way to end it. It recognizes that the Greater Israel vision is finished, but fears having a Hamas state on the outskirts of Kfar Sava.
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It is true that the Gaza campaign evokes jingoistic bluster. Dark emotions burst forth from the lowest recesses of consciousness. But these emotions, which appear among all nations in wartime, did not change the Israeli voter's fundamental attitude. That attitude was, and remains, a centrist moderate-hard one that holds that we must leave the territories and not trust the Palestinians.
And so, Likud's expected victory does not stem from any sudden transformation of the Israeli voter into Benny Begin. The voter is not as decent, liberal or nationalist as Begin. The voter has none of the principles and values of the Herut party, which is about to return to power. The real reason many Israelis will vote for the right in 2009 is their deep disappointment with the center - the center's leadership, party and cynicism. Disappointment with the fact that the center did not turn its moderate-hard approach into a comprehensive worldview from which it derives a clear policy.
When Ariel Sharon formed Kadima, the intention was clear: to offer Israel a third way. To replace the messianic visions of the right and left with a realistic vision. Sharon was not a man of principles, but he was guided by two simple ones: No to the status quo (because it was dangerous), and no to a final-status agreement (because it was impossible to achieve).
Sharon's practical alternative to both of these was a long-term process that gives Israel maximum security with minimum occupation. In other words, a border. Neither an end to the conflict nor an intensification of the conflict, but a border that will allow Israelis and Palestinians to conduct the conflict in an acceptable manner. A border that will allow the Jewish state to continue and thrive even without peace.
Kadima betrayed every one of Sharon's principles. In its three years of government it did nothing to change the dangerous status quo in Judea and Samaria. For the past two years it conducted delusional negotiations over a final-status agreement, which of course failed. Instead of remaining realistic and shaping a long-term peace process, Kadima made false promises of "peace now." Its conduct of the peace process was not in the spirit of Sharon, but of Yossi Beilin. Its military conduct was in the spirit of Vladimir Putin.
The result of that explosive cocktail in the peacemaking domain is multidimensional failure. But the political result is no less serious. Seeing as Kadima has become Cast Meretz, it undermines the left instead of building up the center. Kadima in 2009 is not a genuine alternative to the right, but rather one more North Tel Aviv party competing with Ehud Barak and Haim Oron for the orphaned voters of the late Tommy Lapid.
It is too late to change the results of February 10. But it is important to realize that they will be the center's loss more than the right's victory. The center will lose not because it is the center, but because it stopped being the center. The center will lose because it did not keep its promise to be a third way.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Livni- a Racist,calls Netanyahu and Shas Black
What panic can cause to a person:
Livni rejected the idea of joining the Likud government saying: "I won't sit in a Black-orange government".(Orange is a nickname given to the rightwing. Parties that rejected the disengagement,as the color orange was a symbol of the protests against it).
Livni rejected the idea of joining the Likud government saying: "I won't sit in a Black-orange government".(Orange is a nickname given to the rightwing. Parties that rejected the disengagement,as the color orange was a symbol of the protests against it).
Winograd member:Disturbing similarities between Gaza, Lebanon wars
Prof. Ruth Gabizon says that like war against Hizbullah in 2006, goals of recent military offensive in Strip were unclear and it ended with 'insufficient ceasefire'
"Israel(Kadima's Leadership) has a tendency to belittle its enemies," said Prof. Ruth Gabizon, a former member of the Winograd Committee, which probed the failures of the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
Speaking at conference held by the Institute for National Security Studies on Wednesday, Gabizon said "we like to call them (enemies) terrorists; we look down on them and underestimate their legitimacy.
"We must understand that we are facing a stubborn enemy that will not surrender easily. They are very serious as far as their sense of righteousness is concerned," she said.
Gabizon claimed that part of the failure in Lebanon stemmed from the fact that the war's goals were unclear, saying that the situation was similar to the one the IDF faced during the recent offensive in Gaza.
The professor said that both wars ended with an "insufficient" ceasefire, adding that "the conflict in Gaza is not over."
"Israel(Kadima's Leadership) has a tendency to belittle its enemies," said Prof. Ruth Gabizon, a former member of the Winograd Committee, which probed the failures of the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
Speaking at conference held by the Institute for National Security Studies on Wednesday, Gabizon said "we like to call them (enemies) terrorists; we look down on them and underestimate their legitimacy.
"We must understand that we are facing a stubborn enemy that will not surrender easily. They are very serious as far as their sense of righteousness is concerned," she said.
Gabizon claimed that part of the failure in Lebanon stemmed from the fact that the war's goals were unclear, saying that the situation was similar to the one the IDF faced during the recent offensive in Gaza.
The professor said that both wars ended with an "insufficient" ceasefire, adding that "the conflict in Gaza is not over."
Livni Doesnt like these polls...but... polls are polls are polls......
Get ready for 12 negative -Palin style days of personal attacks on Netanyahu, but its the Nation that prefers Netanyahu's strong Leadership,we can tolerate these attacks for another 12 days, but Our citizens can't tolerate another term of failed leadership of Kadima.
Video: http://www.reshet.tv/newsite/programs/actual/mishal/video.aspx
Video: http://www.reshet.tv/newsite/programs/actual/mishal/video.aspx
SURGE!!!! Arutz 2 Poll: Likud 34 Kadima 22,Rightwing Bloc= 70 seatss
Maagar Mohot Survey for Channel 2 "MishalCham" program.
Likud 34
Kadima 22
Labor 13
Yisrael Beiteinu 16
Rightwing Bloc=70 seats
Likud 34
Kadima 22
Labor 13
Yisrael Beiteinu 16
Rightwing Bloc=70 seats
LIVNI'S BAD MEMORY-Livni: It's either Likud and Shas or me
Less than two weeks before the elections, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Wednesday blasted the renewed partnership between the Likud and Shas, in an eleventh-hour effort to close the gap in the race.
"It's either Bibi and Shas - or me" Livni said in unusually combative address at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. "Today there is no such thing as separate ballots: Likud and Shas are one." ,The remarks come on the heels of the Sephardi haredi party's public support for Netanyahu as the next prime minister.
BR NOTE: Excuse me Mrs. Livni, you are seeming to lose your memory,and forget that the Kadima government is based on a partnership with Shas, and that you failed to create a coalition because Shas refused to give you the privilege to serve as PM,and that even if a miracle happens and Kadima wins more seats then Likud she is either going to have to get Likud or Shas to create a coalition and a government.
We know you are in Panic, but please CUT THE CRAP!!
"It's either Bibi and Shas - or me" Livni said in unusually combative address at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. "Today there is no such thing as separate ballots: Likud and Shas are one." ,The remarks come on the heels of the Sephardi haredi party's public support for Netanyahu as the next prime minister.
BR NOTE: Excuse me Mrs. Livni, you are seeming to lose your memory,and forget that the Kadima government is based on a partnership with Shas, and that you failed to create a coalition because Shas refused to give you the privilege to serve as PM,and that even if a miracle happens and Kadima wins more seats then Likud she is either going to have to get Likud or Shas to create a coalition and a government.
We know you are in Panic, but please CUT THE CRAP!!
It’s The Economy, In Israel Too,
(theJewishweek)— Benny Cohen, the owner of a popular wine and tobacco shop in the center of the capital, didn’t need the government — or a looming election — to tell him what he has known for months: that Israel is on the verge of a recession.
“Business is down at least 40 percent in the past few months,” reports the affable shopkeeper, flanked by rows upon rows of specialty tobaccos, pipes and cigarettes, and handsome shelves displaying the latest Israeli and international wines and chocolates.
Noting that his shop has been around for 50 years — just 10 years less than the state — Cohen said his clients are spending less money than they used to, “though people are still buying cigarettes,” he said.
Though concerned about the situation, Cohen is also philosophical. Israel, he stresses, has faced much worse, including wars and terror attacks, some just outside the door of his attractive shop.
“This isn’t something we have any control over,” Cohen said with a shrug. “The entire world is having problems and it’s impossible to know what will happen.”
This week’s prediction by the Bank of Israel that Israel will experience a full-fledged recession in 2009 didn’t come as a surprise to many Israelis, who have been seeing the signs for months.
Even so, the central bank’s announcement made it seem official and is sure to have repercussions during the upcoming national elections slated for Feb. 10. And while the recent war in Gaza reinforced the need for a strong military in the eyes of many Israelis, the economy will also be front and center come Election Day.
Virtually every Israeli knows someone who has lost a job in recent months, and those who are still employed fear for their jobs. About 17,500 people were laid off in December 2008, the highest one-month job loss in 20 years. Another 46,000 could lose their jobs in 2009, the central bank said.
In his sobering report, Bank of Israel Chairman Stanley Fischer, the man who sets monetary policy in Israel, predicted that unemployment will reach 7.6 percent later this year (it was 6.1 percent in 2008, the lowest in 21 years), and that the budget deficit will increase to 4.1 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Exports could fall as much as 6.9 percent this year, and productivity in the business sector by 0.9.
Fischer predicted that consumer spending will rise by just 1.1 percent in 2009, compared to 3.9 percent in 2008. That’s bad news for businesses used to flourishing in this increasingly materialistic society, and for the millions of people who were already just scraping by every month.
An editorial in this week’s Maariv urged readers not to forget the nation’s growing economic crisis when they got to the ballot box.
“The security agenda must not marginalize parties and politicians who care about fair wages, a social safety net and defending against poverty and distress,” the editorial said.
Shlomo Maoz, chief economist at Excellence Nessuah Securities, has no doubt that “economics will replace defense issues, even after the recent operation in Gaza.”
Like many other economic analysts, Maoz believes that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who served as finance minister in 2003 and 2005, is the most qualified of the top three candidates — Netanyahu, Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni and Labor leader Ehud Barak — to deal with the looming economic storm.
“He has already proven his ability to formulate an agenda and implement it,” Maoz said. “I think he can come up with a solid plan, which is what is needed right now. If Livni has such a plan, I haven’t heard about it. Barak is a fine defense person but I don’t think he really understands economics or the needs of the poor.”
Aaron Katsman, a financial adviser and editor of IsraelNewletter.com, agrees.
“Livni and Barak are following much more the policies that most of the global governments are taking at the moment, which is to spend their way out of the problem,” Katsman said. “They’re putting money into infrastructure, building roads and bridges and mortgaging the future by increasing government debt that will ultimately be borne by the taxpayers.”
Netanyahu, in contrast, “is looking at cutting corporate and personal taxes, things that provide businesses and individuals an incentive to keep more money, which they in turn spend or use to become entrepreneurs. He also wants to expand privatization, something he started earlier in the decade. If the Israel Lands Authority, for example, were to sell off state-controlled land, it would bring in billions of shekels,” Katsman said.
“Business is down at least 40 percent in the past few months,” reports the affable shopkeeper, flanked by rows upon rows of specialty tobaccos, pipes and cigarettes, and handsome shelves displaying the latest Israeli and international wines and chocolates.
Noting that his shop has been around for 50 years — just 10 years less than the state — Cohen said his clients are spending less money than they used to, “though people are still buying cigarettes,” he said.
Though concerned about the situation, Cohen is also philosophical. Israel, he stresses, has faced much worse, including wars and terror attacks, some just outside the door of his attractive shop.
“This isn’t something we have any control over,” Cohen said with a shrug. “The entire world is having problems and it’s impossible to know what will happen.”
This week’s prediction by the Bank of Israel that Israel will experience a full-fledged recession in 2009 didn’t come as a surprise to many Israelis, who have been seeing the signs for months.
Even so, the central bank’s announcement made it seem official and is sure to have repercussions during the upcoming national elections slated for Feb. 10. And while the recent war in Gaza reinforced the need for a strong military in the eyes of many Israelis, the economy will also be front and center come Election Day.
Virtually every Israeli knows someone who has lost a job in recent months, and those who are still employed fear for their jobs. About 17,500 people were laid off in December 2008, the highest one-month job loss in 20 years. Another 46,000 could lose their jobs in 2009, the central bank said.
In his sobering report, Bank of Israel Chairman Stanley Fischer, the man who sets monetary policy in Israel, predicted that unemployment will reach 7.6 percent later this year (it was 6.1 percent in 2008, the lowest in 21 years), and that the budget deficit will increase to 4.1 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Exports could fall as much as 6.9 percent this year, and productivity in the business sector by 0.9.
Fischer predicted that consumer spending will rise by just 1.1 percent in 2009, compared to 3.9 percent in 2008. That’s bad news for businesses used to flourishing in this increasingly materialistic society, and for the millions of people who were already just scraping by every month.
An editorial in this week’s Maariv urged readers not to forget the nation’s growing economic crisis when they got to the ballot box.
“The security agenda must not marginalize parties and politicians who care about fair wages, a social safety net and defending against poverty and distress,” the editorial said.
Shlomo Maoz, chief economist at Excellence Nessuah Securities, has no doubt that “economics will replace defense issues, even after the recent operation in Gaza.”
Like many other economic analysts, Maoz believes that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who served as finance minister in 2003 and 2005, is the most qualified of the top three candidates — Netanyahu, Foreign Minister and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni and Labor leader Ehud Barak — to deal with the looming economic storm.
“He has already proven his ability to formulate an agenda and implement it,” Maoz said. “I think he can come up with a solid plan, which is what is needed right now. If Livni has such a plan, I haven’t heard about it. Barak is a fine defense person but I don’t think he really understands economics or the needs of the poor.”
Aaron Katsman, a financial adviser and editor of IsraelNewletter.com, agrees.
“Livni and Barak are following much more the policies that most of the global governments are taking at the moment, which is to spend their way out of the problem,” Katsman said. “They’re putting money into infrastructure, building roads and bridges and mortgaging the future by increasing government debt that will ultimately be borne by the taxpayers.”
Netanyahu, in contrast, “is looking at cutting corporate and personal taxes, things that provide businesses and individuals an incentive to keep more money, which they in turn spend or use to become entrepreneurs. He also wants to expand privatization, something he started earlier in the decade. If the Israel Lands Authority, for example, were to sell off state-controlled land, it would bring in billions of shekels,” Katsman said.
Arutz 2 Poll:In a personal Election-Netanyahu wins over Livni with a 17% margin
If the Elections were held between these 3 candidates who would you vote for?
Netanyahu 41%
Livni 24%
Barak 14%
Netanyahu 41%
Livni 24%
Barak 14%
New Arutz 2 poll shows Labor slipping back down and Likud's lead Growing over Kadima,Lieberman safe in 3rd Place
Likud 32
Kadima 22
Lieberman 16
Labor 13
Kadima 22
Lieberman 16
Labor 13
Election poll: 30% still undecided
Although there are only two weeks to go till the elections, the feeling that many Israelis have not yet decided who to vote for proved accurate. Polls conducted by the Rafi Smith Institute this week revealed that some 20 Knesset seats remain undecided at this point.
According to the surveys, 14%-16% of the public stated that they have not yet decided who would get their vote on February 10, while more than 30% said that their current choice was not final and could still change in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, some 20% stressed that they planned to make the decision only the day before the elections, or on election day itself.
Undecided voters were predominately secular, more of them women than men and were generally more inclined to vote for centric or leftist parties, with a high voting potential for Kadima or Labor.
Former Minister Uzi Baram attributed this high rate of undecided voters to the lack of trust in the political system. "When the level of trust drops, the motivation to vote decreases as well, because people say... what difference could my vote possibly make.
"The public's alienation from the political system is profound, and not entirely unjustified. There is the question of corruption, and the question of images. The media is no less responsible for the politicians' image than they are," he added.
Prof. Ephraim Yaar from the Department of Sociology at Tel Aviv University said that the recent war in Gaza had greatly affected undecided voters. "I believe that the public hasn't yet fully digested the implications of the war in Gaza, and this introduced a new parameter to the conflict and enhanced voters' confusion.
"Moreover, because of the war, the elections have been pushed to the margins of public consciousness and voters are only now gradually getting into the atmosphere of elections," he added.
BR note:usually the undecided voters break for the one that leads in the polls,and the one that runs against the incumbent,while a few percent fall away because the decide to stay home,most voters that make up their mind in the last minute intend not to waist their vote and go after the trend,and vote for the party that has the best chance to win.
According to the surveys, 14%-16% of the public stated that they have not yet decided who would get their vote on February 10, while more than 30% said that their current choice was not final and could still change in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, some 20% stressed that they planned to make the decision only the day before the elections, or on election day itself.
Undecided voters were predominately secular, more of them women than men and were generally more inclined to vote for centric or leftist parties, with a high voting potential for Kadima or Labor.
Former Minister Uzi Baram attributed this high rate of undecided voters to the lack of trust in the political system. "When the level of trust drops, the motivation to vote decreases as well, because people say... what difference could my vote possibly make.
"The public's alienation from the political system is profound, and not entirely unjustified. There is the question of corruption, and the question of images. The media is no less responsible for the politicians' image than they are," he added.
Prof. Ephraim Yaar from the Department of Sociology at Tel Aviv University said that the recent war in Gaza had greatly affected undecided voters. "I believe that the public hasn't yet fully digested the implications of the war in Gaza, and this introduced a new parameter to the conflict and enhanced voters' confusion.
"Moreover, because of the war, the elections have been pushed to the margins of public consciousness and voters are only now gradually getting into the atmosphere of elections," he added.
BR note:usually the undecided voters break for the one that leads in the polls,and the one that runs against the incumbent,while a few percent fall away because the decide to stay home,most voters that make up their mind in the last minute intend not to waist their vote and go after the trend,and vote for the party that has the best chance to win.
Netanyahu: A divided J'lem would mean Iranian base mere meters away
Link to Video: http://myrightword.blogspot.com/2009/01/netanyahu-video-clips-of-remarks-in.html
Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu spoke sharply against the possibility of dividing Jerusalem under any circumstances and vowed to preserve the capital undivided.
Speaking at the Jerusalem Conference, the prime ministerial hopeful said "we have proved our full loyalty to a whole Jerusalem as part of Israel's sovereign territory. We will continue with this policy despite the creeping infiltration of a trend to divide the city and this is being said not only by our political opponents but also by those who presumably would be considered our allies."
"Everyone knows what would happen if we give away parts of Jerusalem. If we leave, someone else would come in and it will be Hamas, which means Iran would step in. This would mean an Iranian base would rise mere meters from here," he added.
"Giving up parts of Jerusalem will strengthen terror. Giving up the Temple Mount will bring the polar opposite of inter-religious peace. Those who seek peace would preserve Jerusalem undivided. An undivided Jerusalem under Israel's sovereignty would allow freedom of worship to all three religions," Netanyahu said.
Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu spoke sharply against the possibility of dividing Jerusalem under any circumstances and vowed to preserve the capital undivided.
Speaking at the Jerusalem Conference, the prime ministerial hopeful said "we have proved our full loyalty to a whole Jerusalem as part of Israel's sovereign territory. We will continue with this policy despite the creeping infiltration of a trend to divide the city and this is being said not only by our political opponents but also by those who presumably would be considered our allies."
"Everyone knows what would happen if we give away parts of Jerusalem. If we leave, someone else would come in and it will be Hamas, which means Iran would step in. This would mean an Iranian base would rise mere meters from here," he added.
"Giving up parts of Jerusalem will strengthen terror. Giving up the Temple Mount will bring the polar opposite of inter-religious peace. Those who seek peace would preserve Jerusalem undivided. An undivided Jerusalem under Israel's sovereignty would allow freedom of worship to all three religions," Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu gives Positive speech at Likud rally:We need a large Likud,urges to reconsider voting for smaller parties on Right
Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu sent a message to voters on the Right on Tuesday that the only way to strengthen a government led by him would be to vote for the Likud and not smaller, right-wing parties.
Netanyahu's call came on the day Shas chairman Eli Yishai formally endorsed him for the premiership and Israel Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman said the country needed a right-wing nationalist government. Yishai's and Lieberman's comments were intended to persuade voters that they could vote for their parties and still help Netanyahu get elected.
"We need a strong government, and for that we need a large Likud," Netanyahu said at a massive rally of more than 2,500 Likud supporters at the Jerusalem International Convention Center.
"There is a chance, maybe even a good chance that two weeks from now, we will receive the trust of the nation. And if the nation gives us its trust, we will work to unify the nation and form a strong government, with God's help."
Netanyahu stayed clear of controversial issues in his speech. He made a point of not attacking or even mentioning his competition in the February 10 election, sticking instead to consensus, "motherhood and apple pie" issues like praising the IDF and warning against the Iranian nuclear threat.
The job of attacking Livni was left to the candidates who spoke before Netanyahu: MKs Gideon Sa'ar and Silvan Shalom, former minister Bennie Begin and former IDF chief of General Staff Moshe Ya'alon. Every time any of them mentioned Livni, the crowd booed.
"Anyone who would make the Jordan Valley into the Philadelphi Valley is not fit to lead," Ya'alon said. "Whoever is too tired should be replaced. Whoever thinks time is against us should move to the sidelines even if her party's name means 'forward.'"
Sa'ar mocked Livni for presenting herself as the candidate of change.
He listed Livni's unsuccessful endeavors and said: "This isn't change. This is the same thing and the public doesn't want another term of Kadima's failures."
Ridiculing Livni's comparison of herself to US President Barack Obama, the party handed out shirts to the crowd bearing the words "No, she can't."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Netanyahu believes Likud will win elections
Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu said, "I believe that there is a good chance that in two weeks the people will put its trust in us. And if the public puts its trust in us we will act to unite the people and establish a strong government."
Shas to endorse Likud's Netanyahu as next prime minister
Shas chairman Eli Yishai on Tuesday announced that his party would endorse Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu as the next prime minister.
Yishai, who announced the endorsement during the official launch of Shas' election campaign, also said that Labor chief Ehud Barak should serve as minister of defense in the next government.
Yishai, who announced the endorsement during the official launch of Shas' election campaign, also said that Labor chief Ehud Barak should serve as minister of defense in the next government.
Netanyahu on way to win Championship
In a survey that took place among all of the league soccer players, in attention whom they plan to vote for on Feb. 10, the Likud won with 54 players endorsing Likud while 27 for Kadima and 5 for Labor
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Monday, January 26, 2009
Likud Takes Shenkin Poll
In a somewhat surprising move, the roaming Yediot Achronot poll was on Tel Aviv’s trendy Shenkin Street on Sunday. The victor in the day’s election was Likud, taking 25.5% of the popular vote.
Kadima came in second place with 19.4%, Labor (16.2%), Meretz (12.6%), Yisrael Beitenu (10.3%), Shas (3.2%), Ichud Leumi (1.5%), Alei Yarok (1.2%), Meimad (1.2%).
340 people voted but it must be pointed out the vote does not necessarily represent a fair cross-section of eligible voters.
Kadima came in second place with 19.4%, Labor (16.2%), Meretz (12.6%), Yisrael Beitenu (10.3%), Shas (3.2%), Ichud Leumi (1.5%), Alei Yarok (1.2%), Meimad (1.2%).
340 people voted but it must be pointed out the vote does not necessarily represent a fair cross-section of eligible voters.
Netanyahu warns against overconfidence
(Jpost).Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu took pains to downplay expectations on Monday, in the face of polls predicting victory for his party in the February 10 election with just two weeks left to go.
Netanyahu's associates said he did not want to repeat a mistake made by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who lost seats for his party two weeks before the 2006 elections when he told Russian immigrant voters that the race had already been decided.
"We need to get elected," Netanyahu said at an event with religious-Zionist supporters. "We still have two weeks. Even though things look promising, they are not guaranteed."
Netanyahu's associates said he did not want to repeat a mistake made by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who lost seats for his party two weeks before the 2006 elections when he told Russian immigrant voters that the race had already been decided.
"We need to get elected," Netanyahu said at an event with religious-Zionist supporters. "We still have two weeks. Even though things look promising, they are not guaranteed."
STRONG IN DEFENCE-Hamas advised to accept truce before Bibi
(PressTV).Egyptian officials advise Hamas leaders to accept a truce deal before Likud Chairman, Benjamin Netanyahu, is elected Israel's prime minister.
The London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsatreported on Monday that the Egyptian mediators attempted to persuade Hamas to accept Israel's conditions before a less cooperative government under Netanyahu comes to power, a circumstance under which Gaza government could "lose everything."
Egyptian warning comes as the latest surveys in Israel suggest that the former Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud, the far-right Yisrael Beitenu, is likely to win the February 10 general elections.
The London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsatreported on Monday that the Egyptian mediators attempted to persuade Hamas to accept Israel's conditions before a less cooperative government under Netanyahu comes to power, a circumstance under which Gaza government could "lose everything."
Egyptian warning comes as the latest surveys in Israel suggest that the former Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud, the far-right Yisrael Beitenu, is likely to win the February 10 general elections.
Netanyahu woos national religious sector
The Likud is wooing the religious Zionist sector: Party Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Member Effie Eitam, who heads the Religious Zionist party Achi, signed an internal memorandum solidifying the relationship between the two parties; and stating that the Likud now sees Achi as a full-fledged political partner.
In a joint press conference held Monday afternoon, Eitam called the pact "an ancient dream and a historic moment." Netanyahu, meanwhile, pledged to include the funds needed to support of the sector's school system in the State Budget.
"The religious Zionist public is part of every major way of life in Israel and it is time it was part of the ruling party," said Netanyahu. "This is no longer a limited sector, but one which is present in many avenues.
"We have all seen the major role religious soldiers played in the latest campaign in Gaza. They used to say a Likudnik was someone who was carrying a kippa in his pocket, but here we have Likudniks wearing it on their head. We should be proud of them."
The new pact, he added, "is not a coincidental one. The gaps between the Likud and Religious Zionism are disappearing."
According to the new deal, the Likud has pledged to prevent any further withdrawals, and push for a permanent, viable living solution for the Gush Katif evacuees.
The party also promised to regulate the religious services provided in Israe, to keep Jerusalem united and under Israeli sovereignty and to increase the capital's Jewish majority.
Kadima launches campaign slogan:"Tzipi Livni – A Different Kind of Prime Minister."
Despite public opinion polls, Kadima members are confident they're about to win the elections: Two weeks before Election Day, the Kadima party relaunched its campaign Monday under the slogan, "Tzipi Livni – A Different Kind of Prime Minister."
"Our experience says that the undecided voters come from the intelligent parts of the public, and these are people who do not walk with a ballot stuck to their forehead," said Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, who heads of Kadima's PR headquarters.
"The elections are between two candidates only, (Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi) Livni or (Likud Chairman) Benjamin Netanyahu," he added.
Vice Premier Haim Ramon also feels that the elections have yet to be decided.
"Whoever is busy summarizing the election campaign is making a serious mistake. Thirty percent of the public are still undecided, and this is unprecedented. The Likud is being arrogant and the election campaign is far from being decided.
The campaign managers, Reuven Adler and Eyal Arad, presented part of the election ads, some of which directly attack Netanyahu's reliability and others which try and present Livni as a person one can connect to.
"There's no pressure here, the pressure is elsewhere," said Arad. "We know what we're doing. The public is eager to hear what Livni has to say. Bibi fails to express his stances because he has been taken captive by his own party and by elements outside of it. He is trying to almost secretly slip into the Prime Minister's Office, but Bibi is afraid."
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Netanyahu:Yes, we can!
(BINYAMIN NETANYAHU-Jpost).President Barack Obama's accession to the presidency is truly inspiring. Today, every American boy and girl knows that there is nothing they cannot achieve if they apply themselves. This powerful sense of hope extends well beyond America's shores as people throughout the world try to bring the same optimism to their own countries.
But Obama also takes office at a time when America confronts enormous economic and foreign policy challenges. He will have to marshal all his considerable leadership skills to address these dual challenges. He has wisely chosen to surround himself with a first-rate leadership team and, no less important, he has also inspired confidence in his countrymen in the possibility of change and in the hope of a better future...........
......LIKE AMERICA, Israel faces enormous challenges. We too are not immune from the economic turbulence sweeping the world. We also must take immediate action, including enacting sharp tax cuts and implementing bold economic reforms, to protect jobs and sustain growth.
Our security challenges are no less daunting. Hamas remains in power and will try to rearm itself with an even more deadly arsenal. Hizbullah has de facto control over Lebanon and has tripled its lethal capacity. And advancing peace with moderate Palestinians is possible, but must be done in a way that does not sacrifice Israel's security interests.
Above all else, the top priority of the next government of Israel will be to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. Iran is a regime openly pledged to our destruction, and its threats must never be dismissed lightly. Israel must immediately redouble its efforts to work with the United States and other allies to neutralize this threat.
In three weeks time, Israelis will be able to choose a leadership that can address the difficult challenges we face. I believe that my colleagues in the Likud and I can provide that leadership.
But Obama also takes office at a time when America confronts enormous economic and foreign policy challenges. He will have to marshal all his considerable leadership skills to address these dual challenges. He has wisely chosen to surround himself with a first-rate leadership team and, no less important, he has also inspired confidence in his countrymen in the possibility of change and in the hope of a better future...........
......LIKE AMERICA, Israel faces enormous challenges. We too are not immune from the economic turbulence sweeping the world. We also must take immediate action, including enacting sharp tax cuts and implementing bold economic reforms, to protect jobs and sustain growth.
Our security challenges are no less daunting. Hamas remains in power and will try to rearm itself with an even more deadly arsenal. Hizbullah has de facto control over Lebanon and has tripled its lethal capacity. And advancing peace with moderate Palestinians is possible, but must be done in a way that does not sacrifice Israel's security interests.
Above all else, the top priority of the next government of Israel will be to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. Iran is a regime openly pledged to our destruction, and its threats must never be dismissed lightly. Israel must immediately redouble its efforts to work with the United States and other allies to neutralize this threat.
In three weeks time, Israelis will be able to choose a leadership that can address the difficult challenges we face. I believe that my colleagues in the Likud and I can provide that leadership.
Poll: More Israelis prefer Netanyahu as PM to any other candidate
Israelis prefer Benjamin Netanyahu to be the next Prime Minister of Israel over any other candidate, with the Likud chairman being picked by 29 percent of those surveyed.
Sixteen percent of those polled said they preferred Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni of the Kadima party, and only 9 percent saying they would support Defense Minister and Labor party chair Ehud Barak.
Netanyahu is also the preferred choice among those polled to serve as Finance Minister and as Foreign Minister as well.
Sixteen percent of those polled said they preferred Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni of the Kadima party, and only 9 percent saying they would support Defense Minister and Labor party chair Ehud Barak.
Netanyahu is also the preferred choice among those polled to serve as Finance Minister and as Foreign Minister as well.
Netanyahu: Likud-led government wouldn't build new settlements
(Haaretz).A Likud-led government would not build new settlements in the West Bank but would allow for natural growth, Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu told Quartet envoy Tony Blair Sunday, in an apparent attempt to calm the international community before this week's arrival of George Mitchell, the newly appointed U.S. envoy to the Middle East.
"I have no intention of building new settlements in the West Bank," Netanyahu told Blair in a meeting Sunday. "But like all the governments there have been until now, I will have to meet the needs of natural growth in the population. I will not be able to choke the settlements."
Netanyahu also said he plans to work to advance negotiations with the Palestinians quickly and to focus on economic development.
"Every moment of stagnation isn't good, and I plan to deal with the Palestinian issue very intensively," he said.
Netanyahu and Blair discussed the renewed American interest in the Middle East and Mitchell's visit to the region, as well as the 2001 Mitchell Report compiled by a committee he headed. The report led to the roadmap and called for a freeze in settlement construction.
Mitchell, who is due to arrive Wednesday, will be meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Netanyahu. Defense Minister Ehud Barak has delayed a trip to Washington planned for Tuesday night so he will be able to meet with Mitchell as well - although when Mitchell was appointed Mideast envoy by then-U.S. president Bill Clinton in the final days of the Barak government, the Labor leader ordered the army and government ministries not to cooperate with him.
According to Likud officials, Netanyahu recently said he would like to form a coalition without Kadima because he doesn't think the leaders of the Likud breakaway party could survive a stint in the opposition, ultimately causing Kadima to disappear from politics. The officials said Netanyahu wants to include Labor, Yisrael Beiteinu and Shas in a Likud-led government.
"I have no intention of building new settlements in the West Bank," Netanyahu told Blair in a meeting Sunday. "But like all the governments there have been until now, I will have to meet the needs of natural growth in the population. I will not be able to choke the settlements."
Netanyahu also said he plans to work to advance negotiations with the Palestinians quickly and to focus on economic development.
"Every moment of stagnation isn't good, and I plan to deal with the Palestinian issue very intensively," he said.
Netanyahu and Blair discussed the renewed American interest in the Middle East and Mitchell's visit to the region, as well as the 2001 Mitchell Report compiled by a committee he headed. The report led to the roadmap and called for a freeze in settlement construction.
Mitchell, who is due to arrive Wednesday, will be meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Netanyahu. Defense Minister Ehud Barak has delayed a trip to Washington planned for Tuesday night so he will be able to meet with Mitchell as well - although when Mitchell was appointed Mideast envoy by then-U.S. president Bill Clinton in the final days of the Barak government, the Labor leader ordered the army and government ministries not to cooperate with him.
According to Likud officials, Netanyahu recently said he would like to form a coalition without Kadima because he doesn't think the leaders of the Likud breakaway party could survive a stint in the opposition, ultimately causing Kadima to disappear from politics. The officials said Netanyahu wants to include Labor, Yisrael Beiteinu and Shas in a Likud-led government.
BARUCH DAYAN HAEMET
MK Rabbi Avraham Ravitz (United Torah Judaism) passed away overnight Sunday, succumbing to an illness which had him hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital since the beginning of January, our condolence and prayers are with his Family,friends and the Jewish people, May his soul rest in Peace.
Hysterical Livni: I am only one who can offer unity gov't
(Ynet).Foreign Minister and Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni said Sunday she was the only leader able to establish a unity government with Likud and Labor.
"Only a centrist party can be a common denominator for all of the Zionist parties," she told a Tzofim (Israel Scouts) convention in Jerusalem.
Labor said the Kadima leader's statement was "delusory, especially considering the fact that she has already failed to establish a government even when all of the conditions were in her favor."
Likud called the Kadima leader's statement "ridiculous," adding "Livni and Kadima are going to lose the elections. (Likud Chairman) Benjamin Netanyahu will form the next government, which will be a broad unity government."
"Only a centrist party can be a common denominator for all of the Zionist parties," she told a Tzofim (Israel Scouts) convention in Jerusalem.
Labor said the Kadima leader's statement was "delusory, especially considering the fact that she has already failed to establish a government even when all of the conditions were in her favor."
Likud called the Kadima leader's statement "ridiculous," adding "Livni and Kadima are going to lose the elections. (Likud Chairman) Benjamin Netanyahu will form the next government, which will be a broad unity government."
Arutz 1/Midgam poll: Likud leads Kadima 30-22
Likud 30
Kadima 22
Labor 17
Lieberman 16
Shas 10
Rightwing Bloc= 67 seats
Kadima 22
Labor 17
Lieberman 16
Shas 10
Rightwing Bloc= 67 seats
RECESSION? -Bank of Israel forecasts negative growth for economy
(Globes).The Bank of Israel now forecasts negative growth of -0.2% in 2009. Today's revision is the third time in the past two months that the Bank of Israel has pushed down its growth forecast. Last month it predicted growth of 1.5% in 2009, while in November it predicted that growth would be between 1.5-2.7%.
This latest negative growth forecast may also affect Israel's interest rate. The Bank of Israel's monetary committee began its monthly interest rate discussion today ahead of tomorrow's interest rate decision for February by Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer.
The announcement about negative growth indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that rather than the expected cut of 50 basis points tomorrow, the cut will now be a more significant 75 basis points, and possibly even a full 1%, though the likelihood of this latter figure is low. Last month Fischer lowered the interest rate by 75 basis points to 1.75%.
The Bank of Israel's today said, "Most of the data is negative. There has been a substantial worsening in economic activity and a fall in growth and global trade forecasts, the fall in economic activity in the fourth quarter in Israel and especially the sharp fall in exports and industrial production, Operation Cast Lead had substantial fiscal costs and may have a negative influence on export services and tourism."
This latest negative growth forecast may also affect Israel's interest rate. The Bank of Israel's monetary committee began its monthly interest rate discussion today ahead of tomorrow's interest rate decision for February by Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer.
The announcement about negative growth indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that rather than the expected cut of 50 basis points tomorrow, the cut will now be a more significant 75 basis points, and possibly even a full 1%, though the likelihood of this latter figure is low. Last month Fischer lowered the interest rate by 75 basis points to 1.75%.
The Bank of Israel's today said, "Most of the data is negative. There has been a substantial worsening in economic activity and a fall in growth and global trade forecasts, the fall in economic activity in the fourth quarter in Israel and especially the sharp fall in exports and industrial production, Operation Cast Lead had substantial fiscal costs and may have a negative influence on export services and tourism."
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Kadima warns Netanyahu-led Israel would clash with Obama, Likud in responce:The public want a tough leader who will protect Israel's interests
(Haaretz).Kadima is capitalizing on Washington's new administration in its campaign for the premiership against Likud chairman MK Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that a Netanyahu government will lead to a clash between Israel and the United States.
Livni said the visit Wednesday of Obama's new envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, was "an opportunity for Israel." The United States wants to be involved and bring about a solution to the conflict. The pressure it brings to bear will be directed at those who reject the process. Israel will have to chose whether it is on the side that promotes the process or rejects it; otherwise there will be an unavoidable rift with the United States," Livni said.
Sources close to Netanyahu dismissed Kadima's "Obama campaign" and called it "very superficial" and indicated that Kadima was "desperate." The sources said that unlike Livni, Netanyahu had a deep understanding, developed over many years, of the American administration and its central figures.
Senior Likud figures said Livni's advisers were actually helping Netanyahu in their "Obama campaign." "Clearly the public has moved to the right after the war in Gaza, so it will also want a tough leader who will protect Israel's interests vis-a-vis the Americans," they said.
Sources close to Netanyahu say his views are much more suitable for the new administration than those of his rivals. If Netanyahu becomes prime minister, an associate said, "he will work to significantly improve the situation in the West Bank, both economically and in terms of security. In a short time under Netanyahu changes will be seen that were not seen all during the period that Livni was negotiating, so we will reach a real diplomatic solution."
Livni said the visit Wednesday of Obama's new envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, was "an opportunity for Israel." The United States wants to be involved and bring about a solution to the conflict. The pressure it brings to bear will be directed at those who reject the process. Israel will have to chose whether it is on the side that promotes the process or rejects it; otherwise there will be an unavoidable rift with the United States," Livni said.
Sources close to Netanyahu dismissed Kadima's "Obama campaign" and called it "very superficial" and indicated that Kadima was "desperate." The sources said that unlike Livni, Netanyahu had a deep understanding, developed over many years, of the American administration and its central figures.
Senior Likud figures said Livni's advisers were actually helping Netanyahu in their "Obama campaign." "Clearly the public has moved to the right after the war in Gaza, so it will also want a tough leader who will protect Israel's interests vis-a-vis the Americans," they said.
Sources close to Netanyahu say his views are much more suitable for the new administration than those of his rivals. If Netanyahu becomes prime minister, an associate said, "he will work to significantly improve the situation in the West Bank, both economically and in terms of security. In a short time under Netanyahu changes will be seen that were not seen all during the period that Livni was negotiating, so we will reach a real diplomatic solution."
ATTN Mrs. Livni:Obama's envoy to the Middle East Mitchell shares same commen ground with Netanyahu
George Mitchell in November 2007
http://www.middleeastprogress.org/georgemitchell/
"Political and security measures can't succeed in any sustainable way unless a very high priority is also given to economic issues.... economic improvement ... has to be front and center, an integral daily part of the process or else the process can't gain the necessary support of the people in the societies that are engaged in conflict.... I believe, in every conflict situation people need physical security, they need political freedom, they need personal dignity. In the end what people need most of all are jobs. Economic growth, job creation, to give people opportunity, hope, create a sense of meaningful participation in society."
Netanyahu in November 2008 to a Knesset committee http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1036764.html
Israel intends "to advance peace talks with the Palestinians, in order to gain a stable, safe, and prosperous peace." The Likud leader also vowed that Israel will "continue diplomatic negotiations and we will advance the 'economic peace' whose goal is to bring the rapid development of the Palestinian economy and to prepare public opinion for a real agreement. The economic peace is not an alternative for peace talks but will help guide a winning process. We have seen this in the world, quickened economic development has helped form the conditions for peace and the resolution of conflict," Netanyahu said.
http://www.middleeastprogress.org/georgemitchell/
"Political and security measures can't succeed in any sustainable way unless a very high priority is also given to economic issues.... economic improvement ... has to be front and center, an integral daily part of the process or else the process can't gain the necessary support of the people in the societies that are engaged in conflict.... I believe, in every conflict situation people need physical security, they need political freedom, they need personal dignity. In the end what people need most of all are jobs. Economic growth, job creation, to give people opportunity, hope, create a sense of meaningful participation in society."
Netanyahu in November 2008 to a Knesset committee http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1036764.html
Israel intends "to advance peace talks with the Palestinians, in order to gain a stable, safe, and prosperous peace." The Likud leader also vowed that Israel will "continue diplomatic negotiations and we will advance the 'economic peace' whose goal is to bring the rapid development of the Palestinian economy and to prepare public opinion for a real agreement. The economic peace is not an alternative for peace talks but will help guide a winning process. We have seen this in the world, quickened economic development has helped form the conditions for peace and the resolution of conflict," Netanyahu said.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Arutz 1 poll: Netanyahu leads livni 47-23
Whom do you prefer to be Prime Minister and lead the Government after the election?
Netanyahu 47%
Livni 23%
Barak 16%
Netanyahu 47%
Livni 23%
Barak 16%
SHOCK - Arutz 1/Shvakim panorama poll: Labor contending Kadima for 2nd place
Likud 29
Kadima 20
Labor 17
Lieberman 14
a 1/3 of those who would vote Kadima in the poll are still not sure that they will vote for Kadima.
Kadima 20
Labor 17
Lieberman 14
a 1/3 of those who would vote Kadima in the poll are still not sure that they will vote for Kadima.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Obama: We will aggressively seek lasting Middle East peace
Obama on Thursday named former Sen. George Mitchell as his Middle East envoy, saying one of his key tasks would be ensuring that the cease-fire in Gaza lasts.
In a news conference at the U.S. State Department, Obama said the outline for a "durable cease-fire" in Gaza was clear.
"Hamas must end its rocket fire, Israel will complete the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza. The United States and our partners will support a credible anti-smuggling and interdiction regime so that Hamas cannot rearm," the new president said in his first major speech on the region as since he took office on Tuesday.
One of Israel's aims in its recent 3-week offensive against Hamas in Gaza was to halt the smuggling of weapons into the coastal territory.
Obama also reaffirmed his commitment to reaching a peace for the Middle East.
"It will be the policy of my administration to actively and aggressively seek a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians as well as Israel and its Arab neighbors," Obama said, adding that he would send Mitchell to the region soon.
He said that his administration will support a credible system of ending smuggling into Gaza.
The president added that he was deeply concerned by the loss of life among both Israelis and Palestinians, and by the suffering taking place in Gaza. He said his heart "goes out to civilians who are going without food, water or medical care."
He also said Gaza's borders should be opened to allow aid to come in, with appropriate monitoring.
In a news conference at the U.S. State Department, Obama said the outline for a "durable cease-fire" in Gaza was clear.
"Hamas must end its rocket fire, Israel will complete the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza. The United States and our partners will support a credible anti-smuggling and interdiction regime so that Hamas cannot rearm," the new president said in his first major speech on the region as since he took office on Tuesday.
One of Israel's aims in its recent 3-week offensive against Hamas in Gaza was to halt the smuggling of weapons into the coastal territory.
Obama also reaffirmed his commitment to reaching a peace for the Middle East.
"It will be the policy of my administration to actively and aggressively seek a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians as well as Israel and its Arab neighbors," Obama said, adding that he would send Mitchell to the region soon.
He said that his administration will support a credible system of ending smuggling into Gaza.
The president added that he was deeply concerned by the loss of life among both Israelis and Palestinians, and by the suffering taking place in Gaza. He said his heart "goes out to civilians who are going without food, water or medical care."
He also said Gaza's borders should be opened to allow aid to come in, with appropriate monitoring.
Kadima MKs not Optimistic,Only Schalit's release can win us election
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni convened her party's top 40 candidates for a
pep talk at the party's Petah Tikva headquarters on Thursday night amid
polls showing the Likud's gap over Kadima continuing to widen as the
February 10 election approaches.
Kadima pollster Kalman Geyer presented the candidates with data indicating
that the race was much closer than this week's surveys have indicated. The
three most recent polls, published in Yisrael Hayom and broadcast on
Channels 2 and 1, give the Likud a lead of eight to 12 Knesset seats.
Party strategist Lior Chorev admitted that Kadima had been hurt by a
rightward shift in the public since Operation Cast Lead began on December
27. But he predicted that there was enough time before the election to
reduce the impact of the war.
"Within two weeks, people will forget that there was a war," Chorev said.
"We live in a country where no one even remembers that there was a terrorist
attack as soon as funerals are over."
MKs at the meeting admitted that they were not as optimistic. In closed
conversations they said there was only one eventuality that could turn
around the election: If a Kadima-led government succeeded in bringing home
kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit.
"It is not ethical to connect Gilad Schalit to politics, but [his coming
home] could change the political situation," one MK said candidly.
In her speech to the party's candidates, Livni called Netanyahu "a terrible
prime minister" and reiterated her request for a debate. She complained that
the three candidates spoke separately at an economic conference in Tel Aviv
on Thursday.
"If someone says [in their campaign ads that] they are strong and then
avoids a debate, it means he is strong only in slogans and he is not strong
enough to lead the country through its challenges," Livni said.
pep talk at the party's Petah Tikva headquarters on Thursday night amid
polls showing the Likud's gap over Kadima continuing to widen as the
February 10 election approaches.
Kadima pollster Kalman Geyer presented the candidates with data indicating
that the race was much closer than this week's surveys have indicated. The
three most recent polls, published in Yisrael Hayom and broadcast on
Channels 2 and 1, give the Likud a lead of eight to 12 Knesset seats.
Party strategist Lior Chorev admitted that Kadima had been hurt by a
rightward shift in the public since Operation Cast Lead began on December
27. But he predicted that there was enough time before the election to
reduce the impact of the war.
"Within two weeks, people will forget that there was a war," Chorev said.
"We live in a country where no one even remembers that there was a terrorist
attack as soon as funerals are over."
MKs at the meeting admitted that they were not as optimistic. In closed
conversations they said there was only one eventuality that could turn
around the election: If a Kadima-led government succeeded in bringing home
kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit.
"It is not ethical to connect Gilad Schalit to politics, but [his coming
home] could change the political situation," one MK said candidly.
In her speech to the party's candidates, Livni called Netanyahu "a terrible
prime minister" and reiterated her request for a debate. She complained that
the three candidates spoke separately at an economic conference in Tel Aviv
on Thursday.
"If someone says [in their campaign ads that] they are strong and then
avoids a debate, it means he is strong only in slogans and he is not strong
enough to lead the country through its challenges," Livni said.
Likud's strategy against Yisrael Beiteinu? Kid gloves
(Haaretz).Likud is currently being careful not to attack Yisrael Beiteinu in its campaign, even though it has lost votes to the latter over the last few weeks. Likud is assuming it will need Avigdor Lieberman's party as a coalition partner should it form the next government.
And for now, at least, Lieberman appears to be returning the favor: His campaign has not targeted either Likud or its leader, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Each day Likud campaign officials reevaluate the decision not to attack Yisrael Beiteinu, but for now, they are unanimous in agreeing that this would be unwise - especially given Lieberman's popularity among Russian immigrants. As a result, Likud is searching for other, less direct methods of wooing voters away from Lieberman.
One method is by telling voters that it is important to vote Likud so that Netanyahu, rather than Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni, forms the next government. Lieberman is not considered a serious contender for prime minister, so this is not a slap at Yisrael Beiteinu,At the same time, Likud is promising that Lieberman will be a senior partner in any Netanyahu government.
For now, Likud officials say, the movement of voters from Likud to Yisrael Beiteinu is not large enough to warrant drastic measures. But they are keeping a close eye on the matter.
Likud is also trying not to attack other, smaller rightist parties, because it prefers to stay focused on its principal rival, Kadima.
And for now, at least, Lieberman appears to be returning the favor: His campaign has not targeted either Likud or its leader, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Each day Likud campaign officials reevaluate the decision not to attack Yisrael Beiteinu, but for now, they are unanimous in agreeing that this would be unwise - especially given Lieberman's popularity among Russian immigrants. As a result, Likud is searching for other, less direct methods of wooing voters away from Lieberman.
One method is by telling voters that it is important to vote Likud so that Netanyahu, rather than Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni, forms the next government. Lieberman is not considered a serious contender for prime minister, so this is not a slap at Yisrael Beiteinu,At the same time, Likud is promising that Lieberman will be a senior partner in any Netanyahu government.
For now, Likud officials say, the movement of voters from Likud to Yisrael Beiteinu is not large enough to warrant drastic measures. But they are keeping a close eye on the matter.
Likud is also trying not to attack other, smaller rightist parties, because it prefers to stay focused on its principal rival, Kadima.
Netanyahu: A Likud government that I head is committed to improving the status of women in Israel
“Giving women an opportunity to work is a humane and socially beneficial measure but also an economic measure of highest importance. We can and must invest in a policy that supports women working”, said Netanyahu in response to a query about his commitment to legislation that would improve the situation of mothers who wish to go to work.
The table on the 14th floor of Metzuday Zeev was thronged with Likud women who came for a special press conference to hear a presentation of the Likud’s policy regarding the status of women.
“The Israeli economy’s main problem is the low rate of participation of the adult population in the job market, and if this improves, the Israeli economy can be one of the most prosperous in the world.
Netanyhau went on to refer specifically to two areas he intends to promote: first , to allow women the opportunity to pursue both family and a career, which is important socially, economically, and personally. This could be done through free day-care centers, and tax benefits.
The second area is that the ministerial committee would focus on three important subjects: the war on violence against women; enforcement equality of pay between the genders, and promoting women in the civil service.
The last speaker, Roni Aloni, was invited as the representative of the women’s organizations. “I am here in the name of 32 leading women’s organizations, she said and stated that the Likud is the only party that relates seriously to the issue of women. “We wrote up a document of principles and the only ones who responded to us seriously were the candidates in this room today,” Aloni said.
At the end of the press conference, Netanyahu was asked: Do you pledge to give women representation in your government, and Netanyahu replied, “As much as possible”.
Netanyahu promises dramatic tax cuts
(Globes).Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu claimed today that he will "dramatically" cut personal and corporate taxes if elected.
At an annual conference of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, Netanyahu said, "Over the course of four years, we will lower the top personal tax rate from today's 46% to a level of 35%, and we will lower the top corporate tax rate from 27% to only 18%."
His comments were met with wild applause.
Netanyahu added, "The tax cut will be spread over the entire term, and lead to everyone paying about 20% less than what they pay today".
Netanyahu warned that Israel's citizens don't understand how deep the economic crisis is, and promised that his first goals, if elected as Prime Minister, will be to protect jobs, savings, and what he termed the economic health of companies.
He outlined several steps in order to "brake, turn, and takeoff". The steps, besides tax cuts, range from dealing with the credit crunch, to lowering the components of the government's expenses "electricity, water, ports, and the Airports Authority". The implication was privatization and reform.
At an annual conference of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, Netanyahu said, "Over the course of four years, we will lower the top personal tax rate from today's 46% to a level of 35%, and we will lower the top corporate tax rate from 27% to only 18%."
His comments were met with wild applause.
Netanyahu added, "The tax cut will be spread over the entire term, and lead to everyone paying about 20% less than what they pay today".
Netanyahu warned that Israel's citizens don't understand how deep the economic crisis is, and promised that his first goals, if elected as Prime Minister, will be to protect jobs, savings, and what he termed the economic health of companies.
He outlined several steps in order to "brake, turn, and takeoff". The steps, besides tax cuts, range from dealing with the credit crunch, to lowering the components of the government's expenses "electricity, water, ports, and the Airports Authority". The implication was privatization and reform.
Globes poll: Likud maintains lead, Lieberman strengthens
The first survey carried out by "Globes" with Geocartography after the end of Operation Cast Lead in Gaza shows the right continuing to strengthen and leader of the opposition Benjamin Netanyahu consolidating his status as prime minister in waiting. If the elections were held today, Likud, according to the survey, would receive 32 out of the 120 Knesset seats, while the right wing block as a whole would receive 69 seats. This is all before campaigning, suspended by the war, begins in earnest.
Although the Likud has dropped one seat since last week's poll, the gap that Netanyahu opened up on the ruling parties before the war has been maintained. Not only has Kadima, the ruling party, not benefitted electorally from the war, but it even lost ground, and is down from 22 seats a week ago to 21 today. It is doubtful whether the tables can be turned in the time that remains. Nevertheless, in Israeli politics three weeks are an eternity, and the political agenda, which started with clean government, and moved to the economy, and then to security, can still shift again more than once.
If Netanyahu thought that his nightmare Israel Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) leader Avigdor Lieberman as minister of defense had passed, he was wrong. Israel Beiteinu has risen by two seats since last week, now standing at sixteen. The party is now one seat ahead of Labor, which stands at fifteen seats.
Behind Labor is Shas with nine seats, down one since last week, United Torah Judaism with five seats (down two), Meretz also with five (unchanged), Habayit Hayehudi with four seats (up one), Haihud Haleumi with thee seats (unchanged), and the Arab parties with ten seats (unchanged).
Theoretically, the projected results give Netanyahu a wide range of options for forming a coalition, but his public obligation as head of Likud will be to form a right-wing government
Although the Likud has dropped one seat since last week's poll, the gap that Netanyahu opened up on the ruling parties before the war has been maintained. Not only has Kadima, the ruling party, not benefitted electorally from the war, but it even lost ground, and is down from 22 seats a week ago to 21 today. It is doubtful whether the tables can be turned in the time that remains. Nevertheless, in Israeli politics three weeks are an eternity, and the political agenda, which started with clean government, and moved to the economy, and then to security, can still shift again more than once.
If Netanyahu thought that his nightmare Israel Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) leader Avigdor Lieberman as minister of defense had passed, he was wrong. Israel Beiteinu has risen by two seats since last week, now standing at sixteen. The party is now one seat ahead of Labor, which stands at fifteen seats.
Behind Labor is Shas with nine seats, down one since last week, United Torah Judaism with five seats (down two), Meretz also with five (unchanged), Habayit Hayehudi with four seats (up one), Haihud Haleumi with thee seats (unchanged), and the Arab parties with ten seats (unchanged).
Theoretically, the projected results give Netanyahu a wide range of options for forming a coalition, but his public obligation as head of Likud will be to form a right-wing government
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Kadima MK's acnowledge Livni's poor Chances to win,Mofaz would be a better Choice
The February 10 general election is still 19 days away, but Kadima ministers and MKs have already started lamenting in private conversations that they would have had a much better chance of winning had Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz won the party's leadership race. The gap between Likud and Kadima has been growing since the end of Operation Cast Lead. A Geocartographic Institute poll broadcast on Channel 1 found that the Likud's lead had grown to 12 seats, 33 to 21. The polls have hurt morale in the party, causing ministers and MKs who supported Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in the Kadima leadership race to regret that they did not endorse a candidate with a security background like Mofaz, a former IDF chief of General Staff. Livni beat Mofaz in the September 17 primary by only 431 votes. "The issue of this election was set by the war in Gaza, and I have no doubt that Mofaz, as a security man, could have been a better candidate as head of Kadima against [Likud leader Binyamin] Netanyahu and [Labor chairman] Ehud Barak," said a Kadima MK who supported Mofaz in the primary. One Kadima Knesset candidate who supported Mofaz said that several ministers and MKs had told him that they were sorry they had supported Livni. Yuval Zellner, who served as Mofaz's campaign manager in the primary and is now 34th on the party's list, said he doubted he would enter the Knesset or that Kadima would win the election. Zellner said that had Mofaz won the primary, he would have formed a government, and elections would not have been held until 2010. "I have no doubt that Mofaz would have brought a much better achievement for Kadima," Zellner said. "Tzipi is a good person and a fitting candidate, but the public would have preferred Mofaz - not only because of Gaza, but more importantly because of the nuclear threat from Iran."
Netanyahu leads Livni 34-17
Should war break out again in Gaza, who would you prefer to lead the nation
as prime minister, Olmert, Netanyahu, Barak or Livni?
Olmert 9%
Barak 14%
Livni 17%
Netanyahu 34%
as prime minister, Olmert, Netanyahu, Barak or Livni?
Olmert 9%
Barak 14%
Livni 17%
Netanyahu 34%
Kadima Council Chairman Mier Nitzan is Endorsing the Likud
Kadima Council chairman and former Rishon Lezion mayor Meir Nitzan said Wednesday that he was resigning from his post and would vote Likud in the February 10 general election.
"My decision stems, first and foremost, from my concerns for the future of the country," Nitzan wrote in a letter he sent to Kadima leader Tzipi Livni and obtained by Channel 2, adding that Kadima was a party without direction.
Nitzan compared Livni to Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu and Labor leader Ehud Barak. Concerning Livni, he wrote that she lacked experience on the prime ministerial level, as well as on defense and the economy.
"Her little experience as foreign minister doesn't make her a suitable candidate, compared with the other two," he continued.
"My decision stems, first and foremost, from my concerns for the future of the country," Nitzan wrote in a letter he sent to Kadima leader Tzipi Livni and obtained by Channel 2, adding that Kadima was a party without direction.
Nitzan compared Livni to Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu and Labor leader Ehud Barak. Concerning Livni, he wrote that she lacked experience on the prime ministerial level, as well as on defense and the economy.
"Her little experience as foreign minister doesn't make her a suitable candidate, compared with the other two," he continued.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
For Netanyahu, the very emergence of hostilities in the Gaza Strip is a vindication of his warnings three years ago
(Jpost).....LASTLY, THE war has also produced political winners and losers. The winners are Ehud Barak and Binyamin Netanyahu, and the loser is Kadima.
The defense minister has reminded his many eulogizers that he has not forgotten how to fight. It took poise and resolve to plan and execute this operation, and it is good to see that under Barak’s leadership the IDF has addressed its flaws of summer ‘06. It is good to see the IDF now appears disciplined, equipped, trained, agile, motivated and well organized, and it is good to see civil defense properly managed. All this means renewed respect for Barak and his party, and therefore also more votes. Yet those will come from Kadima, not Likud.
For Netanyahu, the very emergence of hostilities in the Gaza Strip is a vindication of his warnings three years ago that unilateralism would result in violence. All he needs, and can be counted on to now do, is broadcast the statements he made while announcing his resignation as finance minister.
Kadima, at the same time, will have to explain what happened to the unilateral-retreat ticket on which Ehud Olmert made it run back in ‘05. How is it that what began with fuddy-duddy convergence ended up with bloody vengeance? Kadima can be counted on to emerge with answers of its own, but the real answer is that what united this party since its inception was not an idea, but opportunism.
The only common denominator among its leaders is that they were part of Ariel Sharon’s circle of sycophants. As such, some of them are able technocrats, most notably Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On and Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, but during three years in power they never jointly produced even one idea or plan, let alone a gospel.
Yes, they had Law Committee chairman Menahem Ben-Sasson, who fought for a constitution and electoral reform, but Kadima never backed the former Hebrew University rector’s idealism and in fact disposed of him, and of world-renowned scientist Yitzhak Ben-Yisrael, just like it had previously shed top-notch jurist Uriel Reichman.
The defense minister has reminded his many eulogizers that he has not forgotten how to fight. It took poise and resolve to plan and execute this operation, and it is good to see that under Barak’s leadership the IDF has addressed its flaws of summer ‘06. It is good to see the IDF now appears disciplined, equipped, trained, agile, motivated and well organized, and it is good to see civil defense properly managed. All this means renewed respect for Barak and his party, and therefore also more votes. Yet those will come from Kadima, not Likud.
For Netanyahu, the very emergence of hostilities in the Gaza Strip is a vindication of his warnings three years ago that unilateralism would result in violence. All he needs, and can be counted on to now do, is broadcast the statements he made while announcing his resignation as finance minister.
Kadima, at the same time, will have to explain what happened to the unilateral-retreat ticket on which Ehud Olmert made it run back in ‘05. How is it that what began with fuddy-duddy convergence ended up with bloody vengeance? Kadima can be counted on to emerge with answers of its own, but the real answer is that what united this party since its inception was not an idea, but opportunism.
The only common denominator among its leaders is that they were part of Ariel Sharon’s circle of sycophants. As such, some of them are able technocrats, most notably Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On and Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, but during three years in power they never jointly produced even one idea or plan, let alone a gospel.
Yes, they had Law Committee chairman Menahem Ben-Sasson, who fought for a constitution and electoral reform, but Kadima never backed the former Hebrew University rector’s idealism and in fact disposed of him, and of world-renowned scientist Yitzhak Ben-Yisrael, just like it had previously shed top-notch jurist Uriel Reichman.
Arutz 1 poll: Likud leads Kadima by 12 seats,Rightwing bloc 69
Likud 33
Kadima 21
Labor 15
Lieberman 13
Rightwing Bloc = 69 seats
Whom do you prefer as Prime Minister?
Netanyahu 39%
Livni 25%
Barak 11%
Kadima 21
Labor 15
Lieberman 13
Rightwing Bloc = 69 seats
Whom do you prefer as Prime Minister?
Netanyahu 39%
Livni 25%
Barak 11%
Obama fails to mention America's closest ally Israel in Inuagration speech.
In a well prepared speech watched by million's in the world, a speech full of pride for his personal accomplishments, gave warm praises to the muslim world and pledged unity and friendship to all muslin Nations, while ignoring the US closest ally in the middle east and didn't mention a word about protecting Israel from its enemies surrounding its borders and accross the world, likewise he refused to mention the greatest threat of the free World in this difficult times - Iran,and made just a 5 second commitment to the terrorist that seek to destroy the US, "we will defeat you".
Is this the change we are in for?
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Is this the change we are in for?
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Kadima may use negative Clinton quotes
Kadima may use negative Clinton quotes
By GIL HOFFMAN
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(Jpost).The Kadima campaign has gathered a collection of negative quotes about Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu from US secretary of state designate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former US president Bill Clinton, Kadima strategists said Monday.
A final decision has not been made yet in the campaign about whether to use the quotes and efforts are still being made to verify their authenticity. Kadima officials declined to reveal the quotes in their arsenal, saying that they were "saving them for the right time."
The Likud campaign responded by calling Kadima's usage of the Clintons in a negative campaign "ridiculous." Sources close to Netanyahu said they were unaware of negative quotes from Hillary Clinton about the Likud leader.
"What matters is that Netanyahu has built up good relations with Obama," a senior Likud official said. "There was chemistry between them in their two meetings. Netanyahu's ties with the Obama administration are so deep that nothing can get in the way."
By GIL HOFFMAN
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What's this?
(Jpost).The Kadima campaign has gathered a collection of negative quotes about Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu from US secretary of state designate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former US president Bill Clinton, Kadima strategists said Monday.
A final decision has not been made yet in the campaign about whether to use the quotes and efforts are still being made to verify their authenticity. Kadima officials declined to reveal the quotes in their arsenal, saying that they were "saving them for the right time."
The Likud campaign responded by calling Kadima's usage of the Clintons in a negative campaign "ridiculous." Sources close to Netanyahu said they were unaware of negative quotes from Hillary Clinton about the Likud leader.
"What matters is that Netanyahu has built up good relations with Obama," a senior Likud official said. "There was chemistry between them in their two meetings. Netanyahu's ties with the Obama administration are so deep that nothing can get in the way."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tzipi Livni last night: Kadima will win
In picture Livni last night at a Kadima event, promising with confidence as her smile shows - that Kadima will win the Election with 35 seats.
Likud, Kadima escalate mutual attacks
(Jpost).The Likud and Kadima parties intensified their attacks against each other on Sunday after the cease-fire took effect in the Gaza Strip, formally ending Operation Cast Lead and restarting the election campaign.
The first polls taken after the cease-fire took effect indicated that the Right in general and the Likud in particular had been helped by the war.
A Channel 2/Ma'agar Mohot poll predicted that the Right-Center bloc would win 65 seats and the Left-Center bloc 55.
The Channel 2 poll found that 36 percent of Israelis wanted Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu to become prime minister, 21% preferred Kadima leader Tzipi Livni and 14% Labor chairman Ehud Barak.
In an effort to build on its lead, the Likud announced Sunday night that it would begin a new campaign under the slogan, "Netanyahu: Strong on security, strong on the economy." The party will make a decision in upcoming days about whether to also renew its negative campaign with the slogan "Tzipi Livni: Out of her league."
But the Likud has already restarted its attacks on Livni on the airwaves.
MKs and other party spokesmen were instructed to praise the IDF's military victory while accusing Livni of leading a diplomatic failure as foreign minister.
"The military delivered the goods, but it was a missed opportunity diplomatically," Likud Knesset candidate Moshe Ya'alon said in a typical interview with Army Radio. "We restored our deterrence in the first week, but since then, two weeks were wasted. We didn't need a war to reach a deal with the US against smuggling into Gaza." Due to his experience as a chief of the IDF General Staff, Ya'alon will be featured in the Likud's campaign.
The first polls taken after the cease-fire took effect indicated that the Right in general and the Likud in particular had been helped by the war.
A Channel 2/Ma'agar Mohot poll predicted that the Right-Center bloc would win 65 seats and the Left-Center bloc 55.
The Channel 2 poll found that 36 percent of Israelis wanted Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu to become prime minister, 21% preferred Kadima leader Tzipi Livni and 14% Labor chairman Ehud Barak.
In an effort to build on its lead, the Likud announced Sunday night that it would begin a new campaign under the slogan, "Netanyahu: Strong on security, strong on the economy." The party will make a decision in upcoming days about whether to also renew its negative campaign with the slogan "Tzipi Livni: Out of her league."
But the Likud has already restarted its attacks on Livni on the airwaves.
MKs and other party spokesmen were instructed to praise the IDF's military victory while accusing Livni of leading a diplomatic failure as foreign minister.
"The military delivered the goods, but it was a missed opportunity diplomatically," Likud Knesset candidate Moshe Ya'alon said in a typical interview with Army Radio. "We restored our deterrence in the first week, but since then, two weeks were wasted. We didn't need a war to reach a deal with the US against smuggling into Gaza." Due to his experience as a chief of the IDF General Staff, Ya'alon will be featured in the Likud's campaign.
Arutz 2/panels internet poll: Likud opens a lead over Kadima
Likud 30
Kadima 24
Labor 14
Lieberman 15
Rightwing Bloc = 66
Kadima 24
Labor 14
Lieberman 15
Rightwing Bloc = 66
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Likud to kick off the campaign staring Netanyahu with the slogan - "Strong on Defense, Strong on the Economy."
With the fighting in the Gaza Strip coming to an end, the political scene is quickly heating up, as Kadima, Likud and Labor prepare their campaigns for the February 10 elections.
After the cabinet meeting yesterday, sources said Vice Premier Haim Ramon and Finance Minister Roni Bar-On complained that in the text of the cabinet's decision on a unilateral cease-fire, the contribution of foreign minister and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni had not been mentioned.
"It used to be that you were a troika. What happened now that you became a couple?" Ramon asked to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
For his part, Olmert applauded the opposition for their stance during the war, adding that "I would like to think that no politician will do a thing that will undermine the gains of the operation."
Likud and Labor, meanwhile, will start their political campaigns today.
Likud is running under the banner "Strong on Defense, Strong on the Economy." During a visit to Soroka Medical Center yesterday, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu said that "we have a strong nation and a strong army that has delivered strong blows against Hamas, but unfortunately the job is not yet over."
Kadima is also beginning to campaign; sources in the party responded to claims by Likud members that the job of prime minister is "too big" for Livni. "Netanyahu has always been a big talker," one of them said.
After the cabinet meeting yesterday, sources said Vice Premier Haim Ramon and Finance Minister Roni Bar-On complained that in the text of the cabinet's decision on a unilateral cease-fire, the contribution of foreign minister and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni had not been mentioned.
"It used to be that you were a troika. What happened now that you became a couple?" Ramon asked to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
For his part, Olmert applauded the opposition for their stance during the war, adding that "I would like to think that no politician will do a thing that will undermine the gains of the operation."
Likud and Labor, meanwhile, will start their political campaigns today.
Likud is running under the banner "Strong on Defense, Strong on the Economy." During a visit to Soroka Medical Center yesterday, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu said that "we have a strong nation and a strong army that has delivered strong blows against Hamas, but unfortunately the job is not yet over."
Kadima is also beginning to campaign; sources in the party responded to claims by Likud members that the job of prime minister is "too big" for Livni. "Netanyahu has always been a big talker," one of them said.
"BIBI" IN THE WINGS
(Reuters)...surveys on Sunday predicted centre-left Labour would win 14 or 15 of the 120 seats in parliament -- almost double that previously forecast -- former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party was still the front-runner.
Likud looks set to win as many as 31 seats, with the ruling centrist Kadima party led by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni taking between 23 and 26, according to the new polls.
The party that captures the largest number of seats is usually tapped to try to put together a government.
Kadima's popularity has been hit by public discontent over the 2005 Gaza pullout it led and corruption scandals that forced Ehud Olmert to resign as the party's leader and prime minister.
The Likud's Netanyahu, popularly known by his childhood nickname, "Bibi", has been a favourite in polls since Israel's 2006 Lebanon war against Hezbollah guerrillas, a conflict widely regarded in Israel as a failure.
Answering what he described as an appeal from Olmert, Netanyahu gave numerous interviews during the Gaza war to foreign media as part of a campaign to counter international criticism of Israeli attacks that caused civilian casualties.
Like other political leaders, he suspended campaigning during the conflict and said nothing in criticism of the way it was conducted.
"Bibi played his cards right. The Gaza offensive was the last thing he wanted before the elections, but he stayed quiet and handled it well," Zubida said.
Much could depend on the public perception in Israel over whether the Gaza campaign has achieved its goals.
Continued Hamas rocket fire or failure to stop the Islamist group from rearming could bite into Barak's newfound popularity, political commentators said.
Livni's chances to become prime minister could depend on whether the international diplomatic support she secured for efforts to halt weapons smuggling to Hamas chokes off supply.
Likud looks set to win as many as 31 seats, with the ruling centrist Kadima party led by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni taking between 23 and 26, according to the new polls.
The party that captures the largest number of seats is usually tapped to try to put together a government.
Kadima's popularity has been hit by public discontent over the 2005 Gaza pullout it led and corruption scandals that forced Ehud Olmert to resign as the party's leader and prime minister.
The Likud's Netanyahu, popularly known by his childhood nickname, "Bibi", has been a favourite in polls since Israel's 2006 Lebanon war against Hezbollah guerrillas, a conflict widely regarded in Israel as a failure.
Answering what he described as an appeal from Olmert, Netanyahu gave numerous interviews during the Gaza war to foreign media as part of a campaign to counter international criticism of Israeli attacks that caused civilian casualties.
Like other political leaders, he suspended campaigning during the conflict and said nothing in criticism of the way it was conducted.
"Bibi played his cards right. The Gaza offensive was the last thing he wanted before the elections, but he stayed quiet and handled it well," Zubida said.
Much could depend on the public perception in Israel over whether the Gaza campaign has achieved its goals.
Continued Hamas rocket fire or failure to stop the Islamist group from rearming could bite into Barak's newfound popularity, political commentators said.
Livni's chances to become prime minister could depend on whether the international diplomatic support she secured for efforts to halt weapons smuggling to Hamas chokes off supply.
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