Unusually scathing criticism: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are "ruining the country," Opposition Leader Tzipi Livni charged Monday.
Speaking during a Kadima faction meeting, Livni said Israel's top two government officials "are going from one crisis to another and leading Israel to one of the worst situations in its history."
"Israel is in trouble, not because the whole world is against us, but rather, because of the problematic policy represented by this government," she said.
"In order to save the state, we need to replace them and the policy they represent," Livni said. "We need a different policy that will be endorsed by a different coalition. It's not happening because Netanyahu doesn't want to change his way and his government, but rather, he only wants to survive. It's quite clear."
The solution is to replace the leadership and save the country, rather than saving the government, Livni said, referring to recent speculation about Kadima possibly joining a national unity government.
Responding to Livni's criticism, Likud Knesset Member Ofir Akonis said: "It's regrettable that at this time, Ms. Tzipi Livni erodes the public discourse via hysteric expressions, while failing to maintain her cool and show leadership."
Akonis added that the previous government, which included Livni, brought Israel's security to an unprecedented nadir, while nearly ruining the country's economy
"She's the last one who can preach to any government," he said. "She didn't even defend herself in the face of the Goldstone Report's accusations."
Speaking during a Kadima faction meeting, Livni said Israel's top two government officials "are going from one crisis to another and leading Israel to one of the worst situations in its history."
"Israel is in trouble, not because the whole world is against us, but rather, because of the problematic policy represented by this government," she said.
"In order to save the state, we need to replace them and the policy they represent," Livni said. "We need a different policy that will be endorsed by a different coalition. It's not happening because Netanyahu doesn't want to change his way and his government, but rather, he only wants to survive. It's quite clear."
The solution is to replace the leadership and save the country, rather than saving the government, Livni said, referring to recent speculation about Kadima possibly joining a national unity government.
Responding to Livni's criticism, Likud Knesset Member Ofir Akonis said: "It's regrettable that at this time, Ms. Tzipi Livni erodes the public discourse via hysteric expressions, while failing to maintain her cool and show leadership."
Akonis added that the previous government, which included Livni, brought Israel's security to an unprecedented nadir, while nearly ruining the country's economy
"She's the last one who can preach to any government," he said. "She didn't even defend herself in the face of the Goldstone Report's accusations."