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Netanyahu accepts no opposition

Dec 03,2014 - Last updated at Dec 03,2014

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing his country to early election — which would be the second general election in just over two years — having fired two of his key Cabinet members, Finance Minister Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid Party, and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, head of Hatnuah Party, for not toeing his line.

“I will not tolerate any opposition in my government,” said Netanyahu, for whom Tzipi’s cardinal sins are a recent meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and open criticism of Netanyahu’s insistence that the Palestinians recognise Israel as a Jewish state before making peace with them.

“I won’t accept ministers attacking the policy and head of the government from within,” the prime minister said in true “democratic” fashion.

Lapid, on the other hand, was asked to give in to five demands for the government to continue, including agreement to freeze his signature initiative for zero per cent value-added tax on first home purchases and support for the Jewish state bill.

The minister refused, accusing Netanyahu of “irresponsibly” pursuing personal interests and of taking Israel to “unnecessary elections”.

If Netanyahu has his way, the stage will be set for elections in March or April next year.

The squabbling in the Knesset shows that something is not right with Netanyahu’s policies.

If only the Israelis would wake up to that and vote — if it comes to that — for some sane change.

Unfortunately, a recent poll conducted by Channel 2 television showed that Netanyahu’s Likud Party is likely to win snap elections.

Livni’s and Lapid’s stances give a glimpse in the inner workings of the Israeli government, but also into why there is still no peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The voice of reason must be heard in Israel.

Extreme-right governments breed extreme-right reactions.

Peace with the Palestinians could bring peace among Israelis, and from that, all parties stand to gain.

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