Herzog: Netanyahu must decide whether he works for the ‘people’
Coalition chief Bitan claims US president respects history of the Jewish people more than do many on Israel’s Left
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his meetings with the visiting US president next week, needs to demonstrate he can make fateful decisions regarding the future of Israel, opposition leader Isaac Herzog said on Saturday.
Speaking at a cultural event in Rishon Lezion, Herzog, who is also chairman of the Zionist Union and its main component, the Labor Party, said that following Donald Trump’s visit, we will know “if we have a prime minister who understands the need for a diplomatic move, or a prime minister who plans to continue to shy away from the biggest Zionist challenge of the 21st century – the future identity of the State of Israel... and separation from the Palestinians.”
Herzog added that Netanyahu would receive support for a diplomatic initiative, but that “questions need to be asked regarding [coalition chairman] David Bitan, [Tourism Minister] Yariv Levin and [Culture and Sport Minister] Miri Regev,” adding the prime minister needs to decide whether he works for the “Israeli people” or for his political allies. The three Likud parliamentarians oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state and support greater Israeli control of Judea and Samaria.
Herzog also mentioned that Trump coming to the Middle East is a sign he is determined to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Bitan said in response, at an event in Kiryat Ono, that “the fact that Trump asks to speak at Masada testifies that he respects the history and symbols of our people more than quite a lot of leftwing people in the country.”
Also on Saturday, Yesh Atid MK Yaakov Peri said at another public event that the prime minister is not taking steps to reach a solution but rather is “managing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
“Netanyahu is happy to remain in the current situation,” he said.
Peri said Israel must take the initiative and find common ground with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries in the region to find a solution for peace with the Palestinians.