16 dec 2019
10 days until primary, former minister says party under Netanyahu 'has no chance of forming new government,' and calls on PM to face off against him in policy debate
Likud MK Gideon Sa'ar officially launched his campaign on Monday in a bid to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as head of the party amid rising support.
Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, but he's been weakened by a corruption indictment that may force him out of office, as well as back-to-back failures to form a government this year.
Although Sa'ar is still a decided underdog to the embattled prime minister, he seems to be gaining traction ahead of the Dec. 26 vote among the party faithful. Sa'ar's leadership bid marks the first serious internal challenge to Netanyahu in his decade-plus in power.
Praising Netanyahu while calling for a change in leadership, Sa'ar said Monday that the prime minister "brought us to power four times, but the writing is on the wall. There won't be a fifth time."
A former aide and senior Cabinet minister under Netanyahu, Sa'ar has long been considered a rising star in Likud and a potential future heir. But while others are patiently waiting for Netanyahu to step down on his own, Sa'ar has been the only one who has dared to take him head-on.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three corruption cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for lavish gifts or favorable media coverage. He denies wrongdoing and has waged an angry campaign against the media and law enforcement officials he said are bent on ousting him from office.
Outwardly, Likud members have strongly supported their leader and joined in denouncing the alleged "coup" of the liberal elites against him.
But Sa'ar's burgeoning insurrection has begun to reveal some cracks.
Around 500 party activists attended the launch of the former education minister's campaign to unseat Netanyahu, held in the Tel Aviv suburb of Or Yehuda.
Sa'ar's campaign has already been buoyed by support from a half-dozen Likud lawmakers. That includes the powerful chairman of the party's executive body. Sa'ar, in a jab at Netanyahu's inability to form a government, took the podium flanked by banners with his slogan: "Only Sa'ar Can."
"A vote for me will ensure Likud rule and the formation of a new government headed by us," Sa'ar told supporters. "A vote for Netanyahu is a vote for the next head of the opposition."
While Netanyahu's various opponents across the political spectrum have called on him to resign because of his legal woes, Sa'ar has continued saying the party needs a new leader because Netanyahu has been unable to form a stable coalition government.
Recent polls show that with Saar as the leader, Likud would make a more powerful bloc with its natural ultra-Orthodox and nationalist allies. Sa'ar would also be in an easier position to create a national unity government with the centrist Blue and White party if, as expected, the upcoming March election produces a deadlock like the previous two rounds have.
Blue and White have ruled out serving with Netanyahu because of his indictment.
Even amid the political disarray, Sa'ar's challenge is a risky maneuver in a party that fiercely values loyalty and has had only four leaders in its 70-plus-year history. Netanyahu himself has denounced Sa'ar as "subversive."
Earlier Monday, Sa'ar challenged Netanyahu to a policy debate in a video released on social media.
"I am waiting for you, Mr. Prime Minister, at any time and any place you choose," he said.
Netanyahu is desperate to stay on as prime minister as he girds up for his trial. If he is re-elected, Netanyahu could use the post-election coalition negotiations to offer potential partners coveted Cabinet posts in exchange for their support for immunity.
Likud MK Gideon Sa'ar officially launched his campaign on Monday in a bid to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as head of the party amid rising support.
Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, but he's been weakened by a corruption indictment that may force him out of office, as well as back-to-back failures to form a government this year.
Although Sa'ar is still a decided underdog to the embattled prime minister, he seems to be gaining traction ahead of the Dec. 26 vote among the party faithful. Sa'ar's leadership bid marks the first serious internal challenge to Netanyahu in his decade-plus in power.
Praising Netanyahu while calling for a change in leadership, Sa'ar said Monday that the prime minister "brought us to power four times, but the writing is on the wall. There won't be a fifth time."
A former aide and senior Cabinet minister under Netanyahu, Sa'ar has long been considered a rising star in Likud and a potential future heir. But while others are patiently waiting for Netanyahu to step down on his own, Sa'ar has been the only one who has dared to take him head-on.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three corruption cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for lavish gifts or favorable media coverage. He denies wrongdoing and has waged an angry campaign against the media and law enforcement officials he said are bent on ousting him from office.
Outwardly, Likud members have strongly supported their leader and joined in denouncing the alleged "coup" of the liberal elites against him.
But Sa'ar's burgeoning insurrection has begun to reveal some cracks.
Around 500 party activists attended the launch of the former education minister's campaign to unseat Netanyahu, held in the Tel Aviv suburb of Or Yehuda.
Sa'ar's campaign has already been buoyed by support from a half-dozen Likud lawmakers. That includes the powerful chairman of the party's executive body. Sa'ar, in a jab at Netanyahu's inability to form a government, took the podium flanked by banners with his slogan: "Only Sa'ar Can."
"A vote for me will ensure Likud rule and the formation of a new government headed by us," Sa'ar told supporters. "A vote for Netanyahu is a vote for the next head of the opposition."
While Netanyahu's various opponents across the political spectrum have called on him to resign because of his legal woes, Sa'ar has continued saying the party needs a new leader because Netanyahu has been unable to form a stable coalition government.
Recent polls show that with Saar as the leader, Likud would make a more powerful bloc with its natural ultra-Orthodox and nationalist allies. Sa'ar would also be in an easier position to create a national unity government with the centrist Blue and White party if, as expected, the upcoming March election produces a deadlock like the previous two rounds have.
Blue and White have ruled out serving with Netanyahu because of his indictment.
Even amid the political disarray, Sa'ar's challenge is a risky maneuver in a party that fiercely values loyalty and has had only four leaders in its 70-plus-year history. Netanyahu himself has denounced Sa'ar as "subversive."
Earlier Monday, Sa'ar challenged Netanyahu to a policy debate in a video released on social media.
"I am waiting for you, Mr. Prime Minister, at any time and any place you choose," he said.
Netanyahu is desperate to stay on as prime minister as he girds up for his trial. If he is re-elected, Netanyahu could use the post-election coalition negotiations to offer potential partners coveted Cabinet posts in exchange for their support for immunity.
15 dec 2019
The Blue and White party's co-founder says Israeli voters, who will go to the polls on March 2 in an unprecedented 3rd election in 12 months, must choose the country over Netanyahu who's only concerned with receiving immunity
Blue and White co-founder Yair Lapid said Sunday he doesn’t want to see Benjamin Netanyahu in jail, but would not be drawn on whether he would support a pardon for the prime minister indicted on three corruption charges.
The comments came three weeks after Netanyahu had been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for gifts or favorable media coverage.
"Pardon is a legal concept, Netanyahu must first accept responsibility for his actions and express remorse,” said Lapid in an interview with Ynet. “I'm not in favor of personal legislation but when it comes down to it, we will address it."
"I think my Benny [Gantz] shares my sentiment of not wanting to see an Israeli prime minister go to prison. I think most Israeli citizens feel the same," he said. “But, he has three serious indictments against him and cannot serve as prime minister of Israel.”
Last week the Knesset approved a motion to dissolve itself and hold an unprecedented third national vote in less than a year on March 2, 2020, and Lapid went on to blame the current political crisis on Netanyahu’s desire to avoid jail time.
"He [Netanyahu] has dragged us into a third election, and I think he is just busy with his pardon and immunity. We are in a situation where the choice is between the country and Netanyahu, and we must choose the country.
“We assured the public that we would not sit in government with him, yet we were prepared for him to be the second in rotation in order to take care of his legal affairs,” he said.
"The last thing we wanted was a third election campaign. It's bad for the state, the health system and even traffic jams."
The 56-year-old lawmaker also said that his decision to give up on the rotation agreement with the Blue and White leader Benny Gantz for the post of the premier was taken due to a “much more urgent goal.”
Blue and White co-founder Yair Lapid said Sunday he doesn’t want to see Benjamin Netanyahu in jail, but would not be drawn on whether he would support a pardon for the prime minister indicted on three corruption charges.
The comments came three weeks after Netanyahu had been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for gifts or favorable media coverage.
"Pardon is a legal concept, Netanyahu must first accept responsibility for his actions and express remorse,” said Lapid in an interview with Ynet. “I'm not in favor of personal legislation but when it comes down to it, we will address it."
"I think my Benny [Gantz] shares my sentiment of not wanting to see an Israeli prime minister go to prison. I think most Israeli citizens feel the same," he said. “But, he has three serious indictments against him and cannot serve as prime minister of Israel.”
Last week the Knesset approved a motion to dissolve itself and hold an unprecedented third national vote in less than a year on March 2, 2020, and Lapid went on to blame the current political crisis on Netanyahu’s desire to avoid jail time.
"He [Netanyahu] has dragged us into a third election, and I think he is just busy with his pardon and immunity. We are in a situation where the choice is between the country and Netanyahu, and we must choose the country.
“We assured the public that we would not sit in government with him, yet we were prepared for him to be the second in rotation in order to take care of his legal affairs,” he said.
"The last thing we wanted was a third election campaign. It's bad for the state, the health system and even traffic jams."
The 56-year-old lawmaker also said that his decision to give up on the rotation agreement with the Blue and White leader Benny Gantz for the post of the premier was taken due to a “much more urgent goal.”
12 dec 2019
Blue & White leader says there is no desire 'to see another prime minister behind prison walls,' takes responsibility for his inability to form government as country heads into third election in 12 months
Blue & White will consider agreeing to a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been indicted for alleged corruption, if he agrees to retire from political life, party leader Benny Gantz said Thursday evening.
"We don't want to see another prime minister behind prison walls," Gantz said at a party function, referring to former premier Ehud Olmert, who served a 16-month jail sentence for bribery and fraud.
"When relevant, we will consider things in accordance with the recommendations of the justice system," Gantz said of a potential pardon for Netanyahu.
"If we can save ourselves from that shameful spectacle, so much the better."
Gantz also expressed regret at his inability to form a government, which he said contributed to Israel's third election cycle within 12 months.
"I did not manage and we have still not managed to extricate the country from the mire into which we have been dragged," he said.
The pardon proposal was raised earlier in the day by Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman.
Netanyahu was charged three weeks ago with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for gifts or favorable media coverage.
"No immunity, pardon in exchange for honorable retirement," Liberman told Ynet on Thursday, also saying he does not want to see “Netanyahu or any other prime minister” in prison.
Liberman’s remarks echoed the comments made by President Reuven Rivlin over a week ago, who said he would consider pardoning the prime minister if Netanyahu was to confess to his crimes and retire from political life.
The Yisrael Beytenu leader said that many Israeli lawmakers, including some of Netanyahu’s fellow Likud members, felt a “sense of disgust” at the prime minister’s demands for immunity at the expense of the country’s interests.
“He has become a burden," said Liberman. “Everyone is prepared to give him an opportunity to retire in dignity. If this initiative [a pardon in exchange for retirement] were to be tabled in the Knesset, I have no doubt everyone would be in agreement,” he said.
“Ultimately, Netanyahu really has made an important contribution to the State of Israel."
Blue & White will consider agreeing to a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been indicted for alleged corruption, if he agrees to retire from political life, party leader Benny Gantz said Thursday evening.
"We don't want to see another prime minister behind prison walls," Gantz said at a party function, referring to former premier Ehud Olmert, who served a 16-month jail sentence for bribery and fraud.
"When relevant, we will consider things in accordance with the recommendations of the justice system," Gantz said of a potential pardon for Netanyahu.
"If we can save ourselves from that shameful spectacle, so much the better."
Gantz also expressed regret at his inability to form a government, which he said contributed to Israel's third election cycle within 12 months.
"I did not manage and we have still not managed to extricate the country from the mire into which we have been dragged," he said.
The pardon proposal was raised earlier in the day by Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman.
Netanyahu was charged three weeks ago with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for gifts or favorable media coverage.
"No immunity, pardon in exchange for honorable retirement," Liberman told Ynet on Thursday, also saying he does not want to see “Netanyahu or any other prime minister” in prison.
Liberman’s remarks echoed the comments made by President Reuven Rivlin over a week ago, who said he would consider pardoning the prime minister if Netanyahu was to confess to his crimes and retire from political life.
The Yisrael Beytenu leader said that many Israeli lawmakers, including some of Netanyahu’s fellow Likud members, felt a “sense of disgust” at the prime minister’s demands for immunity at the expense of the country’s interests.
“He has become a burden," said Liberman. “Everyone is prepared to give him an opportunity to retire in dignity. If this initiative [a pardon in exchange for retirement] were to be tabled in the Knesset, I have no doubt everyone would be in agreement,” he said.
“Ultimately, Netanyahu really has made an important contribution to the State of Israel."
The Yisrael Beytenu leader claims he doesn't want to see PM, indicted on 3 corruption charges, in prison but many Israeli parliamentarians, including some Likud lawmakers, feel Netanyahu has become a 'burden'
Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Liberman said on Thursday that he would support pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the three corruption cases against him in exchange for Israel’s leader retirement from political life.
The comments came three weeks after Netanyahu had been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for gifts or favorable media coverage.
"No immunity, pardon in exchange for honorable retirement," Liberman told Ynet in an interview, adding he does not want to see “Netanyahu or any other prime minister” in prison.
Liberman’s remarks echoed the comments made by President Reuven Rivlin over a week ago, who said he would consider pardoning the prime minister if Netanyahu was to confess to his crimes and retire from political life.
The 61-year-old went on to say that many Israeli lawmakers, including some of Netanyahu’s fellow Likud members, feel a “sense of disgust” in the wake of the prime minister’s demands for immunity at the expense of the country’s interests.
“He has become a burden," said Liberman. “Everyone is prepared to give him an opportunity to retire in dignity. If this initiative [pardon in exchange for retirement] was to be tabled in the Knesset, I have no doubt everyone would be in agreement,” he said.
“Ultimately, Netanyahu really has made an important contribution to the State of Israel."
Earlier on Thursday, the Knesset approved a motion to dissolve itself and hold an unprecedented third national vote in less than a year on March 2, 2020 after Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz failed to parlay the previous two ballots into a new coalition government.
Liberman said he does not regret not aligning himself politically with either Likud or Blue and White during the failed attempts to form government after the September 17 vote, insisting that his faction will only support a unity government.
"Those who had to form a government are the two largest parties, which combined have 65 seats," Lieberman added. "I said from the very first moment of the last election campaign that we will only join a unity government, not narrow one.”
Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Liberman said on Thursday that he would support pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the three corruption cases against him in exchange for Israel’s leader retirement from political life.
The comments came three weeks after Netanyahu had been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for gifts or favorable media coverage.
"No immunity, pardon in exchange for honorable retirement," Liberman told Ynet in an interview, adding he does not want to see “Netanyahu or any other prime minister” in prison.
Liberman’s remarks echoed the comments made by President Reuven Rivlin over a week ago, who said he would consider pardoning the prime minister if Netanyahu was to confess to his crimes and retire from political life.
The 61-year-old went on to say that many Israeli lawmakers, including some of Netanyahu’s fellow Likud members, feel a “sense of disgust” in the wake of the prime minister’s demands for immunity at the expense of the country’s interests.
“He has become a burden," said Liberman. “Everyone is prepared to give him an opportunity to retire in dignity. If this initiative [pardon in exchange for retirement] was to be tabled in the Knesset, I have no doubt everyone would be in agreement,” he said.
“Ultimately, Netanyahu really has made an important contribution to the State of Israel."
Earlier on Thursday, the Knesset approved a motion to dissolve itself and hold an unprecedented third national vote in less than a year on March 2, 2020 after Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz failed to parlay the previous two ballots into a new coalition government.
Liberman said he does not regret not aligning himself politically with either Likud or Blue and White during the failed attempts to form government after the September 17 vote, insisting that his faction will only support a unity government.
"Those who had to form a government are the two largest parties, which combined have 65 seats," Lieberman added. "I said from the very first moment of the last election campaign that we will only join a unity government, not narrow one.”
The indicted leader - who currently holds health, welfare, agriculture and diaspora affairs portfolios - announces his decision to the Supreme Court following a petition; adds he will not quit his post as prime minister
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he will resign from all ministerial positions by January 1, 2020. He is not expected to quit his post as prime minister.
Netanyahu, who currently holds health, welfare, agriculture and diaspora affairs portfolios, is expected to appoint ministers who will take over the posts.
The move comes three weeks after the prime minister was charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three corruption cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for gifts or favorable media coverage.
Netanyahu announced his decision to the Supreme Court after a petition had been launched by The Movement for Quality Government, demanding the indicted prime minister vacates all his post. The petition also demanded the court orders Netanyahu to resign from his post as Israel’s premier and appoints a temporary replacement.
Netanyahu’s attorneys emphasized that under Israeli law, a sitting prime minister charged with a crime is not required to step down or vacate any of his ministerial posts, but he nonetheless decided to respect the wishes of those urging him to resign.
"It’s unfortunate that the prime minister knowingly violated the law for weeks and only announced the resignation following our petition,” said The Movement for Quality Government said in response. “We call on the court to order the prime minister to resign immediately from all his duties, including as prime minister.”
"Netanyahu must fight to prove he’s an innocent man as a private individual and not as prime minister … and not drag the entire country with him to the defendant’s bench.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Knesset approved a motion to dissolve itself and hold an unprecedented third national vote in less than a year on March 2, 2020 afterNetanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz failed to parlay the previous two ballots into a new coalition government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he will resign from all ministerial positions by January 1, 2020. He is not expected to quit his post as prime minister.
Netanyahu, who currently holds health, welfare, agriculture and diaspora affairs portfolios, is expected to appoint ministers who will take over the posts.
The move comes three weeks after the prime minister was charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three corruption cases in which he is accused of trading legislative or regulatory favors in exchange for gifts or favorable media coverage.
Netanyahu announced his decision to the Supreme Court after a petition had been launched by The Movement for Quality Government, demanding the indicted prime minister vacates all his post. The petition also demanded the court orders Netanyahu to resign from his post as Israel’s premier and appoints a temporary replacement.
Netanyahu’s attorneys emphasized that under Israeli law, a sitting prime minister charged with a crime is not required to step down or vacate any of his ministerial posts, but he nonetheless decided to respect the wishes of those urging him to resign.
"It’s unfortunate that the prime minister knowingly violated the law for weeks and only announced the resignation following our petition,” said The Movement for Quality Government said in response. “We call on the court to order the prime minister to resign immediately from all his duties, including as prime minister.”
"Netanyahu must fight to prove he’s an innocent man as a private individual and not as prime minister … and not drag the entire country with him to the defendant’s bench.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Knesset approved a motion to dissolve itself and hold an unprecedented third national vote in less than a year on March 2, 2020 afterNetanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz failed to parlay the previous two ballots into a new coalition government.
Page: 37 - 36 - 35 - 34 - 33 - 32 - 31 - 30 - 29 - 28 - 27 - 26 - 25 - 24 - 23 - 22 - 21 - 20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16
