Vice Premier Ya'alon Forges Political Partnership with Feiglin

Aug. 19, 2009
JPost.com Staff , THE JERUSALEM POST

Vice Premier and Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon seems to have recently forged a political partnership with Likud activist and head of Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership Movement) Moshe Feiglin, as evident in footage released Wednesday evening on Channel 2, in which Ya'alon also called 'Peace Now' and the Israeli elites "viruses."

Speaking in a closed meeting organized by Feiglin for Manhigut Yehudit members this week, Ya'alon openly expressed his fears that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu might succumb to the Left.

"Even today we must remain concerned. I am still worried and they [the media and Left] have power to influence the prime minister… The virus 'Peace Now,' and if you will, the elites, their damage is great."

"As far as I'm concerned, Jews can, and should live in all of theLand of Israel forever," Ya'alon said to applause.

The minister went on to say that as he had said on many occasions while serving in the IDF, "Every time they [the government] bring the dove of peace, the army has to clean up after it."

Feiglin, who Netanyahu considers a dangerous political foe, was visibly pleased with the vice premier's sentiments.

"What is important to us is to cooperate on every positive move you make, and it's obvious you will make such moves. In our party you will find this group helpful," he said referring to Manhigut Yehudit members, "and we will do good things together."

The prime minister's office in response said that Netanyahu, who is currently on a private vacation, will summon Ya'alon for a closed conversation when he returns.

Ehud Barak's office issued a statement in response to the report, saying that the Defense Minister and the Labor Party "are committed to advancing a two-state solution, while upholding interests crucial to Israel's security."

"This is an undignified statement that does not dignify Ya'alon," sources close to Barak said, adding that "Peace Now is an integral and important part of the democratic and pluralistic debate in Israeli society."