Following her meeting on Tuesday night the eve of 26 Shevat 5773 with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Labor Party leader Shelly Yacimovich is signaling that entering the coalition is highly unlikely. The two met in private in Mr. Netanyahu’s Jerusalem office. Following the meeting, Yacimovich told the press that there are major differences in hashkafa pertaining to social and economic policy, stating bluntly that which divides them is unfathomable.

“The conversation focused on these two issues” she explained, adding “I learned something new. I respect the prime minister and if I am asked to meet with him again, I will but in light of the sharp differences, it appears Labor will serve the people from the opposition.”

Yacimovich announced before the elections that if Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu heads the next government, her party will remain in opposition because of the vastly different ideologies between their parties, particularly regarding socioeconomic issues.

During her meeting with President Shimon Peres following elections, Yacimovich explained that Labor’s commitment to the defense and security of the nation is not contingent on joining the coalition. Nevertheless, she ruled out entering a Netanyahu-led coalition due to the vast difference in policy, with the prime minister favoring capitalism and Labor socialism.

Yacimovich made a point of telling the media there is nothing personal going on here and the reason for opting to remain in the opposition is strictly due to a difference in policy and she cannot remain true to her electorate and join the coalition which she views as being opposed to her social and economic vision.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)