MK (Bayit Yehudi) Nissim Slomiansky, who chairs the Knesset Finance Committee, addressed his party’s virulent campaign against the release of Arab terrorists from prison and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.

Slomiansky spoke with Israel Radio on Sunday, 23 Cheshvan 5774, sidestepping the question, explaining he was attending a Knesset committee session during the hours prior to the interview and was not apprised of events surrounding the party’s campaign.

Slomiansky did however refer to the party’s bill which seeks to prevent future terrorist releases. He explained that Justice Minister Tzipi Livni is acting in an “anti-democratic fashion” in her capacity as chairperson of the Ministerial Legislative Committee. Slomiansky explains that on erev Shabbos Livni prevented the bill from being discussed because it does not fit her agenda.

On a side note, Livni met on Sunday with Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein and he persuaded her to move the bill along in committee. It should be noted that the bill does not have much of a chance of earning a majority vote in that committee so it is irrelevant at present; perhaps the reason the attorney general urged her to move it along.

Israel Radio:

Even if she moves the bill along, it would not apply to terrorists slated for release on Monday.

Slomiansky:

There is confusion. Regarding prisoner release we are obliged to express our objections and that is what we are doing.

Regarding Livni, this is a second matter pertaining to the bill which does not apply this week, but nevertheless she has taken an anti-democratic step to remove it from agenda.

Israel Radio:

The party’s actions give us the impression that you are afraid to confront Prime Minister Netanyahu or Defense Minister Ya’alon so you throw it all in Livni’s direction. Perhaps it better suits your party’s agenda?

Slomiansky:

Not at all. We have always been and remain opposed to the release of terrorists and that is the first issue, voicing our objections, nothing more.

Israel Radio:

Why don’t your party’s media releases reflect this instead of accusing Livni for taking the step towards justifying her party’s existence?

Slomiansky:

I cannot relate to this for I was in committee session earlier as I explained. There are two separate matters like explained.

Israel Radio:

MK (The Movement) Elazar Stern said your party’s words against Livni are incitement. There are those among us who may misinterpret this statements and act against the minister. Do you think a retraction is in order?

Slomiansky:

Once again, I was out of touch, in committee and lack details so I cannot comment. Regarding the incident in which a teen spat at Stern, I condemn this in no uncertain terms. I believe that individual represents himself only, not any sector.

Israel Radio:

Perhaps your party party should leave coalition over prisoner release?

Slomiansky:

We are very against the release of terrorists but do not think this is the end of the road for us. We have a great deal of work ahead and do not feel we should break off from coalition at this time.

Chanan Crystal:

Senior political analyst Chanan Crystal calls the Bayit Yehudi campaign against Livni a “zero sum gain”. Crystal explains the law will not pass committee, and even if it does, they cannot change a Basic Law.

Hence, it is nothing more than earning political points with voters and the situation permits Bayit Yehudi to appear to be the right-wing guardian in the coalition when in fact, it is part of the cabinet that is permitting the release of the second wave of Arab terrorists in another good-will move to the PA.

UPDATE:

The ministerial committee later in the day voted for the bill authored by MK (Bayit Yehudi) Orit Struk, and as expected, it was defeated. Bayit Yehudi plans to appeal.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)