There is a growing feeling that after his statements to Channel 2 News, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has no alternative other than to fire Environmental Affairs Minister (The Movement) Amir Peretz from the cabinet. Some feel Peretz will save face and preempt by submitting his resignation sooner rather than later.

Peretz leveled a scathing criticism against the prime minister in the interview, adding “in some cases not only isn’t the prime minister part of the solution but he is part of the problem”.

Peretz stressed in the beginning of the interview “a growing chasm is opening between the prime minister in the areas of the economy and the political arena. I never thought that I would sit in the same government. When we established The Movement I decided to give it a chance. This last week was very difficult. It was the week of the yahrzeit of Yitzchak Rabin. I heard the prime minister at the ceremony and I wanted to get up and walk out. I remained out of respect for the event”.

Peretz did not stop there. He explained he has no intention of continuing to serve Netanyahu’s agenda. “There is an economic and social crisis and I do not plan to lend a hand to this any longer. I do not plan to support decisions that I do not agree with”.

He added he does not plan to submit his resignation on the air, but “I do not plan to remain in this cabinet. I do not support the budget as I see the tears of the growing number of poor in front of my eyes. I see the situation is growing worse. I have no plans to remain in the government. In my eyes, the prime minister has become a captive of the right-wing extreme”.

When asked who he views as an alternative to the prime minister, Peretz stated the time has come to build alternatives for he feels Mr. Netanyahu cannot continue serving as prime minister. “I am no longer willing to give him my support” he added.

Peretz added he plans to take steps. “On Monday, I do not plan to vote in favor of the budget. As far as when I am leaving, I hope to do this with [Justice Minister] Tzipi Livni. The prime minister has not proven he is worthy of continuing to serve as the nation’s leader”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)