Yair Shamir, who is number two on the Yisrael Beitenu list and number four on the combined Likud/Beitenu list feels the deal with Likud has hurt his party. Shamir is the son of the late prime minister, Yitzchak Shamir.

When asked why the two parties decided to run on a combined list, Shamir stated, “I don’t really have a good answer. When we see the results, today, we realize we have lost seats. I was not part of the process to combine the lists.”

Attending a pre-election event at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy, Shamir stated that if the outcome of the election results in less seats than anticipated the coalition makeup will have to rely upon many smaller parties, requiring ideological compromise to achieve a coalition majority. He adds that “We wish to strengthen the prime minister by raising the minimum threshold and to minimize no-confidence votes.”

Shamir support recent comments made by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to take the Housing Ministry away from Shas, adding Shas has earned a dignified place for the work it has done, but the portfolio is moving to the Likud/Beitenu faction. He feels that if Shas wishes to be a coalition member, it will have to let go of a few ‘fat cows’, referring to choice ministerial appointments, adding if this is the case he remains optimistic regarding the incoming coalition’s ability to bring about change for the betterment of the public at large.

When asked to comment on the issue of religion and state, Shamir explains Yisrael Beitenu has always stated it is not in favor of separation of religion and state since the Jewish nationality is made up of both, the religion and the state. He seeks to fine tune his position by adding “We wish to separate between religious askonus and the state.”

Regarding the national economy, Shamir explains they have a plan and he wishes to remove the 17% value added tax currently levied on pharmaceuticals and food by 8%. This he feels would represent a major step to assist the infirmed and the poor. He feels one like himself who purchases an apartment should pick up these taxes. He hopes to compel mayors to permit an increased number of smaller apartments as opposed to larger ones, adding he is well aware that a major cut in spending is required but he does not feel that an across-the-board cut is the way to go.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)