Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, who lost the Kadima Party leadership race by 431 votes, representing 1.1%, announced he is planning to take a timeout to reevaluate his future in the political arena. “I accept the voters’ decision” stated Mofaz, who added “what is best for the nation is foremost in my decision-making process”.
Mofaz initially stated he plans to appeal the outcome, upon advice of his supporters and legal experts, but later retracted his statement and announced his decision to take a timeout.
Aides to the minister continue to urge him to demand an investigation into the election and a recount, but he is signaling he does not plan to do so, explaining stepping aside is best for the nation at present.
Upon announcing his decision, Mofaz stated “I have noting against ministers and colleagues who voted for the opponent.” He went on to mention the media and the press, stating everyone acted as they saw fit.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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Given the way Livni’s supporters acted (losing ballots, changing polling hours in the middle of the election, manipulating release of rigged public opinion polls), it isn’t surprising. Mofaz is hawkish on foreign affairs, and Livni is doveish. Mofaz favors social and economic policies to help the poor, and Livni supports business and opposed programs designed to help the poor. Furthermore, Israeli law makes it hard for a member of the knesset to “jump” to another party, but if he retires for a bit, he could come back as something other than a Kedima supporter (presumably after Kedima has openly deviated from the moderate platform dating back to Sharon’s time).