Israel Matzav

Oh my! Boogie Yaalon allies with Moshe Feiglin

Many of you know that my interview with Moshe Feiglin six months ago convinced me that his head is on straight and that he is just completely different than Israel's politicians. Many of you may also recall that Feiglin won the 20th spot in the Likud primary and that Netanyahu, who has an irrational hatred for Feiglin, used unfair tactics to force Feiglin down the list and out of a realistic spot on the Likud's Knesset slate. Some of you may even recall that Feiglin was the real winner of the Likud primary, with the people that he recommended reaching high positions on the Likud's list.

Tonight, there is word that Moshe (Boogie) Yaalon, the IDF's former chief of staff who resigned over the Gaza expulsion, and who is now number 3 on the Likud's list, has openly allied himself with Feiglin. And Binyamin Netanyahu is not pleased about it.

Vice Premier and Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon seems to have recently forged a political partnership with Likud activist and head of Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership Movement) Moshe Feiglin, as evident in footage released Wednesday evening on Channel 2, in which Ya'alon also called 'Peace Now' and the Israeli elites "viruses."

Speaking in a closed meeting organized by Feiglin for Manhigut Yehudit members this week, Ya'alon openly expressed his fears that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu might succumb to the Left.

"Even today we must remain concerned. I am still worried and they [the media and Left] have power to influence the prime minister… The virus 'Peace Now,' and if you will, the elites, their damage is great."

"As far as I'm concerned, Jews can, and should live in all of the Land of Israel forever," Ya'alon said to applause.

The minister went on to say that as he had said on many occasions while serving in the IDF, "Every time they [the government] bring the dove of peace, the army has to clean up after it."

...

The prime minister's office in response said that Netanyahu, who is currently on a private vacation, will summon Ya'alon for a closed conversation when he returns.

Ehud Barak's office issued a statement in response to the report, saying that the Defense Minister and the Labor Party "are committed to advancing a two-state solution, while upholding interests crucial to Israel's security."

"This is an undignified statement that does not dignify Ya'alon," sources close to Barak said, adding that "Peace Now is an integral and important part of the democratic and pluralistic debate in Israeli society."

My guess is that most of the Likud would not agree with Barak's statement - particularly not with what he says about 'Peace Now.' 'Peace Now' are a bunch of yellow-bellied traitors who constantly seek to undermine Israel's security. Ya'alon sees that. Barak, who tried to give Yasser Arafat everything nine years ago and has not changed his views since, does not. Does Netanyahu see it? I'm betting that the answer to that question is no.

UPDATE THURSDAY 8:30 AM

I now have video of Yaalon's appearance in front of the Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish leadership) faction of the Likud. Unfortunately, it's Hebrew only, no translation. Sorry to all of you who don't understand Hebrew. For those who don't recognize him, the man in the blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the beard is Moshe Feiglin. Yaalon starts speaking around the 3:00 mark.

Let's go to the videotape.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:54 PM