JACOB JR, MY JEWISH WORLD. Livni quits Knesset, vows to stay in public life
Photo: Itzik Harari, Knesset Spokesman
Former opposition and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni resigned from the Knesset and her party on Tuesday, saying she will continue working to better Israel’s future.
“My principles and my values require me to leave the Kadima faction in the Knesset,” she explained. “I have always said a seat is not everything, and at this point I must leave my seat in the Knesset.”
Livni’s resignation came a month after her loss to Shaul Mofaz in the Kadima leadership race. In the weeks following Mofaz’s victory, Livni hid from the public eye, making few statements only on Facebook or Twitter and not revealing her plans.
The former foreign minister and opposition leader vowed that she is not leaving public life, and will work to improve Israel.
“The State of Israel is too dear to me in order to stop dealing with its problems and its citizens,” Livni said. “It deserves better than what the current policies have to offer.”
Livni thanked her supporters, specifically the MKs who stood with her during the Kadima leadership race, commending their “spine and personal strength.”
She pointed out that, under her leadership, Kadima received more votes than any other party in the last election, under a banner of clean politics backed with principles.
“I am not sorry I did not give in to political blackmail. I am not sorry I opposed stopping the diplomatic process, which is the key to the future of Israel, even if it cost me the job of prime minister. I am not sorry that I did not agree to sell the country to haredim just to be prime minister,” Livni stated in a press conference at the Knesset.
Livni emphasized the issue of negotiations with the Palestinians, saying that, although currently it is not the public’s top concern, a true leader would promote the topic “even if it’s not in style at the moment.” According to Livni, there is an immediate need to come to a permanent agreement with the Arab and Palestinian world, in order to ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish democratic state.
Following her speech, Livni gave her resignation letter to Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin, who said he is sure that has not yet exhausted her potential in politics.
Livni’s resignation in the Knesset will be valid as of Monday, when she will be replaced by Yuval Tzelner. Livni is the fifth Kadima MK to depart since the start of the 18th Knesset.
Following Livni’s press conference, Kadima released a statement saying her resignation is unfortunate, but the party, under Mofaz’s leadership, will win the next election as the only real alternative to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
“A senior position is reserved for Tzipi Livni, should she decide to return to political activity in Kadima during the upcoming election,” the party said.
“My principles and my values require me to leave the Kadima faction in the Knesset,” she explained. “I have always said a seat is not everything, and at this point I must leave my seat in the Knesset.”
Livni’s resignation came a month after her loss to Shaul Mofaz in the Kadima leadership race. In the weeks following Mofaz’s victory, Livni hid from the public eye, making few statements only on Facebook or Twitter and not revealing her plans.
The former foreign minister and opposition leader vowed that she is not leaving public life, and will work to improve Israel.
“The State of Israel is too dear to me in order to stop dealing with its problems and its citizens,” Livni said. “It deserves better than what the current policies have to offer.”
Livni thanked her supporters, specifically the MKs who stood with her during the Kadima leadership race, commending their “spine and personal strength.”
She pointed out that, under her leadership, Kadima received more votes than any other party in the last election, under a banner of clean politics backed with principles.
“I am not sorry I did not give in to political blackmail. I am not sorry I opposed stopping the diplomatic process, which is the key to the future of Israel, even if it cost me the job of prime minister. I am not sorry that I did not agree to sell the country to haredim just to be prime minister,” Livni stated in a press conference at the Knesset.
Livni emphasized the issue of negotiations with the Palestinians, saying that, although currently it is not the public’s top concern, a true leader would promote the topic “even if it’s not in style at the moment.” According to Livni, there is an immediate need to come to a permanent agreement with the Arab and Palestinian world, in order to ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish democratic state.
Following her speech, Livni gave her resignation letter to Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin, who said he is sure that has not yet exhausted her potential in politics.
Livni’s resignation in the Knesset will be valid as of Monday, when she will be replaced by Yuval Tzelner. Livni is the fifth Kadima MK to depart since the start of the 18th Knesset.
Following Livni’s press conference, Kadima released a statement saying her resignation is unfortunate, but the party, under Mofaz’s leadership, will win the next election as the only real alternative to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
“A senior position is reserved for Tzipi Livni, should she decide to return to political activity in Kadima during the upcoming election,” the party said.
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