Tensions Precede Party Primaries in Likud
Full Text;
“Tensions are running high among Likud Central Committee members as the party primary election nears.”
“Criticism can be heard against party leader Binyamin Netanyahu, for recommending his lineup in the hope it will influence central committee members. Opponents are accusing Netanyahu of interfering in the democratic election process.”
“While the party leader has not publicized a printed list, Netanyahu is making it clear that he favors many of the MKs who opposed the disengagement. Some of the committe members fear this could give the party an appearance of being too right-wing. Netanyahu’s list includes Michael Ratzon, David Levy, Yuli Edelstein, Natan Sharansky, among others. There is also criticism that Netanyahu is not including enough women on his list.”
Kadima Seeks to Place Sharon at Top of Party List
Full Text;
“Kadima officials began examining the feasability of placing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the top of the party’s list, if he were found competent to serve from a medical standpoint.”
“Regardless of the final decision, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will remain Kadima’s candidate for prime minister in the March 28 elections. The initiative depends on Sharon’s continued recovery.”
Lapid: Kadima Turning Sharon into a ‘Lubavitcher Rebbe’
Sharon Likely Cannot Compete in Upcoming Election
Full Text;
“Even in the event of a miracle, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon cannot appear on the Kadima ballot for the 17 Knesset elections.”
“Galei Tzahal (Army) Radio reported early Wednesday morning that Mr. Sharon, like other candidates, must sign a registration form, in order to be eligible to run. He did not do so before suffering a major stroke last week. At this time he is thereby precluded from the race. ”
The deadline for registration is 4 February.
Kadima ‘Exploiting Sharon’s Illness’
Excerpts;
“Likud and Labor MKs accused Kadima on Sunday of exploiting Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s hospitalization – and the subsequent unofficial moratorium on politicking – for political gain.”
“Labor chairman Amir Peretz and Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu continued their policy of refusing to answer political questions while Sharon’s fate remains undecided and enforcing a ban on political events in their parties. But Likud and Labor MKs said they were frustrated that they could not campaign ahead of their primaries, while Kadima MKs are on television all day extolling the virtues of Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.”
Likud member: Acting PM Should Come From Likud
Full Text;
“Likud member Yossi Fuchs petitioned the High Court of Justice to rule against Attorney General Menachem Mazuz’s recommendation that the government elect an acting prime minister from Kadima in the case that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is not capable of performing his duties.”
“Fuchs claimed that the correct interpretation of the Basic Law: The Government was that the substitute prime minister must belong to the party to which the prime minister belonged when he was elected, Israel Radio reported.”
“During the last elections in 2003, Sharon belonged to the Likud.”