Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni talks to The Wall Street Journal about why she believes an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal is possible now, and how she sees her role as a counterbalance to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A few days ago, Livni declined an offer to join Netanyahu in a national unity government.
Livni said:
Since I am familiar with the decisions needed, and since I entered politics to end this conflict, this is my basic drive to be in politics… If any Israeli prime minister, including Netanyahu, is willing to make the decisions to end this conflict, I’m ready to be there to hold his hand and to help him in order to it. I cannot be part of a never-ending process without me understanding what the willingness is to make decisions. This is my test. It’s not about words, it’s about [actions]. The moment I know I can change, I can make a difference, that I can help make real decisions, it’s not important what the position is, I will be there. If not, what’s the use? It could lead Israelis to lose hope. If everybody is there, and nothing happens, then what? There’s no chance for peace.
Read the full interview here.
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