Special Interview After the Rotation

The Secretary General of Israel’s Labor Party, Uzi Baram, said he believes that the rotation agreement between Labor and Likud, will take place as planned on October 14. But he did not rule out the possibility that the unity government could fall after Foreign Minister Yitzhak Shamir replaces Prime Minster Shimon Peres.

“Look, there is a rotation agreement between Labor and Likud, and the agreement must take place,” Baram said in a special interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “Am I sorry about it? Yes, I am,” Baram said, adding, “In fact, almost all the people of Israel are sorry.”

Baram, who has just concluded a 10-day visit to the U.S., noted that the unity government, which was established 19 months ago, “is like any other government. This government is not immune to crises in the future.”

He said that in case of disagreements between Labor and Likud in the future, “Labor may walk out of the government.” Baram stressed that the unity government and the rotation agreement are based on basic guidelines agreed to by Labor and Likud.” If these guidelines are not adhered to after Shamir becomes Premier, Labor can act as it deems,” he said.

Baram said that it became clearer than ever that the Likud is not fit to govern Israel, after the Likud convention last month ended in chaos.”Shamir does not even enjoy the support of the majority in his own party,” Baram said. “A future Premier who leaves his own party convention under police protection cannot effectively govern the nation,” Baram claimed. “In my opinion, the logical solution is to call for general elections, and the sooner the better.”

Baram highly praised Peres’ leadership and his performance as Premier. “Peres has almost reached the position of a national leader,” Baram said, claiming that Peres not only guided the nation toward economic recovery but also created a “new climate regarding Israel’s international position. Peres created a moderate image of the country in the eyes of the world, despite the hawkish elements in the unity government.”

Baram, who also serves as chairman of the Golda Meir Association in Israel, an organization devoted to combatting extremism and racism in Israeli society, expressed concern over the growth of intolerance and extremism in the country, a phenomenon, he observed, which is manifested in the support among a growing number of young Israelis for groups such as Rabbi Meir Kahane’s Kach Party.

Baram said he is concerned that in the 1988 general elections in Israel, ultra-nationalist groups that advocate the expulsion of the Arabs will gain more votes from young Israelis. He called for the support of American Jews to help fight the phenomenon of extremism and racism in Israel.