Olmert warns Israelis not to vote Tzipi Livni Party

Former prime minister lashes out against Livni, Yacimovich, Netanyahu; sings praises of Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
Olmert and Livni 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Olmert and Livni 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Former prime minister Ehud Olmert lashed out at his thenforeign minister, Tzipi Livni, Tuesday, warning Israelis not to vote for her Tzipi Livni Party.
Speaking at an event for Kadima mayors in Ramat Gan, Olmert sang the praises of current Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz and mocked The Tzipi Livni Party’s slogan.
“I hear that the hope will vanquish the fear,” Olmert said. “That is indeed a nice slogan, and I am not against slogans. But what is the practical content behind it? If there is anyone who has already proven that he knows how to defeat fear in the streets and provide security and hope to the citizens of Israel, it is the man who, as IDF chief of staff, commanded Operation Defensive Shield and defeated the second intifada.”
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He did not spare criticism for Labor leader Shelly Yacimovich either. He slammed the socioeconomic plan that Yacimovich unveiled last month and presented further on Monday in a mock debate with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
“Labor wants to add billions to the budget,” Olmert said.
“Did they bother to find a source for funding that? This is populist, shoddy work. It displays a lack of credibility and a lack of experience.”
A Labor spokesman responded that Labor was the only party with a comprehensive, responsible and serious socioeconomic plan. The spokesman made reference to the ongoing criminal investigations against Olmert and said he would be wise to remain silent.
“Olmert, in his present situation, would do himself a lot of good if he would refrain from interfering in this election,” the Labor spokesman said. “When Olmert was prime minister, social services were privatized, socioeconomic gaps widened, and the middle class was harmed.”
The former premier saved the bulk of his criticism for Netanyahu, who he said was incapable of making decisions and was unfit to remain prime minister. He said Netanyahu had claimed credit for achievements of Olmert’s government.
He urged voters to look at the list of candidates on the cusp of entering the Knesset in the polls before deciding which party to vote for in the January 22 election.
“Do you know who No. 30 is in the Likud?” Olmert asked.
“Do you know who is 15th in Labor? Or 10th on Livni’s list? I know who is first on Kadima’s list: A man who has brought a lot of benefit to the state, and that is why I felt compelled to stand beside him.”