Netanyahu: This gov't will be around for years to come

After Barak breaks away from Labor, remaining Labor ministers resign, PM expected to enter coalition talks with new faction, "Independence."

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Netanyahu hand 311 (photo credit: Emile Salman)
Netanyahu hand 311
(photo credit: Emile Salman)
Against the backdrop of three ministers resigning from his government and his defense minister creating a new political faction, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke to reporters at the Knesset on Monday.
The prime minister said that "the whole world, including the Palestinians, knows that this government will be here for the coming years." He continued, "We want to restart and advance the peace process based on our interests," primarily security.
RELATED:Herzog, Braverman, Ben-Eliezer resign from governmentLivni: 'A bad day for Netanyahu, a hopeful day for Israel'
He added that his government will act responsibly in order to take care of and work for the betterment of Israel.
The Knesset House Committee on Monday approved a request by Defense Minister Ehud Barak to split from the Labor party and form a new faction called 'Independence' (Atzmaut). The split was approved with a majority of 11 MKs voting in favor.
Shortly after the announcement, Netanyahu made a request to begin coalition negotiations with the newly-formed faction. Representatives from the prime minister's office were expected to meet with "Independence" representatives MK Einat Wilf and Agricultural Minister Shalom Simhon.
Barak said that the faction's agenda will be "first of all the state, then the party, then the media, and only then ourselves." He vowed that he and Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, MK Shalom Simhon, Deputy Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Orit Noked, and MK Einat Wilf would "do what's best and what's right for Israel."
"We are creating a new faction and we will call on everyone who believes in our path to join."
Click for full Jpost coverage
Click for full Jpost coverage