Ya'alon hints at fundraising for new party in letter

Ya'alon resigned on May 20 to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to replace him with Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman.

By GIL HOFFMAN
Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon (L) takes part in the weekly cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) (photo credit: AFP PHOTO)
Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon (L) takes part in the weekly cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R)
(photo credit: AFP PHOTO)
Former defense minister Moshe Ya'alon gave an impression that he is already on the way to making a political comeback in a letter he wrote his past campaign contributors in English that was obtained by The Jerusalem Post.
Ya'alon resigned on May 20 to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to replace him with Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman.
In the letter he expressed some of the same frustration with the current state of Likud that he exhibited in his speech when he announced his resignation.
"I entered politics out of a sense of commitment to the State of Israel and its security and for this reason I am not considering quitting the public or political arena," he wrote his donors. "I regard this period as a "time-out" after which I intend to return and run for Israel's national leadership."
Ya'alon wrote that he recently found myself in disagreement with Netanyahu and other ministers and MKs over a number of fundamental issues both morally and professionally. Ya'alon wrote that he did not regret the stand that he took and his decision to leave the cabinet.
"I am saddened to witness the fact that a small and extreme minority are taking over sectors of the Likud party and influencing parts of Israel's complex society," he wrote.
"It is unfortunate that some of Israel's most senior politicians have chosen the path of separation and incitement instead of reducing the flames of conflict. A strong leadership should be driven by a sense of moral standards and this path should be pursued even in the face of opposition. When leadership is driven by electoral considerations and swayed by public opinion this is an avenue I can no longer traverse with a clear conscience."
In words typically used in letters to current and future campaign contributors, he told them that he would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their friendship and support over the years and that he sincerely hoped that they would keep in touch.
"I express my appreciation for your friendship and hope that you will always feel free to continue to remain in contact with me in the future," Ya'alon concluded.
Ya'alon's spokesman said the letter reiterated statements he made when he resigned and everyone could interpret his words as they see fit.