Opposition leader Tzipi Livni (Kadima) warned that
ties between Jews in the Diaspora and their Israeli counterparts are weakening, in a
meeting with US Senator Joe Lieberman in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Livni cited recent "radical legislation" in the Knesset, religious extremism causing discrimination against women, Jewish violence against IDF soldiers and "price tag" attacks
carried out by right-wing activists as reasons for the tension. These
events, she explained, "make it difficult for [Jews in the Diaspora] to
defend Israel."
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The government must work to stop "the wave" of worrisome events instead of encouraging it, she urged.
The Kadima leader also addressed Tuesday's meeting in Amman
between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, saying that she hopes it
would lead to the resumption of serious talks and an eventual
political settlement.
Israel needs to encourage the strengthening of moderates in the Middle
East, she asserted, advising that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu
"would do well to take advantage of this opportunity."
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