Right-leaning ministers to tell Bush they oppose concessions

Lieberman and Yishai intend to represent opponents of the Annapolis diplomatic process by relaying to the president the widespread opposition to the process.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN, SHEERA CLAIRE FRENKEL
lieberman making a point (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
lieberman making a point
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Israel Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman and Shas chairman Eli Yishai intend to use a festive dinner with US President George W. Bush on Thursday night to alert him to the dangers of dividing Jerusalem, sources close to the two men said Monday. Lieberman and Yishai intend to represent opponents of the Annapolis diplomatic process by relaying to the president the widespread opposition to the process. Yishai said he would tell Bush that there was no point in making concessions to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas when he lacks power in the Gaza Strip and much of the West Bank. Yishai intends to personally deliver to Bush a letter from Shas mentor Rabbi Ovadia Yosef urging the release of Jonathan Pollard, who was convicted of spying for Israel against the US. Lieberman will warn Bush against allowing the negotiations to address the core issues of the conflict. The meal will also be attended by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Vice Premier Haim Ramon, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz and Pensioners Affairs Minister Rafi Eitan. Eitan's presence at the meal is controversial, because he has been wanted in the United States for his role as Pollard's handler. The White House reportedly told the organizers of the meal that Bush had no problem with Eitan attending. Olmert told the Kadima faction that the Bush visit was a political statement with special significance amid the international effort to prevent Iran from obtaining unconventional weapons. "The visit will be interesting," Olmert said. "It cannot be underestimated that the American president is coming to deliver his appreciation for Israel." Knesset members voiced their discontent with Bush's itinerary Monday, stating that his failure to meet with MKs or visit the Knesset was a snub to the legislative branch. "This visit is purely ceremonial. He does not want to leave the presidency without having visited Israel, but it is not a serious visit," said MK Yuval Steinitz (Likud). "The Knesset is the home of Israeli democracy and he is not visiting here." Other MKs said that they were secretly pleased that Bush was not visiting the parliament, since it would only "bring the circus into the Knesset." "This entire visit is one big circus, timed to help Olmert with Winograd and Bush's [Republican Party] with the elections," said one Kadima MK. "At least it is on the other side of the city."