Housing minister: Decision came down to photo finish; Tirosh cites Mofaz's socioeconomic sensitivity.
By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN, JPOST.COM STAFFronit tirosh 248.88(photo credit: Channel 2)
Construction and Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim and MK Ronit Tirosh both endorsed Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz as Kadima leader on Monday morning.
During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Boim said, "In reaching my decision, I considered the qualities required from a prime minister: good judgment; level-headedness; political, security and diplomatic experience; the ability to motivate people and make decisions; trust; modesty; integrity and incorruptibility. After I went through all these criteria for the candidates it came down to what in the language of the Olympics is a photo finish, but Mofaz is the man and he has the advantage."
"My support could have been given to Livni, but my decision to back Mofaz was down to just a few points," he stressed.
"Kadima faces a double test," Boim continued. "To choose the right and appropriate person to fill the prime minister's shoes as well as to toe the line and bolster the ranks. This is the duty of all Kadima members. I urge them all to make a democratic decision and to stand behind the candidate chosen in our primaries."
Boim is a close associate of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and expressed hope that the prime minister would prove his innocence in the corruption cases currently underway against him.
"I hope he will overcome all those seeking his downfall and prove his innocence," he said.
"I want to thank him for the excellent service he gave the Israeli people, we will most probably miss him," Boim continued, adding that "even his sworn opponents admit that he was one of Israel's best prime ministers."
Tirosh earlier expressed her backing for the transportation minister.
"I entered politics in order to advance an educational and socioeconomic agenda," she said. "With all these things in mind, and the need for military experience, I have decided to support Shaul Mofaz, although all four candidates for the Kadima leadership are worthy."
Tirosh said that Mofaz as defense minister displayed acute socioeconomic sensitivity and initiated successful education initiatives such as 'Atidim' - a program that takes high school students with potential and trains them to be good soldiers, academics, public servants and productive citizens - as well as projects that allowed soldiers to finish their matriculation.
She said such sensitivity was vital "especially with the threat Israel is under and the military and socioeconomic challenges Israel will be facing over the next few years."
"I'm convinced that Israel requires a prime minister with experience in dealing with these challenges," added Tirosh.
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