Likud slams Olmert after speech criticizing Netanyahu

"One could think it was heaven here under the Kadima government but the Israeli public remembers the truth," Likud says.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Bibi-olmert (photo credit: AP)
Bibi-olmert
(photo credit: AP)
The Likud party slammed former prime minister Ehud Olmert and opposition leader Tsipi Livni on Tuesday after they criticized Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's leadership.
Speaking at the Socio-Economic Forum put on by the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry Olmert condemned Netanyahu's decision to not answer to US President Barack Obama's request that Israel declare a two-month extension of the West Bank building freeze, saying that the prime minister's s refusal damaged Israel's strategic interests. RELATED:PM’s associates: He’ll never give up Western WallMy Word: An open bookThe terms for an accord
In response to Olmert's comments, Likud issued a statement criticizing Kadima, saying, "After Tzipi Livni's speech on Monday and Ehud Olmert's speech on Tuesday, one could think it was heaven here under the Kadima government, but the Israeli public remembers the truth," the statement read.
"Three years, two wars, thousands of missiles launched into Israeli territory, one Goldstone report, massive political concessions that led to nowhere, and a deep economic recession. That's the country that Livni and Olmert left."
"The Netanyahu government led us to economic prosperity, and returned calm and security to the Israeli people. The government is involved in peace negotiations while standing up for Israel's national security interests, and also maintaining strong relations with the United States."
In his speech earlier on Tuesday, Olmert said Netanyahu's government should stop "arguing with and offending the whole world" explaining that it could lead to Israel's political isolation in the world and damage Israel's economy.
Olmert attacked Netanyahu's policy makers and said "you think in your opinion that it's OK to argue with the whole world, to offend the whole world and to enjoy the economic fruits these states have to offer.
"There are those who believe it is possible to separate the political situation from the economic situation and these people use the phrase 'economic peace'," Olmert said, alluding to Netanyahu. "This is a great phrase but in reality it doesn’t actually exist.""When we raise doubts about if we support a two-state agreement, everyone will talk about the settlements," Olmert said.