Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday evening made controversial comments on the upcoming Kadima primary, saying that his country needs a prime minister with security experience.
"There could be a prime minister without a security background, but it is neither wise nor correct," said the Labor Party chairman in an interview with local TV Channel 10, citing the failures of the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict as justification.
The minister stressed that a lesson should have been learned from the 34-day war, when Israel was led by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and then Defense Minister Amir Peretz, who local daily The Jerusalem Post said both lacked significant military experience.
"Israeli prime minister is a sensitive position that requires a massive amount of experience, including on security issues... We saw just two years ago the fruit of inexperience, and the decisions made then are being judged now," he added.
When asked if his remarks equaled an endorsement of Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz for the Kadima leadership, who served as defense minister and chief of general staff in the army, Barak said he was speaking generally.
Mofaz faces challenges from Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit and Public Security Minister Avi Dichter in the Kadima's internal race, which was initiated after Barak threatened to withdraw from the ruling coalition if Kadima did not replace Olmert.
In response to Barak's comments, Mofaz's associates said what the defense minister said was clear to everyone and that Israel required a prime minister with a security background, while cautioning that these remarks could ultimately hurt Mofaz, as it seemed that he was interfering in Kadima's internal affairs, The Jerusalem Post reported Monday.
Meanwhile, Livni's advisers said Barak's comments did not necessarily refer to Mofaz, and stressed that "when it comes to handling matters of security, what is necessary is good judgment," according to the newspaper.
Barak also said that if the new Kadima leader fails to establish a government, he would prepare Labor for a general election.
Source:Xinhua
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