Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Monday accused Defense Minister Ehud Barak of interfering in Kadima party's internal affairs, dismissing Barak's remarks that an Israeli leader needs security experiences.
"I suggest that no one interfere in what is happening in Kadima, and I am certain that Kadima's members understand what is good for Kadima," Livni said in an interview with Ynet, a leading news website in Israel.
Livni, a senior Kadima member who is bidding for the party leadership and possibly the premiership, made the remarks after Barak, who is the chairman of the Labor Party, said in an interview with local TV Channel 10 on Sunday evening that his country needs a prime minister with security experiences.
"Security is not just being a military professional. It's seeing beyond, evaluating the situation in terms of regional, civilian, social and military processes, preparing systems and using common sense and reasoning, which do not only lean on familiarity with one field," responded Livni, who many think lacks security and defense credentials.
Meanwhile, Livni slammed Barak's remarks as "inappropriate," saying that "different political elements, particularly those who are diminished by Kadima, have other interests."
"Other parties' interest is to diminish Kadima, but I have no doubts that Kadima members will decide who to vote for based on what is important to the party," she said, adding that she suggests competing elements in the political field refrain from interfering.
Livni now has about five weeks to gain support from other Kadima members to win the upcoming Kadima primary. She faces great challenges from Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, Public Security Minister Avi Dichter, and especially Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, who has served as defense minister and chief of general staff of the Israeli army.
Source:Xinhua
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