Opposition leader meets US Senator Joe Lieberman, warns "radical legislation," religious extremism are driving wedge.
By JPOST.COM STAFFTzipi Livni with US Senator Joe Lieberman 311(photo credit: Courtesy)
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni (Kadima) warned that ties between Jews in the Diaspora and their Israeli counterparts are weakening, in a meeting with US Senator Joe Lieberman in Jerusalem on Wednesday.Livni cited recent "radical legislation" in the Knesset, religious extremism causing discrimination against women, Jewish violence against IDF soldiers and "price tag" attacks carried out by right-wing activists as reasons for the tension. These events, she explained, "make it difficult for [Jews in the Diaspora] to defend Israel."RELATED:Police planning crackdown on Beit Shemesh radicals
The government must work to stop "the wave" of worrisome events instead of encouraging it, she urged.The Kadima leader also addressed Tuesday's meeting in Amman between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, saying that she hopes it would lead to the resumption of serious talks and an eventual political settlement.Israel needs to encourage the strengthening of moderates in the Middle East, she asserted, advising that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu "would do well to take advantage of this opportunity."
