Likud leader Netanyahu: We will pursue peace efforts

During a meeting with EU ambassadors yesterday, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised his commitment to continue talks and diplomatic negotiations conducted by PM Ehud Olmert's government. "I told them that a Likud government under my leadership will continue the peace talks, stressing security and economic development," Netanyahu said in a brief statement after Thursday's lunch. "We intend to interlace them with economic development, rapid economic development for the Palestinians and regional cooperation with Jordan and Egypt." According to recent polls, Likud holds a strong lead and is likely to lead the next government. Netanyahu aims to present a more centrist party to the public without the far-right support.

Likud officials close to Netanyahu were therefore satisfied with the Likud Central Elections Committee's decision to move right-wing candidate Moshe Feiglin down the Knesset list from the 20^th seat to the 36^th spot. The majority of the committee was in favour of the decision in order to allow other candidates from regional positions in the list a chance to move up. The decision was reached after female candidates reached high slots on the list making the reserved slots for women unnecessary. The committee was thus able to restructure the list. Feiglin, initially, said that he would challenge the ruling and appeal to the High Court of Justice but a few hours later changed his mind. "I have faith only in Likud voters, who will vote for me wherever I contend," Feiglin said. The initial success of Feiglin and his backers in the primary election was seen as a blow to Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Kadima party, which has been focusing its campaign against Likud and the right wing elements in the party list, released a statement after the Likud ruling. The statement said, "Netanyahu cannot cloud the fact that under his leadership, the Likud has become a right-wing extremist party. Netanyahu's bluff of trying to move to the center will not succeed. Whoever votes Netanyahu get the extreme right that will torpedo any chance of peace and security."

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