BICOM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that Israel needs political stability and that a new agreement with Kadima will pave the way for the broadest national unity government in Israel’s history.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz, Netanyahu said: “I was ready to go to elections. But when I learned that a very broad government can be established, the broadest in Israel’s history I realised that stability can be restored. That is why I have decided to form a broad national unity government.”

Outlining the unity government’s goals, Netanyahu pointed to four objectives: “To bring a just and egalitarian alternative to the Tal Law; a responsible budget that will address the State of Israel’s needs; to change the government system; and to try to promote a responsible peace process where security is maintained. ”

Addressing the press conference, Mofaz explained his decision to join Netanyahu’s government. “There are moments in a nation’s life that it is called to make serious decisions. I believe that the time has come to change world orders. This is a historic move of national unity which is important for the State’s future. A coalition of 94 MKs will better handle the challenges.”

He said that Kadima’s political power can assist the government to achieve its goals. “It would have been irresponsible to say no,” he noted.

One of the main clauses in the unity agreement signed overnight Tuesday refers to IDF enlistment. Likud and Kadima have agreed to work towards legislating a law “that will regulate an equal and fair division of the burden among the various sectors in Israeli society.” Both parties have pledged to do this by 31 July in accordance with a High Court of Justice ruling. The agreement stated that a team led by Kadima will draft the bill.

In response to the surprise announcement, yesterday evening Some 1,000 people gathered outside the Habimah National Theater in Tel Aviv to protest against the unity agreement between Netanyahu and Mofaz.  A number of Knesset members from Meretz and Labour also attended the demonstration. Similar rallies against the unity agreement were held Tuesday evening in Beersheba and Jerusalem.