Finance minister urges Zionist Union ‘not to miss historic window of opportunity,’ is rebufffed

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, speaks with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon in the Knesset, June 1, 2016. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, speaks with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon in the Knesset, June 1, 2016. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

 

There is a substantive effort underway to launch a regional peace initiative between Israel and several Arab neighbors, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon indicated Wednesday, as he called on Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog to join the Likud-led coalition.

Isaac Herzog speaking in the Knesset on May 23, 2016. (screen capture: Knesset channel)
Isaac Herzog speaking in the Knesset on May 23, 2016. (screen capture: Knesset channel)

“The rumors and talk of a significant diplomatic move in the region are far more substantial than mere hints in newspapers,” the Kulanu party leader said at an event in Netanya.

“I call on the Zionist Union to join the government and not to miss the historic window of opportunity that has been created,” he added. “This is not the time or place to offer details, but we have a rare opportunity for a dramatic shift at the regional level.”

Herzog dismissed Kahlon’s call on Wednesday evening. In a statement, his office said that, “Herzog has already told Kahlon what he had to say on Monday in a clear and loud voice.”

The statement apparently referred to Herzog’s speech in the Knesset in which he called on Kahlon “to dare to pay the heavy price for your inner truth” by taking his Kulanu party out of the coalition, toppling Netanyahu’s government.

“I call on the Zionist Union to join the government and not to miss the historic window of opportunity that has been created,” he added. “This is not the time or place to offer details, but we have a rare opportunity for a dramatic shift at the regional level.”

Herzog dismissed Kahlon’s call on Wednesday evening. In a statement, his office said that, “Herzog has already told Kahlon what he had to say on Monday in a clear and loud voice.”

The statement apparently referred to Herzog’s speech in the Knesset in which he called on Kahlon “to dare to pay the heavy price for your inner truth” by taking his Kulanu party out of the coalition, toppling Netanyahu’s government.

As reported by The Times of Israel