Bogey Ya'alon: "Peace Now" – a Dangerous Virus

David Shmueli 20/08/2009 09:30 Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will probably summon his Deputy – the Minister of Strategic Affairs – Moshe Ya'alon, for a private conversation to clarify their respective positions. Ya'alon spoke out this week against the Prime Minister's current policies, at a closed meeting arranged for members of the "Manhigut Yehudit" movement, headed by Moshe Feiglin. It appears that in a discreet, quiet manner, the Minister of Strategic Affairs, Moshe (Bogey) Ayalon, is forging a political bond with the man Binyamin Netanyahu hates with a passion – Moshe Feiglin. For the benefit of readers who may still be confused, Ya'alon is sending a message to Netanyahu about how far Right he is willing to turn, and exactly where he can be found on the political map of the Israeli Right. During his lecture, the Minister had no hesitations, and spoke his mind freely before a riveted audience. Ya'alon suggested that Netanyahu may end up giving in to the Left. "Even today we must remain concerned," said Ya'alon. "I am still worried that they [the media and Left] have power to influence the prime minister…" Ya'alon comments became increasingly harsh, as he continued his speech. "The virus 'Peace Now,' and if you will, the elites - damage they can cause is very great." Ya'alon received an enthusiastic round of applause when he said, "As far as I'm concerned, Jews can, and should live in all of the Land of Israel forever." Later, Ya'alon announced that he was not afraid of the government sitting in the White House, hinting that certain governments are  overly concerned about "what they will say in America."  Ya'alon was emphatic when he stated, "There are instances when you have to put your foot down, and say that enough is enough. When you do things you don't believe in, the pressure does not let up, and you eventually roll down a slippery slope." Ya'alon repeated a phrase that he has used on numerous occasions in the past while serving in the IDF, and which is a perfect example of the way members of the Manhigut Yehudit movement think. "Every time they [the government] bring the dove of peace, the army has to clean up after it." Moshe Feiglin, who could not have been expecting such a large gift, took advantage of the opportunity to try to convince Moshe Ya'alon to join forces with him. "What is important to us is to cooperate on every positive move you make, and it's obvious you will make such moves. In our party you will find this group helpful," he said referring to Manhigut Yehudit members, "and we will do good things together." And why did Ya'alon do what he did? Where will this act of near betray get him? Political commentators surmise that Ya'alon is paving the way for a campaign to run for head of the Likud. That would explain the closed meeting in Jerusalem, and the colorful comments he made. In response to Ya'alon's remarks,  the Prime Minsiter's office issued a statement: "The Prime Minister is presently on a private vacation, and he does not commonly speak to the ministers in his government via the media. As soon as he returns from his vacation, he will summon Minister Ya'alon for a face-to-face talk." http://www.tog.co.il/en/TorahNew.aspx?id=987  

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