Netanyahu Accused of Lies by Professor Yaron Zelicha
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Professor Yaron Zelicha accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of spreading lies and falsely portraying him as a far-left figure. Zelicha praised Netanyahu's past work as Finance Minister but criticized his current leadership. He outlined conditions for joining a future government, including controlling the Finance Ministry and not relying on Arab or Haredi parties for coalition stability. Zelicha also highlighted his past success in lowering VAT and aims to do so again.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Professor Yaron Zelicha accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of spreading lies and false portrayals.
- Zelicha praised Netanyahu's past performance as Finance Minister but criticized his current premiership.
- Zelicha and Yoaz Hendel demand the Finance Ministry and oppose reliance on Arab or Haredi parties.
- Zelicha aims to reduce VAT to 12% based on his past economic successes.
- Netanyahu allegedly used a photo with Zehavah Galon to label Zelicha as far-left.
Professor Yaron Zelicha has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of spreading lies and attempting to portray Zelicha as an extreme leftist. In an interview with Miki Levin, Zelicha stated that Netanyahu used a photo of him with Zehavah Galon at an event launching an economic plan to reduce the cost of living, which Zelicha had initiated with the Meretz party, to falsely label him as far-left. Zelicha compared this tactic to presenting a photo of Netanyahu embracing Arafat and claiming he was a Palestinian Authority official, calling such "ridiculous lies" pathetic and indicative of a lack of truth.
Zelicha also claimed that Netanyahu's accusations against him conceal Netanyahu's protection of figures like Bezeq, Shlomo Fogel, and gas tycoons who profited at the public's expense. He asserted that young people are tired of these "bluffs." Despite his criticism of Netanyahu's performance as Prime Minister, Zelicha praised his past tenure as Finance Minister.
Zelicha outlined his and Yoaz Hendel's "red lines" for forming a future government. These include refusing to rely on Arab parties for coalition support, opposing governments dependent on Haredi parties that do not advance conscription, and demanding the Finance Ministry portfolio. Zelicha stated they would not enable a coalition of 61 seats based on either Arab or Haredi parties, emphasizing that in economic and social matters, he sees only Israelis, but in political matters, he believes sectarian Arab parties should not be involved in decision-making during wartime.
He expressed confidence that a "sane government" could be formed after the elections, one that doesn't rely on Arab parties or draft dodgers, with the Finance Ministry under his control. He believes they can be the pivot for the next government, which would include parties from both sides of the political spectrum. Zelicha also recalled his success in reducing VAT from 18% to 15% during his previous tenure at the Finance Ministry over 20 years ago, attributing it to economic and budget efficiencies that stimulate the economy and growth. He aims to further reduce VAT to 12% if his policies are sustained.
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