Former defense minister condemns Bibi's 'divisive' message
In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz insists that despite the current violence, it's time for Israel to present a new diplomatic initiative and "initiate and lead" instead of "blaming the other side."
Former Chief of Staff and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, a veteran of two intifadas, quit political life a year ago. During these last few months, away from politics and decision-making circles, Mofaz, like many others in Israel, has been following the latest round of violence. He links the attacks to the prolonged freeze in Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy.
Speaking with Al-Monitor, Mofaz criticized the absence of an Israeli diplomatic initiative and contended that Israel must be proactive and go on the offensive, not only defend itself from behind roadblocks and concrete barriers. Mofaz was careful during the interview not to get dragged into political attacks on the prime minister, but his words made clear how far the current leadership is from believing that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict lies in a diplomatic initiative.
The text of the interview follows:
Al-Monitor: Are you concerned by the possible collapse of the Palestinian Authority?
