WarSclerotic

Liberman backs Kerry as ‘true friend of Israel’ | JPost | Israel News.

By TOVAH LAZAROFF, JPOST.COM STAFF

02/07/2014 13:03

Foreign minister lashes out at Bennett, warns against damaging relations with Israel’s allies; Yisrael Beytenu leader criticizes government, saying “leadership with courage” is needed to make change.

Amid criticism from the Israeli Right about US diplomacy in the region, Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman proclaimed US Secretary of State John Kerry as “a true friend of Israel,” warning that it was not wise to damage relations with allies.

Liberman took a stab a recent criticism from Economy Minister Naftali Bennett over remarks Kerry made about the possibility of boycotts on Israel if peace talks with the Palestinians break down.

While Liberman said he supported Kerry’s efforts to reach a two-state solution, he said he was not willing to pay any price for achieving such a deal and Israel’s security concerns must be addressed.

The foreign minister said he agreed that land and population swaps should be part of a peace deal.

During a speech at the Commercial and Industrial Business Club in Tel Aviv, the Yisrael Beytenu leader also addressed the management of the government, saying the splintering structure deducted from productivity.

“What is needed is leadership with courage to make changes,” he charged.

“The government needs to be managed well. With this kind of coalition of opposites, it is difficult even in the economic sphere,” he added.

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