After their close showings in the recent Israeli election, either Binyamin Netanyahu or Tzipi Livni may soon be in a position to assemble a parliamentary coalition that can govern as a majority. Both are considering partnering with Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Israel Beiteinu party. As friends of Israel and supporters of Israeli democracy, we say: Don't do it!
Through his platform and his rhetoric -- see below for a summary -- Mr. Lieberman threatens Israeli society with the darkness of race-baiting, demagoguery and ultra-nationalism. We respect the right of Israeli citizens to elect their own political leadership, yet as supporters of a democratic state we cannot remain silent at this crucial time. We remember too well how democracies in the 20th century were brought down by anti-democratic leaders who came to power through popular elections.
Granting Mr. Lieberman a senior ministerial post would endanger the foundations of Israel as a democratic state and delegitimize it in the eyes of the world. Such a government would be one that even Israel's friends would find increasingly difficult -- if not impossible -- to identify with or support.
Sign this letter urging Netanyahu and Livni not to form a coalition with Israel Beiteinu or offer Lieberman a senior government portfolio. Why would placing Avigdor Lieberman in a key government role threaten Israel's democratic foundations?* He has called for Arab citizens of Israel to sign an "oath of loyalty" to the state or be stripped of their citizenship. [
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* He has proposed that Arab-populated areas which are currently part of Israel be transferred to the Palestinian Authority, regardless of the wishes of citizens living in these areas. [
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* He has called for any Arab Knesset members who meet with the Palestinian majority-elected Islamist party Hamas to be executed as "collaborators". To Arab members of the Knesset, he has recently threatened that "a new administration will be established and then we will take care of you". [
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* He led the drive in Israel's Central Election Committee to have Arab political parties banned from running in the most recent election, which passed successfully and was overturned only by the Israeli Supreme Court. [
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Being friends of Israel and concerned for its democracy, we call on both Binyamin Netanyahu and Tzipi Livni to refrain from forming a coalition with the Israel Beiteinu party as a key partner, or offering its leader Avigdor Lieberman a senior government portfolio.
Through his platform and his rhetoric, Mr. Lieberman threatens Israeli society with the darkness of race-baiting, demagoguery and ultra-nationalism. We respect the right of Israeli citizens to elect their own political leadership, yet as supporters of a democratic state we cannot remain silent at this crucial time. We remember too well how democracies in the 20th century were brought down by anti-democratic leaders who came to power through popular elections.
Granting Mr. Lieberman a senior ministerial post would endanger the foundations of Israel as a democratic state and delegitimize it in the eyes of the world. Such a government would be one that even Israel's friends would find increasingly difficult -- if not impossible -- to identify with or support.
Bibi, Livni -- As friends of Israel we urge you: Don't do it!
