Peretz: Ehud Barak fled from Lebanon

Defense minister rages against critics, potential candidates for defense minister position; states he's not going anywhere, is not the one who fell asleep on the job
Attila Somfalvi

Defense Minster Amir Peretz told Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth Thursday regarding the possibility that former Prime Minister Ehud Barak will succeed him, “Barak wants to be defense minister? He was the architect of the escape from Lebanon."

Peretz slammed the “candidates for defense minister” Barak and Shaul Mofaz, saying the withdrawal from Lebanon and the Gaza disengagement, which was carried out without an agreement, were severe mistakes that led to the current situation.

“We retreated from Lebanon in an orderly fashion after the war, following an agreement,” he said. “The soldiers left quietly, not under attacks. From Gaza and Lebanon (during Barak’s tenure) we left unilaterally; this proves that we must withdraw from territories only in the framework of an agreement.”

Asked why he supported the Gaza disengagement, Peretz said, “What choice did I have? The choice was between supporting the pullout or not withdrawing at all.”

Candidates 'fell asleep on the job'

During his harsh invective, Peretz said: "When I heard about (such candidates) I was quite surprised, because both in the north and south, someone fell asleep on the job, and there was a policy of keeping our eyes shut - no one said we need to take extreme measures."

"These candidates are those who need to give account regarding this policy," Peretz emphasized.

"This was a fairly calm speech," said Peretz of his verbal storm. There's no doubt he's enraged, in large part because of what he calls "the campaign of slander" against him.

He's furious with cabinet members. And he's angry at members of his own party. He's stopped reading the papers, pursuant to the latest uproar surrounding him.

"This campaign of slander has crossed boundaries, party lines and interests, from Gaydamak to cabinet ministers. I want it to be clear to all involved in trying to delegitimize me: In every position, the first year or two started out in crisis, but ended with a strong system," he stated.

"Make no mistake," he added. "The fact that I'm a man of peace doesn't change my stance on terror. I'll reach out for peace, but fight with all my might against anything that harms Israeli children."

Despite the tough stance that Peretz exudes, sources close to him said that if he is offered the position of finance minister, instead of defense minister, he may consider it. Peretz himself refrained from rejecting such an offer.

In contrast, his office denied rumors that he was considering such a switch. "Amir Peretz will continue functioning in the role of defense minister. Any other idea is not on the agenda. Period," they said.