Opposition leader calls for diplomatic solution to prevent ‘unplanned military operation’

Opposition leader Tzipi Livni says that yesterday’s deadly Gaza clashes highlight the need for a diplomatic solution to prevent “an unplanned military operation.”

Opening the Zionist Union Knesset faction meeting (with party chairman Avi Gabbay not present), Livni slams the government for failing to pursue long-term diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.

“The choice is not between submission to Hamas or unnecessary war,” she says.

“Instead of paying terrorists, we need to strengthen the moderates who are working with us against terrorism,” she says of the funds that Israel allowed to be transferred to the terrorist group from Qatar. “The carrots must be given to those who work with us for security reasons, not to Hamas.”

Livni calls for “joint regional cooperation with the common goal of demilitarizing Gaza and creating an immediate political options to work with the moderates.”

— Raoul Wootliff