Ya’alon slams Netanyahu, says he will run against him

Former defense minister Moshe Ya’alon announces he plans to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for national leadership.

Speaking at the Herzliya Conference, Ya’alon, who served as defense minister until last month, criticizes Israel’s current leaders.

“Israel’s leadership needs to stop scaring its citizens, and start dealing with the real problems facing the country.” He adds: “Israel does not face an existential threat at this time.”

Fmr. Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon speaking at the Herzliya Conference. >>> pic.twitter.com/dz12hwaJ3f

— Judah Ari Gross (@JudahAriGross) June 16, 2016

Rather, “we need leadership that leads with a [moral] compass and a conscience, not based off polls and surveys. It’s intolerable to me that the leadership of 2016 separates [Israelis] based on [their being] Arab or Jew, left or right,” he says.

“Good people are deterred from entering politics. But we can’t throw up our hands and say someone else will take care of it,” he adds, slamming the “violent” rhetoric of Israeli politicians.

“I’ll be an alternative to the current leadership,” he adds.

— Judah Ari Gross contributed