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Last update - 04:11 23/03/2009 Olmert launches unprecedented attack on Barak's coalition plans By Barak Ravid Tags: ehud olmert, ehud barak  Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert launched an unprecedented attack Sunday on Defense Minister Ehud Barak's efforts to join Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Though he never mentioned Barak by name, his meaning seemed clear to all those present at Sunday's cabinet session. "Anyone who goes into a government whose coalition guidelines do not include the principle of two states for two peoples is knowingly liable to subject Israel to isolation the likes of which it has never known since its establishment," Olmert said. Advertisement He also mocked the idea that such a government, which would comprise mainly of right-wing and religious parties even if Barak's Labor Party joined, could be considered a unity government. "There is only one possibility for a unity government, and that is a government uniting Likud and Kadima," he said. "Any other government is a joke. It is a scheming, deceitful government, but not a unity government." Next, he accused Barak of being motivated by personal considerations rather than the good of the country: "If a numerical majority is found for a government that ignores the principle of two states for two peoples, that will be additional proof that sometimes, a majority motivated by extraneous considerations can lead a country to the brink of the abyss." Olmert, who had earlier termed Netanyahu "delusional" because of his alleged opposition to the principle of two states for two peoples, continued: "Anyone who thinks he will succeed in creating international cooperation on the Iranian issue" - i.e., Iran's nuclear program - "based on a policy that destroys any chance of a political arrangement with the Palestinians or Syria is living in delusion. Of anyone who believes this, I can only say I regret his belief. But of someone who doesn't believe it and yet collaborates with it, I can say I regret his charlatanism." "To those who, in their heart of hearts, know the truth but prefer other considerations that have nothing whatsoever to do with Israel's welfare, I say they will not be absolved, and Israeli history will not forgive them," he concluded. At this point, Barak, who had until then been out of the room, suddenly entered, prompting one minister to call out "here he is!" Olmert immediately insisted he was "not talking about anyone in particular." That, however, convinced almost no one present. Related articles: Labor 'rebels' lambaste Barak efforts to join coalition Netanyahu still wants Livni, Barak to join government Iran responds to Obama offer, says not shutting door to thaw Bookmark to del.icio.us   Military in denial IDF chief Ashkenazi refuses to believe IDF troops harmed Gaza civilians in cold blood. Coalitional contention Labor demands chairmanship of key Knesset committee promised to Lieberman.   1.   to Olmert:as if a belief in a 2 State solution brought peace 06:11  |  Susanna/shoshana 23/03/09   2.   PMO is correct, even if he himself did not adhered 07:29  |  Kris Lazar 23/03/09   3.   Barak and labour are needed in the government 10:18  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 23/03/09   4.   Sour Grapes 10:18  |  Baruch Gold 23/03/09   5.   Cipora #3 - We agree on Labor/Barak joining 100%! 10:57  |  S 23/03/09   6.   This from the guy who has overseen the tripling of 19:10  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 23/03/09   7.   Olmert the expert - 3rd try 11:02  |  zeev 24/03/09

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