Kadima: Peres may not have majority needed for presidency

Tod Zuckerman, I wonder if you know what you're talking about. Anatoli Sharansky is a Russian with little if any Jewish background. Do we even know whether he is a Jew? Circumstances plus his own powerfully propagandistic personality plus his talent for wheeling and dealing brought him the prominence he certainly did not deserve. If anything, he should be milking cows on a kibbutz - it's about the only honest thing of which he is capable.

Maybe he may yes? Really, now that Rabin, Sharon, are no more, who is more of a personality through and through than Peres? Faults and all, but who is perfect? Rivlin? Katsav was a personality? What is going on with Israel's selection of nobodies in politics, government, public companies management, and even in some private companies' management (because of the name and connections)? Real merit, training and experience is no commodity here like in the US.

Michael should remember the disaster that followed the appointment of Archbishop Peter Hollingsworth as Governor General of Australia. If Israel is to pretend to any sort of democracy (however compromised)the separation of Church and State must remain a central principal.

Peres has served Israel long and faithfully. As for yourself, "Cream of the Crap"

Peres is too old and worn out, long past his prime. It's time for fresh ideas and leadership. I'm glad he doesn't have sons to follow in his footsteps, ala Bush

Amira Hass, Gideon Levy, Tom Segev, Meron Benveniste, Ilan Pape, Tanya Reinhart, Uri Avneri. I doubt any of them would stoop to your level.

Elect Peres,just don't give him Viagra!!!

You are fortunate that your protectors @ Ha'Aretz did not allow my response to your "lacklustre" retort #38. When if ever will you stand up, be a MAN, I mean you claim to be an actor LOL, and STOP blaming ISRAEL & it's JEWS for your FAILURE @ making succesful ALIYA & having run back to the security of your Mommy's Skirt in America. Grow up & accept the fact that you are an out & out FAILURE. The one thing, however which no one would dare challenge you to is Limbo Dancing. for no one in the entire world could EVER stoop as LOW as YOU do. There you are Ha'Aretz, IF you publish this I would go on record as having praised the bitter, jealous, hate filled FAILURE from NYC.

I see your point. Having someone with priciples involved in government is just not the Israeli "way", especially if his principles aren't your principles.Such a democrat or hypocryte, I can't tell!

To the extent that anyone cares, I wish it were Amnon Rubinstein in the presidency, but it may not be so.

Very difficult to understand Labor's motivation in nominating Peres. Didn't the man abandon Labor and its ideology which he professed to believe in for many decade? Why nominate a turncoat? Do morality and ethics count for nothing? There is no reason for Labor to confine itself to current political figures. It is good to have a candidate with some political understanding so that he does not embarrass himself and the state. Here is a decent candidate: Former Foreign Minister Prof. Shlomo Ben-Ami. He is a noted historian, recognized internationally, and happens to be from Moroccan descent. This might get him support from Labor, Meretz, Shas, and Arabs, for a total of 48 Knesset votes initially. In a 3-way race, this is enough to move on to a one-on-one vote against a candidate of the "right" (former Speaker Rivlin), and he might very well win the vote.

would you like to speculate where you belief in conspiracies originates?is it the armenian strain or the lebanese one that is responsible for your interesting ideas?

You win some you lose some. That's life. Throwing that word at everyone you dislike tells the rest of us losers that you're a lazy thinker.

I've wanted to visit ever since peace between Jordan and Israel, but the opportunity never presented itself. I'm moving back to Lebanon in a month, so I guess a small trip to Israel via Jordan wouldn't be out of the question. I want to come and see for myself. I've been told it's beautiful, but I would also like to see Gaza, if possible. In any case, thanks for your post, much appreciated. p.S. I'm half Armenian, but my relatives are solely in Armenia and Lebanon and some in the States :)

Oh, boy, and now its out of Meitiv that we have another guiding light unto the gentiles! Praised be to God that Israel still has Amira Hass, Gideon Levy, Tom Segev, Meron Benveniste, Ilan Pape, Tanya Reinhart, Uri Avneri. Ari ben yisroel, go back to arutz sheva or massada2000 and let the professional who do Israel proud do their work.

strongly suggest that as a Jordanian national you come and visit Israel, if you have not been here before (although, with an Armenian name like yours, you may even have a family here in Jerusalem). You appear to be open minded enough to appreciate much here that simply can not be conceived and upreciated from abroad. In any event, you are welcome.

but that doesn't stop him from getting up every morning, going into the Arab League offices & posting his vile, jealous, hatred of ISRAEL on these Ha'Aretz, an ISRAELI papers sites. Does it.

In the USA, as in Israel there is the custom of lobbying. Because we are talking of Israel you have a special description for the situation and say: "they should only look at the present disgraceful process." I think you should look more carefully at your disgraceful prejudices Dave (nice Jewish name, that)

again, just like cabdidates for knesset lists, the new president is nominated through horse trading and backroom shoddy deals. the notion of letting the israeli voters choose their next president soesn't even cross the israeli body politik's mind. when people wonder how a smalltime, insignificant political operator like katsav got to be president, they should only look at the present disgraceful process.

The presidency is a position of honor and integrity. Candidates must have a very clean record, served the state for a long time and have name recognition around the world. Shimoun Peres fits the bill. He should have been selected the fiorst time he offered his candidacy to the job, intead the political machinery selected a "one of us," unknown politician.

It's those macho men who drive us apart, comparing which army is stronger. They should have whole-army weight lifting competitions. I think that Halutz and Nasrulla or Olmert and Siniora should have pistols at dawn, or sabre duels ( How about weeping competitions? The romans used to collect tears in glass phials: that would be a good thing to do) And let the rest of us get on with the important things like having fun and growing flowers.

Why suggesting redundant politician of age where a possibility for a state funeral is included in the 5 years presidential term. This appointment requires quite a bit of physical strength in addition to being impartial and above any personal attack. Therefore a non controversial person of national standing would be the right candidate.- The choice should be a person out of rather large reservoir juridical , scientific etc people up to an age of approximately 60 -65 years.

Well, that's not a scoop. You can ring the bells if Peres is elected.

The old horse is bowing his head, unsure of a majority and not wanting to be embarrassed by such a development. And Rivlin of the House of Likud? Who's he? And the rabbi? Will he shake hands with the Reform clergy on visit to the Holy Land? What a pathetic situation where the bottom of the barrel is all that's left to dreg up.

I'll burn my Israeli passport if Sharansky becomes president.

They can then write books about wishy washy statesman {eace can only come from strength.Not military stregnth either.Strength of character. The invitations of Peres for Lieberman and the weakness of Abbas vis a vis Hamas and the other groups make them what they are.Weak. Maybe Jimmy Carter and these two can form a think tank somewhere over the rainbow.

What you said about the men: dead on! One day, this era will be studied as the dark ages when men were allowed to rule while their testosterone levels ruled them in turn. I don't want to come across as gender biased, but I doubt any wars would take place if the women just got together for a good, heartfelt talk and some light banter ;) And, women are more in tune with the suffering of the other. Empathy can go a long way. I just hope our societies aren't such a long way from it. And you're right, we have alot in common. I'm told we're the only two societies in the Middle East that resemble each other to this extent. Shame that our similarities only drive us further apart.

Tel Aviv is the city that never sleeps. Activity all the time and the streets (those I know) are safe in daylight as at night. We are natural allies: both fun-loving countries, lovely beaches, tourist paradise. It's only the men and their obsession with who has got the better weapons or the better religion who get in our way.

Michael is right. When considering who should be Israel's next President, candidates should be judged by their personal record. While Rabbi Lau has much to recommend him, one of his failings is his lack of religious tolerance. When the Neeman Commission was dealing with the issue of conversion to Judaism, Rabbi Lau refused as a matter of principle to meet with leaders of the Reform Movement. How could such a person possibly be considered suitable to hold an office that involves considerable contact with Diaspora Jewry, most of whom belong to Reform and Conservative congregations?

Michael is right. When considering who should be Israel's next President, candidates should be judged by their personal record. While Rabbi Lau has much to recommend him, one of his failings is his lack of religious tolerance. When the Neeman Commission was dealing with the issue of conversion to Judaism, Rabbi Lau refused as a matter of principle to meet with leaders of the Reform Movement. How could such a person possibly be considered suitable to hold an office that involves considerable contact with Diaspora Jewry, most of whom belong to Reform and Conservative congregations?

SOME SAY HE IS STUPID. THEY SAY THIS BECAUSE THEY DONT WANT PEACE. WELL I DO WANT PEACE AND HES THE ONE TO GIVE IT TO US.AND YOU DONT HAVE TO BE LEFT WING TO WANT PEACE.YISRAEL OLEH

We'll even have some time for a spot of tea before wrapping up this decades-long farce :) You'd love Lebanon, it's an incredible place. Something for everybody, and lots left over for a new, fun day. Do I sound like an advert for Lebanese tourism? Hell, yeah! I hear Tel Aviv is gorgeous. Luckily, I have a Jordanian nationality, so maybe I'll hop in some day ;)

My first presidential duty would be to invite you as envoy for Lebanon. We would fashion a peace treaty in half an hour and the rest of the Middle East would follow immediately.

I think that because of the cynical attitude that most people in Israel have regarding politicians, I thin that it is time that the presidency went to someone outside the realm of politics. Rabbi Lau would make an excellent candidate because he works hard for reconcilliation and understanding. I think that other non-politicians, who have the country's best interests at heart should also be considered.

"Maybe the President should apolitical and of exceptional integrity and moral stature." Exactly right. Honorary presidency, political Prime Minister.

Peres has been no use at all since he opted out of the Labor party and his clout as Vice Premier is only as a tarnished, once prestigious pin on an unimaginative grey suit. For the reasons you cite presidency would suit him down to the ground and afford him a graceful bow out of the political arena.

:D Well, that was refreshing. Actually, if I had been Israeli, I'd vote for you, Margie. With your wits and even-handed temperament, you'd do a world of good for Israel. Also, yeah, the traveling is great :)

New stats on the radio yesterday. People in Yesha have an average life expectancy of 81. That's men and women, and since women live on an average 5 years longer than men I'm thinking of moving there. You can expect lots of research to be done on the basis of these facts and because it's Israel, the results will be of benefit to the whole world.

Colette Avital? Indeed, why not! Not only 'cause she's female, either. She has a good record as a public servant. She behaves well. She speaks well. (Her English is a pleasure.) She understands the world outside Israel. The woman has class. She's the kind of role model our floundering country needs.

This honorary post is for people of probity, not nonentities of convenience.

Great Britain functions quite well with a parliamentary system of government similar to that in Israel. The big difference is the system of elections for Parliament/Knesset. Whereas GB has regional, personal elections, ensuring the existence of a few large parties that can achieve a majoprity oir at least a plurality, and therefore political stability, Israel has proportional elections, enabling tiny splinter parties to get elected, preventing the existence of large parties capable of achieving a majority or even a stable plurality.

The average life expectancy for men in Israel is 78. Do you hear? 78! And that's the AVERAGE! Which means that Shimon Peres can go on and on till 120. So age alone should not be a determining factor for or against his candidacy for the presidency. Factors that are much more important are his service record, his achievements and failures, his public image, the amount of support he can garner in the Knesset.

I've never had a sex scandal or any political scandal even whispered about me. I'm Israeli, clean-living and I love my country. I also wouldn't mind having a new house in Jerusalem and I could get used to the money and the travel if I tried. I will shake hands with Rabbis of any persuasion, even Catholic or Moslem rabbis. How about it?

"As long as he doesn`t propose abolishing the separation of state and religion " Michael, you show your ignorance of Israeli government and society. There is NO separation of state and religion in Israel. That's the whole problem with Rabbi Lau's presidency. If only there indeed were separation of religion and state, I would have no problem with Rabbi Lau as president, a largely ceremonial function (like the queen in England). But as long as Orthodox Judaism dictates to us secular Israelis what we can eat, whom we can marry, how we can get divorced, even how we can become Jews, I am strongly opposed to any cleric becoming president - no matter what his personal qualities may be - indeed, to holding any office in the Israeli government, elected, appointed, or otherwise. It took the Dreyfus Affair in France to finally tip the scales in favor of separation of church and state. What will it take in Israel - a revolution?

I see that you come from the USA. You had a very similar situation in the USA and your president finished his term. I can only assume that your remarks apply because this is a Jewish nation. Oh well, whatever floats your boat.

The current system is far too unstable.Minority interests manipulate the system and many political decisions favour fringe groups rather than the majority of the population.Deal making is more important sometimes in Israeli politics than substantive policies. The grave issues confronting Israel may require a more decisive Presidential system possibly elected directly by the voters rather than the Knesset. The drawback of a separate executive and legislative power system as opposed to the current Westminster type amalgamated one is the possibility of a split vote for instance when the President elect is a right winger and the Legislature is on the left or the other way around. Maybe the President should apolitical and of exceptional integrity and moral stature.

The man is 83!!! That is waaaaay too old for a job like a presidency! Haven't Israeli politicians ever heard of retirement?

I am sure if Mr. Katsav has to resign; mr. Preres is a very good and representative president. He has a good reputation in Israel but also outside Israel. What troubles me is the fact that mr. Peres has to resign from office as Vice Premier. His qualities as a statesman and politician are needed very much to support mr. Olmert and his team. In the end the decision is up to mr. Peres; but with the expanding international crisis I am sure mr. Peres will be needed in the current administration. A hard choice for mr. Peres.

Peres has caused to be needlessly given away parts of Israel and surrended to so many unwarrented Palestinian demands on so many occasions that most Israelis just wish that he'd disappear. Peres is one of the best friends that you Pals ever had. I am only taking the trouble to reply lest your post misleads others.

It is appalling to say someone would not be suitable for presidency just because he's a rabbi. It is no different from a theocracy when they say that you can't be a leader unless you're in the clergy. Candidates should be judged by their personal record, not their religious orientation. and, it just so happens, that rabbi Lau has a a maginificient record, particularly in terms of reconciling differences within Israeli society. As long as he doesn't propose abolishing the separation of state and religion it would beridiculous to disregard him just because he is a rabbi.

Peres should not run for the presidency. He is a losed who will lose this time too. In stead of embarrassing himself he shuld just go home and retire. He has done enough both good and bad for the country

ENOUGH Hasnt peres realised no-body wants him How many more times must he be told to get the hell out of politics.Now he thinks somebody needs him as president??Go and get lost pres !!

Naim Mahlab: To consider your point of view for a moment. Many of the most despotic, corrupt and cruel regimes have been run directly or indirectly by former or current clerics of one religion or another. Many of the current and obvious examples are found in the Middle East and are Islamic (Iran, Palestinian Territories, Haiti, Vatican, etc.). As a secular Jew, I have admired Rabbi Lau for a long time. My cousin and he walked together in the Children's march to Buchenwald in 1944. He returned to visit Buchenwald and Thereisenstadt in the 1970's, something not done at the time. He is a humanistic and inspiring person. You are generalizing Rabbi Lau to the kind of religious person you encountered in your country of origin that led to your emmigration to Canada.

Who is the candidate for the presidency that Dan Margolit suggested has had a love life similar to that of Moshe Kaysav? Shouldn't this be explored before we have to face another shameful scandal?

Why are politicians even considered as worthy candidates for President? What happened to electing someone of honour like a scientist or other genious (eg Israel Aumann, Prof Cechanover) or even Miki Berkowitz?

The worst thing that can happen to Israel is to have a Rabbi for President.

Good for you Imram, you raised a good thought.

Shimon Peres is a career politician who has never stayed loyal to anything and fell for everything. He is a threat to the sovereignty of Israel and Israeli Nationalism. In fact the whole coalition in the Knesset has got their head up their @ss.

Frankly I'm amazed your President is still shamelessly hanging onto power despite the whole world knowing about his immoral conduct. Now unfortunately you find yoursleves as a nation in a worse bind. That's if Shimon Peres becomes your President. I still cannot understand what is meant by "he will run if assured a majority"....under such circumstances or conditions most elections would be without candidates!!!! Of course Mr. Peres has "never been accused" of taking the easy way out of and into positions of power!

First, your civilian and military leadership is disgraceful. Second,Peres should be sent to a retirement home, where he can continue with his delusions of making peace with those hellbent on Israel's destruction. Lastly, the man for the job is - not Peres - but Sharansky, a genuine Jewish hero. This way, Israel, at least,will have one leader (though ceremonial) who has moral authority and credibilty.

Peres has a clean record, sexual abuse-wise (probably), at least where Jewish women are concerned. That's only because he's been too busy raping and pillaging the Arabs in his too long career.