Olmert, Gal-On exchange fiery words at Knesset plenum

A fiery debate broke out Wednesday at the Knesset plenum between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Meretz faction whip Zahava Gal-On, after the prime minister refused to address MK Shelley Yachimovich (Labor) by name.

Olmert took part in the two-hour discussion on the lack of a welfare minister appointment, a debate which had been rescheduled twice already. Yachimovich, who initiated the discussion, had collected the 40 signatures necessary for the discussion.

Yachimovich has recently joined the anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by Accountant General Yaron Zelekha, who testified before the state comptroller against Olmert over the sale of Bank Leumi.

During his discussion on the lack of a welfare minister, Olmert ignored Yachimovich and avoided using her name. Instead, he referred to her as "the MK in the Finance Committee," and said he was amazed that she had not been updated on the decision made with regard to welfare affairs.

In response to Olmert's exchange with Yachimovich, Gal-On asked the prime minister why he did not mention her name. MK Uri Ariel (National Union) jumped in and asked Olmert, "what, do MKs not have names?"

Olmert told Gal-On in response, "You have a problem with me. You aren't the only MK in the world, nor the most interesting. I wasn't talking to you."

To which Gal-On retorted, "I know you weren't talking to me. How pathetic you are on the podium. Such poverty of spirit."

"I wasn't talking about you, I love to hear you when you aren't shouting. But your voice is drowned out by chants of 'Gal-On.' My shouting is preferable to your policy. Your hubris will be the death of you. was your attitude towards MK Magali Wahaba (Kadima) not arrogant, condescending and contemptuous? If I were you I'd get up on the stand and apologize to MK Wahaba. If I were you I'd sit quietly and not preach against condescension or arrogance," Olmert shot back, addressing the exchange that had transpired earlier between Gal-On and Wahaba.

At the end of the discussion, Yachimovich said that "Olmert's behavior was unrestrained and undignified, particularly his outburst at Gal-On. But this is really the least of the prime minister's problems. What's currently on the agenda is Olmert's involvement in corruption, the result of which is the public's loss of trust in democracy and their leader.

	Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaking at the Knesset plenum, in Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Kobi Gideon / BauBau)