Netanyahu's 'naked ambition'

2005-08-08 11:04

Jerusalem - Israel's newspapers united on Monday in criticising the shock resignation of finance minister Benjamin Netanyahu in opposition to the withdrawal from the occupied Gaza Strip, due to begin in just over a week.

Most commentators interpreted his decision to quit the cabinet so late in the game, despite his opposition to the pullout from the beginning, as naked ambition from Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's main political rival.

"The question was how and when to resign. Netanyahu, a chronic latecomer, was politically late by several months. In the meantime, disengagement had become a fact," said the editorial in the Yediot Aharonot newspaper.

"His resignation, which a year ago could have turned the decision around, will make no difference. He knows this," said the newspaper that saw Netanyahu's main motive as snatching the helm of the right-wing Likud party from Sharon.

Lacks strong leadership power

"The only component which Bibi lacks is the power of leadership, for had he made his move a long time ago, at the right time and with the right impact, he could have stopped the disengagement," said Maariv, using his nickname.

The liberal Haaretz newspaper was even harsher in passing judgement.

His resignation "places him, finally, in the spot that suits him - as the leader of the extreme right in Israel. Netanyahu crowned himself yesterday as the leader of the nationalist and nationalist-religious camp", it said.

By leaving the cabinet, the former prime minister "contributed support and momentum to the camp of the lawbreakers, which is threatening to thwart the implementation" of the historic withdrawal, due to begin on August 17.

Even the right-wing Jerusalem Post, generally favourable to Netanyahu, asked why he resigned at pretty much the last moment before the pullout starts.

Netanyahu, a former prime minister, resigned on Sunday as the Israeli cabinet gave the final go-ahead to the evacuation of a first batch of three Jewish settlements in Gaza.

- AFP