Tzipi Livni warns democracy is in danger as she quits Israeli politics
The former foreign minister says she will not let her country abandon the hope for peace
Jerusalem — One of Israel’s most prominent dovish politicians, former foreign minister Tzipi Livni, said on Monday she is leaving politics and warned “democracy is in danger”. A former peace negotiator with the Palestinians, Livni won recognition abroad for her part in US-brokered talks that aimed to end the decades-old conflict and which collapsed in 2014. However, her career has foundered in recent years, along with the Middle East peace process. The US is aiming to present a new peace plan after Israel’s April 9 election, though expectations of a breakthrough are low.
“I am leaving politics but I will not let Israel abandon the hope for peace,” a tearful Livni told a televised news conference in Tel Aviv. “These past years have been hard for me and for the things I believed in … peace became a dirty word, and democracy is in danger,” she said, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criticism of legal authorities conducting corruption probes against him and attacks he ha...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.