Eini: The aim is not to topple Netanyahu

Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini: Everyone thinks that there is real distress… There's a limit to how much it is possible to humiliate the prime minister.

Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini was interviewed on “IDF Radio" (Galei Zahal) today, and made clear the Histadrut's (General Federation of Labor in Israel) role in the protests. "I do not intend to lead this struggle. The Histadrut did not begin it; this is a people's protest, not a Histadrut protest, but it will help the struggle," he said.

"Galei Zahal": "Are you beginning to sense internal cracks between the protesters?

Eini: "Everyone thinks that there is real distress, and that the housing shortage and the high cost of living must be dealt with."

Some people think that the central objective is to oust the prime minister.

"If the objective is to topple Netanyahu - I am not a party to that objective, and I won't be there. We're a democratic country; we're not Egypt or Syria."

What about demands for public talks between the protesters and Netanyahyu?

"There's a limit to how much it is possible to humiliate the prime minister - he isn't a man, but an institution. It is the citizen's duty to respect it. If you want - replace him democratically. It is necessary to change the social agenda, but we must not shatter the national agenda.

"There is a regime in Israel and it is permitted to protest, but it must be done right. The protest leaders will meet tomorrow to formulate a joint document, which will be submitted to the prime minister. The Histadrut supports the protest, and our people will come to the demonstrations. We must make real change here."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 1, 2011

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2011

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