HEADLINES FROM THE HEBREW PRESS

HA’ARETZ 1. CRITICISM IN KADIMA: MOFAZ IS DAMAGING THE PARTY. The quitting – DM Mofaz surprises political establishment and announces: I am joining Kadima. The zigzag – Mofaz: I have no credibility problem, in the last few days I have understood that the Likud will fail. The criticism – Netanyahu, in response: Kadima is trading in politicians and introducing unacceptable norms. Postponement of elections – Likud MKs resuming initiative to enlist 61 MKs in order to set up alternative government. 2. DEFEAT FOR PERETZ: PARTY CONFERENCE WILL DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO CANCEL PRIMARIES. HATZOFEH 1. Sharp reactions on both left and right to Mofaz’s leaving the Likud for Kadima. „OPPORTUNISTS’ POLITICS.” (…). 2. ISRAEL DENIES REPORTS ON INTENTION TO ATTACK IRAN. Sunday Times: Sharon has ordered IDF to prepare to attack nuclear reactors at end of March. 3. ISRAEL EXPORTING $3.7 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS TO IRAQ. MA’ARIV 1. Senior members of large parties: Conduct of Kadima – danger to democracy. GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE. Blows don’t stop. After Mofaz’s departure: Likud looking for general to replace him. Other parties: Sharon knows no boundaries. 2. SPIELBERG EN ROUTE TO ISRAEL. Will arrive for premiere of new film. 3. STOCK EXCHANGE CONTINUING TO BREAK RECORDS. Crossed 800-point mark. YEDIOT AHRONOT 1. Last night – Yediot Ahronot and Mina Tzemach/Dahaf poll: Half of public – Likud is becoming extreme right-wing party. Kadima with Mofaz jumps to 41 seats. LIKUD WORKING TO POSTPONE ELECTIONS. Plan: After selection of new Likud chairman, work to form coalition of 61 MKs with Labor and Shinui. Severe criticism of Mofaz after he joins Kadima. Netanyahu: „Unprincipled trading in politicians.” Yediot Ahronot poll: Likud weakens to 11 seats, Labor to 21, Shinui to 4. ______________________________ SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS Yediot Ahronot complains about the voting public’s inattention to socio-economic issues. Hatzofeh calls on the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to investigate yesterday’s British Sunday Times report that Prime Minister Sharon has ordered the IDF to prepare to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities at the end of March. Yediot Ahronot, in its second editorial, calls on voters to demand that those who aspire to lead the country enunciate, „clear plans and objectives. Yediot Ahronot, in its third editorial, commends Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s decision to place himself at the head of Kadima’s staff for the non-Jewish sector.
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