The ultra-Orthodox dilemma on slamming Liberman
Ultra-Orthodox politicians fear that any attacks against Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman would actually reinforce him within secular electorate.
A random encounter in the corridors of the Knesset between Knesset members Moshe Gafni of Yahadut HaTorah and Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beitenu is indicative of the conflict facing the ultra-Orthodox representatives in the Knesset as the third round of elections approaches. The contrast between a smile in the corridor and bitter verbal attacks bothers them. They don’t know whether they should let themselves be dragged into a conflict with Liberman, especially since the Likud and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both insist on keeping an open channel of communication with the chairman of Yisrael Beitenu.
Gafni and Liberman met by chance Dec. 9, about three weeks after the heated exchange between Liberman and the ultra-Orthodox members of Knesset. A photo that captures the encounter for perpetuity shows the two men smiling. Later, Gafni rushed to tell the press — with emphasis on the ultra-Orthodox press — that this was a chance meeting, and that the mood was very tense. In fact, they had a brief conversation, during which they tried to clarify the harsh statements made recently.
