Fired Danon Doesn’t Regret Statements against Netanyahu

Local Editor

Fired "Israeli" deputy defense minister Danny Danon "would not take back his criticism of "Israeli" Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that led to his firing."

In an interview with "The Jerusalem Post" Danon said his only regret was that he did not resign before Netanyahu got a chance to fire him.

He had intended to quit when Netanyahu agreed to an Egyptian- brokered cease-fire, but he did not tender his resignation because rocket fire and "Israeli" air strikes had resumed.

"I would still say the ceasefire was a mistake," Danon said. "Netanyahu is the one who played politics during war, not me. It was his firing of me that got the attention of the media, not what I said criticizing him earlier in the day."
Danon accused Netanyahu of adopting the policies of left-wing leaders and letting Hamas set the "Israeli" agenda.
 
"I supported Netanyahu before and during the operation but not when [Meretz chairwoman] Zehava Gal-On and [former Labor leader] Shelly Yacimovich became his groupies," he said. "I am just saying what the prime minister himself said for years."
Danon said he believed Netanyahu fired him in an effort to deter criticism from right-wing politicians. He said condemnation Netanyahu received from "Yisrael Beytenu" leader Avigdor Liberman and "Bayit Yehudi" head Naftali Bennett was no less problematic.

"I hope politicians continue to express their views and don't get scared of him," he said.
Danon further criticized Netanyahu for not taking immediate retaliation for the kidnapping of three "Israeli" settlers.

Danon's firing took effect on Friday at 9:30 a.m., 48 hours after he received his dismissal letter.

"There is a lot I didn't finish, but I learned a lot in the ministry," Danon said. "I remained loyal to my values, as I have my entire career. I don't know yet whether I made a political mistake, but I was willing to pay the price. I couldn't sit quietly."
Asked if he saw himself serving under Netanyahu again in the future, he said. "If he returns to the Right, we'll be able to work together. It's impossible to say."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team