FM says not quitting gov't, hints at early polls

Liberman says he'll still oppose Likud proposal to replace Tal Law, calls Camp Sucker "NIF-backed mercenaries."

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN, JPOST.COM STAFF
FM Liberman speaks during Yisrael Beitenu meeting_311 (photo credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)
FM Liberman speaks during Yisrael Beitenu meeting_311
(photo credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)
Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman on Wednesday said that his Yisrael Beytenu party would not leave the government in light of Kadima's decision to leave the national-unity coalition, but said elections could take place early.
Liberman, speaking during an interview on Army Radio, said his party would still oppose the Likud's proposal to replace the Tal Law because he said it enables haredim to continue avoiding service. The Likud, he said, will eventually accept his own party's proposal for universal service, that would see every Israeli citizen serve at age 18.
Taking a jab at departing coalition partners Kadima, the foreign minister asserted that unlike Shaul Mofaz, Yisrael Beytenu is no leaving the government. "We always said those on the way out of the government don't care about drafting haredim but toppling the government."
Elections he said, could take place before their currently scheduled date in October 2013.
Liberman also answered his critics from "Camp Sucker" who have called on him to quit the government.
"Activists at 'Camp Sucker' are New Israel Fund-backed mercenaries trying to bring down the government," Liberman said during the interview. "We won't be suckers and we won't leave."