Katz Won’t Run Against Netanyahu

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, reputedly a leading rival of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for leadership of the Likud, told Israel Radio that he will not challenge him while he is still in office.

“I said that I would contend after the Netanyahu era; I did not mean during the period when Netanyahu was being interrogated, and I will not run against him,” said Katz. “When this happens, I hope to win in person and not in the polls. The polls have no significance at present since ‘the king is still on his throne.'”

Asked about the verdict in the manslaughter trial of Elor Azariya, Katz responded that while he respects the court’s judgment, he believes that if Azaria erred, he did so in the service of his country; and therefore the country is responsible for him and for his family.