By Dr. Aaron Lerner
April 7, 2006
Israel Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz hit the ground running as Minister of Labor in the Kadima-Labor ruling coalition. The "Peretz Police", Ministry of Labor inspectors dramatically beefed up in numbers and decked out in new distinctive uniforms, make headlines daily as they go after violators of the various Israeli laws designed to ensure both a safe work environment and proper compensation for all workers. Polls taken six months into the administration found that Peretz, who frequently joined the Peretz Police in high profile cases, enjoyed the highest performance rating in the cabinet.
"As Kadima's key partner in the coalition we have greatly influenced the budget", Peretz explained, "but with the budget set I don't have to sit in the Ministry of the Treasury. My place is in the Ministry of Labor, where I can deliver, hands on, on our promises to our constituents."
That's what I was hoping Peretz would do.
But as of today it appears that Mr. Peretz has decided that it is more important for him to work on his C.V. (job resume) than work for the People.
Political analysts explain that Peretz wants to be Minister of Defense so that the public will consider him more appropriate for the prime minister's post. But doesn't Peretz realize that as Defense Minister he may end up bearing the brunt of an ever growing public frustration over the deteriorating security situation?
Sure there will be IDF successes, but those will be marked by photo ops with Prime Minister Olmert and praise for Olmert's brave and wise decision to approve the operations.
And while Peretz may decorate the positive IDF photo ops featuring Olmert, he will find himself in the center of the spotlight when he is sent to try and placate the angry residents of neighborhoods and communities hit by Palestinian terror or represent the government in other uncomfortable situations.
In the coming days we will see if Peretz has the sense to avoid this ego-baited trap.
Views expressed by the author do not
necessarily reflect those of israelinsider.
 
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