In the Likud: Rookie MK Akunis visits the Shomron (Samaria) and declares, “The concept of two states is no longer realistic.” The party's Knesset faction unanimously backs Ruby Rivlin as next Knesset Speaker.

MK Akunis visited the Shomron as a guest of Shomron Regional Council Chairman Gershon Mesika on Sunday, as part of a local initiative to have new and veteran MKs get to know the area. Akunis is not considered particularly hawkish in his views, and was behind the legal machinations that moved Likud candidate and Jewish Leadership faction leader Moshe Feiglin down from #20 on the Likud list to #36. Despite this, he expressed views that Land of Israel supporters could appreciate.

“The concept of two states is no longer realistic,” he said, “after it has been proven that wherever Israel retreats, that place becomes a base for terrorism. We especially saw that in Gaza after the Disengagement.”

“In order to promote real peace,” Akunis continued, “we have to think of more creative solutions, by which the Palestinians will run their own lives, without detracting from Israel’s security interests.”

This is largely an echo of Binyamin Netanyahu’s opinions. Akunis served as his press aide in the past, and is closely allied with the Prime Minister-designate.

More Construction

MK Akunis said he supports continued development of the Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria, including construction that will meet the needs of the growing population. “First and foremost,” he said, “the building of new kindergartens must be renewed.”

MK Yuli Edelstein of the Likud toured the area last week. Some 20 MKs have visited the Shomron as Mesika’s guests in recent weeks, coming away with renewed appreciation – and expressions of support – for the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria.

Likud Unanimously Chooses Rivlin

In other Likud news, the party’ s Knesset faction unanimously approved on Monday the choice of MK Ruby Rivlin as the Likud candidate for Speaker of the Knesset. The election by the full Knesset body will be held within a week or two, but Rivlin’s election is virtually assured, as the entire coalition – and his many admirers in the Opposition – will certainly vote for him.

Rivlin served as Speaker in the 16th Knesset, from 2003 until 2006, and won wide acclaim for his performance. He voted against the Disengagement, and often criticized Ariel Sharon for the plan.