Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer criticized Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Monday, saying he should not be representing the government. Speaking to Israel Radio, Ben-Eliezer said that Prime Minister Binaymin Netanyahu should stop Lieberman from publicly expressing his own opinions which are not those of the government.

The Labor minister was reacting to disparaging comments Lieberman made about Turkey on Sunday, which Ben-Eliezer defined as "very bad."

Ben-Eliezer emphasized that while he doesn't believe Israel should apologize to the Turks for the raid of the Mavi Marmara, he does think maintaining good relations with the government in Ankara is in Israel's best strategic interests.

He also addressed the peace process, saying he was doubtful the whole world would recognize a Palestinian state within a year's time. Ben-Eliezer added that the Labor party would be forced to quit Netanyahu's ruling coalition if the peace process continues to stagnate.